Transcript Highlights:

• It will help Texas landowners and Texas families from losing tax benefits due to technical changes in
• easements purchased by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
• This bill amends Chapter 40 of the Texas Human Resources Code by adding Section 43. 031 to establish
• Exemption for the cemetery under Section 11.17 of the Texas Tax Code.
• House Bill 4530 to Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.

Bills: SB111 , SB128 , SB203 , SB205 , SB261 , SB383 , SB393 , SB397 , SB466 , SB510 , SB705 , SB715 , SB731 , SB748 , SB801 , SB867 , SB876 , SB913 , SB945 , SB946 , SB1013 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1181 , SB1250 , SB1285 , SB1373 , SB1400 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1528 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1581 , SB1586 , SB1608 , SB1698 , SB1730 , SB1835 , SB1858 , SB1903 , SB1946 , SB1950 , SB1986 , SB2017 , SB2043 , SB2056 , SB2058 , SB2063 , SB2082 , SB2105 , SB2133 , SB2137 , SB2177 , SB2203 , SB2260 , SB2311 , SB2334 , SB2337 , SB2340 , SB2403 , SB2417 , SB2446 , SB2452 , SB2460 , SB2519 , SB2532 , SB2565 , SB2611 , SB2619 , SB2622 , SB2633 , SB2637 , SB2655 , SB2681 , SB2688 , SB2713 , SB2717 , SB2764 , SB2781 , SB2782 , SB2790 , SB2794 , SB2797 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2857 , SB2878 , SB2891 , SB2943 , SB2955 , SB2959 , SB2972 , SB2995 , SB3037 , SB3047 , SB3057 , SB3059 , HJR2 , HJR99 , HB26 , HB29 , HB136 , HB166 , HB206 , HB353 , HB451 , HB517 , HB1399 , HB1672 , HB2000 , HB2198 , HB2756 , HB3204 , HB3248 , SJR3 , SB5 , SB72 , SB509 , SB616 , SB963 , SB985 , SB1025 , SB1080 , SB1143 , SB1172 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1271 , SB1273 , SB1355 , SB1422 , SB1759 , SB1786 , SB2361 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SCR48 , SB375 , SB410 , SB672 , SB777 , SB1373 , SB1454 , SB1586 , SB1704 , SB1854 , SB1856 , SB2165 , SB2203 , SB2342 , SB2367 , SB2452 , SB2501 , SB2520 , SB2521 , SB2538 , SB2539 , SB2703 , SB2835 , SB2903 , SB2926 , SB2959 , SB2965 , SB3029 , HB22 , HB1392 , HB3093 , HB3096 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR48 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB2538 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB410 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2972 , SB2841 , SB1856 , SB1528 , SB1373 , SB672 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB1285 , SB1454 , SB2520 , SB1237 , SB1586 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2342 , SB2903 , SB3029 , SB375 , SB777 , SB2367 , SB2703 , SB2608 , SB2965 , SB2521 , SB2165 , SB2501 , SB2452 , SB2835 , SB1602 , SB1704 , SB1723 , SB1858 , SB1946 , SB2009 , SB2177 , SB2460 , SB2785 , SB867 , SB1608 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB705 , SB748 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB1950 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB3059 , SB2637 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2311 , SB1986 , SB2565 , SB2943 , SB1888 , SB2417 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3037 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3047 , SB3035 , SB2446 , SB466 , SB2611 , SB2794 , SB2105 , SB2017 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB1730 , SB2995 , SB2847 , SB205 , SB2619 , SB1903 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB1581 , SB2600 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB876 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2137 , SB2519 , SB2403 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB2764 , SB2878 , SB1884 , SB111 , SB582 , SB2617 , SB1835 , SB2751 , SB2959 , SB2063 , SB1400 , SB2058 , SB2260 , SB2928 , SB1310 , HJR99 , HJR2 , HJR1 , HB 1109 , HB1392 , HB22 , HB3093 , HB517 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2018 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2730 , HB1399 , HB 1244 , HB467 , HB331 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB166 , HB353 , HB2000 , HB2756 , HB3248 , HB3513 , HB3204 , HB3135 , HB3012 , HB2763 , HB2523 , HB2457 , HB2415 , HB2198 , HB2143 , HB1708 , HB1672 , HB767 , HB1327 , HB2723 , HB451 , HB140 , HB 109 , HB3096 , HB206 , HB 1238 , HB 1089 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB2081 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR29 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR56 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR74 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , SB2566 , SB2344 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB3809 , HB334 , HB554 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913

Transcript Highlights:

• Current Texas Education Code requires every school district to establish a school health advisory council
• Current Texas Education Code requires every school district to establish a school health advisory council
• Texas has a long history of protecting such exemptions.”
• This is the amendment that lines the exact code and the federal tax code that companies applying would
• , Agriculture, and Rural Affairs.

Bills: SCR46 , SB31 , SB39 , SB227 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB500 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB659 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB816 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB1020 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1283 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1626 , SB1666 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1845 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB1972 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2351 , SB2371 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2589 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , HJR4 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB1490 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB1558 , SB884 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1756 , SB2119 , SB527 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HCR35 , HCR64

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.

Transcript Highlights:

• And these are Texas independence markers? Pardon? These are Texas independence markers? Yes.
• , including the Texas Declaration of Independence, the Texas Constitution, and the Victory or Death letter
• Commission to develop a plan to display the Texas Constitution, the Texas Declaration of Independence
• I'm sorry, for these six agencies: Texas Department of Agriculture, Health and Human Services Commission
• for agriculture, human resources, insurance, labor, and transportation code.

Bills: HB 1240 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB3146 , HB4850 , HB5032 , HCR90

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Summary: The Senate Economic Development Committee met without a quorum, so no votes or formal actions were taken. The chair laid out several bills and resolutions for explanation and public testimony, with each item left pending subject to the call of the chair. Early items included House Bill 1240, a cleanup measure to create a single uniform definition of the Texas-Mexico border region across state law, and House Bill 2768, which would establish an IT apprenticeship credential through junior colleges and technical institutions to help fill state government technology jobs. The committee also heard House Concurrent Resolution 90, which would encourage establishing a Texas trade and investment office in Jerusalem. Testimony on the resolution was sharply divided: one witness opposed it on foreign policy and values grounds, while a Texas Association of Business representative strongly supported it, citing Israel’s innovation and trade potential. Another major item was House Bill 4187, a committee substitute for legislation affecting the Texas Historical Commission; the sponsor described changes expanding use of trust fund money for historic sites, allowing more affiliated nonprofits, clarifying retail operations, and creating a framework for training and consistent interpretation at historic sites. A Texas Historical Commission witness explained that the bill would shift responsibility for maintaining many state-owned historical markers and monuments, including markers on private land, to the commission. Additional measures included House Bill 2788, which would shield Texas Workforce Commission fraud-prevention methods from public information requests; House Bill 5032, directing state agencies to plan for public display of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texas Constitution, and the Victory or Death letter at the Capitol Complex; House Bill 3146, which would eliminate outdated memoranda-of-understanding requirements for certain State Office of Administrative Hearings arrangements; and House Bill 4815, a cleanup bill modernizing economic development statutes, revising the Made in Texas standard to 51% Texas-origin content, repealing the Governor’s Broadband Development Council, and making other conforming changes. The committee ended by recessing, with members indicating they would likely vote on pending business later when a quorum was available.

Transcript Highlights:

• The trade agriculture inspection grant reduces wait times for agriculture inspections on the Texas-Mexico
• Agriculture goods comprise a sizable portion of Texas-Mexico trade.
• Gentlemen, members of the Texas House Agriculture and Livestock Committee, thank you for the opportunity
• What that means is not only do we farm... agriculture produce in Texas, but also out of Mexico.
• With over half a million dollars in support from the Texas Department of Agriculture, The program has

Bills: HB2013 , HB4163 , HB4810

Committee: House Agriculture & Livestock

Transcript Highlights:

• with the Texas Department of Agriculture, Texans Feeding Texans, and the Texas Department of Agriculture
• This bill will amend the Texas Education Code to add construction or maintenance work zone safety to
• This was not based on any state cause of action, and this bill reiterates in our state code what Texas
• This was not based on any state cause of action, and this bill reiterates in our state code what Texas
• It amends the Texas Labor Code to make it consistent with the U.S. and Texas constitutions by prohibiting

Bills: SJR12 , SCR39 , SB7 , SB8 , SB27 , SB29 , SB125 , SB241 , SB371 , SB396 , SB406 , SB464 , SB568 , SB578 , SB608 , SB617 , SB660 , SB689 , SB693 , SB707 , SB731 , SB732 , SB763 , SB779 , SB836 , SB854 , SB857 , SB875 , SB878 , SB879 , SB906 , SB920 , SB921 , SB922 , SB942 , SB965 , SB985 , SB996 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1059 , SB1084 , SB1098 , SB1101 , SB1185 , SB1188 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1366 , SB1388 , SB1396 , SB1453 , SB1484 , SB1494 , SB1536 , SB1563 , SB1596 , SB1610 , SB1619 , SB1737 , SB1738 , SB1741 , SB1816 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1939 , SB2155 , SB2188 , SB2230 , SJR36 , SJR12 , SJR81 , SJR50 , SCR22 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB765 , SB62 , SB666 , SB888 , SB687 , SB847 , SB1248 , SB504 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB241 , SB304 , SB1023 , SB204 , SB609 , SB670 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB447 , SB406 , SB985 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB1215 , SB1302 , SB583 , SB673 , SB681 , SB1172 , SB608 , SB955 , SB957 , SB1120 , SB541 , SB1737 , SB266 , SB1415 , SB125 , SB53 , SB1352 , SB785 , SB1450 , SB1502 , SB1566 , SB414 , SB1062 , SB578 , SB711 , SB746 , SB942 , SB1404 , SB1448 , SB1738 , SB507 , SB689 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1355 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1596 , SB1403 , SB763 , SB667 , SB1059 , SB617 , SB1567 , SB310 , SB311 , SB505 , SB1209 , SB1210 , SB1470 , SB264 , SB1029 , SB1358 , SB1364 , SB1569 , SB1376 , SB1228 , SB519 , SB878 , SB1350 , SB462 , SB827 , SB1585 , SB1396 , SB920 , SB1484 , SB1273 , SB1741 , SB7 , SB927 , SB1227 , SB1229 , SB1353 , SB1366 , SB1464 , SB1709 , SB1729 , SB1733 , SB1744 , SB1772 , SB1816 , SB1841 , SB2188 , SB1147 , SB879 , SB1008 , SB1536 , SB2016 , SB1453 , SB1173 , SB1163 , SB996 , SB27 , SB568 , SB1370 , SB1321 , SB1101 , SB906 , SB860 , SB1563 , SB993 , SB693 , SB1610 , SB1537 , SB836 , SB1332 , SB1307 , SB963 , SB493 , SB922 , SB984 , SB1084 , SB619 , SB1098 , SB1122 , SB455 , SB522 , SB1057 , SB1239 , SB1254 , SB1255 , SB1259 , SB1341 , SB1664 , SB1877 , SB464 , SB1277 , SB32 , SB732 , SB660 , SB731 , SB921 , SB268 , SB1822 , SB1188 , SB1939 , SB1589 , SB397 , SB1388 , SB2230 , SB1058 , SB1036 , SB1267 , SB2112 , SB1930 , SB532 , SB1035 , SB2155 , SB508 , SB29 , SB292 , SB291 , SB901 , SB1333 , SB1436 , SB1494 , SB964 , SB779 , SB1378 , SB2312 , SB1719 , SB1386 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB1245 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1948 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB1882 , SB1197 , SB1814 , SB618 , SB38 , SB393 , SB2065 , SB1371 , SB1394 , SB1365 , SB2243 , SB2226 , SB2039 , SB1919 , SB1895 , SB1598 , SB1493 , SB1810 , SB1791 , SB1706 , SB1644 , SB1238 , SB783 , SB458 , SB22 , SB651 , SB897 , SB7 , SB125 , SB578 , SB608 , SB617 , SB763 , SB836 , SB878 , SB906 , SB920 , SB942 , SB985 , SB1084 , SB1366 , SB1388 , SB1563 , SB1737 , SB1738 , SB1816 , SB1939 , SB406 , SB689 , SR327 , SR346 , SR351 , SR352

Transcript Highlights:

• He then served his constituents in the Texas Senate before serving the entire state of Texas as a Texas
• His goal quickly became a reality in 2013 when the University acquired Texas Wesleyan Texas Wesleyan
• His dedication to the Texas A&M University system and the state of Texas has set a high standard for
• It is home to the incredible University of North Texas and Texas Women's University.
• Texas.

Bills: HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to legislation passed in 2012 by this body, the Texas Tax Code allowed landowners to qualify for
• agricultural valuations or exemptions through beekeeping.
• of these habitats in South Texas.
• Texas Wildlife Association does a lot of this.
• I'm aware of in Texas, maybe the country.

Bills: HB630 , HB685 , HB1318 , HB2692

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met with no quorum at the start, but later reached quorum and took up several bills. House Bill 2692, codifying the San Antonio River Authority’s enabling legislation and making non-substantive modernization changes, received brief supportive testimony from the River Authority and was left pending before later being voted out favorably. House Bill 685, which would prevent municipalities from charging higher water or sewer rates to tax-exempt entities than comparable customers, also drew support and was reported favorably. House Bill 1318, clarifying compensation issues when a municipality decertifies part of a retail water utility’s service area, was heard without opposition and passed out of committee. House Bill 630, exempting certain older outboard motors from title requirements, likewise passed and was placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 2497, relating to filtration systems for certain public drinking water systems. Senator Zaffirini described the bill as a response to ongoing secondary water quality complaints, while TCEQ testified that such contaminants are aesthetic rather than health-based and that the water remains safe to drink if primary standards are met. The Texas Rural Water Association opposed the bill as written, arguing filtration may not solve most water quality problems and could be costly for small systems, while a consumer witness from Floresville supported it and described repeated rate increases and brown water after a filtration system was removed. Members discussed narrowing the bill through a committee substitute and emphasized the need for flexibility and technical expertise; the committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with Senator Kolkhorst later asking to be recorded as voting no. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2850, which would create a pollinator task force to study habitat loss, public education, and best practices for protecting bees and other pollinators. Senator Menendez and invited witness Erica Thompson of Texas BeeWorks highlighted major colony losses and the economic importance of pollinators to Texas agriculture, and Environment Texas and the Texas Beekeepers Association supported the measure. Members discussed monarch butterflies, native grasses, milkweed, and conservation efforts, and the bill was reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. After testimony, the committee also voted out several pending items, including House Bill 5560 with a committee substitute addressing water-loss penalties and infrastructure improvements, and then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• between Texas and Africa.
• This moment in Texas history was amplified a few weeks ago into the special court's term, when Texas
• Both the Texas Medical Board and the Supreme Court of Texas have already ruled that...
• of the Texas Education Code.
• Senate Bill 1589 would amend the Texas Family Code, allowing the Department of Family and Protective

Bills: SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR8 , SB31 , SB33 , SB3 , SB1405 , SB1948 , SB243 , SB20 , SB217 , SB264 , SB269 , SB650 , SB681 , SB528 , SB502 , SB740 , SB916 , SB995 , SB2581 , SB3031 , SB24 , SB2570 , SB1566 , SB552 , SJR1 , SB646 , SB379 , SB1171 , SB1121 , SB1120 , SB1061 , SB1036 , SB1019 , SB890 , SB11 , SB868 , SB1188 , SB1254 , SB2778 , SB2543 , SB2443 , SB1333 , SB1259 , SB1401 , SB1404 , SB2139 , SB2165 , SB2237 , SB2268 , SB1202 , SB1198 , SB1212 , SB1451 , SB1470 , SB1498 , SB965 , SB1547 , SB1667 , SB1818 , SB1902 , SB2129 , SB2078 , SB2069 , SB1737 , SB1589 , SB1318 , SB387 , SB1150 , SB1574 , SB2127 , SB3034 , SB860 , SB1278 , SB263 , SB370 , SB663 , SB924 , SB987 , SB1939 , SB1937 , SB1598 , SB2798 , SB2801 , SB2580 , SB2569 , SB2514 , SB2064 , SB1940 , SB1621 , SB2601 , SB1379 , SB1376 , SB1372 , SB1353 , SB2216 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1612 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SCR5 , SCR32 , SCR8 , HB3228 , HB2802 , HB45 , HB1318 , HB5560 , HB2894 , HB4344 , HB4238 , HB2775 , HB34 , HB33 , HB 12 , HB148 , HB 130 , HB4273 , HB4850 , HB2733 , HB4783 , SB1833

Transcript Highlights:

• So in South Texas, Texas tortoises, which is a state-listed species, we give a lot of recommendations
• Our Texas flock winters here in the Texas mid-coast. They are a coastal species.
• We've seen in the Texas Tribune two weeks ago the Texas Pacific land.
• Water Code.”
• We have a case right now under 89044, the Texas Snatcher Resources Code.

Bills: SB3074 , HB49 , HB2440 , HB3556 , HB3619 , HB3866 , HB4042 , HB4112 , HB4271 , HB4413 , HB4426 , HB5033 , HB49

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, for us, we've always taken the position as the permit states in the Texas Administrative Code
• But overarching all of this are the general requirements under Chapter 26 of the Texas Water Code, and
• Under Subchapter G of the Texas Water Code, under the Oil and Hazardous Substances Bill Prevention and
• Border Patrol, and Texas DPS.
• They've provided bills of lading with QR codes so that roadside DPS can scan that QR code to make sure

Bills: SB2199 , SB2200 , SB2201 , SB2949 , SB2332

Committee: Senate Border Security

Transcript Highlights:

• From Texas.
• Council for Agricultural Research Extension and Teaching and as a board member of the Texas A&M Press
• She previously served as a Texas Agricultural Finance Commissioner and on the city of Galveston Ms.
• Texas keep Texas students and staff safe.
• Historically, a superintendent had to look in. in code defined the laws, had to go to the Texas School

Committee: Senate Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• And land ownership in Texas.
• This bill updates the residential and commercial building codes for Texas municipalities, and I'll give
• We have a refile from last session that updates the Texas Mandatory Minimum Codes from the outdated 2012
• building codes is crucial.
• and to the more recent codes.

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

Committee: House Land & Resource Management

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas region is at the forefront of that growth.
• Central Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in our state.
• I'm Kenneth Flippin, and I represent the Texas chapter of the U.S.
• I went through the Texas Water Development Board database.
• Water Code.

Bills: HB29 , HB685 , HB1633 , HB1689 , HB1690 , HB1918 , HB2010 , HB2500 , HB2608 , HB2626 , HB29

Committee: House Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• Notices that are required in our Texas local government code in many instances where...
• This bill does not affect the Texas Family Code.
• In sections 32.003 and 32.004 of the Texas Family Code, a child can consent without parental consent
• Members, Senate Bill 2411 is the biennial update to the Texas Business Code that the legislature passes
• every session to ensure that the code remains current in Texas. ...remains competitive with other states

Bills: HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HB4 , HB46 , HB3221 , HB1403 , HB3892 , HB4234 , HB722 , HB4105 , HB4413 , HB170 , HB551 , HB3053 , HB3142 , HB3180 , HB3722 , HB1794 , HB1784 , HB1581 , HB2530 , HB4308 , HB1896 , HB2974 , HB3359 , HB4580 , HB2458 , HB2215 , HB3332 , HB2278 , HB3015 , HB3151 , HB1368 , HB40 , HB 101 , HB 112 , HB146 , HB214 , HB413 , HB1523 , HB493 , HB521 , HB594 , HB557 , HB305 , HB549 , HB854 , HB 1057 , HB 1052 , HB842 , HB3174 , HB3196 , HB824 , HB 1039 , HB2529 , HB2713 , HB4936 , HB4995 , HB4830 , HB4864 , HB5219 , HB5263 , HB5154 , HB2674 , HB5525 , SB529 , SB541 , SB2004 , SB1012 , SB2269 , SB1886 , SB1236 , SB693 , SB2308 , HB2486 , HB4862 , HB4689 , HB4520 , HB2225 , HB168 , HJR218 , HB4921 , HB5623 , HB2494 , HB2545 , HB2587 , HB2625 , HB5520 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB1573 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB5081 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB2159 , HB4626 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB3066 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB497 , HB5539 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB4070 , HB4421 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3369 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB 1106 , HB2370 , HB2404 , HB3863 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4309 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2442 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB3824 , HB4076 , HB4535 , HB4623 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4656 , HB4879 , HB 105 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4174 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3636 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB5122 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4045 , HB4144 , HB3911 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3509 , HB3424 , HB3383 , HB4744 , HB4531 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4398 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3861 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB4706 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB1431 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB4683 , HB5681 , HB5673 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3807 , HB3812 , HB3552 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3710 , HB3664 , HB4196 , HB4233 , HB4173 , HB1998 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135

Transcript Highlights:

• Growing up in Laredo, Texas. Dr.
• However, there are parts of the code that still require Texas institutions of higher education to be
• Senate Bill 530 simply cleans up Texas code to be in line with the federal rules and gives colleges and
• Senate Bill 2183 proposes amendments to the Texas Occupations Code to destandardize the permitted sales
• into the business and commerce code.

Bills: SJR39 , SJR68 , SCR29 , SCR42 , SB30 , SB33 , SB37 , SB217 , SB240 , SB331 , SB393 , SB505 , SB530 , SB546 , SB552 , SB584 , SB586 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB732 , SB769 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB957 , SB1065 , SB1150 , SB1184 , SB1257 , SB1261 , SB1262 , SB1299 , SB1314 , SB1325 , SB1398 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1577 , SB1583 , SB1596 , SB1620 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1727 , SB1760 , SB1789 , SB1791 , SB1804 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1901 , SB1923 , SB1924 , SB1927 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB1962 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2023 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2051 , SB2052 , SB2056 , SB2066 , SB2073 , SB2127 , SB2129 , SB2161 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2207 , SB2252 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2439 , SB2626 , SB2717 , SB2743 , SB2774 , SB2949 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR68 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR37 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB264 , SB1364 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB1877 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB2143 , SB261 , SB1247 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB2243 , SB1919 , SB1791 , SB651 , SB826 , SB1079 , SB1243 , SB1504 , SB1851 , SB1879 , SB2237 , SB1257 , SB2034 , SB1522 , SB1151 , SB596 , SB1191 , SB226 , SB570 , SB870 , SB991 , SB60 , SB1401 , SB1728 , SB586 , SB529 , SB217 , SB209 , SB1923 , SB1839 , SB387 , SB1874 , SB1872 , SB1873 , SB1921 , SB1883 , SB1620 , SB1838 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB2166 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB1314 , SB1398 , SB855 , SB2037 , SB1759 , SB1924 , SB1818 , SB1762 , SB1968 , SB1977 , SB2077 , SB2321 , SB1662 , SB1663 , SB2124 , SB2204 , SB1855 , SB863 , SB2252 , SB2253 , SB825 , SB1184 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1901 , SB2368 , SB1963 , SB1960 , SB1643 , SB1625 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB231 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB2231 , SB1490 , SB530 , SB1261 , SB2180 , SB1804 , SB1937 , SB1936 , SB2569 , SB1372 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB769 , SB1409 , SB434 , SB1214 , SB1951 , SB2183 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1870 , SB1727 , SB2405 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2066 , SB2129 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB2185 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB2010 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB331 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2053 , SB546 , SB2141 , SB2949 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1150 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2051 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , HJR4 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB2 , SB260 , SJR68 , SB217 , SB331 , SB530 , SB546 , SB586 , SB1150 , SB1184 , SB1261 , SB1398 , SB1620 , SB1923 , SB1951 , SB1960 , SB2051 , SB2129 , SB2183 , SB2185 , SB2252 , SB2368 , SB2405 , SB2949 , SB825 , SB1870 , SB2010 , SR434 , SB3048 , SB3049 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3055 , SB3048 , SB3049 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3055

Transcript Highlights:

• while also sustaining agriculture in our lower Rio Grande.
• Conservation in agriculture, municipal conservation.
• There are many benefits of these newer codes.
• And they're building homes that currently exceed the codes of the current building codes.
• Shoring up the building code, as Renee pointed out.

Committee: House Water & Natural Resources Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It is Texas Water Day at the Capitol.
• It's a great way to learn more about Texas water.
• rural political subdivision in the water code.
• I'm Laura Zent with the Texas Rural Water Association.
• Water Code.

Bills: SB480 , SB767 , SB790 , SB971 , SB1066

Committee: Senate Water, Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met on Texas Water Day and limited public testimony to two minutes. The chair emphasized the need to move quickly because of scheduling conflicts with other committees and noted the importance of water policy and related stakeholders. The committee heard several bills focused on water administration, rural utilities, emergency response, and public works contracting. Senate Bill 790 by Senator Alvarado would let the Public Utility Commission create a simplified process for resolving tenant complaints over water or wastewater bill discrepancies; it was described as a way to avoid lengthy contested-case hearings for small disputes. Senate Bill 971 by Senator Sparks would clean up conflicting statutory definitions of “rural political subdivision” so Texas Water Development Board programs are applied consistently; Texas Rural Water Association testified in support. Senate Bill 767, also by Senator Sparks, would expand and improve a statewide database of fire-response equipment so departments, including volunteer and rural departments, can locate and share resources more effectively during emergencies; fire service witnesses supported the bill and suggested annual updates to keep the database current. Chair Perry laid out Senate Bill 480 to clarify that local governments and special districts may enter interlocal agreements for water-related planning and research, including aquifer management and flood/water planning. He also presented Senate Bill 1066, which raises payment and performance bond thresholds for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department public works contracts to $150,000, arguing the change would reflect inflation and help smaller vendors on lower-risk projects. Witnesses were heard on the bills, with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The committee voted out all five bills favorably. SB 1066, SB 480, SB 767, SB 790, and SB 971 each received unanimous committee approval and were recommended to the local and contested calendar, with SB 767 noted as amended by a suggested annual-update requirement for the equipment database.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also includes two additional sections. under the Texas Penal Code to include compelled prostitution
• Hospital 132 modernizes the governance code to ensure Texas keeps pace with modern national security
• Texas' code for a new set of threats, many of which are being described here today.
• The same as it is in the Texas Transportation Code, 522.00.
• I work at the Texas Department of Agriculture, which most of you recognize my face, as well as. my personal

Bills: HB17 , HB34 , HB41 , HB 118 , HB 119 , HB 127 , HB 128 , HB 129 , HB 130 , HB132 , HB133 , HB17 , HB41 , HB118 , HB119 , HB127 , HB128 , HB129 , HB130 , HB132 , HB133

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible.
• East Texas.
• This amends Chapter 15 of the Texas Water Code by removing the requirement that all non-confidential
• Implementation Fund of Texas.
• Members, this simply modernizes outdated statutes in the Texas Property Code by aligning property owners

Bills: HJR138 , HB42 , HB 104 , HB 129 , HB677 , HB426 , HB668 , HB1699 , HB2017 , HB2128 , HB2038 , HB3783 , HB3717 , HB2316 , HB3686 , HB2563 , HB3883 , HB4021 , HB2788 , HB2663 , HB3305 , HB3173 , HB3474 , HB 1105 , HB3531 , HB3490 , HB3597 , HB 1295 , HB3512 , HB3010 , HB3112 , HB4215 , HB3223 , HB3464 , HB3120 , HB4214 , HB4511 , HB3704 , HB4081 , HB4783 , HB4063 , HB2783 , HB4937 , HB5085 , HB2510 , HB3426 , HB4361 , HB 1169 , HB2516 , HB2347 , HB4034 , HB4700 , HB3560 , HB5150 , HB3860 , HB3146 , HB3924 , HCR98 , HCR92 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HB5265 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB 1043 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB1353 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB2221 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5092 , HB3748 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB1482 , HB4044 , HB2702 , HB4264 , HB2807 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB3133 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB2145 , HB 1201 , HB5061 , SB29 , SB879 , SB65 , SB1745 , SB412 , SB412 , SB1746 , SB1238 , SB1341 , SB522 , SB1532 , SB1378 , SB1062 , SB2066 , SB1963 , SB2204 , SB1366 , SB2077 , SB1967 , SB1151 , HB1618 , HB2156 , HB2615 , HB2615 , HB2349 , HB1926 , HB569 , HB1762 , HB38 , HJR138 , HB42 , HB 104 , HB 104 , HB 129 , HB677 , HB426 , HB668 , HB1699 , HB2017 , HB2128 , HB2038 , HB3783 , HB3717 , HB2316 , HB3686 , HB2563 , HB3883 , HB4021 , HB2788 , HB2663 , HB2663 , HB3305 , HB3173 , HB3474 , HB 1105 , HB3531 , HB3531 , HB3490 , HB3490 , HB3597 , HB 1295 , HB3512 , HB3010 , HB3112 , HB4215 , HB3223 , HB3223 , HB3464 , HB3120 , HB4214 , HB4511 , HB3704 , HB4081 , HB4783 , HB4063 , HB2783 , HB4937 , HB5085 , HB2510 , HB3426 , HB4361 , HB 1169 , HB2516 , HB2347 , HB4034 , HB4700 , HB3560 , HB5150 , HB3860 , HB3146 , HB3924 , HCR98 , HCR92

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, led the pledges, and approved a series of routine motions, including excusing absent members and granting permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. Members also adopted several memorial and recognition resolutions, including H.R. 1023 honoring Christian Beerbill, H.R. 1033 recognizing International Bereaved Mother’s Day, and H.R. 877 recognizing Urban League Advocates Day. The House also recommitted SB 17 and HB 4211 to committee and postponed SCR 27 and HB 2145 for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long third-reading calendar of bills covering a wide range of topics, including Sunset review measures, health care workforce and pricing, child custody and family law, Medicaid, rural ambulance grants, energy reporting, public information requests, trail development, virtual meeting disruptions, occupational licensing, protective orders, county leave pools, animal cruelty, infrastructure, and higher education. Most bills were explained briefly by their authors and passed with broad support, though several drew notable opposition, including HB 5265, HB 2402, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 1056, HB 281, HB 3308, HB 1043, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 294, HB 809, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 285, HB 1353, HB 3960, HB 4044, HB 4264, HB 2807, HB 3349, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 1201, and others. Several bills prompted extended debate or amendments. HB 3237, extending public energy-use reporting for state and higher-education buildings, passed after questions about its public-sector-only scope and energy savings. HB 3326, addressing public service loan forgiveness credit for adjunct professors, initially failed on a 69-70 vote but later passed after verification and machine corrections. HB 3211, concerning optometrists in managed care plans, adopted a Buckley amendment before passing. HB 2213 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association board composition adopted a Metcalf amendment requiring certain board members to be Texas residents. HB 412, dealing with harmful materials and sexual performance of a child, generated extensive questioning about its scope, existing legal standards, and effects on educators and medical professionals; the excerpt ends during that debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Texas is recognized. The gentleman from Texas is recognized.
• A gentleman from Texas seek recognition. >> Uh, Texas seek recognition. >> Mr.
• The Chair recognized the gentleman from Texas, Mr. Williams. the gentleman from Texas, Mr.
• Gentleman from Texas. Uh, Mr.
• Code.