Transcript Highlights:

• And also, under the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 143, meet-and-confer agreements may modify that
• chapter.
• So, and now Austin is a Chapter 143 city, and Chapter 143 does state that the meet-and-confer agreements
• Our state suffered historic flooding in Central Texas and West Texas last month, with tragic loss of
• the University of Texas, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then observed a moment of silence after Senator Eckhardt referenced a mass shooting in Austin. The chamber also agreed to postpone reading and referral of bills until later in the day. Early procedural business included a motion not to print Senate Bill 3, which was adopted without objection. Later, Senator Mendez raised a parliamentary inquiry about moving flood relief bills to the top of the calendar, but the presiding officer said the order of business was up to the chair. The main floor action centered on Senate Bill 4, the congressional redistricting bill. Senator King laid out the bill, describing it as the companion to the House version, based on 2020 census data, and arguing it was legal, race-blind, more compact, and likely to elect more Republicans. Senators asked extensive questions about the process, public hearings, and the map’s effects on districts and communities. The Senate voted to suspend the regular order of business and the three-day rule, then passed SB 4 to engrossment and finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 19 yeas and 2 nays. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 6, relating to abortion and civil liability for the manufacture and provision of abortion-inducing drugs. Senator Hughes argued the bill was needed to stop illegal abortion pills being mailed into Texas and harming women and unborn children. The Senate suspended the regular order of business and the three-day rule, passed the bill to engrossment, and then finally passed it, with the recorded votes showing 18 yeas, 10 nays, and one present not voting. A lengthy discussion followed on the committee substitute for Senate Bill 14, which would standardize law enforcement personnel and departmental files statewide. Senator King said the bill codifies a TCOLE model policy and limits public access to personnel files to substantiated misconduct, commendations, and evaluations, while keeping other records available through other legal processes. Senators Eckhardt, West, Hinojosa, and others questioned how the bill would affect transparency, meet-and-confer agreements, civilian review boards, and access to unsubstantiated complaints. An amendment by Senator Hinojosa of Dallas to narrow the bill to unfounded complaints failed, and SB 14 was then passed to engrossment on a vote of 18 yeas and 10 nays. The final major item was Senate Bill 1, the natural disaster omnibus bill responding to the July flooding. Senator Perry said the bill addresses camp and RV park safety, evacuation plans, emergency rooftop access, lines of succession for local emergency management, annual drills, volunteer management, drone restrictions over disaster areas, small-business recovery loans, and a statewide data hub for flood and weather monitoring. Senators Menendez, Eckhardt, and Kolkhorst asked about autopsies, volunteer background checks, liability, warning systems, floodplain mitigation, and coordination with FEMA and local governments. Perry said the bill focuses on preparation, response, and recovery, while broader prevention and mitigation issues may be addressed later. The transcript ends during this extended discussion, before final action on SB 1 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• , another cooperative in East Texas.
• Texas is coming to the forefront now because Texas is deploying billions to close the digital divide.
• We're located in Littlefield, Texas.
• Across the state of Texas.
• It does need to be factored into whatever form of that Texas, if Texas decides to move forward with one

Bills: HB3445, HB3448

Keywords: telecommunications, electric cooperative, rights-of-way, infrastructure, provider access, right-of-way, pole attachment, regulatory access, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• as a person under Chapter 51.
• the Texas Code Construction Act.
• Texas Property Code chapter 51 relates to liens created against real property as enforcement of a deed
• Texas side.
• I, I've been in Texas since 2012.

Bills: HB74, HB175

Keywords: environmental project, public money, political subdivision, greenhouse gas emissions, federal law compliance, renewable energy, water conservation, retroactive child support, child conception, paternity, family law, health care expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas led on that issue as well, to ensure that it's Texas law and Texas values that are determining
• in a matter of minutes, rather than months, while paying all Texas fees and following all Texas rules
• Only Texas law sets the scope of practice.
• Texas law controls.
• past, but this really opens it up for Texas.

Bills: HB111

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• AGC Texas Building Branch for SJR 59.
• Texas manufacturing jobs are expanding rapidly.
• rights in Texas.
• Fund and the Texas University Fund.
• Fund and the Texas University Fund.

Summary: The committee heard and discussed several higher education and public school bills. Senator Burwell presented SB 1242 to remove an outdated Coordinating Board approval requirement for Texas State Technical College land and facility acquisitions, and SJR 59 to create a constitutionally dedicated endowment for TSTC capital needs; both drew strong support from industry and workforce groups and were left pending. SB 757, by Senator Middleton, would create a debt-to-earnings accountability system for public college programs, with supporters saying it would protect students from low-value degrees and opponents warning it could unfairly penalize programs with long-term value, especially graduate, medical, and public service fields; it was also left pending. SB 1241, by Senator Millington, would expand acceptable college entrance exams beyond the SAT and ACT, including the Classic Learning Test, and was left pending after testimony from CLT, homeschool, and student groups in support. SB 1085, by Senator Blanco, would let Sul Ross State University offer lower-division courses at its satellite campuses in the Middle Rio Grande region; it too was left pending. The committee then took up a series of public school and higher education measures, voting several out favorably. SB 605, as substituted, limits commissioner approval of charter school expansion amendments for schools under conservatorship or a management team and was reported favorably 9-0. SB 1871 and SB 1873, both by Senator Perry, were revised to narrow teacher immunity, clarify removal and suspension procedures, require periodic review of in-school suspension placements, and align discipline rules; both substitutes were adopted and reported favorably. SB 1872, SB 1874, SB 762, SB 1962, SB 1750, SB 2252, SB 2253, SB 2365, SB 1924, and SB 37 were also considered, with most reported favorably on party-line or near-unanimous votes. SB 1750 would replace a flat charter school facilities funding cap with an attendance-based formula; SB 2252 and SB 2253 address kindergarten readiness, early literacy/numeracy, and educator preparation; SB 2365 concerns student phone use during instructional time; SB 1924 restores local citation authority for certain school offenses and adds reporting, notice, and completion requirements; and SB 37 would expand state oversight of higher education curriculum, governance, faculty senates, and compliance with state law. Other measures heard included SB 769, which would require a Coordinating Board report on barriers faced by students with disabilities in higher education; supporters emphasized the need for better data and accessibility, while witnesses suggested broader reporting on race, disability types, and K-12-to-college transitions. SB 2231 would designate a Free College Application Week in October and was left pending. SB 1878 would modernize the Josie School statute and provide formula funding and aid eligibility for Polytechnic College. SB 1409 would authorize universities to offer self-funded student health benefit plans, with Rice University and Texas 2036 supporting the measure as a way to lower costs and expand coverage. SB 2431 would require universities to give foreign language credit for study abroad programs, SB 2314 would require schools to inform students about opting in or out of record sharing for direct admissions through My Texas Future, and SB 2138 would extend the state’s anti-ESG contracting restrictions to public higher education endowments and governing boards; these later bills were introduced and left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a result of the 2005 Workers' Compensation Reform, Chapter 504.053 of the Texas Labor Code created
• I'd like to thank my witnesses that drove from North Texas and West Texas to be here.
• for being based in Texas.
• The current damages caps under Chapter 21 of the Texas Labor Code are the... same as under federal law
• Keep it in Texas for Texas. Thank you very much. The committee is adjourned.

Bills: HB875, HB1667, HB2369, HB3844, HB4415, HB4479, HB4483, HB4676, HB5118, HB5400, HB5545

Keywords: workers' compensation, municipal construction, bidding requirements, small municipalities, contracting policies, first responders, PTSD, mental health, emergency services, medical expenses, injury claims, insurance carriers, opportunity youth, workforce development, employment, education, federal funds, employment discrimination, immunity waiver, public employees

Transcript Highlights:

• vote in Texas?
• vote in Texas?
• Texas elections.
• So in Chapter 11, it codifies the Texas Constitution requirement.
• Texas Government Code Chapter 552 and Texas Election Code Sections 1.012 and 18.66 say the door to election

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in Texas relied on a provision in the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act of 19. 83 instructing
• And the reason we passed that is because Texas was way behind the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust
• The state of Texas is already in the boardrooms to the extent that the state of Texas already requires
• Uh, we eliminate Chapter 668 entirely.
• OK, so that the chapter, the chapter heading, that's the definition for quote state agency, is that right

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Water Code Chapter 16, section 16.343 along with local government code chapter 2. 232 Section
• Texas families should be allowed to stay together, right?
• Gibson, and welcome to Texas, by the way. Are there any questions of the witness?
• Senate side, so this was a bill that the Texas Association of Builders and Texas Municipal League worked
• Um, I'm a local developer, land broker here in Austin, Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas adopted the conservation amendment to the Texas Constitution, which granted an on the Texas legislature
• East Texas residents work.
• East, our counties, all East Texas, and potentially the entire state of Texas.
• Texas.
• Look out for the interest of all of East Texas, and for that matter, rural Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, the ethics commission, the standard for conflict of interest under the code of ethics in HRS Chapter

Bills: HB2117, HB2155, HB1832, HB1601, HB2297, HB2397, HB1893, HB2533, HB1890, HB2004, HB1810, HB2323, HB1691, HB1671, HB2619, HB1481, HB2314, HB2319, HB2214, HB2488, HB2009, HB2007, HB1964, HB2218, HB1535, HB1977, HB2054, HB2046, HB146, HB2094, HB2181, HB2515, HB2444, HB2385, HB1724, HB1733, HB2416, HB2001, HB1603, HB1753, HB2140, HB1962, HB1963, HB2096, HB1959, HB1960, HB2293, HB2288, HB1752, HB1573, HB469, HB2091, HB1851, HB1688, HB1696, HB2417, HB2375, HB2333, HB2152, HB1881, HB2395, HB1721, HB1921, HB1730, HB1697, HB1824, HB2282, HB2078, HB2321, HB2279, HB1522, HB2097, HB2433, HB2106, HB2274, HB2452, HB1764, HB2438, HB1860, HB2604, HB2118, HB2017, HB2216, HB1934, HB2454, HB2427, HB2207, HB1840, HB1644, HB1645, HB1946, HB1648, HB2324, HB1509, HB1514, HB1515, HB2164, HB2165, HB2283, HB2386

Keywords: arts education, data mapping, task force, creative economy, cultural preservation, workforce development, geographic information systems, agriculture, data collection, statistical program, sustainable practices, Hawaii, aquaculture, biosecurity, food security, sustainable seafood, regulatory framework, interagency coordination, environmental stewardship, invasive species

Transcript Highlights:

• And now our Texas flag.
• We have our Texas District Director Daryl Robinson.
• Also, I would like to acknowledge another chapter in.
• Your father, who is going on to our mega chapter.
• of the Texas Tenants Readiness and the Law.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of Austin, Texas. Good morning. Uh, good afternoon.
• But what this is doing is adding those chapter 34, um, agreements.
• Approximately 42% of all births in Texas are to unwed mothers.
• In keeping with this principle, Texas Family Code Chapter 153 requires courts to prioritize the best
• Who is here on behalf of the Texas. Real Estate and probate Institute.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Government Code, Chapter 2161, commonly referred to as the HUB program for historically underutilized
• Government Code Chapter 2161.
• Government Code Chapter 2161.
• You know, the Texas Constitution, So the Texas Constitution is not a suggestion.
• , by the Texas Legislature.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Building Branch.
• led on that issue as well, to make sure that it's Texas law and Texas values that are determining these
• Texas.
• I am a general dentist from Katie, Texas. I'm here on behalf of the Texas Dental. is Dr. Duke Ho.
• At the University of Texas M. D.

Bills: HB111

Summary: The committee heard a long series of House bills, with most measures laid out by Senate sponsors and then left pending after brief public testimony. Early bills focused on construction and licensing issues, including HB 305 on prompt payment for public construction audits, HB 5093 on restoring public access to notary contact information, HB 2037 on updating landlord-tenant repair and security deposit rules, HB 4214 on a centralized public information request contact database, and HB 5435 exempting higher education institutions from a 90-day notice requirement for certain public-private partnership projects. Testimony was generally supportive on these bills, and no votes were taken; each was left pending. The committee also considered several transparency and regulatory bills. HB 111 would expand the Public Information Act to certain nonprofit state associations and narrow some attorney-client and working-paper exceptions, with supporters arguing it would improve oversight of public funds and critics questioning the scope and thresholds. HB 5129 would protect occupational license holders’ personal identifying information from disclosure without consent, HB 4350 would allow peace officers to redact personal information from online real property records, HB 4748 would authorize multiple-award state purchasing contracts, and HB 4765 would clean up code enforcement officer licensing rules. HB 4134 would allow motor vehicle creditors to charge limited fees for electronic payment options while requiring a free alternative, and HB 1043 would direct a study of blockchain-based property title records; both drew testimony, with some concern about the practical effects and vendor implications of the blockchain study. Several bills addressed insurance, workforce, and digital-asset regulation. HB 3520 would reduce the insurance coverage required for transportation network companies during the period when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger, drawing support from Texans for Lawsuit Reform and opposition from trial lawyers who argued the higher coverage better protects the public. HB 3320 would create a self-insurance pool for religious institutions, with TDI explaining it would still be regulated but operate under a special statutory framework. HB 4233 would modernize rules for digital asset service providers by removing certain auditor-access requirements and updating reporting and licensing provisions. HB 3923 would reduce bachelor’s-degree requirements for some state jobs, though Every Texan argued low pay, not degree requirements, is the main driver of turnover. HB 4518 would create a legal structure for decentralized unincorporated nonprofit associations tied to blockchain governance; business law experts opposed it as unnecessary and potentially risky, while crypto advocates supported it. Finally, HB 1803 would join an interstate compact for dentists and dental hygienists, with supporters citing workforce shortages and opponents saying Texas already licenses quickly and that the compact could weaken state oversight. Throughout the hearing, the committee repeatedly closed testimony and left bills pending, and a quorum was eventually established before later items were heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas.
• road signs, Texas dump trailers, and Texas dump trucks and trailers.
• I'm a proud native of East Texas. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Texas.
• , real Texas.
• I'm the East Texas field representative for Texas Realtors.

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, is that Texas, honey? This is Texas honey. We have time.
• I think this time we have honey to make and it is currently illegal, uh, under Texas law to take Texas
• This bill reinforces Texas licensing requirements by requiring all parties involved to hold a Texas brewer's
• This bill has come out of conversations with the Texas Distiller Spirits Association, the Texas Wine
• and Spirits Wholesalers of Texas, and the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission to set up a complaint process

Transcript Highlights:

• The state of Texas is...
• They happen from North Texas to South Texas.
• The SPCA of Texas and myself. State that again, please. The SPCA of Texas and myself.
• busts across North Texas.
• Pippa, a French Bulldog in Tarrant County, Texas, and Blue, a Husky in Leander, Texas, were both killed

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Texas Radiological Society, the Texas Medical Association, and myself.
• It's very important here in Texas.
• All solution doesn't work in Texas.
• On behalf of the combined 59,000 members of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Pediatric Society
• I'm with the Texas Hospital Association.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Meeting of the Texas Ethics Commission to order at 9:15 a.m.
• of the Texas Government Code.
• Is there a motion to adopt the amendments to chapter 10? Vice Chair Flood moves.
• Optional reporting mechanism in the Texas Register.
• Uh, the Texas Ethics Commission adjourns at 2:51 p.m. Thank you all.