Transcript Highlights:

• The stretch of highway has become known for frequent and severe collisions, and our communities are rightfully
• of Pasco, Franklin County Commissioners, and also Franklin County Sheriff's Office to address these
• The city is in support of this bill because we have experienced a lot of tragedy within the City of Pasco
• I'm here testifying on behalf of the City of Spokane in support of this legislation.
• This is not a capability of an operating agency, who rightfully must focus on day-to-day service delivery

Bills: SB6253 , SB6311 , SB6262 , SB6335

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: public transportation, governing bodies, transit authorities, local government, community planning, pedestrian safety, construction, accessibility, public safety, urban planning, vehicle weight, transportation, fees, public infrastructure, funding, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities

Transcript Highlights:

• For the sake of farmers and ranchers and rural communities across Washington, and for the sake of Ferry
• , Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Park Service
• You think of our communities, national forest system lands that we have so much of in the 7th Legislative
• These are some of the highest-risk communities in the state.
• of compelling reasons to move this communication forward.

Bills: SB6104 , SB6241 , SJM8015 , SB6318

Committee: Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources

Keywords: agriculture, protection, state regulation, farmers, land use, sustainability, steelhead, conservation, wildlife, fishing, environmental protection, federal response, wildfire protection, community safety, infrastructure, natural resources, commercial shellfish, fees, fishing industry, regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members, Dan Filisado, on behalf of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the
• I'm the Director of the Bureau of Victim Services for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
• Good morning, Cleo Bluthenthal, on behalf of the California Community Foundation, in strong support.
• I'd like to get guns out of guns not to be necessary, especially in some of our smaller communities where
• I'd like to get guns out of guns not to be necessary, especially in some of our smaller communities where

Bills: SB969 , SB700

Committee: Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development

Keywords: developmental services, remote services, accessibility, telehealth, disability support

Summary: The Senate Public Safety Committee met first as a subcommittee because it lacked a quorum, then later reconvened with a quorum to take formal action. The committee heard SB 239, which would allow a sentencing aggravation factor for criminal threats made against local election officials and other local public officials. The author and supporters, including the California Municipal Clerks Association and Monterey County, said the bill responds to rising threats and intimidation against election workers and local officials; there was no opposition. The committee later voted to concur in the Assembly amendments and passed the bill 6-0. The committee also heard AB 282, which would make it a felony to seize, assist in seizing, or direct the seizure of ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified. Supporters, including SEIU California, argued the bill would protect election integrity and prevent disruption of certification; one witness registered a “tweener” position, expressing concern about creating a new crime. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law or addressed a real California problem, but others supported it as a proactive safeguard. The committee voted to send the bill to the Elections Committee on a 5-1 vote. AB 2727, as amended, was presented as a measure to strengthen the review process for elderly parole and sexually violent predator cases by requiring a sexual dangerousness screening, additional Board of Parole Hearings training, and related safeguards. Support came from prosecutors, sheriffs, police chiefs, and victims’ advocates, who said the bill would help ensure dangerous offenders are properly screened before release. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s new 180-day timeframe for completing reviews, arguing it could hold people in custody longer than necessary and should be shortened or reworked, but others said the added time was needed to complete the process. The committee passed AB 2727 to Appropriations on a 5-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard AB 2760, which would prohibit federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies from purchasing or using electric shock gloves and similar wearable conducted-energy devices. Supporters, including immigrant rights, disability rights, and criminal justice groups, argued the devices are unsafe, untested, and especially concerning in immigration enforcement settings. Law enforcement opposition said the bill would ban an emerging less-lethal tool before it has been adequately studied and would not apply to federal agencies anyway, while some members said they were uneasy about banning new technology without more research but still supported the bill. The committee sent AB 2760 to Appropriations on a 5-1 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> with the office of uh Senate council with the office of uh Senate council research<00:47:09.040>
• ><c> behind</c> office um kind of always works behind office um kind of always works behind the<00:48
• I serve as the Director of Child Support Services in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, and I appreciate
• I serve as the Director of Child Support Services in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, and I appreciate
• ><c> in</c> Director of Child Support Services in Director of Child Support Services in the<00:51:13.880

Bills: HF2233 , HF1524 , HF1893 , HF1396 , HF2456 , HF2959 , HF2300 , HF2412 , HF3022 , HF2825 , HF1862 , HF1373 , HF1039 , HF3070

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: Uniform Special Deposits Act, special deposit, banking law, financial institutions, escrow, escrow account, trust account, security deposit, beneficiary, depositor, creditor process, garnishment, attachment, levy, setoff, recoupment, financial market infrastructure, retirement benefits, compensation, earnest money

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is a request from the Department of Human Services.
• The chief presiding officer is authorized to explain the provisions of Senate Bill 1561. Mr.
• But because we've made this emphasis to go provide internet service broadband service to all of Oklahoma
• And in order to achieve this level of service of broadband that we want in the state, we are choosing
• that was constructed or installed and placed in service after the effective date of this bill.

Bills: SB2102 , SB1940 , SB1625 , SB1442 , SB1623 , SB1242 , SB1949 , SB1592 , SB1913 , SB592 , SB992 , SB1241 , SB259 , SB1928 , SB1426 , SB1531 , SB1561 , SB1122

Keywords: credit card fees, merchant discounts, payment card network, interchange fees, transparency in fees, Oklahoma law, payment card, rebate, merchant, tax compliance, health insurance, mandate, impact analysis, insurance department, public health, access to healthcare, SB1442, alcoholic beverage control, ABLE Commission, liquor license fees

Transcript Highlights:

• Father, help us to understand the needs of the least of these, and guide us and enlighten us.
• It's in the mighty, matchless name of Jesus we do pray. ...matchless name of Jesus we do pray.
• Since it's the first committee meeting of the session, I want to go over some general rules of how we'll
• The second amendment is another kind of technical amendment that just clarifies the provisions of this
• We passed this out of this committee last year and we passed it out of the house 102 to nothing.

Bills: SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99 , SB96 , SB97 , SB130 , HB230 , SB154 , SB93 , SB99

Committee: House Insurance

Keywords: salvage title, salvage certificate of title, rebuilt title, flood vehicle, junk vehicle, total loss, motor vehicle title, vehicle branding, insurance claim, insurance company, Department of Revenue, vehicle inspection, rebuilder, automotive dismantler, parts recycler, secondary metals recycler, junkyard, vehicle identification number, VIN, stolen vehicle

Transcript Highlights:

• None of us wants to walk out of here and not give folks a raise.
• Chair, members of the committee, Matthew Stackville, on behalf of the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of
• We didn't capture a lot of the software of a service boom over the last quarter century because we manufacture
• out of state.
• One data center alone is the equivalent of 2.6 million cars of pollution going into one community.

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committees: Senate Senate Finance , Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• We changed the date of the sunset. Is that the only change in here?
• There's a little bit of a fray about House Bill 2 and what happened to the 1%.
• And remember, if you're making under $50,000, we're paying 100% of that.
• The employer pensions cost us $116 million a year, for a total of $1.6 billion over the last four years
• So there's a lot of money spent on our state employees. We've taken care of them very well.

Bills: SB151 , HB8 , SB177

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Keywords: corporate income tax, franchise tax, gross receipts tax, tax credit, tax deduction, controlled foreign corporation, CFC, bonus depreciation, interest expense, apportionment, unitary group, high-wage jobs tax credit, local journalism, news media, newspaper printer, physician incentive, health care workforce, affordable housing, multifamily housing, construction materials

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill requires the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing an
• of the Governor.
• of electric service to Washington customers by pursuing a number of activities.
• It includes highway facilities of the state when directing WITA to seek the maximum use of existing rights-of-way
• Madam Chair, move adoption of M4. Senator Short. Madam Chair, move adoption of M4.

Bills: SB6124 , SB6171 , SB6284 , SB5609 , SB6172 , SB6246 , SB5932 , SB6269 , SB6223 , SB5975

Committee: Senate Environment, Energy & Technology

Keywords: appliance affordability, cost index, energy efficiency, consumer protection, Washington state, energy facilities, large energy consumers, regulation, environment, sustainability, artificial intelligence, data privacy, technological impacts, cultural resources, land use, environmental policy, exemptions, state laws, Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas

Transcript Highlights:

• to the authority, functions, and duties of the Office of Financial Institutions, and to provide for
• What kind of service?"
• I'm not looking at the services of the people in the salon, looking up services by the esthetician.
• Beham, you talked about consolidation of services.
• And at Rebham, you talked about consolidation of services.

Bills: HB744 , HR197 , SB54 , SB79 , SB163 , SB287 , SB375 , SB386 , SB398 , SB469 , SCR5

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: public utility, common carrier, regulation, Public Service Commission, New Orleans, constitutional amendment, distributed energy, energy storage, electricity demand, virtual power plants, reliability, hurricane resilience, esthetics, cosmetology, hair services, beauty industry, Louisiana regulation, Louisiana Economic Development, sunset law, legislative authority

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> grounded in a mission of service. grounded in a mission of service.
• Hundreds of thousands of annual service hours, strengthening communities through education, economic
• A collective legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service that has transformed communities across this
• A collective legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service that has transformed communities across this
• </c> Equity Officer for the state of Equity Officer for the state of Minnesota,<01:10:08.520><c> look

Bills: HF3373 , HF4449 , HF3486 , HF4180 , HF4227 , HF2505

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation, interchange, funding, bonds, St. Paul Park, transit, Metropolitan Council, Twin Cities, metro area, high-frequency transit, bus rapid transit, busway, guideway, transportation policy plan, transit performance measures, regional transit benchmarks, transit-oriented development, TOD, zoning, land use

Transcript Highlights:

• You had to go to the Office of Community Development.
• Just like he said, they set up something in Caddo Parish where they have to go into the Office of Community
• Just like he said, they set up something in Caddo Parish where they have to go into the Office of Community
• The Office of Rule Development within the Governor's Office would administer the program, and it will
• That's a better question for some of the sheriff's office representatives from any of them.

Bills: HCR35 , HB440 , HB515 , HB543 , HB614 , HB1010 , HB1039 , HB1088 , HB1122 , HB1179 , HB1200

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: tax delinquency, property sale, rehabilitation, Louisiana State Law Institute, legislation, homestead exemption, property tax, parish governance, Louisiana Constitution, voter approval, adjudicated property, real estate, political subdivisions, property sales, government authority, residential lease, tax credit, property valuation, Louisiana constitution, disaster response

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires the consent of all parties to record in-person communication.
• of our... ...of illegality or any kind of unethical conduct on the part of our public officials.
• A number of states have a two-party acknowledgement whereby the legal father of the child, husband of
• of.
• We support this resolution of this bill as well, because the right of a parent to control the care of

Bills: HCR6 , HCR19 , HB81 , HB134 , HB154 , HB163 , HB170 , HB194 , HB254 , HB318 , HB410 , HB473 , HB485 , HB718 , HB970

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Keywords: HCR 6, House Concurrent Resolution 6, successions, intestate succession, testate succession, disinheritance, disinherison, forced heirship, forced heir, legitime, estranged heir, estranged child, inheritance, estate planning, wills, testaments, Civil Code Article 1617, Civil Code Article 1618, Civil Code Article 1619, Civil Code Article 1620

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:23:06.080><c> of</c><00:23:06.320><c> Collective</c> Mustau from Office of Collective Mustau
• from Office of Collective Partying<00:23:07.120><c> in</c><00:23:07.280><c> opposition.
• </c><00:29:33.600><c> of</c><00:29:33.760><c> collective</c> MTO uh from the office of collective MTO
• Next, we have HB 1663, relating to reimbursement of public officers and employees.
• ><c> public</c><00:58:28.319><c> officers</c><00:58:28.799><c> and</c> to reimbursement of public officers

Bills: SB2119 , SB3131 , SB3069 , SB3180 , SB2137 , SB2993 , SB2778 , SB2672 , SB2014 , SB2967

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• And it hasn't really brought a lot of opportunities for the surrounding community.
• to provide services for all of their constituents and all of their governments throughout the state
• of New Mexico can continue to provide services for all of their constituents and all of their communities
• So it's going to be the seller of the services and of the materials, and then there'll be a certificate
• And it was based on the total trade of that community.

Bills: SB36 , SB88 , SB92 , SB97 , SB48 , SB55 , SB58 , SB76 , SB93 , SB89 , SB60

Committee: Senate Senate Tax, Business & Transportation

Keywords: quantum technology, tax credit, infrastructure, economic development, New Mexico, corporate tax, research and development, innovation, foster care, income tax, guardianship, youth services, financial relief, affordable housing, gross receipts tax, tax deduction, construction materials, multifamily housing, low income, tax credits

Transcript Highlights:

• 40 years of distinguished public service.
• </c><04:01:15.120><c> to</c> Office of Credit Risk Management to Office of Credit Risk Management to
• :46.080><c> Budget,</c><04:30:46.800><c> signed</c> Office of Management and Budget, signed Office of
• c> of</c> with victory over communism, the end of with victory over communism, the end of the<07:19:13.360
• Office of Justice Programs that support everything from victim services to substance use and mental health

Bills: HB1804 , HB1642 , HB1621 , HB1634 , HR789 , HR787 , HB1816 , HB3490 , SB160

Keywords: 7(a) loan program, Small Business Administration, SBA, small business lending, loan brokers, loan consultants, referral agents, loan intermediaries, fraud oversight, transparency, reporting requirements, loan fees, referral fees, interest rates, business financing, small business loans, lender oversight, application assistance, Congressional reporting, small business

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying on behalf of Texas Community Association Advocates, also known as TCA.
• As part of a management contract for a myriad of other services, the current bill language leaves it
• distribution of software applications for mobile services. devices.
• In these cases, TWC is represented by the Office of the Attorney General.
• Adriana Cruz, testifying on behalf of the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, the Office of

Bills: HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• The non-profit nature of it means that the members of the community can't vote that value to themselves
• it's a communication platform or the exchange of tokens.
• It does not file with the Secretary of State's office.
• It may file a search warrant service of representation for service, but it's not a requirement because
• service to thousands of Texans and hundreds of thousands of Americans every year.

Bills: HB2226 , HB2269 , HB2343 , HB2760 , HB3621 , HB4079 , HB4204 , HB4518 , HB4531 , HB4555 , HB4850 , HB4876 , HB4903 , HB4996 , HB5122

Committee: House Trade, Workforce & Economic Development

Keywords: construction trust funds, Property Code, Chapter 162, construction payments, mechanics lien, contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, materialmen, real property improvement, assignment of payment rights, unpaid trust funds, trust fund beneficiaries, construction industry, payment protection, Texas construction law, property owners association, landscaping, grass maintenance

Transcript Highlights:

• communication service.
• So it says a provider of electronic communication service or a provider of remote computing service may
• a provider of an electronic communication service, one, and contain information revealing the identity
• of a wire or electronic communication, the content of a wire or electronic communication sent to or
• The different kinds of peace officers.

Bills: HB 1194 , HB 1221 , HB1738 , HB1913 , HB2177 , HB2178 , HB2180 , HB2229 , HB2282 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB2777 , HB2984 , HB3357 , HB3553 , HB3602

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: emergency protection order, protective order, magistrate, criminal procedure, victim safety, family violence, domestic violence, stalking, assault, magistrate's order, temporary protection, court order duration, defendant restrictions, Article 17.292, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, emergency restraining order, victim protection, firearm restriction, pretrial intervention, reimbursement fee

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's increasing the cost of goods and services for the people of the state of Texas.
• It's a main highway that leads to two of our communities.
• I am the Director of Operations of BTC Insurance Services, Inc.
• In all disclosure, I'm also the presiding officer of the State Office of Risk Management Board of Directors
• and a lot of these services were necessary.

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gambling, criminal offenses, penalties, defense, electronic devices, tobacco advertising, youth protection, public health, criminal offense, retailer regulation, e-cigarettes, nicotine products, health, public safety, regulation, advertising restrictions, health and safety, elections, election audit, county elections

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several critical pieces of legislation including SB30 and SB38. Senator Betancourt introduced a committee substitute for SB38 which underwent a smooth adoption process, moving it favorably toward the Senate. The meeting featured a mix of invited testimonies where both proponents and opponents took the floor. One notable highlight included a testimony from Melissa Casey, who criticized the current legal state as prone to fraud and detrimental to both insurers and the public at large, contending that it inflated insurance costs across the board. The discussions delved deeply into the implications of the bills on judicial processes and potential insurance ramifications, with spirited debates surrounding issues of non-economic damages and jury rights. The atmosphere remained engaged as committee members heard varied perspectives on the bills, showcasing a robust democratic process. The meeting underscored the importance of public testimony in shaping legislation, ensuring that multiple voices were considered as the committee pressed on towards making decisions that affect the legal landscape of Texas.