Transcript Highlights:

• As you all know, last year there was a penal code review bill established, and the Judicial Council is
• currently conducting the penal code review as required by Act 245, included in the penal code review
• As you all know, last year there was a penal code review bill established, and the Judicial Council is
• currently conducting the penal code review as required by Act 245, included in the penal code review
• committee on the uniform probate code committee on the uniform probate code and<00:58:10.960>

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 114, which would create a presidential preference primary for the 2028 election. The Office of Elections said the bill would cost about $4.1 million. Supporters, including the Hawaii Democratic Party and the League of Women Voters, favored moving the process to a state-run primary, while several opponents, including the Hawaiian Islands Republican Women and multiple individual testifiers, argued it would be too expensive, would shift control away from the parties, and would replace volunteer-run caucuses with a mail-in system. Committee members questioned the chief election officer about election timing, certification, and how a primary might be scheduled with other elections. Testimony was recorded as 11 in support, 41 opposed, and 3 comments, and no vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up SB 725, which would require judges to make findings about a defendant’s ability to afford bail. Judiciary and Attorney General witnesses asked that the bill be deferred or amended, saying the Judicial Council is already reviewing pretrial bail reform and that the bill’s language could create practical problems for police, sheriffs, and courts. Supporters, including the Correctional System Oversight Commission, the public defender, the Community Alliance on Prisons, the ACLU of Hawaii, and disability rights advocates, said cash bail disproportionately harms low-income defendants, increases pretrial detention costs, and should require clearer findings and records. Opponents included the Hawaii County prosecuting attorney. Members questioned how bail is initially set, what records exist, and whether the bill would change current practice; Judiciary witnesses said initial bail decisions are often made by police or judges and later reviewed on the record, while supporters argued the bill would strengthen front-end due process. The ACLU said it supported the bill with amendments, including clearer standards for ability to pay and written findings. The committee also began hearing SB 733, a proposed constitutional amendment to establish a continuous legislative session. Early testimony was strongly supportive, with advocates arguing that the current 60-day session limits public participation, makes it hard for working people to testify, and prevents lawmakers from collaborating effectively. Supporters said a year-round model could improve transparency, reduce duplicate bills, and better accommodate neighbor island legislators. The excerpt ends during the opening testimony on SB 733, before any committee action or vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> CALENDAR 36, SENATE PRINT 8812 SENATOR KRUEGER, AN ACT TO AMEND THE CHAPTER OF THE LAWS OF 2025
• Calendar 161, Senate Print 2534, Senator Sanders, an act to amend the Administrative Code of the City
• Calendar 203, Senate Print 866, Senator Bailey, an act to amend the Penal Law. >> Read the last section
• >> CALENDAR 203, SENATE PRINT 866 SENATOR BAILEY, AN ACT TO AMEND THE PENAL LAW.
• ADJOURNED UNTIL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 3:00 P.M. WITH INTERVENING DAYS BEING LEGISLATIVE DAYS.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Imam Tahir Kukaj of the Albanian Islamic Cultural Center, who offered remarks about gratitude, diversity, and support for Kosovo’s independence. The Journal was approved, and the chamber then took up several previously adopted resolutions, including Resolution 1516 commemorating the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence and Resolution 1317 honoring the Stillwater Girls Varsity Soccer Team and Head Coach Christine Ihnatolya for winning the NYSPHSAA Class C state championship. Both resolutions were adopted, and the sponsors were authorized to seek additional co-sponsors. The Senate then moved through the calendar and passed a series of bills, including measures on environmental conservation, education, public health, civil service, penal law, public service, labor, and a retroactive real property tax exemption for the Silver Lake Foundation. Most bills passed with broad support, though several drew recorded no votes from a small group of senators. Senator Fahy explained her vote on a bill renaming an OASAS scholarship in honor of Father Peter Young, emphasizing his work on addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. Two items drew extended debate. On Calendar 141, Senator Walczyk appealed the chair’s ruling that an amendment to a public service bill was nongermane; the Senate voted 21 to overrule the chair, so the ruling stood, and the bill then passed 52-6. On Calendar 213, Senators Kavanagh and Borrello debated a food-safety bill concerning disclosure of certain food ingredients and chemicals; supporters said it would improve transparency and protect children’s health, while opponents argued federal action was already underway and a national standard would be preferable. After the bill was restored to the non-controversial calendar, it passed 56-2. The Senate then adjourned until Monday, February 9 at 3:00 p.m., with intervening days as legislative days.

Transcript Highlights:

• 541 of the Insurance Code to a new separate section of the Insurance Code, creating its own code regarding
• But theft is not covered in this portion of the Texas Business and Commerce Code.
• Code.
• Code.
• Generally, then, House Bill 1732 would prohibit... ...under the Texas Penal Code.

Bills: HB 106, HB144, HB145, HB252, HB1732, HB2221, HB2467, HB2468, HB2517, HB2518, HB2963, HB3016, HB3689, HB3960, HB4386, HB4490, HB4751, HB5247, HJR175, HB2213

Keywords: HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund, production safety, leasehold operations, electric utility, distribution poles, inspection

Summary: The committee first handled pending business, including reconsidering SB 715 and then voting out several measures. The committee substitute for SB 1978 was reported favorably, and HB 431, HB 1522, HB 1922, HB 3228, HB 3229, HB 3803, HB 3804, HB 3805, HB 3806, HB 4219, HB 4238, HB 434, HB 1584, and HB 4739 were all reported favorably, many with objections sent to the local and uncontested calendar. HB 1522 and HB 4238 were adopted as committee substitutes before passage. The committee then moved into public testimony on HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill for consumer electronics. Supporters argued it would reduce waste, lower costs, and help independent repair shops by requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information on fair terms, while opponents said the bill was too broad and the automotive MOU exemption was problematic. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard HB 2467, which would align State Fire Marshal Office investigators’ pay with other commissioned peace officers at TDI; testimony was strongly supportive, emphasizing the office’s arson-investigation role, and the bill was left pending. HB 252, a bill allowing certain state agencies flexibility to pay Schedule A employees twice monthly, was laid out and left pending after limited testimony. HB 2468, dealing with public improvement district notice in real estate transactions, would let buyers terminate within seven days if required PID notice was not provided before contract execution; it drew no public testimony and was left pending. HB 4386, an annuity exchange and surrender process bill, was presented as a consumer-protection measure with deadlines and penalties for insurer delays; it received support from industry witnesses and was left pending. The committee then heard HB 4751, creating the Texas Quantum Initiative within the Governor’s Office to coordinate quantum research, workforce, industry partnerships, and possible future grant funding. Witnesses from universities and industry supported the bill, while several senators questioned whether a new state structure was necessary; the bill was left pending. HJR 175 proposed a constitutional amendment protecting Texans’ right to use mutually agreed forms of exchange, including cash, bullion, digital currency, or private script, and was discussed at length in the context of central bank digital currency and barter; it was left pending after testimony. HB 2221, updating insurance anti-rebating laws to allow wellness and value-added services, drew supportive testimony from the insurance industry and discussion about incentives versus monitoring; it was also left pending. Finally, the committee heard a series of utility wildfire and infrastructure bills: HB 106, requiring oil and gas operators to maintain certain electrical infrastructure near well sites; HB 144, requiring electric utilities to submit pole inspection and management plans to the PUC; and HB 145, requiring wildfire mitigation plans and allowing self-insurance under certain conditions. Utility, insurance, and cooperative witnesses generally supported the wildfire-related bills while asking for clarifications and less burdensome reporting, and the bills were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's only 9:06, guys. Mr.
• Senate Bill 1061 lowers the threshold for enhanced penalties for selling fentanyl from 200 grams to 9
• adults between the ages of 18 and 25 experience the highest rate of serious mental illness, and between 9%
• SB 1271 simply clarifies that cities cannot threaten or penalize businesses for legitimate emergency
• SB 1271 simply clarifies that cities cannot threaten or penalize businesses for legitimate emergency

Bills: SB1039, SB1061, SB1068, SB1069, SB1099, SB1127, SB1148, SB1271, SB1426, SB1448

Keywords: attorney discipline, legal costs, reputation damage, state bar, court costs, fentanyl, drug offenses, narcotic drugs, criminal penalties, Arizona Revised Statutes, educational institutions, public order, disruption, concealed weapons, safety regulations, firearms, muffling devices, weapon regulations, Arizona law, public safety

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with attorney discipline, bar licensure, drug sentencing, campus firearms, suppressors, defamation, emergency-service calls by businesses, mandatory child-abuse reporting, eviction procedure, and protections for utility workers. SB 1039 would allow attorneys who prevail in disciplinary matters to recover lost earnings and seek compensation for reputational harm from the State Bar; SB 1148 would require the Arizona Supreme Court to directly license attorneys rather than delegate that function. Both bills were supported by the sponsor as restoring accountability and limiting delegation, and both received due-pass recommendations despite some opposition votes. Members also heard SB 1061, which lowers the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 9 grams; opponents from the ACLU and defense bar argued the threshold would sweep in personal-use cases and increase incarceration, while supporters said it targets traffickers. The bill was recommended do pass. SB 1068, barring public colleges and universities from prohibiting lawful concealed carry by permit holders, drew strong opposition from gun-safety advocates and campus representatives who cited suicide and campus safety concerns, and support from gun-rights groups who argued campuses are not exempt from constitutional rights; it also received a due-pass recommendation. SB 1069, removing suppressors from Arizona’s prohibited-weapons definition, was opposed by Moms Demand Action and supported by gun-rights advocates as aligning state law with federal law and protecting hearing; it likewise passed out of committee. The committee also advanced SB 1099, which would codify statutory defamation elements and add an internet-related limitation period; the ACLU warned it could chill speech and conflict with evolving First Amendment law, while the sponsor said it would clarify existing case law and address online defamation. SB 1271, prohibiting cities from penalizing businesses for legitimate emergency-service calls, passed unanimously after testimony that some municipalities had discouraged 911 calls for theft and other incidents. HB 1127, requiring mandatory reporters with direct knowledge of child abuse or neglect to report immediately and personally, passed after Phoenix Children’s Hospital and DCS said they supported the intent but wanted implementation language clarified for medical emergencies. SB 1426, changing forcible-detainer procedures by removing the written-demand requirement, passed despite concerns from the multi-housing industry that the current language could disrupt holdover-tenant evictions. Finally, SB 1448, as amended, expanded aggravated-assault protections to utility, telecom, video-service, and related workers; supporters cited threats and assaults against field crews, while opponents argued existing assault laws already cover the conduct and the bill is overly broad. The amendment and the bill as amended were adopted, and the committee gave SB 1448 a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Code 38, chapter 61.
• Code 38, chapter 61.
• Code 38, chapter 61.
• rights to federal benefits under US code rights to federal benefits under US code 38<00:24:53.200
• By aligning state 38 chapter 61.

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• We advocated for the passage of Chapter 222, school discipline reform that provided due process rights
• And there's a few key changes that are introduced that seeks to amend Chapter 151C. 51C.
• This would amend Chapter 151C of our laws. Sure.
• I have three kids, ages 14, 11, and 9.
• I have three kids ages 14, 11, and 9.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• You would be in favor of a new law that would penalize your industry if, after we subtract out those
• Are you aware how many Chapter 93A unfair and deceptive business practice lawsuits have been brought
• General Law Chapter 93A, the consumer protection law, to sue the bad actors in the industry.
• I guess just going after those bad actors and penalizing them for doing something like that.
• I'm Vic Mohenka, Director of the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several energy-related bills, with the main focus on H. 3534/S. 2255, which would ban or sharply restrict residential third-party electric suppliers, and on related reform proposals. Supporters included the Attorney General’s office, municipal and regional planning officials, environmental justice groups, consumer advocates, and city officials from Boston and Chelsea. They argued that the residential competitive supply market has produced higher bills, deceptive sales tactics, auto-renewals into higher rates, and disproportionate harm to low-income residents, seniors, communities of color, and people with limited English. Witnesses cited AG reports estimating hundreds of millions of dollars in overcharges over time, described door-to-door and storefront marketing abuses, and said municipal aggregation programs have saved residents money while offering more stable rates. Several supporters said the Legislature should either ban residential competitive supply or adopt strong guardrails such as ending automatic renewals, banning incentive-based commissions, and capping rates relative to basic service. Opponents or industry representatives from the Retail Energy Advancement League, Vistra, and Constellation argued that the market can provide savings, longer-term price stability, and value-added products such as renewable options and time-of-use offerings. They said Massachusetts has already improved consumer protections through DPU proceedings, that complaints are relatively few compared with the size of the market, and that a ban would eliminate consumer choice. They also defended direct sales and commissions as normal features of a retail market, while saying they would support additional protections, licensing, bonding, and stronger oversight of bad actors. Committee members pressed both sides on whether the market truly saves money, whether automatic renewals should be banned, and whether the AG’s proposed reforms would be enough. The committee also heard testimony on H. 3972, a bill to extend utility shutoff protections during extreme heat, with Rep. Mindy Domb arguing that Massachusetts should treat extreme heat like extreme cold and protect customers facing financial hardship. Rep. Barrett also testified for H. 3450, a municipal broadband/right-of-way bill, arguing that communities need easier and cheaper access to utility poles and public rights of way to build municipal broadband. In addition, Senate Majority Leader Creem testified for S. 2239, which would bar utilities from recovering ratepayer funds for lobbying, promotions, trade association dues, and similar expenses. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• 538 and pawn shops regulated under Chapter 539.
• SB 1252 requires the, hallmark lessons learned dating back to 9-11.
• 538 and pawn shops regulated under Chapter 539.
• Members, we will now move on to tab 9, SB 1776 by Senator McClain.
• So it seems The statute preclude claims under this chapter.

Summary: The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted. The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• code.
• And again, I'm only dealing with the penal code and we're just gonna look to the penal code and abide
• Code.
• That would be in the same, I believe, chapter 400. of the government code.
• CHRIS RODGERS, JR.: Chapter 400, you said? CHRIS RODGERS, JR.: Of the government code.

Bills: HB 1181, HB3704, HB1363, HB1610, HB1615, HB1620, HB3223, HB1317, HB2884, HB2176, HB4027, HB1664, HB933, HB2613, HB3353, HB2086, HB4101, HB3441, HB4145, HB3455

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• abruptly end, we will reconvene to address any outstanding business on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:
• code.
• Thank you very much. consistent with the penal code. Um and consistent with the penal code.
• Okay, we're convening this 9:30 a.m.
• So, um, we also support the... department under Chapter 158 department under Chapter 158 HRS<00:26:36.480

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard several measures and took testimony without questions on SB 2431 relating to health savings accounts and SB 2797 relating to consumer protection. For SB 2797, the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection offered comments, Retail Merchants of Hawaii opposed the bill over gift card fraud compliance costs and legal risk, and AARP Hawaii supported it. The committee also heard SB 2946 on foreclosures, where the Hawaii State Bar Association’s Collection Law Section and several lenders, associations, and individuals opposed the measure, while the Hawaii Bankers Association and others offered comments. SB 2961 on insurance drew comments from the Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurance Council, with NAMIC opposing and some individuals supporting. SB 2948 on insurance fraud received comments from the Insurance Division and support from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, with NAMIC and the Alliance for Responsible Consumer Legal Funding also commenting. No votes were taken during the hearing portion, and the committee recessed after testimony. The committee then reconvened for decision-making on the 9:30 agenda. SB 2431 was passed with amendments, including DOTAX-requested changes, a five-year limit on credit carryforwards, removal of an aggregate cap, a rural definition, transparent reporting, technical amendments, and a deferred effective date of July 1, 2050. SB 2797 was also passed with DCCA-requested amendments, technical changes, and the same deferred effective date. SB 2946 was deferred because there was no testimony in support. SB 2961 was passed with amendments, but after Senator McKelvey raised concern that policy-limit language could undermine the bill, the committee removed two policy-limit amendments before adopting the recommendation. SB 2948 was passed with amendments deleting certain definitions, aligning penalties and public-records provisions, adding coordination and disclosure clarifications, and making technical changes; one no vote by Senator Awana was recorded, with the rest in favor. The committee also considered SB 3000 from a prior hearing and recommended passage with amendments clarifying the Attorney General’s authority, creating a special fund, and addressing concurrent actions, again with a deferred effective date and one no vote by Senator Awana. In a joint CPN/GVO agenda, SB 2258 relating to school agriculture procurement targets was passed with amendments after the Department of Education said it would need to follow up on whether changing the target period from calendar year to school year would create procurement or scheduling issues; the committee added technical changes, a deferred effective date, and routed the bill to Ways and Means, with a note that Education should also have received it. In a later joint CPN/AEN hearing, SB 2452 relating to climate-friendly insurers drew strong opposition from the Insurance Division and several insurance groups, who warned it could push insurers out of the authorized market and into the surplus lines market, raising costs; Senator Dela questioned whether the bill would worsen an already strained market, while the division said the legislature could make the policy choice but warned of market disruption. The hearing then moved to SB 2760 on invasive species, where DLNR, DAB, CGAPS, and the Oahu Invasive Species Committee generally supported broader inspection and quarantine authority, civil penalties, and longer interim-rule authority, while committee members asked about staffing, treatment capacity, and implementation for non-agricultural commodities such as building materials and vehicles.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, HB 4877 makes technical and clarifying changes to chapter 462 of the Insurance code relating to the
• And maintains insurance code authority for TDI to investigate insurance fraud.
• 521 to Chapter 701 for clarity and consistency.
• 35 of the Texas Penal Code.
• They code them 1 through 5, right? End of the day, it was just indigestion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are the most violent and serious offenses that are in our penal code.
• Those are the most violent and serious offenses that are in our penal code.
• 2306 of the Government Code?”
• 2306 of the Government Code.”
• section in the appellate code.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The statute governing the administrative enforcement is found in Chapter 32 of the Human Resources Code
• The Attorney General has a criminal statute that is in the penal code. well as a civil statute, which
• is in chapter 36 of the Human Resources Code.
• 1367 of the Insurance Code.
• It wouldn't be one code wrong.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Notwithstanding this section or any other provision of this chapter, the increases in fees under section
• 12-9-90 provided by this act 2000-108 shall not apply to any county.
• ,<00:28:35.760> the other provision of this chapter, the other provision of this chapter,
• :28:36.799> fees<00:28:37.120> under<00:28:37.440> section<00:28:37.919> 12-9-
• 90 increases in fees under section 12-9-90 increases in fees under section 12-9-90 provided<00:28

Bills: SB249, SB259, HB67, HB214

Keywords: municipal tax, license fee, local tax increase, ordinance, public hearing, 30-day notice, municipal notice requirements, city council, town council, Alabama municipalities, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 11-45-2, open meetings website, newspaper publication, local government finance, tax transparency, fee increase, municipal ordinance procedure, University of South Alabama, Board of Trustees

Bills: SF0069, SF0070, SF0016, HB0078, HJ0002, HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• Gray compiled a large report of findings and a recommendation concerning violation of the election code
• concerning uh violation of<01:07:13.520> the<01:07:13.680> election<01:07:14.079> code
• /c><01:07:14.960> also<01:07:15.760> uh<01:07:15.920> hitting of the election code
• , alleged violation of the election code, alleged violation of the election code, the<01:08:50.880
• code violation. code violation.

Bills: SF0069, SF0070, SF0016, HB0078, HJ0002, HB0085, HB0086

Keywords: wastewater, stormwater, infrastructure, environmental quality, public data, data collection, funding, study, water development, irrigation, public works, agricultural supply, municipal water, grazing lands, subleasing, non-owned livestock, state lands, rental fees, agricultural policy, land management

Transcript Highlights:

• But this doesn't say the U.S. government couldn't use it for a provision of the tax code.
• In fact, no one in the criminal code has surveillance actually defined. If you look at State v.
• In fact, no one in the criminal code, And they rely on surveillance.
• In fact, no one in the criminal code is surveillance actually defined. If you look at State v.
• You can see referenced in other parts of code at 20-2-3 and 12-10-11.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Bills: HB 220, HB 783, HB 2240, HB 3336, HB 4202, HB 4449, HB 4904, HB 3441, HB 4284

Keywords: sexual assault, healthcare facilities, forensic examination, survivor support, emergency contraceptive, online impersonation, civil liability, social media, identity theft, defamation, counseling damages, injunctive relief, public health, safety regulations, community health, state standards, healthcare access, identification, real estate, proof of identity

Transcript Highlights:

• It's 9 o'clock. The Senate Committee on Natural Resources will now come to order.
• law without Changing the existing 10-year framework under Section 89.029 of the Natural Resources Code
• Thank you for the record, Cyrus Reid, Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club, very much in support of HB
• Hearing 9, House Bill 2663 will be left pending.
• Yeah, for the record, Cyrus Reed, Lone Star chapter of the Sierra Club, also against the bill, um, uh

Bills: HB1237, HB2663, HB3071, HB4384

Keywords: occupational licenses, renewal, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, registration, license expiration, HB 2663, inactive well, plugging extension, Railroad Commission of Texas, RRC, oil and gas, orphan wells, well cleanup, well plugging, abandoned wells, surface equipment removal, electric service termination, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, Section 89.029

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources heard several House bills dealing with environmental regulation, oil and gas safety, landfill permits, and utility cost recovery. HB 1237, by Rep. Geren and sponsored by Sen. Zaffirini, would extend TCEQ occupational license renewal deadlines from 30 days to 90 days, allow renewal up to one year with higher fees, and require a new application after longer expiration; the committee substitute clarified that applicants may continue working only until renewal is approved or denied and set a 180-day cutoff for renewal. HB 3071, sponsored by Sen. Hancock, would require TCEQ to cancel certain long-dormant municipal solid waste permits; members discussed concerns about precedent, ownership changes, and whether the bill should be narrowed, and the bill was left pending with a committee substitute expected. The committee also heard HB 2663, sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, which would require operators of inactive oil and gas wells to remove or de-energize electrical equipment after 10 years and authorize Railroad Commission penalties for false compliance. Testimony from landowners, cattle raisers, and the Sierra Club supported the bill as a wildfire-prevention measure, and the bill was left pending. HB 4384, also by Rep. Darby and sponsored by Sen. Birdwell, would let natural gas utilities defer certain infrastructure costs for later recovery through the GRIP process; utility representatives supported it as credit-positive and consistent with existing accounting, while consumer advocates opposed it as increasing rates without enough oversight. The committee discussed possible amendments to add more cost controls, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee voted HB 2563, the companion to SB 2510, favorably to the full Senate by a 5-0 vote and ordered it certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 143, which would codify interagency procedures for addressing electrical power line safety at well sites and related facilities after wildfire concerns; members said a committee substitute had been negotiated with agencies and stakeholders to clarify responsibilities, timelines, and inspection authority while reducing fiscal impact. No final vote was taken on HB 143, and the committee recessed with several bills still pending.

Transcript Highlights:

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Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment