Transcript Highlights:

• So, a key retailer in Texas, and really all over East Texas and Texas, Tractor Supply operates 239 stores
• I live in Frisco, Texas.
• I live in Frisco, Texas.
• Laura Temez, Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
• Texas uses a different test called operations and control and direction.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Transportation heard several bills, mostly local memorial highway designations and transportation-related regulatory measures. Senator Hinojosa presented SB 1351 to designate part of US 281 in Hidalgo County as the Jose Rodriguez Lua Memorial Highway in honor of a Border Patrol processing coordinator killed by a drunk driver; a family member testified emotionally in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending SB 2245 on bonded titles for vehicles when a lienholder has gone out of business, SB 1568 on animal-friendly specialty license plates with a second “spay, neuter, adopt” plate, SB 2589 on handling closed county roads in Webb County, SB 1104 on allowing large retailers to use one fingerprinted employee of record across multiple Texas locations, SB 1423 naming the Bill Stout Parkway in Longview, and SB 1931 naming part of US 83 the Rodolfo Valdez Memorial Highway. Most of these bills drew supportive testimony or were presented as local measures with no opposition. The committee also took up broader policy bills. SB 215 would create a digital identification program for Texas driver’s licenses and certain other licenses, but the sponsor said he was mainly laying the bill out for discussion and study; testimony was limited and the bill was left pending. SB 2707 would clarify that government entities such as TxDOT and the military remain exempt from fees on oversized/overweight permit authority, though a county commissioner raised questions about road-use impacts and fee revenue. SB 2807 drew the most discussion: it would prevent a motor carrier’s use of safety technology, training, and related practices from being used as evidence that an independent contractor is actually an employee. Supporters said the bill would encourage adoption of safety tools like cameras and braking systems without increasing misclassification risk, while opponents from the trial lawyers’ side warned the wording could conflict with existing labor-code definitions and create litigation. The sponsor and committee members discussed possible clarifying floor amendments. After public testimony, the committee voted on the pending bills. All measures were reported favorably on 6-0 votes, with committee substitutes adopted where applicable. SB 1351, SB 1423, SB 1568, SB 1931, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2707, SB 2807, and SB 2841 were all sent to the full Senate, and several were recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee recessed subject to the call of the chair after completing the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Insurance Code Title 5, Chapter 542A, Section 542.003.
• When reviewing Texas Insurance Code cases, if an insured hires an attorney, the attorney may handle the
• Yeah, I know, I know how much you've had to do with insurance code in Texas and all that stuff, so I
• Does not include pharmacists or pharmacies under Texas Insurance Code 1458.
• The Texas Insurance Code provides coverage for telemedicine services.

Transcript Highlights:

• So every day here in the state of Texas, we have over 1000 providers that are utilizing our solution
• So the state of Texas or HHS utilizes this visit data to ensure that they're paying for services that
• Our statutory authority is in chapter 36 of the Human Resources Code, the Texas Health Care Program Fraud
• We took a look at the Texas Administrative Code, the TAC, and based on publicly available data, looking
• Texas Health Services Authority was established in 2007 under Chapter 182 of the Health and Safety Code

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.

Transcript Highlights:

• If we hurt Texas energy, we hurt good-paying Texas jobs.
• We raise the cost of every item on Texas families. The last thing Good-paying Texas jobs.
• housing units here in Texas.
• Texas.
• You can't get pension work in Texas.

Summary: The Senate took up and passed Senate Bill 945, which concerns political shareholder proposals by insurers and insurance holding companies. Senator Hughes argued the bill would protect Texas-based insurers from activist shareholder pressure, especially proposals aimed at limiting insurance coverage for oil and gas companies for ESG or political reasons. The motion to suspend the regular order was adopted over objection, and SB 945 passed to engrossment on a 20-10 vote with one present not voting. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 1117, allowing any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin in oral or maxillofacial regions for aesthetic purposes, and House Joint Resolution 98, renewing Texas’s application for an Article 5 Convention of States to propose amendments on fiscal restraints, federal power limits, and term limits. Both measures advanced after debate and roll-call votes; SB 1117 passed unanimously after suspension of the three-day rule, and H.J.R. 98 was adopted on a 17-14 vote. Members then approved several other measures, including the committee substitute for House Bill 142 on HHSC’s Office of Inspector General and Medicaid overpayment recovery, Senate Bill 2373 on AI-enabled financial fraud and deepfake/phishing schemes, Senate Bill 2221 on fraudulent UCC financing statements, and Senate Bill 2681 on the basis for third-party voter-registration challenges. The Senate also adopted a resolution authorizing a Texas Life Monument replica at the Capitol complex, and passed S.J.R. 59 creating funds for Texas State Technical College capital needs. The body debated and passed Senate Bill 946, which would bar credit discrimination against organizations based on social, political, religious, or similar value-based considerations and require credit decisions to rest on creditworthiness. Senators raised concerns that the bill could create a special protected class for non-human entities or conflict with existing state policies, but the bill advanced to engrossment on a 20-11 vote. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2477 to ease office-to-residential conversions in large cities after adopting an amendment negotiated with municipal stakeholders, and began consideration of Senate Bill 715 on ERCOT reliability requirements for generators, including existing generation, with extensive debate over impacts on renewables, power purchase agreements, and grid reliability.

Transcript Highlights:

• We apply criteria that are spelled out in Chapter 325 of the Government Code. the Texas Sunset Act, and
• That I believe is in the Texas Administrative Code.
• One is Chapter 531 of the Texas Government Code, and it's suited to... to go to chapter 544 in April
• And so, uh, tax code, the Texas tax code generally covers how districts set their INS rates.
• That's the Texas Education Code. He opened it up and says, what law was that? And I said, 11.15.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the Director of Public Engagement with the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Natural Resources Code 91.
• Railroad Commission of Texas.
• , Barnett Shale in North Texas, or the Hainesville-Busier in East Texas?
• Thank you. ...Texas or the Hainesville-Busier in East Texas?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, Texas Education Code 28.002, which outlines the required curriculum, lays out the requirement
• I don't understand that extra time because the way that this Texas Education Code 28.002 is written,
• So then under Texas Education Code 28.002, I guess that's, is that L? L. Yes, ma'am. Okay.
• I don't oversee that division, but they're working on Texas Administrative Code Rule changes to comply
• It's utilizing a container clinic that's built by students at Texas A&M. It's a group called Build.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas Water Capital Needs Survey is that utilities are facing rising operating costs, increasing capital
• Since about half of the water loss in Texas is concentrated in 10 large utilities, it potentially facilitates
• I’ll begin with water rights permitting, which is governed by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 11.
• So Texas Water Code 16.060 outlines the criteria for zone designation.
• a about. pursue individual Texas pollutant discharge elimination system permits, or utilize evaporation

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So every day here in the state of Texas, we have over 1,000 providers that are utilizing our EVV solution
• So the state of Texas, or HHSC, utilizes this visit data to ensure that they're paying for services that
• So the state of Texas or HHSC utilizes this visit data to ensure that they're paying for services that
• We took a look at the Texas Administrative Code, the TAC, audit ready.
• Texas Health Authority was established in 2007, Chapter 182, Health and Safety Code, really to promote

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1701 by Flores relating to the administration enforcement of fire code referred to the Committee on
• Commission of Texas, and the Railroad Commission of Texas for the Committee on State Affairs, HB 2168
• HB 29 by Gerde's relating to water losses reported in certain municipality owned utilities to the Texas
• By Vaughn and willing to the creation of the Texas Future Fund, the Texas Future Fund Investment Review
• HB 1515 by Canal. of the continuation of functions of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and the Texas

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
• It wouldn't be one code wrong.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this bill adds protections for linemen and utility workers in the Penal Code.
• Members, this bill adds protections for linemen and utility workers in the penal code.
• HB 4668 by King, relating to the authority of the Public Utility Commission of Texas to retain assistance
• Senate Bill 856 amends the Labor Code to add Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station to the list of
• This bill makes technical updates to the governing code of the Texas Property and Casualty Insurance

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation and pledges, received Senate messages, and adopted several procedural motions allowing committees to meet during the session and postponing or scheduling certain committee hearings. Members also observed a memorial recognition for Wood County Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard, who died in the line of duty, and adopted a resolution honoring her service. The chamber then adopted House Resolution 897 recognizing May 6, 2025 as Golf Day in Texas and House Resolution 1063 recognizing Dallas Housing Coalition Advocacy Day; additional recognitions highlighted Mental Health Awareness Month and tardive dyskinesia awareness, The Woodlands’ 50th anniversary, Alzheimer’s advocacy, student athlete Gator Young, an intern in Rep. Leo-Wilson’s office, and educator Jessica Lopez. The House spent much of the day on third-reading consideration of a long calendar of bills. Among the measures passed were HB 24 on zoning protest procedures, HB 3800 creating a health care workforce advisory board, HB 42 on higher education appropriations, HB 129 restricting contracts with foreign adversary companies, HB 677 on county elections administrator political activity, HB 668 on license-to-carry renewal procedures, HB 2128 directing a rural firefighting study, HB 2038 expanding physician licensing options, HB 2316 on election result reporting, HB 3686 on retired peace officer ID cards, HB 2563 creating a prescribed burn manager self-insurance pool, HB 1160 increasing penalties for assaults on utility workers, HB 3883 on major events funding, HB 2788 protecting fraud-detection information, HB 2663 on inactive well plugging extensions, HB 3305 extending a county health provider participation program, HB 3474 on pension reporting, HB 1105 expanding tuition exemptions for certain paramedics, HB 3490 on closed meetings with internal auditors, HB 3597 on child care facility notice thresholds, HB 1295 on health literacy planning, HB 3512 on AI training for government employees, HB 3783 on court-ordered counseling, HB 2017 on intoxication manslaughter penalties, HB 3010 on rural disaster recovery, HB 3112 on cybersecurity-related public information and meetings, HB 4215 on delivery network companies, HB 3223 on construction claims limitation periods, HB 3464 on controlled substances in correctional facilities, HB 3120 on residential child detention facilities, HB 4214 on public information, HB 481 on trade secret sealing, HB 4783 on opioid antagonist program reporting, HB 4063 on unilateral memoranda of contract, HB 2783 on county employee deferred compensation, HB 5085 on seed banks, HB 2510 on assisted living facility operations, HB 3426 on digital driver’s licenses, HB 4361 on emergency notifications at higher education institutions, HB 1169 on oil and gas infrastructure protection, HB 2516 on Medicare supplement eligibility for Texans under 65, HB 3560 on hospital staff background checks, HB 3860 on occupational licenses for inmates, HB 3146 on SOAH hearings, HB 184 on loan repayment for border prosecution attorneys, HB 198 on firefighter cancer screenings, HB 247 on border security infrastructure taxation, HB 367 on excused absences for students with severe illnesses, HB 449 on deepfake sexually explicit images, HB 1778 on human trafficking and related offenses, HB 514 on maternal health workforce outreach, HB 632 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2582 on victim parole information, HB 766 on precinct chair ballot applications, HB 2715 on suspension/removal of officials, HB 2712 on water and sewer utility test years, HB 3069 on transmission projects, HB 3505 on health provider participation districts, HB 1269 on plant disease and pest prevention grants, HB 4224 on access to health care records, HB 5032 on historical documents in the Capitol complex, HB 2240 on void marriages, HB 5180 on diploma designation, HB 3348 on health provider participation programs, HB 4668 on PUC authority to retain assistance, HB 4665 on child care training providers, HB 3395 on beneficiary designation for manufactured homes, HB 3157 on interim electric utility rates, HB 4395 on electronic submission of public securities records, HB 4325 on bribery civil penalties, HB 4386 on annuity replacement transactions, HB 4273 on Medicaid fraud-related unlawful acts, HB 2760 on judicial review of unemployment decisions, HB 2820 on charitable bingo operating capital, HB 1828 on legislative leave for correctional officers, and a series of Senate bills including SB 2349, SB 1268, SB 610, SB 1577, SB 1369, SB 2032, SB 1057, SB 1044, SB 922, SB 1759, SB 1143, SB 1506, SB 1403, SB 2361, SB 870, SB 372, and SB 72. Several bills drew debate or amendments, including HB 24, where a germane point of order was sustained against an amendment, and HB 198, HB 3348, and SB 2361, which were amended before passage. Most measures passed by wide margins, though some drew notable opposition, including HB 3883, HB 514, HB 1295, HB 184, SB 1143, and others. The House also postponed further consideration of HB 4700 until the end of the day and HB 24 until 1 p.m., and it granted permission for committees to meet during the House session and for the Calendars Committee to meet that morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• code a little bit too.
• code a little bit too.
• Texas, although as a percentage, Texas is projected to be kind of similar to North the Texas, although
• Some states, I think Texas is probably an example of this, have utilized a curtail-and-manage system
• Some states, I think Texas is probably an example of this, have utilized a, I can't remember exactly

Summary: The committee held its first meeting on artificial intelligence and data centers, established a quorum, and heard introductory remarks from Majority Leader Hogue and the chair about the committee’s charge. Members said the goal was to build a factual foundation on AI, hear from experts and stakeholders, and develop practical North Dakota-focused recommendations rather than simply produce a large volume of bills. Legislative Council also reviewed interim committee rules and procedures before the informational presentations began. Staff and NCSL presenters then gave overviews of AI concepts and the state and federal policy landscape. The background memo and presentations covered AI categories and terms, state laws in areas such as consumer protection, algorithmic discrimination, deepfakes, chatbots, children’s safety, health, education, and government use, as well as data center siting and economic impacts. NCSL described a growing number of AI bills introduced and enacted across the states, with comprehensive laws in places like Utah, Colorado, Texas, California, and Illinois, and noted recurring issues around transparency, privacy, liability, and protections for minors. A major focus of the discussion was federal preemption and the tension between state regulation and national AI policy. NCSL said a recent White House executive order and related federal framework seek a light-touch, innovation-friendly national standard, with possible challenges to state laws and possible funding conditions tied to compliance, though no broad federal preemption has yet been enacted. Members asked about Commerce Clause concerns, industry pushback, oversight models, and whether AI policy is bipartisan; presenters said the issue cuts across party lines, with broad agreement on child safety and deepfake restrictions but more disagreement on broader regulatory approaches. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting, and the committee recessed briefly for technical issues during the second presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• But really, the 10-hour workday has really saved us in East Texas, West Texas, in the Texas panhandle
• to Texas DPS in 1936.
• Federal code. Right?
• Federal Code. Right?
• Federal Code. Right?

Bills: SB 1

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are getting a good utilization rate.
• As an electric utility, we see electric vehicles as assets that can help us improve utilization of our
• You said that the utility provides that.
• There are many benefits of these newer codes.
• And they're building homes that currently exceed the codes of the current building codes.

Transcript Highlights:

• from NAMI Texas.
• Commission of Texas.
• Your bill amends Texas Election Code Section 254.031A(7) to require reporting of the name of each candidate
• Hemphill, Texas, Bass Fishing Capital of Texas. I move passage.
• at the Public Utility Commission of Texas; referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since about half of the water loss in Texas is concentrated in 10 large utilities, it potentially facilitates
• They utilize IT, they utilize finance, they utilize all those different departments.
• I'll begin with water rights permitting, which is governed by the Texas Water Code, Chapter 11.
• So, Texas Water Code 16.060 outlines the criteria for zone designation.
• Otherwise, projects must pursue individual Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits or utilize

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas.
• So one of the things we at state agencies is required to do is comply with Texas labor code.
• And this is coming from Texas Labor. code, compared to the number of African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans
• worldwide, and we utilize that in promoting Texas. is in those $14 billion of exports.
• We spend a great deal of time putting Texas products on shelves. Utilizing any state dollars.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and building codes.
• This bill is especially important for rural Texas.
• In 1971, the state of Texas authorized the creation of municipal utility districts known as MUDs to streamline
• And there are just less and less of our population in Texas, certainly in the central Texas area that
• universities, Texas State and UH.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will not change the requirements on how to become a school psychologist in Texas.
• Monica Martinez with the Texas Education Agency is available as a... Resource witness.
• Hill here on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders, our nearly 10,000...
• My name is Carl Walker with the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association.
• House Bill 824 seeks to strengthen civics readiness among Texas high school students.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all