Video & Transcript Research : 'Bell County'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
October 8, 2025 - 10:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm in Brevard County Born District. 32 a married with 4 children and the dog run a couple of businesses
- But really this is a large bell that focuses on much more than just Medicaid.
- Policies are provisions of the one to get a full bell act.
- One of the most significant impact Florida and bell result in a revision to 2 qualified Allianz's is
- So so thank you for that with the passage of the bill about 3 months ago this year size of the bell,
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Waving these funds would allow the Bell County Child Welfare Board and others like them to use those
- The estimate that they were giving, that Bell County gave me was about $6,000 a year.
- Is the board treasurer for Bell County Child Welfare Board testifying on behalf of Bell County Child
- The Bell County Child Welfare Board is a non-profit organization.
- So it's a question of does Bell County pay for that or does the state pay for it? Correct. Okay.
Bills:
HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216
Keywords:
lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Beasley, Mr.<00:24:48.960>
Bell, Mr. Bell, Mr. - Talapusa County Bending. Talapusa County Bending.
- Talapusa County. Talapusa County.
- regarding Clark County. regarding Clark County.
- and counties. and counties.
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and roll call, establishing a quorum and adopting routine motions to excuse absent senators, dispense with the prior journal, and allow bills and committee reports to be received throughout the day. The chamber also welcomed several guests, including members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and other visitors in the gallery.
The Senate received multiple House messages, referring several House bills on taxation, local legislation, and the entertainment industry to committee, and concurred in House amendments to Senate Bill 259 on counties and Senate Bill 228 on the Alabama Space Authority. Committee reports then advanced a number of bills, including favorable reports from Judiciary, County and Municipal Government, and Local Legislation committees, with several bills receiving substitutes or minor dissent. The Senate also re-referred Senate Bill 333 to Local Legislation, Mobile County, and Senate Bill 292 to County and Municipal Government.
Members adopted several commemorative resolutions, including Senate Joint Resolutions honoring Lt. Col. Jonathan David Schultz, Honda’s 25 years of operation in Alabama, Mrs. Kelly Fischer as Alabama High School Principal of the Year, and Peggy Sers Benson on her retirement from the Alabama Board of Nursing. The Senate also adopted a Rules Committee report setting a special order calendar that included bills on ground ambulance services, counties and municipalities, solid waste collection fees, public schools, and public assistance.
On the floor, the Senate passed local bills including Senate Bill 324 on Tallapoosa County, House Bill 485 on Clark County, House Bill 479 on Cusa County, House Bill 410 on Limestone County, and House Bill 412 on Limestone County. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 254 on parole, adopting an amendment offered at the request of district attorneys to clarify the Pardons and Paroles Board’s discretion, and passed the bill 26-2. The Senate also debated Senate Bill 269 on ground ambulance services, with the sponsor describing it as a pilot bill addressing reimbursement, surprise billing, reporting requirements, and “treat in place” options; Senator Stutts raised concerns that it would shift costs to a smaller group of payers and increase premiums, while the sponsor argued it could reduce unnecessary transports and save money. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final vote on SB 269 shown.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Louis County on the in northern St.
- <01:26:38.800>
Bell. >> You even get a microphone, Mr. Bell. - I live in um my name is Brandon Bell. I live in um my name is Brandon Bell.
- <01:31:32.800>
Bell. >> Thank you so much, Mr. Bell. - Bell.
Keywords:
background study, disqualification, set-aside, permanent disqualification, Office of Administrative Hearings, chief judge, human services licensing, substance use disorder treatment, SUD treatment, chemical dependency, recovery, rehabilitation, abstinence, foster care, child foster care, vulnerable adults, caregiver background check, license holder, direct contact, risk of harm
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bell. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- We did have one little obstacle or bump in the road in Lamar County...
- In the north side gallery, we have Miss Bree Brooke Bell Brooks.
- Uh, there was inadvertently the word country, and it should have been county.
- Bell. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor (3-26-26)
Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor
Transcript Highlights:
- From Bell County, he's not here going to spend the day with me today and find out what not to do to become
- It defined heritage counties.
- Um, and we've added some, I guess, some sweeteners in those counties.
- And the thought process behind it was, hey, these are the counties that are maybe lagging behind what
- It was, hey, these are the counties that are maybe lagging behind what we're seeing in other areas of
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS House Floor - 3 February, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Bell. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two announcements.
- of Alpha Kappa Alpha from Washington County.
- of Alpha Kappa Alpha from Washington County.
- He also with the city of Lee County.
- And he had served with the Clay County And he had served with the Clay County Sheriff's<00:35:40.680
Summary:
The House convened with a prayer, pledge, and quorum present, then moved through routine organizational business including journal approval, committee reports, introduction of pages, and numerous member introductions recognizing visiting veterans groups, medical residents and physicians, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members, former members, constituents, and other guests. Several members also made announcements about upcoming committee meetings and events, including Education, Drug Policy, Appropriations A, Elections, and other standing committees.
The main floor action involved adoption of two House resolutions from the supplemental calendar. House Resolution 29 designated January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month in Mississippi, with remarks highlighting the importance of blood donation, Vitalant’s role, and the need for a diverse blood supply; the resolution was adopted. House Resolution 26 commended Jamal Roberts for winning the 23rd season of American Idol; members noted he would not be present the next day because of other obligations and that he would reschedule, and the resolution was also adopted.
Later, the House observed a moment of silence and announced it would adjourn in memory of Richard Hagar, a law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty, and J.P. Carter, a 3-year-old who died of cancer. The chamber recessed and later adjourned until 10:00 a.m. the next day after additional committee meeting announcements and member notices, including a breakfast invitation and a reminder about committee schedules.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- County Day.
- Chambers County is a place.
- Members, today is Lufkin Angelina County, Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County days at our state cap.
- It's an honor to represent Angelina County here in the Texas House, the only county in Texas.
- Michael Fozzie Tarabay of Sour Lake in my home county of Hardin, Hardin County.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environment Protection (6-3-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:26:38.799>
Every <00:26:39.120>county body, no county was hurt. - Every county body, no county was hurt.
- And if Perry County, Representative Fugate, is being treated exactly as Faget County or Jefferson County
- Here are the heritage counties.
- I a message of hope to those counties.
Keywords:
The first few minutes of this meeting was missed on the live stream. This upload restores those few minutes, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee met with Secretary Jeff Null and General Counsel Matt Wing of the Cabinet for Economic Development for an overview of the cabinet’s main economic development tools, strategy, and compliance practices. Null said the cabinet uses a data-driven approach focused on competitiveness, site readiness, wages, workforce training, and long-term assets such as roads, rail spurs, water, and sewer improvements. He emphasized that the cabinet tries to balance attracting new employers with supporting existing businesses, and said compliance is a core value of the agency.
Null walked members through several programs, including the closing fund, Kentucky Business Incentive (KBI), Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training support, and the KIA sales-tax refund tool for construction materials and equipment. He said the closing fund has received $80 million over two years for projects generally involving at least $10 million in investment, though some flexibility exists. He also explained that Bluegrass State Skills funding is typically about $2,000 to $3,000 per job and can be used flexibly for training, including sending Kentucky workers to be trained elsewhere or paying trainers to come to Kentucky. He described KBI as a pay-as-you-go, incremental tax credit tied to actual jobs and investment, and said the legislature’s tiered refundable credit structure allows more targeted use of incentives in heritage and non-heritage counties.
A substantial portion of the presentation focused on compliance and monitoring. Null said incentive agreements are written with commercial terms and spell out jobs, investment, wages, and training commitments. The cabinet requires regular reporting, invoices, and sampling, and can use clawbacks or suspend benefits if companies fail to meet obligations or lose required environmental permits. He said the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority reviews incentive applications in public meetings and often requires company representatives to answer questions before preliminary approval is granted. No votes or formal actions were taken during the meeting.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Bell. Here. Representative Lujan. Here. A quorum is present. Good morning, members.
- You will hear from a constituent of mine, Constable Carl Rogers from Meckler County.
- I'm the director of the Ector County Medical Examiner's Office in Odessa, Ector County.
- I'm also the constable in Precinct 3 in Ector County.
- Chairman Bell? Thanks for being here.
Keywords:
healthcare, Medicare, insurance, financial assistance, families, wage theft, employers, penalties, Texas Workforce Commission, employee rights, employer database, worker rights, death investigation, emergency services, medical benefits, exposure claims, public safety, workforce development, TWC, youth workforce
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Mar 3rd, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- Population growth in the majority of the counties is either stagnant or declining.
- That already live in the county or municipality.
- Counties are included everywhere else. It was just overlooked on line 44.
- So, the amendment is to counties.
- Counties are included everywhere else. Counties are included everywhere else.
Keywords:
underground damage prevention, one-call notification system, utility locating, excavation safety, dig safe, call before you dig, 811, utility lines, underground utilities, pipeline safety, gas pipeline, electric utility, telecommunications, water utility, wastewater, cable television, locate request, premark, tolerance zone, positive response
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- The Broward County, the Broward County feels like that, so there's somewhat of an internal between the
- We know that land is at a maximum in Dade County and other areas, but in rural counties, not so much.
- So the Florida Association of Counties and my counties in particular feel that they already share in
- Even Leon County is different than Liberty County, and requiring them to have all this extra oversight
- Small counties as much as I do.
Keywords:
negligence, compensation, child welfare, law enforcement accountability, personal injury, police negligence, law enforcement, monetary compensation, civil rights, city liability, electric vehicle, EV, battery fire, lithium-ion battery, towing, wrecker service, vehicle storage, submerged vehicle, saltwater damage, fire marshal
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced a wide range of bills focused on water safety, utilities, housing, transparency, and claims relief. CS/SB 848 on stormwater treatment was presented as a follow-up to prior water-quality legislation and reported favorably with one support waiver. SB 28, a claims bill for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, was also reported favorably. CS/SB 658, a bipartisan child-drowning prevention bill for rental properties, drew extensive testimony from child advocacy and drowning-prevention groups in strong support; amendments required rental license applicants to certify compliance and removed local-government add-on authority, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 18, a claims bill involving the estate of a deceased minor and the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, prompted questions about settlement and responsibility but was ultimately reported favorably despite opposition from a waiver form.
Several utility and infrastructure measures were considered. CS/SB 1724 would regulate municipal utility service outside city limits, limit revenue transfers, require public meetings, and cap rate differences; an amendment added gas utilities, and the bill was reported favorably after testimony from municipal utility representatives and small-county advocates. CS/SB 1014 would require municipal utilities to extend water and wastewater service to certain nearby residential properties without conditioning service on annexation; an amendment narrowed the bill to residential uses and clarified capacity and grandfathering provisions, and it passed favorably. CS/SB 1102 would allow local infrastructure surtax revenue to fund body camera programs, with an amendment making the surtax authorization prospective and requiring a new referendum; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 260 on electric-vehicle storage in towing yards was amended to focus on storage only and to tie the higher fee to the period before fire-risk inspection, then reported favorably after testimony from insurers, fire officials, and EV industry representatives.
The committee also advanced education, housing, and ethics-related bills. SB 1264 would ease zoning and code barriers for small private schools and micro-schools, with supporters arguing it would expand school choice and opponents raising implementation concerns; it was reported favorably. SB 934 on Florida Keys areas of critical state concern was amended to remove a tax-exemption section that conflicted with the Live Local Act, then reported favorably. SB 1622 would provide a one-time waiver of late financial-disclosure fines under specified conditions and was reported favorably. Finally, CS/SB 1566 on local government spending and transparency required online posting of budgets and related materials, and an amendment added utility revenue reinvestment and other changes while removing DEI spending restrictions; the bill drew support for transparency but concern from small cities and counties about cost and workload, and it was reported favorably. The meeting ended with adjournment after senators recorded votes on selected bills.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 5th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Sheriff Cody Kimps, Cody Sipson, Atoka County Sheriff's Office.
- Deputy Doug Isabel, Atoka County Sheriff's Office. Deputy JD Mixon, Atoka County Sheriff's Office.
- Dispatcher Emily Denny, Atoka County Sheriff's Office.
- incident in May of 2025 involving a high-speed pursuit and subsequent armed confrontation in Etoka County
Keywords:
water infrastructure, Oklahoma Water Resources Board, revolving fund, grants, environmental compliance, SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, fossil fuels
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Now, that's unique to REAP that you might hear on the County level. This is a REAP water program.
- The situation that was brought to my attention was in Fort Gibson, there in Muskogee County, and a young
Keywords:
SB1191, Oklahoma Energy Initiative Act, Oklahoma Low Carbon Energy Initiative Board, low carbon energy, clean energy, energy policy, renewable energy, board repeal, statutory repeal, administrative board, energy committee, natural resources, Oklahoma statutes, 17 O.S. 802.3, groundwater, indemnity fund, well drilling, pollution prevention, regulatory compliance, SB1319
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- assault, in which we noticed that in some cases it lasted for years, and they never notified the county
- attorney... ...that in some cases it lasted for years, and they never notified the county attorney,
- We have a 264% deficit for primary care physicians in Maricopa County alone.
- Birch Society, and I have been teaching constitutional classes to precinct committeemen all over the county
Keywords:
health profession, regulatory boards, criminal activity, notification, auditor general, investigations, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, ALTCS, providers, ownership change, healthcare, Arizona Long Term Care System, naturopathic physician, naturopathic medicine, naturopathic doctor, naturopathic physicians medical board
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Education Policy Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Education Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Geneva County than we do pave roads. Geneva County than we do pave roads.
- And from Geneva County. Yeah, county. Uh, thank you, Senator.
- Baker, I believe Dale County Schools had the highest grade for any county system in the state on the
- County schools in my district. Uh Mr. County schools in my district. Uh Mr.
- When I was 11 years old and County.
Keywords:
military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- chairman of the juvenile board of Parker County.
- I'm the Chambers County District Clerk, and I'm here representing the County and District Clerks' Association
- I'm the Chambers County District Clerk, and I'm here representing the County and District Clerks' Association
- I'm the Chambers County District Clerk, and I'm here representing the County District Clerk's Association
- We have Seth Bell. Mr. Bell. I'll just identify... I'll just have done.
Bills:
HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB 1024, HB 1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667
Keywords:
sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met with a quorum and heard a long agenda of bills on criminal justice, public safety, mental health, victims’ rights, and related administrative issues. Early bills included HB 47, the omnibus sexual assault survivors bill, which would expand post-assault care, require courts to consider delays for adult survivors, bar sex offenders from rideshare driving, allow lease termination regardless of where an assault occurred, and require more reporting from sexual assault response teams. Testimony was generally supportive, though one witness raised concern that the bill’s reporting requirements could jeopardize county grant funding. HB 171, the Annel Borrego Act, would set a minimum period for court-ordered chemical dependency treatment; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 908 would require missing children reports to be sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within two hours, and HB 1443 would criminalize possession and promotion of childlike sex dolls; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 567, changing juvenile board chair selection in Parker County, and HB 4263, a TJJD workforce retention bill, were also heard and left pending after brief discussion and adoption of committee substitutes where applicable.
The committee also heard several bills focused on jail and prison safety, court process, and victim protection. HB 2282 would raise the arrest warrant fee from $50 to $75; constables supported it as a cost-recovery measure, while the Texas Fair Defense Project opposed it as a regressive fee that burdens low-income defendants. HB 3464 would increase penalties for correctional employees who bring drugs or alcohol into prisons, with support from Harris County jail officials and a formerly incarcerated advocate who described the dangers of contraband and retaliation. HB 285, “Poncho’s Law,” would add criminal negligence to non-livestock animal cruelty offenses; animal welfare advocates said it would close a loophole that lets pet service businesses avoid accountability, and the bill was left pending. HB 2355 would keep certain Crime Victims Compensation records confidential when held by the Attorney General, and HB 2637 would standardize jury exemption ages and clean up jury disqualification reporting; both were left pending after limited testimony.
Mental health and competency-related bills received significant attention. HB 305 would require a pretrial hearing within 14 days after a defendant is restored to competency, aimed at reducing repeated decompensation and the forensic waitlist; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 1741 would tighten procedures for not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity outpatient commitments by requiring a stronger nexus to the receiving county and clearer supervision authority; law enforcement and mental health witnesses said it would improve public safety and treatment success. HB 2492 would make the four-hour family-violence post-bond cooling-off period mandatory rather than discretionary, and HB 1445 would allow a managed assigned counsel director to designate someone to approve certain payments for indigent defense attorneys; both were left pending. HB 1024 would require prompt execution of warrants for parole violators on superintensive supervision, and HB 1306 would extend first-responder-style benefits to death investigation professionals; neither drew opposition in the hearing.
The committee also heard a series of public integrity and technology bills. HB 449 would expand the deepfake sexual content statute to include sexually explicit images, with Public Citizen supporting the change as necessary to address a rapidly growing problem. HB 1902 would create a new offense for “jugging,” or following bank or ATM customers to rob them; the Texas Bankers Association supported it. HB 2697 would require sureties to notify prosecutors before surrendering a felony defendant’s bond, and HB 2001 would sharply increase penalties for misuse of public information for financial gain and related coercion, with prosecutors and Texas Rangers describing bid-rigging and public corruption investigations as difficult to prove under current law because of short limitations periods and limited penalties. HB 1866 would grant Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service rangers within Texas park boundaries, and HB 4996 would increase penalties for fraudulent liens filed against public servants. Throughout the hearing, most bills were left pending after testimony, and several committee substitutes were adopted without objection.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Medicaid would not cover this because they're in county jail or they're under the county authority.
- They would be in the county jail.
- Okay, so you serve five different ... counties.
- They suck counties dry; they suck the state.
- Red River, Delta, and Fannin Counties in Texas and three counties in southeastern Oklahoma.
Keywords:
SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 30th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- The Chair lays out House Bill 1540 and recognizes Representative Bell to explain the bill.
- Seeing no questions, the Chair recognizes Representative Bell. Oh, there is a resource witness.
- The Chair recognizes Representative Bell to close. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and again, members.
Keywords:
government review, Texas Sunset Act, regulatory oversight, agencies, sunset provisions, autonomous vehicles, regulation, safety, criminal offense, Autonomous Vehicle Commission, registration, regulations, Level 4 automation, Level 5 automation, self-driving technology, traffic laws, permit system, collision reporting, safety standards, Automated Vehicle Commission
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Specifically, the committee substitute removes the county-specific representation for coastal representatives
- Chair opens up the testimony and calls Gene Ryle of Rayburn County Electric Co-op. Thank you, Mr.
- Rayburn Electric Cooperative, as well as its four distribution cooperative members, including Fannin County
Bills:
SB1113, SB1117, SB1206, SB1460, SB1802, SB1906, SB1917, SB2340, SB2455, SB2680, SB2690, SB705, SB748
Keywords:
SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number
Summary:
The committee took up pending business first and reported several bills favorably, including SB 2139, SB 2610, SB 1856, SB 2530, SB 2401, SB 2858, and SB 3016, with most of those measures moving out on committee substitutes and being sent to the local and uncontested calendar or to the full Senate. The committee also heard SB 1906 on expanding Chapter 342E consumer lending rates; supporters argued it would modernize Texas law and expand access to safe, regulated credit, while opponents from Texas Appleseed and AARP warned it would raise costs on already expensive loans and worsen debt burdens. SB 1906 was left pending after testimony. The committee also reconsidered and re-voted SB 1856 after a procedural issue, with the substitute ultimately adopted and the bill reported favorably.
The committee then heard SB 1113, which would clarify that certain vehicle converters, including a Texarkana business, do not need an additional dealer license to sell converted vehicles. The bill’s supporters described a long-standing business model and said the new metal license plate rules had created problems, while the Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposed the bill in its current form and said it could be resolved through DMV action or narrower changes. DMV said it was still researching a possible administrative fix, and SB 1113 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 2680, a Public Information Act cleanup bill dealing with emergency deadlines, business-day exclusions, and litigation timing; broadcasters and other open-government advocates argued the issues were already addressed by prior law and court rulings, while the Attorney General’s office said the bill would help with catastrophe notices and timing conflicts. SB 2680 was left pending.
Other bills heard included SB 1117, which would allow any Texas-licensed dentist to administer botulinum toxin neuromodulators for aesthetic purposes in the oral and maxillofacial region; the author and dental witnesses said it would clarify scope and improve access, and the bill was left pending. SB 2340 would clarify the Attorney General’s investigative authority over Texas corporations, including pre-suit depositions and sworn written questions; opponents raised due process and separation-of-powers concerns, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard SB 705 and SB 748, both TDLR cleanup bills, and SB 1206, which would impose timelines and notice requirements on municipalities reviewing transmission projects; SB 1206 was supported by an electric cooperative and left pending. SB 1460, creating an ethics violation registry tied to licensing consequences, drew constitutional and due-process objections from several witnesses and was also left pending. After a recess, the committee heard SB 1802 on landlord duties to repair mobility assistance devices like elevators and ramps in rental housing, with the author describing prolonged outages affecting seniors; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 2455, creating an Energy Waste Advisory Committee to coordinate efficiency and demand-response programs, drew support from energy-efficiency and environmental witnesses and was left pending, and SB 2690, targeting deceptive business-certification solicitations, was laid out and opened to testimony before the transcript ended.