Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, well, let's go down on section two, line 11 there, subsection two, line 11.
• We can indicate that the family law section members represent rural and urban.
• How does that work with the language in Section D?
• And then it talks about, in the third section, requesting a hearing.
• I'll refer to the section generally.

Summary: The Child Custody Review Task Force met to approve prior minutes and then worked through draft legislation related to a possible family court study committee. The group discussed the proposed 15-member committee’s makeup in detail, including whether to add parent representation, judges, family law section members, child support, clerks of court, domestic violence advocates, and other stakeholders. The task force ultimately agreed to keep the committee at 15 members, reduce the legislative membership from eight to six, add two judges from different districts, add two family law section members with rural and urban representation, include one parent subject to a custody order, and replace the mental health professional with a clerk of court representative appointed through the trial court administrator’s office. The draft was also revised to keep domestic violence advocacy representation and to clarify that the study could consider juvenile court issues as part of the family court umbrella. The committee voted to approve the revised draft and recommend it to Legislative Management, with one recorded “no” vote from Judge Hovey after the meeting resumed. The task force then turned to a second draft dealing with requiring participation in a family transition program, which was renamed in discussion to a parenting education course. Members debated whether the bill should simply refer to an existing program like Parents Forever or instead specify broader education about the court process, parental rights, co-parenting, and related issues. Some members supported the requirement as a way to reduce conflict and improve understanding of the system, while others raised concerns about vague language, cost to parents, lack of exemptions, and whether the bill was too open-ended or potentially duplicative of other legislation. The discussion became lengthy and unresolved, with the drafter noting that more specific direction would be needed to revise the bill. The transcript cuts off before a final vote or action on this second draft is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section four will provide definitions to establish the purview of the OIG.
• Section eight is data practices.
• want to take away from the general powers set forth in section six either.
• Section six of the bill now... section seven of the bill could be expanded on, particularly, as Senator
• want to take away from the general powers set forth in section six either.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would repeal in section four, it would repeal section five, five. A transfer bill.
• And I'm not speaking for the author, but if in section 4, it says that section 552.231 is required.
• The most concerning part of House Bill 111 is Section 3.
• sections from the TPIA to the Open Meetings Act removes a section from the file bill that removed the
• So that's the section that is there now.

Bills: HB 111, HB1545, HB2145, HB2467, HB2520, HB4136, HB4181, HB4214, HB4218, HB4219, HB4359, HB4437, HB4822, HB111

Keywords: Texas Public Information Act, open records, public records, government transparency, confidentiality, attorney-client privilege, governmental body, Chapter 552, public information law, nonprofit association, quasi-governmental entity, economic development, trade secrets, proprietary information, commercial financial information, Alamo restoration, local workforce board, TDCJ contract facility, civil commitment facility, water supply corporation

Transcript Highlights:

• amendments that you've adopted in your amendment packet, as well as any of the Governor's recommended section
• <00:04:29.960> that uh Governor's recommended section that uh Governor's recommended section
• <00:08:18.639> in 14879 million 25 there is a section in 14879 million 25 there is a section
• You'll see on page 27, surprisingly enough, section 27, which this amends should work.
• section toward the end relating to section toward the end relating to Historic<00:21:12.240> horse

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Finance Committee met for final approval of HB 1 and HB 2, with legislative budget staff Michael Kain reviewing the final amendment documents and surplus statements. Kain explained that HB 1474H and HB 1484H incorporated the committee’s prior votes and the Governor’s recommended sections, and he walked through the budget math for the general fund, education trust fund, Highway Fund, and Fish and Game Fund. He said the committee’s proposal remained balanced overall, though the current-year general fund showed a projected deficit that HB 2 would address by allowing a possible rainy day fund transfer if needed. He also noted that the committee’s revenue estimates were below the Governor’s, requiring reductions and adjustments to appropriations and lapse assumptions. Members discussed the rainy day fund provisions, including a section in HB 2 that suspends existing restrictions so a transfer can be made if the deficit materializes. Kain said the committee’s approach differed from the Governor’s because the state was not below the overall revenue plan, and the fiscal committee would retain a role in determining any transfer. He also summarized that the Highway Fund would end with about a $13 million balance and Fish and Game with about $3 million, both without additional general fund support. The committee then adopted two amendments to HB 2 unanimously: Amendment 1473H, a technical cleanup to the Group 2 retirement seven-year rule, and Amendment 1482H, a technical correction to the recreational services language. Amendment 1484H, which incorporated those changes into HB 2, was adopted on a 14-1 vote after minority members objected to the bill’s broader cuts and policy changes, including reductions to state agencies, health and human services, and education-related provisions. The committee also adopted Amendment 1474H to HB 1A on a 14-1 vote after similar debate over budget reductions, vacancies, university funding, and school spending limits. Finally, the committee voted 14-1 to report HB 1A and HB 2 as amended as ought to pass, with the minority voting no and the committee planning a full House presentation the following week.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, I read this other section in here.
• > three, section three, section three, uh,<00:57:25.920> which<00:57:26.319> describes
• <01:21:38.080> two requirements set forth in section two requirements set forth in section
• <01:32:10.159> two or requirements set forth in section two or requirements set forth in section
• Well, anybody as for in section two, Well, anybody as for in section two, correct?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee took up an amended bill, sponsored by Rep. Lily Walsh, aimed at requiring certain foreign principals involved in New Hampshire real estate transactions to file an affidavit electronically with the Department of Justice. Walsh explained that she revised the proposal after the first hearing by limiting it to leases longer than 14 days, removing notarization, allowing electronic filing, shortening notification timelines, and clarifying that lessors or agents would not have to verify the affidavit’s truthfulness. She asked the committee to recommend the bill ought to pass with amendment and also noted a technical correction to use “real estate licensee” rather than “realtor.” The main opposition came from a real estate practitioner on the committee, who argued the bill was burdensome, could create discrimination concerns, and would place real estate professionals in an improper enforcement role. He also questioned the bill’s practical effect and pointed to existing federal CFIUS procedures as a better mechanism for handling foreign investment concerns. Several members echoed concerns about whether the state had authority to regulate in this area, whether the bill would actually stop bad actors, and whether it could be enforced without discriminatory impacts. Representatives from New Boston Space Force Station testified in support, saying the legislation was critical to national security because proximity to the installation could allow adversaries to observe operations or interfere with radio frequency communications. They argued federal processes were too slow or ineffective and that state action could better push hostile actors away from the base. Committee members questioned the technical basis for the 10-mile buffer, whether it would really help, and why federal agencies were not handling the issue. No vote was taken during the exchange shown in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one gives Management Council some flexibility authority. I'm sorry, that's section two.
• > the<00:35:02.160> various Section two goes into the various Section two goes into the
• > into<00:40:37.760> major Section three we move into major Section three we move into
• So the section would read: 'children's section means any portion of a library devoted primarily to or
• children's section on page 4 line seven. children's section on page 4 line seven.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:05:21.199> to regulations amend various sections to regulations amend various sections
• <00:13:13.839> to regulations amend various sections to regulations amend various sections
• The staff-suggested amendment amends various sections to comply with KAR chapter 13A and amends Section
• The staff-suggested amendment amends various sections to comply with KAR chapter 13A and amends Section
• This is a section 2 subsection 1.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met in August with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes without objection. The committee then reviewed several regulations, generally adopting staff-suggested amendments without objection, and heard brief explanations from agency representatives on each item. The Board of Pharmacy regulations would clarify what registered and certified pharmacy technicians may do under supervision and what certified technicians may not do, while updating registration applications. The Board of Cosmetology package included changes to executive director authority, licensure and reciprocity rules, school requirements, training hours, instructor ratios, sanitation and disease-related rules, complaint procedures, and permit terms; members asked about straight razor language and the increase in student-to-instructor ratios, and the board explained that cosmetologists are not permitted to use straight razors and that the higher ratio was intended to give schools flexibility, especially for part-time students and schools with wait lists. The Occupational Therapy emergency compact regulation added four compact rules adopted in April 2025, and Senator West raised a technical question about certification requirements under House Bill 6; the agency said it had been instructed to file the regulation as submitted. The Department for Fish and Wildlife Resources presented a package covering wildlife management area rules, a northern pintail bag limit increase, reportable disease reporting, and a repeal tied to boat registration fees. After a brief explanation of the new wildlife disease reporting rule, the agency requested and received a deferral of 301 KAR 2:031 to avoid a gap while replacement language is finalized. The Economic Development Finance Authority explained an emergency regulation for the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program, saying it was needed because the program had become oversubscribed and because administration was shifting to a new film office and council; members also asked about certification issues under House Bill 6, and the agency said it had filed the regulation as directed. The Department of Workplace Standards emergency PPE regulation was also discussed, with members asking about HB 6 certification language, and the agency gave the same response. The Department of Insurance regulation would create a $10,000 registration fee and a $1,000 annual licensing fee for pharmacy benefit manager licenses, with an agency amendment exempting PBMs that solely serve workers’ compensation plans. Members asked how many PBMs would be affected and why workers’ compensation PBMs were carved out; the agency said there were 70 registered PBMs total, four solely workers’ comp, and that workers’ comp rates are set by statute and could not absorb the fee. Finally, the Public Service Commission’s pole attachment regulation was summarized as a broadband-expansion measure that speeds application review, increases the number of poles allowed in a single application, and shortens dispute timelines; the commission explained it grew out of earlier legislative direction and subsequent emergency amendments, and the committee adopted the staff amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• That section of it? >> Yes. >> Okay.
• >> we're just striking that section >> we're just striking that section >> and
• <02:09:19.360> Um section at the end on page three. Um section at the end on page three.
• <02:28:36.880> No of the criminal action section. No of the criminal action section.
• Definition section.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first adopted amendment 2026-2021S to correct a drafting issue in the budget language so that the $2.5 million appropriation for Medicaid per diem rate stabilization at county nursing homes can be spent during the biennium rather than lapsing at the end of the fiscal year. Senator Lang explained that the funds are matched with federal dollars for a total of $5 million and are intended to prevent rate reductions that could shift costs to county property taxpayers. The amendment was adopted unanimously by both chambers, and the committee proceeded on the bill as amended by the Senate. The main discussion then focused on HB 155 and a proposed amendment to the business enterprise tax. The House proposal would lower the BET rate in stages when combined business tax revenues exceed certain thresholds, while the Senate opposed an immediate rate reduction and argued that tax changes should be handled in a budget year. Senators emphasized that raising the filing threshold to $375,000 had already removed about 3,500 small businesses from filing requirements, and they preferred further relief through threshold changes rather than rate cuts. House members argued that the trigger-based reduction was a reasonable, tested mechanism and would provide future tax relief without taking effect unless revenues rose enough. Members debated whether the trigger could be distorted by one-time revenue spikes, such as the recent tax amnesty receipts and prior federal repatriation-related revenue, and Representative Sweeney said he was willing to adjust the effective date or carve out amnesty revenue. The committee did not reach agreement on the BET reduction, and the chair called a break and then continued the meeting later with a new proposal to delay the trigger’s effective date to January 1, 2028. Senator Lang rejected that version but offered a counterproposal to raise the filing threshold to $400,000, and the parties ultimately agreed to continue discussions and reconvene later. The meeting also took up HB 1102, concerning the research and development tax credit and state park fees. The House position was to support the R&D tax credit but remove the park-fee provisions, citing testimony from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that it did not need the increase and concerns about discouraging tourism, especially at border parks. Supporters of the park-fee language argued that the department had not raised rates in years, could set its own rates, and should be able to charge nonresidents more while keeping New Hampshire residents’ fees lower. The discussion remained unresolved, with members debating the likely effect on tourism and fairness to residents versus the need for additional revenue.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, as far as funding goes, I'm going to go straight through the bill, and the first section of the
• <00:05:02.479> Uh<00:05:03.280> includes in section two of the bill.
• Uh includes in section two of the bill.
• Also in this bill, I think another very important section is on section 13, line 15.15.
• important uh, section is on is section important uh, section is on is section 13<00:09:05.040>

Transcript Highlights:

• So the for-cause section was taken out. Okay. That section was taken out in lieu of the amendment.
• And if you look at Section 4, there's 'may' when it comes to using funds as appropriated.
• And if you look at Section 4, there's 'may' when it comes to using funds as appropriated.
• In striking the parts that you did in Section 2, you know, Section 1, 2, and 3 there, and then under
• Section 3 there, you got Section 1 and 2 strike.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 31, which recognizes seniors through a civics and patriotism work group. The sponsor explained a substitute that clarified the work group’s role in setting qualifications and awarding gold, silver, and bronze certificates, with DESE producing the seals and schools submitting qualifying students. The substitute also retained recognition for veterans and students entering the armed services. Members, including the ranking member, supported the revised structure, and the committee adopted the substitute and voted the resolution do pass on a 16-0 vote after correcting an earlier clerical count. The committee then considered House Bill 21, House Bill 26, and House Bill 2197 together in a committee substitute focused on building-level administrator evaluations and nonrenewal procedures. The substitute required administrators to be evaluated at least once per contract year, required written notice of renewal or nonrenewal by March 1, and gave nonrenewed administrators the right to request written reasons and a closed-door hearing before the school board. Members discussed the bill’s removal of earlier tenure-related language and whether the hearing right gave administrators more protection than other employees, but sponsors said the intent was to ensure annual evaluations and a fair explanation for nonrenewal without creating tenure. The committee adopted an amendment, rolled it into a new substitute, and voted the bill do pass 17-0. After moving back into open session, the committee heard House Bill 3489, which would expand access to workforce readiness assessments such as WorkKeys and allow students to earn up to nine hours of college credit for demonstrated workplace skills as recommended by the American Council on Education. The sponsor said the bill was intended to support career pathways, not replace college-bound options, and to gather feedback for future work. Testimony in support came from ACT, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, and DESE, all emphasizing workforce development, employer demand, and existing state use of WorkKeys; DESE noted current funding and implementation issues tied to sports wagering revenue and said a related study on WorkKeys’ validity and industry recognition is ongoing. Committee members asked about how the bill would affect school testing requirements and college credit transfer, and the sponsor clarified that the measure was meant to broaden options rather than mandate a single path. No vote was taken on HB 3489 before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Oh, no, that's a different section.
• different section. different section.
• line 28, section 2? line 28, section 2?
• >> So the financial disclosure section is >> So the financial disclosure section is RSA<01
• So, I think the heading of that section and then the title of that section, and then one other time in

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section six merely removes some redundant language.
• Section 17 is about funding operations and alternative pathways.
• <00:35:20.839> um<00:35:21.800> section<00:35:22.359> 7 thing for um in section
• um section 7 thing for um in section um section 7 getting<00:35:23.680> rid<00:35:23.880>
• Looking at section...

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• > it<00:09:44.240> protects Um under this section it protects Um under this section it
• And there we go to section And there we go to section 1-39-104. 1-39-104. 1-39-104.
• this section violated?
• having your rights of this section having your rights of this section violated?
• section.

Bills: HB0159

Keywords: student rights, free expression, K-12 education, speech protection, religious views, political speech, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• B of this section do not apply. apply. apply.
• free expression under article 1, section free expression under article 1, section 20<00:16:18.320
• > apply<00:21:00.799> to this section shall not apply to this section shall not apply to
• So we would just request that exemption. committee several sections of the bill committee several sections
• It's it's uh section bill.

Bills: HB0076, HB0102, HB0115

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Section one of the bill excludes weekends and holidays from the 10-day window within which a diagnostic
• <00:04:51.280> excludes Section one of the bill excludes Section one of the bill excludes
• This section of the bill is simply updating statute to more clearly reflect current state law to avoid
• Could you repeat where the 5.1—the place that we added the sections for behavioral health in the 245I
• <00:09:19.680> for the place that we added the sections for the place that we added the sections

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House File 3520, as amended by an A1 technical amendment from DHS, was heard in committee. The bill was described as a policy-only measure aimed at modernizing mental health statutes to reduce confusion, ease staffing burdens, and improve recruitment and retention in a workforce facing shortages. The author said the bill was developed with mental health stakeholders over several years, shared with DHS, and intended to have no cost unless provisions are later flagged for fiscal impact. Chris Westgard of Touchstone Mental Health testified in support and walked through the bill’s main provisions. Section 1 would exclude weekends and holidays from the 10-day deadline for completing diagnostic assessments after admission to intensive residential treatment services, which he said would reduce weekend and holiday work for limited staff. Section 2 would clarify statutory language governing the behavioral health fund’s coverage of intensive residential treatment and residential crisis stabilization services. Section 3 would update Youth ACT rules by allowing board-certified psychiatrists with relevant clinical experience to serve as prescribers, making registered nurses optional team members, and allowing teams with demonstrated experience to serve children and youth ages 8 to 20. Members raised questions about statutory wording, including the use of “notwithstanding” and the term “qualified provider.” Nonpartisan staff said the bill could be tightened with a cross-reference if it advances. There was no public testimony against the bill. The committee laid House File 3520, as amended, over for possible inclusion.

Transcript Highlights:

• We join the intent of this bill, and with Sections 1 and 2 of the bill, it gets that done.
• We join the intent of this bill, and with Sections 1 and 2 of the bill, it gets that done.
• Sections 1 and 2 create that new crime, that new misdemeanor, but our concern is with Section 3 of the
• 901.15, which is the section that is getting amended.
• So those are our only concerns with allowing Section 3 to get passed. Thank you.

Summary: The Fiscal Policy Committee met and first adopted a late-filed amendment to SB 774, which expands enhanced workers’ compensation coverage to 911 public safety telecommunicators for mental or nervous injuries. The bill drew supportive testimony from a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher and others, and was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 770 on forensic services for certain defendants, which would allow the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to consolidate secure forensic services for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism whose charges were dismissed after incompetency findings. Members then considered several public safety, family, and workforce bills. CS/SB 86, which declares unauthorized aliens operating commercial vehicles an imminent safety hazard and imposes vehicle impoundment and a $50,000 penalty on motor carriers, was reported favorably after questions about impound procedures and cargo handling; one speaker opposed it. SB 1594, protecting veterans’ benefits for foster youth so the funds are reserved for postsecondary education, training, and after-care services, was reported favorably with supportive testimony from a former DCF attorney. CS/SB 760, creating a new offense for willful violations of no-contact pretrial release conditions in violent crime cases, was reported favorably despite criminal defense attorneys’ concerns about a provision allowing warrantless arrests without officer observation. The committee also approved a complete rewrite of the nonprofit corporations chapter in SB 554, a sickle cell continuing education bill (SB 844) after extensive emotional testimony from patients, advocates, and family members, and SB 1022 adding two children’s initiative programs in Bay County and Broward County. CS/SB 1246 broadened the Linking Industry to Nursing Education Fund to include health science education programs and related workforce needs and was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved CS/CS/SB 1230 restricting use and sale of certain firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS, and CS/CS/SB 128 directing DEP to mark Red Harris Spoil Island; both passed with favorable votes. Several senators later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on specific tabs, and the meeting adjourned without further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page eight, between lines one and two, insert section three, section 1374 N.O.S.A. 1978 to be in law
• It opens up a new section of code and it changes our procedure.
• Senator Ramos, the effective dates are on page 15, section seven.
• Sections one, four, five, and six are effective July 1st, 2026.
• The effective date of sections two and three is July 1st, 2027. And, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item 1 at the top of the page, technical adjustment, amend Section 4 federal match assumptions.
• Item 2, amend Section 15, use of trauma fund receipts. That item was adopted.
• On page 50, item 4, amend section 8 caseload and expenditure reporting requirements.
• Out of 5, amend Section 9 system support services, that item was also adopted.
• Moving on to page six, there are two technical adjustments to section 2.01. Both are adopted.

Bills: SB 1

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

Transcript Highlights:

• 12-25-32 or a sex offense as provided in Section 15-28-5 may file a petition.
• violent offense as provided in section violent offense as provided in section 12-25-32 12-25-32
• or a sex offense as provided in section or a sex offense as provided in section 15-28-5 15-28-5
• The conviction is not one of domestic violence third as provided in section 13A-6-132.
• violence third as provided in section violence third as provided in section 1386-132. 1386-132.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It removes section two of the bill, as these are at the discretion of the court, and also removes the
• Sections 5 and 10 of this bill address contracts with entities that have a foreign country of concern
• Additionally, Section 5's protection ...including power plants, water systems, and port operations.
• So Section 7 provides that they have 30 days to challenge the designation.
• Specifically, the amendment section 7753 regarding domestic terrorist.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with several probate, civil rights, and claims measures. Senators Burgess’s SB 326 on curators of estates was explained as a modernization of probate law; an amendment narrowing the bill was adopted, and the committee reported the bill favorably 10-0 after limited public testimony, including opposition from Ray Contreras. Burgess’s SB 1096, clarifying filing deadlines under the Florida Civil Rights Act, also passed unanimously 11-0. The committee then approved several claims bills, including SB 28 for Reginald Jackson against the City of Lakeland, SB 6 for a child injured after DCF’s handling of abuse allegations, SB 18 for the estate of McKenzie Navarre against the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata against FDOT, and SB 2 for the estate of Daniel Maudsley against DHSMV, with votes ranging from 10-1 to 11-0 and mostly no debate or opposition. The committee also took up trust and family-law related bills. Leader Berman’s SB 786 created a nonjudicial process for closing uncontested trusts and discharging trustees; after a technical amendment and testimony from Ray Contreras raising notice concerns, it passed 11-0. President Gates’s SB 50 expanded veterans’ courts statewide, drew broad support from veterans’ groups and advocacy organizations, and was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Simon’s SB 538 standardized extracurricular participation rules for public, private, virtual, and homeschool students; after multiple amendments on homeschool eligibility, fees, and coach compensation, it passed 11-0 with support and opposition from education-related groups. President Gates’s SB 1004, aimed at consumer protections in the sale of dogs and cats, also passed unanimously after testimony from humane organizations. The committee then considered broader policy bills. President Pro Tem Brodeur’s SB 1366 on claims against the government proposed raising sovereign immunity caps and adding CPI adjustments; local government, hospital, and school representatives supported the Senate’s lower-cap approach while warning against the House version, and the bill was reported favorably 11-0. Senator Jones’s SB 178 on athletics in public K-12 schools, as amended, would let head coaches provide limited personal support to student-athletes and require reporting of assistance; it passed 10-0. Senator Grohl’s SB 1178 on foreign influence and foreign countries of concern drew extensive supportive testimony from national security witnesses and was reported favorably 11-0 after a technical amendment and withdrawal of another amendment. Finally, SB 1632 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles prompted substantial debate and public testimony over domestic terrorism designations, Sharia law references, due process, and free speech concerns; the committee had not yet completed final action on that bill when the transcript ended.