Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I know we have the Montgomery County District Attorney here as well. as representatives from
• And I have to speak up on behalf of the judges of Montgomery County.
• I know we're one. county out of 254 counties. The judges of Montgomery County want to get it right.
• And in Montgomery County, we've never tried 70 felony cases in a given year.
• I am here... here on behalf of myself and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have to speak up on behalf of the judges of Montgomery County.
• The judges of Montgomery County want to get it right, probably one of the most ardent judges in the county
• In Montgomery County, we've never tried 70 felony cases in a given year.
• I am here on behalf of myself and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.
• I am here on behalf of myself and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to call our County and Municipal Government Committee meeting to order.
• Senate Bill 2135 authorizes county purchasing agents to obtain and administer a county purchase card
• Tulsa County?
• make it a higher threshold for any county to qualify.
• taking this to the vote of the people in their county.

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1775, SB2139, SB1552, SB483, SB1198, SB2135, SB2118

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Summary: The County and Municipal Government Committee considered and advanced several bills related to county purchasing, municipal notice requirements, property liens, county home rule, jail funding, and local fines. Senate Bill 2135 would let county purchasing agents obtain and administer county purchase cards through county depositories, with transaction rules modeled on the state P-card program and still subject to existing purchasing procedures. Senate Bill 483 would authorize county commissioners to create a relocation assistance program. Senate Bill 1198 would require OHCA to release liens on property at the request of a county treasurer. Senate Bill 1265 would extend the deadline for municipalities to publish ordinances from 15 to 30 days, and Senate Bill 2154 would require cities to notify lienholders as well as property owners about outstanding property maintenance balances. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2139, described as clarifying language to a 2024 law after stakeholder discussion, and Senate Bill 1552, which changes population requirements in a 1992 county home rule statute. SB 1552 drew the most discussion, with members asking about its effect on rural counties, the Kenny v. Tulsa County case, and whether any county is currently affected; the sponsor said the bill raises the threshold, affects no counties now, and would still require voter approval and additional charter approval if a county later qualified. The bill passed on a 3-2 vote. Two additional bills were approved with little or no debate: Senate Bill 2118 would allow surplus funds from a county sheriff’s commissary fund to be used for jail operations, inmate care, and related expenses, and Senate Bill 1775 would cap fines in small towns. All other measures mentioned passed unanimously or near-unanimously, and the committee adjourned after completing the posted agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Travis County likewise faces similar challenges.
• County taxpayers.
• We see those situations, but the counties do contract out with surrounding counties. provide their services
• we were contracted, I think Tarrant County and maybe part of Dallas County were already overloaded and
• And with the growth that a lot of counties are experiencing, especially suburban and ex-urban counties

Bills: SB1370

Keywords: medical examiner, forensic services, county coroner, autopsy, death investigation, forensic pathology, county government, commissioners court, medical examiners district, regional district, public health, criminal justice, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 49.25, county population threshold, interlocal agreement, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ed Johnson I'm Harris with the Harris County ballots Department and a former Harris County employee under
• population. counties, which would be 102 or more counties, two-thirds of the counties, and three or
• and that was Hidalgo County.
• Park Baytown, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Liberty Counties.
• Question the author of the legislation. Of course I'll yield.

Keywords: legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 40, Senate Bill 871, constitutional amendment, emergency powers, governor authority, legislative oversight

Summary: The meeting focused on several crucial pieces of legislation, notably Senate Joint Resolution 40, which proposed a constitutional amendment to clarify the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the Supreme Court during emergencies. Senator Birdwell presented the resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative involvement during prolonged crises. It garnered broad support, passing with 29 votes in favor and only 1 against. Following this, Senate Bill 871, considered the enabling legislation, was also moved for discussion, with the aim of reinforcing the legislature's authority during emergencies while establishing clear guidelines for the governor's powers.

Transcript Highlights:

• However, currently, if a county by agreement, if a county has been granted the authority to have sole
• county and the city, allows that, uh, county the authority to, uh, to, uh, cancel that subdivision if
• I am the Kaufman County District Attorney and as the Kaufman County District Attorney.
• So, um, maybe you and, and the other chairman, Bell, Montgomery County has a lot. Yes.
• Uh, notification is very important to us as county commissioners and county judge.

Bills: HB23

Keywords: property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest, county property tax, nonprofit-owned property

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, when a county road is closed, abandoned, or vacated by a county commissioner's court, county
• Webb County, my home county, has expressed concerns regarding a particular road which, if conveyed, would
• Phil King, County Commissioner, for the bill. Bill Rick Bailey, County Judge, for the bill.
• Caitlin Caldwell, Harris County Commissioner.
• His family still serves there; his son is our well-loved county judge.

Bills: SB215, SB1104, SB1351, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB1423, SB1568

Keywords: education, funding, school districts, local control, equity, digital identification, identity verification, Department of Public Safety, Texas legislature, wireless communication, Texas, technology, identification program, fee structure, wireless devices, public safety, hunting license, handgun license, fingerprinting, dealer license

Transcript Highlights:

• County is referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. Message from the House. Mr.
• Clair County is referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. Signed, John Treadwell, Clerk. Mr.
• Clair County is referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. Signed, John Treadwell, Clerk.
• Clair County is referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. Signed, John Treadwell, Clerk.
• Clair County is referred to the Committee on Local Legislation. Signed, John Treadwell, Clerk.

Bills: SJR 3, SB 5, SJR 36, SJR 3, SB 616, SB 565, SB 384, SB 5, SB 21, SB 72, SB 140, SB 262, SB 370, SB 372, SB 495, SB 627, SB 703, SB 764, SB 842, SB 971, SB 790, SB 767, SB 480, SB 1066, SR 44, SR 135, SR 171, SR 180, SR 185, SR 187, SR 188, SR 191, SR 197, SR 198, SR 199, SR 200

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Transcript Highlights:

• UPON THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, MIGHT NEVER BEFORE.
• THEY LEARN ABOUT THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND PARTICIPATE IN MOCK SESSIONS.
• SENATOR SIMON'S LEGISLATION IS KICKING OFF A RURAL RENAISSANCE ACROSS FLORIDA.
• GOVERNOR BUSH AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS PUT THIS IN PLACE NEARLY 30 YEARS AGO. FLORIDA HAS GROWN.
• SENATOR BURGESS IS SPONSORING LEGISLATION TO EXPAND SUPPORT.

Bills: SJR3, SB5, SJR36, SJR3, SB616, SB565, SB384, SB5, SB21, SB72, SB140, SB262, SB370, SB372, SB495, SB627, SB703, SB764, SB842, SB971, SB790, SB767, SB480, SB1066, SR44, SR135, SR171, SR180, SR185, SR187, SR188, SR191, SR197, SR198, SR199, SR200

Keywords: dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, research funding, state budget, prevention, healthcare, medical research, Dementia Prevention and Research Institute, research institute, funding, grants, state health initiatives, aquifer, water management, Edwards Aquifer, sustainability, regulatory framework, SB 565, Texas Water Code

Transcript Highlights:

• It codifies an existing law enforcement program in Harris County.
• The contract deputy program is wildly popular in Harris County.
• earlier, as did the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas.
• Are they all within Harris County?
• The county auditor and treasurer in terms of money is available to him.

Bills: HB8, HB26, HB192

Keywords: HB 8, Texas public school accountability, school accountability, public school transparency, STAAR, state assessments, instructionally supportive assessment program, Student Success Tool, Texas Education Agency, TEA, accountability ratings, A-F ratings, through-year assessment, benchmark testing, norm-referenced assessment, college career military readiness, CCMR, local accountability plan, school district performance, campus turnaround

Transcript Highlights:

• As a county employee myself, I'm one of the few legislators that have actually worked in these systems
• As a county employee myself, I'm one of the few legislators that have actually worked in these systems
• , counties, county agencies, counties, county representatives,<00:38:00.960><c> and</c><00:38:01.200>
• </c> County had to hire over or Ramsey County County had to hire over or Ramsey County chose<00:57:38.559
• </c> at the county level in Henipin County at the county level in Henipin County and<01:09:24.080><c>

Bills: HF4421, HF1937, HF4675, HF4715, HF4684

Keywords: county cost share, economically distressed county, human services finance, substance use disorder treatment, SUD services, civil commitment, state aid, county levy, poverty threshold, tax-exempt acreage, property tax exemption, Minnesota human services, county fiscal relief, local government finance, chemical dependency, behavioral health, PACE, elderly, Medicaid, health services

Transcript Highlights:

• However, currently, if a county by agreement If a county has been granted the authority to have sole
• And provides the ability for that county, if there's an existing agreement between the county. in the
• The petitioner must include a copy of the notice to the county and counties in their TCE.
• The cost to the county and these are county...
• Notification is very important to us as County Commissioners and County Judge.

Bills: HB23, HB363, HB447, HB954, HB23

Keywords: third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, municipal utility district, petition, county clerk, water code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, traffic impact studies, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, extraterritorial jurisdiction, county authority

Bills: HB23, HB23, HB363, HB447, HB954

Keywords: property tax exemption, ad valorem tax, Texas Tax Code, nonprofit corporation, charitable organization, educational nonprofit, scientific nonprofit, agriculture support, youth programs, community education, county population threshold, large county, local government revenue, leasehold interest, possessory interest, county property tax, nonprofit-owned property, third-party review, property development, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, Senate Bill 2135 authorizes county purchasing agents to obtain and administer a county purchase
• These rules mirror the state eCard program, tailored to county needs.
• This bill authorizes the Board of County Commissioners to...
• Are you aware of a Supreme Court case, Kenney versus the Board of County Commissioners in Tulsa County
• taking this to the vote of the people in their county, and the county citizens would actually have to

Bills: SB1265, SB2154, SB1775, SB2139, SB1552, SB483, SB1198, SB2135, SB2118

Keywords: municipal ordinances, local government, ordinance publication, posting requirement, public notice, municipal law, city ordinances, town ordinances, county government, newspaper publication, effective date, Oklahoma statutes, 11 O.S. 14-106, ordinance notice, government oversight, municipalities, city government, town government, property maintenance, nuisance abatement

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate of the first called session of the 89th Legislative Assembly will come to order.
• Legislation to provide relief funding for response to and recovery from the storm.
• Legislation reducing the property tax burden on Texans and legislation imposing spending limits on entities
• Legislation similar to Senate Bill No. 1278 from the 89th Legislature.
• Legislation protecting women Privacy in sex-segregated spaces, legislation proposing a constitutional

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• Texas legislators just testified in El Paso to that very statement.
• The public, our legislators, and staff are familiar with this existing process.
• We're still subject to constitutional and end-of-session legislative deadlines.
• People move in and out, and I know my home county two years ago was the sixth fastest growing county
• If we have one in Fort Worth, we'll get a good crowd of people from Tarrant County.

Bills: SR5, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SB5, SB11, SB12, SB25, SB26, SB28, SB35, SR5

Keywords: redistricting, Senate procedures, public input, Texas Legislature, amendments, Texas Senate, congressional districts, legislative procedures, legislative transparency, Senate rules, public hearings, committee procedures, hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, occupational licenses, criminal offenses, SB 11, Texas attorney general, election crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2024, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court passed a resolution...
• This adds Montgomery County and Fort Bend County, although it is permissive, to the list of counties
• Gray, Commissioner, Montgomery County Precinct 4, and self, and you're testifying for the bill.
• I am Commissioner over Precinct 4 in Montgomery County, and I'm here to testify on House Bill 27.
• So Montgomery County is one of the top five fastest growing counties, not only in the state, but in the

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• It has been proven that 287(g) programs do not work for counties like Hidalgo County. ...and Cameron
• Bear County, where I live.
• Some, like Maricopa County that Ms.
• Harris County, of course, is a county of over a million people that would be unable to... ...apply for
• I was born in and work in Texas' largest county, Harris County, and I currently live in Fort Bend County

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• overweight vehicles carrying cargo in Hidalgo County.
• Requests to Dallas County are made.
• The County Transportation Code establishes the roads on which TXDOT may authorize the Doublet County
• Patience is a virtue of legislation.
• and maintenance of an adopted county road, including authorized uses for the county and road district

Bills: HB2026, HB2427, HB2455, HB2560, HB3510, HB3966, HB3986, HB4429, HB5436, SB3062

Keywords: memorial highway, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Archer County, highway designation, vehicle weight, ports of entry, Texas Transportation Code, truck regulations, load limits, Adopt-a-County Road, funding, road maintenance, county partnership, public recognition, memorial designation, highway, Sergeant Mark Butler, transportation, Brazos County

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also speaking on behalf of New Mexico counties, who stand in strong support of this legislation.
• It was going to hurt the county and hurt not just our county, but all counties, based on the insurance
• Madam Chair, panel, this is a huge fix to counties, especially some of the rural counties.
• Counties would cover the county and the cities. ...of law enforcement.
• Counties would cover the county and the cities would cover the local people.

Bills: SB246, SB146, SB300, SB301, SB309, SM17

Keywords: massage therapy, licensure, health and safety standards, continuing education, establishment licensing, civil rights, sovereign immunity, damages, public body, lawsuit limitations, legal notice, child welfare, computing infrastructure, data management, Department of Health, appropriation, foster care, Indian children, cultural competency, training services