Bills: HF2080, HF356, HF1968, HF228, HF569, HF603, HF692, HF1455, HF2224, HF1361

Keywords: contamination, water supply, municipal bonds, environmental mitigation, city funding, Sauk Rapids, PFAS contamination, drinking water, pollution control, bond issuance, Cokato, capital investment, school infrastructure, state bonds, HF228, Lakes Area Police Commission, Lindstrom, Chisago City, regional training facility, public safety facility

Transcript Highlights:

• Lindstrom.
• Lindstrom, and Ms. Chavez.
• Lindstrom** (unknown) chime in.
• Lindstrom. I was wondering, Dr. Lindstrom, when you mentioned the first use.
• Lindstrom? Yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom representing Citizens Defending Freedom and yourself? OK. Alright.
• Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom representing Citizens Defending Freedom and yourself.
• I see you're registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• I'm Debbie Lindstrom, Texas Elections director for Citizens Defending Freedom, and I oppose Senate Bill
• The chair calls Debbie Lindstrom.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom representing... Citizens Defending Freedom, and yourself.
• The Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom, representing Citizens Defending Freedom.
• The clerk calls Debbie Lindstrom. We show you as W.
• Lindstrom on behalf of Citizens Defending Freedom and yourself, and you are neutral on the bill, is that
• I'm Debbie Lindstrom, Texas Elections Director for Citizens Defending Freedom, and while I appreciate

Bills: HB3097, HB3691, SB108, SB827, SB1541, SB1862, SB2166, SB2216

Keywords: Texas elections, Election Code, uniform election date, November election, local elections, political subdivisions, general election date, election administration, municipal utility district, county elections, local government, ballot scheduling, candidate filing, voter turnout, election calendar, HB 3097, early voting, electronic application, mail-in ballot, voting accessibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom with Citizens Defending Freedom and also representing yourself.
• I'm sure you registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• Okay, so now I'm showing you, so you're registered as Debbie Lindstrom...
• The chair calls Debbie Lindstrom.
• I'm Debbie Lindstrom, Citizens Defending Freedom. I support SB 505, a crucial piece of legislation.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The House Committee on Elections met with a quorum present and heard several election-related bills, with public testimony limited to two minutes per witness. The first measure, SB 447, would allow the City of Mission to move its municipal elections from May to November on a one-time, permanent basis. Supporters, including Mission’s mayor, said voters had already approved the change by a wide margin and argued it would improve turnout and reduce costs. The bill was left pending after no objection. The committee then heard SB 2217, which was described as a transparency measure to standardize election data reporting and reconciliation across counties. Testimony focused on a technical issue involving discrepancy thresholds for electronic voting system reconciliation, with one witness urging the bill be aligned with existing law’s “more than 3” standard rather than a 1% threshold, and another suggesting a definition fix. The bill was left pending. Members also heard SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period by combining early voting and election day into one uninterrupted period, with a committee substitute making it a pilot and permissive. Supporters said it could simplify administration and improve security, while opponents warned it would increase costs, require more staffing and equipment, delay results, and create logistical problems for counties. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 505 would let certain election stakeholders request explanations of irregularities from election officials and, if unresolved, escalate the matter to the Secretary of State for audit or possible conservatorship. Supporters framed it as a tool for accountability and transparency, while opponents called it overly broad and vulnerable to abuse. The bill was left pending. The committee also took up HB 311, which would expand online voter registration to first-time registrants and direct state agencies to develop a pathway for Texans without a driver’s license to register online. Supporters argued it would modernize the process, reduce errors, and save money, while opponents said first-time applicants still need a wet signature and raised concerns about signature verification and implementation. Due to the late hour and floor deadline, testimony was cut off, the names of remaining witnesses were read into the record, and the bill was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I look to Representative Lindstrom about whether or not we actually should have a tax package.
• Yes, Representative Lindstrom. Thank you, Madam Chair. I did have one question.
• Madam Chair and Representative Lindstrom, that recommendation hasn't been released yet in total.
• Thank you, Representative Lindstrom. Thank you, Madam Chair. I had a couple of questions also.
• Is this a stackable credit, Madam Chair, and Representative Lindstrom, it's refundable.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Lindstrom could respond to this too, to create a shared response with the opioids. settlement monies.
• My name is Wayne Lindstrom. I'm the Deputy County Manager for Behavioral Health.
• Lindstrom and I have very closely talked about where we envision this to go, and that's having community
• Lindstrom, for that comment about the Tiny Home Villages.
• Lindstrom," and I said yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom with Citizens Defending Freedom and also representing yourself
• I see you're registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• OK, so now I'm showing you, so you're registered as David Lindstrom.
• The chair calls Debbie Lindstrom.
• Um, I'm Debbie Lindstrom, Citizens Defending Freedom.

Bills: HB311

Keywords: flood hazards, recreational vehicles, temporary dwelling structures, Texas Water Development Board, flood safety standards, emergency management

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom with Citizens Defending Freedom and also representing yourself.
• I'm sure you registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• Okay, so now I'm showing you as Debbie Lindstrom.
• The chair calls Debbie Lindstrom.
• I'm Debbie Lindstrom, Citizens Defending Freedom. I support SB 505, a crucial piece of legislation.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair calls Debbie Lindstrom. Or Lindstrom, I'm sorry.
• Record shows you're Debbie Lindstrom, you're testifying on behalf of Citizens Defending Freedom, and
• My name is Debbie Lindstrom, and I'm with Citizens Defending Freedom, and I support this bill.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got Representative Lindstrom next, and then followed by Representative Lara Cadena.
• What I would like to base, Representative Lindstrom, is that maybe the Health and Public Affairs Committee
• My colleague here, Representative Lindstrom, just said the process usually works, and I would agree with
• So I know for myself and Representative Gallegos and others, Representative Lindstrom, like we fought
• And just like Representative Lindstrom, like Representative Gallegos has been such a leader here, it's

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lindstrom. Here. Representative Romero. Mr. Vice Chairman.
• Thank you, Representative Lindstrom; that'd be great.

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair calls Debbie Lindstrom with Citizens Defending Freedom, and you are also representing yourself
• Ma'am, I show you registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• Okay, so now I'm showing you registered as Debbie Lindstrom, representing Citizens Defending Freedom
• I'm Debbie Lindstrom, representing Citizens Defending Freedom.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753, HB311

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Transcript Highlights:

• I show you registered as Todd Lindstrom.
• Ma'am, I show you registered as Debbie Lindstrom.
• The Chair calls Todd Lindstrom, representing himself.
• So I show you registered as Todd Lindstrom.
• Chair calls Todd Lindstrom, representing himself. Okay.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, want to give a special shout-out to Matt Lindstrom and John Taylor and the McCarthy Center at St.
• The third time was Matt Lindstrom and John Taylor and the Matt Lindstrom and John Taylor and the McCarthy

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Wolgamott delivered a farewell address reflecting on his eight years in the Minnesota House and the meaning of public service. He described his path to the Legislature, thanked colleagues and staff, and emphasized the House as a place where members are trusted to make a difference for their communities. He also spoke about the importance of maintaining a humane, family-friendly, and respectful workplace, especially for staff and members’ families. He highlighted several policy areas he was proud of, including bipartisan COVID-19 workers’ compensation protections for frontline workers, efforts to reduce the special education cross subsidy, and changes to teacher pensions. He also noted bonding and local projects in St. Cloud, such as road improvements, the Herb Brooks Hockey Center, and the Children’s Museum of the MAC. Throughout, he framed these accomplishments as examples of persistence and collaboration across party lines. The address also included extensive thanks to his wife, daughters, legislative assistants, higher education staff, sergeant-at-arms, maintenance crew, chief clerk’s office, and former and current colleagues, including a tribute to former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the Horton family. He closed by reading the Prayer of St. Francis and thanking the people of St. Cloud and the House. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Lindstrom? Representative Romero? Vice Chair Lauda? Here. Mayor De La Cruz? Here.
• Representative Lindstrom? No. Representative Romero? Yes. Vice Chair Lauder? Yes. Chair De La Cruz?

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kelly Barnes, Carmen Montiel, Debbie Lindstrom, and Tara Schulte. The next panel will be J.T.
• Kelly Barnes, Carmen Montiel, Debbie Lindstrom, and Tara Schulte. The next panel will be J.T.
• Lindstrom? Is Tara Schulte here? She's not? Okay.
• My name's Debbie Lindstrom. I am with Citizens Defending Freedom.
• Lindstrom. I appreciate the testimony. Is it J.T. Morris? J.T. Morris.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have Representative Lindstrom, then Representative Murphy, followed by Senator Scherer.
• Okay, Lindstrom, I'm going to let you go first. Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning, everyone.
• Before we go to Representative Lindstrom, Senator O'Malley, did you want to indicate that there was something
• Thank you, Representative Lindstrom. I have Representative Chandler, Representative Duncan.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do I see Representative Lindstrom. Thank you.
• Representative Lindstrom, thank you, Madam Chair. I'm a big proponent of this as well.
• To Representative Lindstrom, thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Questions for the 1st Co-Chair, Representative Lindstrom. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Co-chair Lindstrom. Just one.
• Thank you, Senator Co-Chair Lindstrom. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.