Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Bills: SCR13, SB1248

Keywords: water rights, treaty compliance, Rio Grande, agriculture, drought, international water, Texas water supply, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, harvest reports, wildlife harvest data, public information act, open records, confidentiality, hunter privacy, angler data, game animals, game birds, fur-bearing animals, nongame animals

Summary: The Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs met without a quorum at first, then later established quorum and proceeded with testimony and votes. Senate Bill 1248, by Chair Perry, was explained as a narrow Open Records Act exception to protect harvest report location data collected through Texas Parks and Wildlife’s digital tagging system. Support testimony came from Matt Wagner of the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society, who said the bill would protect private land and sensitive biological information while preserving useful wildlife data. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending until later in the meeting. The committee then heard Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, which urges the State Department and the International Boundary and Water Commission to press Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty and deliver its share of Rio Grande water. Senator Hinojosa, farmers, municipal officials, and other witnesses described severe water shortages in South Texas, low reservoir levels, crop losses, the closure of the Valley sugar industry, and the need for alternative supplies such as desalination, reuse, and drainage-runoff projects. Members also discussed treaty enforcement, regional drought, and the role of cartels and Mexican water storage, while emphasizing that Texas must also invest in its own water infrastructure. The committee also considered Senate Bill 740, which the committee substitute amended to require the Public Utility Commission to adopt a standardized application form for system improvement charges and complete related rulemaking by September 1, 2026, applying only to applications filed on or after that date. Members discussed concerns about water wholesalers using the process to delay cases and drive up costs, and the need for more transparency and PUC resources. The committee voted to adopt the substitute and report SB 740 favorably. After returning to the earlier items, the committee voted SB 1248 out favorably and recommended it for the local and uncontested calendar, and voted SCR 13 out favorably as well. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• no more than a trace connection to a facility where chronic wasting disease has been detected, and TPWD
• There have been no permit violations, and TPWD must be 95% confident that CWD prevalence is below 5%.
• TPWD must be 99% confident. ...is below 1% over five years of testing.
• TPWD, Alan Cain with TPWD. Members, do you have any questions for these witnesses? Justin? Jabila?
• What you will find is that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is the most innovative and

Bills: HB4568, HB5458, HB4543, HB2703, HB3728, HCR113, HCR126

Keywords: film industry, incentives, grants, Texas, moving image, economic development, production companies, content standards, HB 5458, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, TPWD, chronic wasting disease, CWD, cervids, deer, elk, moose, wildlife management, game animals, disease management

Transcript Highlights:

• I think there might be a resource witness here from TPWD who can answer specific questions about the

Bills: HB2385, HB3349, HB3962, HB3883, HB4396, HB4811, HB5088, HB4588, HB4867, HB4895, HB5398, HB5616

Keywords: NRA, funding, major events reimbursement, annual meetings, exhibits, events trust fund, Pan American Games, Olympic Games, motor sports racing, local control, event support contract, INDYCAR, Arlington, tourism, funding eligibility, sporting events, economic impact, local governments, American Performance Horseman, American Rodeo

Transcript Highlights:

• TPWD is currently working in lockstep with the Texas Animal Health Commission on the response to the
• Regarding communication and outreach, TPWD has formed an internal New World Screwworm team. response
• We've also recently launched a TPWD New World Screwworm website to provide TPWD contacts for suspected
• Currently, TPWD is investigating its role in active surveillance on TPWD-owned properties, like state
• TPWD will continue to train TPWD biologists, game wardens, and state park staff across Texas on New World

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he did have a resource witness from TPWD, and believed it was Mary, the general counsel.
• He then asked whether anyone wished to speak with Mary, the general counsel of TPWD. Mr.
• Did anyone wish to have the witness from TPWD? If not, invited testimony is closed.
• Under the substitute, the same process occurs, but if TPWD... ...if TPWD finds that the mitigation measures
• This bill gives TPWD standing to go to court just like any other citizen.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Summary: The committee heard and laid out several natural resources and environmental bills, with testimony focused on balancing development, public health, wildlife protection, and regulatory authority. SB 3074 would allow the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to communicate in writing with TCEQ about matters before the commission, with safeguards requiring the communication to be part of the record and allowing other parties to respond; a committee substitute narrowed it to written communications about permits only, limited legislator communications to facilities in their districts, and adjusted conflict-of-interest rules. HB 3556, as substituted, would require notice to Texas Parks and Wildlife for certain very tall structures in specified coastal counties and give TPWD a limited right to seek injunctive relief if mitigation is insufficient to prevent material harm to migratory birds; supporters said it would address ignored wildlife recommendations and protect key flyways, while opponents argued the bill was too broad, singled out wind energy, and gave one agency unusually strong enforcement power. HB 49 would expand liability protections for produced-water recycling and beneficial use; supporters said it would encourage reuse of a large wastewater stream and reduce disposal pressures, while opponents warned it could shield operators from responsibility before the science and standards are mature. HB 4413 would authorize mass-balance accounting for renewable biomass feedstocks, and HB 3866 would regulate intermediate bulk container recycling facilities near homes, with a committee substitute adding a grandfather clause and making implementation contingent on funding. The committee also heard bills affecting air and energy regulation. HB 5033 would create a trigger to end vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes to allow it; the substitute removed a Supreme Court-related trigger, and the lone public witness opposed the bill, warning it would worsen air quality and harm nonattainment areas. HB 4112 would clarify that on-site storage of high-level radioactive waste is allowed at current and future nuclear reactors and university research reactors only for waste generated at that site; the substitute clarified the language and removed an inoperative permit condition, and witnesses from environmental and nuclear groups said the clarification was needed to prevent unintended restrictions while avoiding off-site storage. HB 2440 would prohibit state agencies from using air-quality rules to ban or restrict vehicles based on energy source, including internal combustion vehicles, and no public testimony was offered. HB 4271 would require TCEQ to hold public meetings on request for composting facility authorizations; the substitute limited the requirement to future applications and was presented as a transparency measure after a denied local request and extensive public comments. Additional bills addressed landowner protections and Railroad Commission oversight. HB 3619 would require the Railroad Commission to restore surface land after plugging or replugging operations and indemnify landowners from damages tied to authorized entry; a witness supported the bill but urged fixing a separate statutory loophole that he said allowed operators to enter unrelated tracts without notice. HB 4042 would extend Railroad Commission pipeline safety and fee provisions to propane distribution systems by removing the word “natural” from the relevant definitions. HB 4426 would set a 10-year permit term for commercial surface disposal facilities, allow renewal based on compliance history, and require renewal applications 120 days before expiration. The committee took no votes because a quorum was not initially present, and each bill was left pending after testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• TPWD is currently working in lockstep with the Texas Animal Health Commission on the response to the
• Uh, we've also recently launched the TPWD New World screwworm website.
• To provide TPWD contacts for New World suspected New World screw worm case reporting, links to agency
• Uh, currently, TPWD is investigating a role in active surveillance on TPWD owned properties like state
• TPWD will continue to train TPWD biologists, game wardens, and state park staff across Texas on New World

Transcript Highlights:

• TPWD continues to work with the Texas Animal Health Commission and the USDA to refine our response to
• If New World screwworm is found, TPWD will surge staff to the affected area to address immediate needs
• TPWD will enforce live animal movement requirements that apply to native wildlife, with inspections and
• TPWD and TAHC are currently working with Jesse Gilbert at the Oceans and Wildlife Institute at the Texas
• In closing, TPWD will continue to work with our state and federal agency partners to refine our response

Summary: The joint hearing focused on preparedness for the New World screwworm threat and brought together the House Committees on Culture, Recreation, and Tourism and Agriculture and Livestock. USDA officials, Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, and Texas Animal Health Commission leadership described the pest as a serious risk to livestock, wildlife, rural economies, and beef prices, and emphasized coordination among federal, state, industry, and Mexican partners. Witnesses repeatedly stressed that Texas is currently seeing no confirmed U.S. detections, but that recent confirmed cases in northern Mexico, including Nuevo León, remain a concern because of their proximity to the border. USDA testimony outlined current surveillance and response efforts, including more than 120 screw worm-specific traps along the Texas border and neighboring states, thousands of additional dual-purpose traps, wildlife inspections, weekly coordination with Mexico’s Senasica, and a new USDA New World Screwworm Directorate. Officials said the existing Panama sterile fly facility is maxed out at about 100 million flies per week, while a dispersal facility in Tampico is helping move flies farther north in Mexico. They also described plans for a retrofitted sterile fly facility in Metapa, Mexico, expected to come online in 2026, and a new domestic production facility at Moore Air Base, with phase one targeted for late 2026 or early 2027 and phase two adding substantially more capacity later. Members pressed USDA on timelines, production capacity, the reliability of Mexican reporting, the risk from wildlife, and whether modular or mobile facilities could be deployed faster. USDA said it is also exploring innovative technologies, including a genetically engineered sterile male fly, but that such tools still require EPA review and field validation. Commissioner Miller highlighted Texas biosecurity efforts, five permanent inspection stations, cooperation with FDA and EPA on treatments such as Exzolt, and other pest issues affecting Texas agriculture. He also noted research into fly bait and private-sector efforts to speed sterile fly production. Texas Animal Health Commission officials described extensive state preparedness work, including weekly coordination calls, field response trainings, outreach to producers and veterinarians, and a Texas Screwworm Response Team. They said Texas has trained more than 100 inspectors and other personnel, with additional trainings planned, and that the state is expanding its cattle fever tick rider program. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing; the main action was the exchange of testimony and questions about readiness, surveillance, and facility timelines.

Transcript Highlights:

• In response to the initial detection of New World Screwworm in Zavala County, TPWD staff...
• When it comes to wildlife surveillance, TPWD staff have investigated 1,668 animals statewide.
• TPWD staff are also monitoring 229 game cameras on 21 of our wildlife management areas.
• Additionally, TPWD wildlife veterinarians and one of our health specialists...
• TPWD continues to work closely with USDA Wildlife Services on surveillance efforts.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Summary: The Agriculture and Livestock Committee met to receive an update on New World screwworm response efforts and hear industry and stakeholder perspectives on possible ways to accelerate eradication. The chair described the pest as an urgent threat to Texas livestock, wildlife, companion animals, and rural economies, noting recent confirmed cases in the state and emphasizing the need for additional options beyond current federal efforts. Testimony focused on two main approaches: expanding sterile fly production and exploring medicated feed options for livestock and wildlife. Charles Maley of the South Texas Property Rights Association urged the state to support additional sterile fly capacity, arguing that sterile flies are the proven tool for eradication and that Texas should help create supplemental production capacity using existing infrastructure and Texas-based research assets. Nathan Moses Gonzales of M3 Agriculture Technologies proposed a modular sterile insect technique program using X-ray sterilization, potentially based in Veracruz, Mexico, as a private-sector complement to USDA efforts. He said a $4 million demonstration phase would be needed first, with a longer-term path to 25 to 50 million flies in about six months and 100 million flies within a year, but stressed that any effort would require close coordination with USDA and Mexican authorities. He also said his company had applied for USDA grant funding but did not receive an award. Charles Echle of Lysian Echle Feed and Tim Acres of Westway Feed Products testified in support of an emergency use authorization pathway for ivermectin-based medicated feed, describing ongoing studies in deer and cattle and arguing that feed-based delivery could provide a practical bridge until sterile fly production is sufficient. They said the feed approach would be voluntary, targeted to infested or surveillance zones, and would need veterinary oversight and state chemist supervision to manage dosing and reduce resistance risks. Committee members questioned the witnesses about timelines, costs, regulatory approvals, and whether the proposals would complement or duplicate USDA’s current work; no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the House bill, that is the end of the process, and the developer can ignore TPWD and build a project
• committee substitute maintains the structure of the process passed by the House but adds a backstop for TPWD
• TPWD only has standing to seek an injunction for such harm.
• Senator Middleton, I believe you have a TPWD resource witness you wanted to bring up? We do, yes.
• This bill gives TPWD standing to go to court just like any other citizen.

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Vasut, did TPWD used to have standing with TCEQ to kind of weigh in before the TCEQ?
• That it's all been met, and that is a substantial impairment that TPWD ought to have at least some ability
• TPWD should at least have some ability to stand in for the people to protect not only the birds but also
• I understand your position, and I get it, but shouldn't TPWD be able to not only speak but also act at

Bills: HB3129, HB3251, HB3556, HB3724, HB3887

Keywords: construction, wildlife impact, height restrictions, national wildlife refuge, environmental regulations, HB 3887, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Parks and Wildlife Code, performance bond, payment bond, contractor bonding, public works, construction contracts, public building, procurement, bid security, subcontractors, suppliers, contractor payment protection, project completion

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Did TPWD used to have standing at TCEQ to kind of weigh in?
• That TPWD ought to have at least some ability, you know, because it's one thing to just sit there and
• But at some point in time, if they're locating them there, shouldn't TPWD at least, you know, have some
• getting at, I mean, I understand your position, and I, and I get it, um, but at some point, shouldn't TPWD

Transcript Highlights:

• By directing TPWD to develop...
• Members, as you've heard, HB 5259 would direct TPWD to develop a plan.
• TPWD currently offers this option for deer, turkey, and red drum.

Keywords: wildlife corridors, animal-vehicle collisions, HB5259, licensing, concurrent resolutions, cultural significance, Senate Bill 1247, public safety, environmental conservation

Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around significant legislative measures, including several bills aimed at enhancing wildlife safety through the establishment of wildlife corridors and licenses for outdoor activities. Key discussions highlighted House Bill 5259, led by Vice Chair Flores, which proposes a wildlife corridor action plan to reduce animal-vehicle collisions in Texas. This bill is crucial given Texas's alarming rate of wildlife-vehicle accidents, and testimonies from supporting members emphasized the need for action to protect both wildlife and public safety. Furthermore, Senate Bill 1247 was brought forward, simplifying the non-resident hunting license system to improve compliance and conservation funding. The committee also addressed multiple concurrent resolutions recognizing towns for their cultural significance, reflecting a broader commitment to community identity and heritage.

Transcript Highlights:

• By directing TPWD to develop wildlife corridor plans, we are equipping the state of Texas with tools
• Uh, members, as you've heard, HB 5259 would direct TPWD to develop a plan examining hotspots for collisions
• TPWD currently offers this option for harvested deer, turkey, and red drum.

Transcript Highlights:

• By directing TPWD to develop wildlife corridor plans, we are equipping the state of Texas with tools.
• Members, as you've heard, HB5259 would direct TPWD to develop a plan examining hotspots for collisions
• TPWD currently offers this option for harvested deer, turkey, and red drum.

Bills: HB370, HB738, HB2935, HB3227, HB4103, HB5259, SB519, SB1350, SB1247, SB1248, SB2112, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR59, HCR109, HCR111, HCR135, SCR6

Keywords: HB 370, Events Trust Fund, Texas events funding, sports eligibility, women's sports, girls' sports, biological sex, transgender athletes, sex-segregated sports, athletic competition, event subsidies, tourism funding, site selection organization, anti-trafficking plan, female athletes, public funding, economic impact, sports policy, Rosenwald Schools, historical preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• While the state entrusts the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) with protecting our wildlife,
• Then I guess it would be prudent for TPWD to... to weigh the impact on that.
• It just gives TPWD the option to weigh in. Mr.
• It is an ability for TPWD to go to court if it will materially impair wildlife.
• TPWD does not have the power to stop construction.

Bills: HB1535, HB 123, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HB24, HJR138, HB3800, HB42, HB 129, HB677, HB668, HB2128, HB2038, HB2316, HB3686, HB2563, HB 1160, HB3883, HB2788, HB2663, HB3305, HB3474, HB 1105, HB3490, HB3597, HB 1295, HB3512, HB3783, HB2017, HB3010, HB3112, HB4215, HB3223, HB3464, HB3120, HB4214, HB4081, HB4783, HB4063, HB2783, HB5085, HB2510, HB3426, HB4361, HB 1169, HB2516, HB4700, HB3560, HB3860, HB3146, HB184, HB198, HB247, HB367, HB449, HB1778, HB514, HB632, HB2582, HB766, HB2715, HB2712, HB3069, HB3505, HB 1269, HB4224, HB5032, HB2240, HB5180, HB3348, HB4668, HB4665, HB3395, HB3157, HB4395, HB4325, HB4386, HB4273, HB2760, HB2820, HB1828, HB1579, SB2349, SB1268, SB610, SB1577, SB1369, SB2032, SB2034, SB1057, SB1044, SB922, SB1759, SB1143, SB1506, SB1403, SB2361, SB870, SB372, SB72, SB1583, SB2314, SB1267, SB1273, SB765, SB552, HB2145, HJR112, HB1804, HJR110, HB 1194, HB1531, HB5008, HB3421, SCR27, HB5398, HB1407, HB426, HB1535, HB 123, HB1773, HB1871, HB2035, HB2448, HB2492, HB1411, HB4753, HB4666, HB4529, HB1499, HB1610, HB2028, HB1506, HB886, HB3546, HB796, HB223, HB1475, HB3556, HB4638, HB 111, HB180, HB342, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB610, HB 1277, HB1615, HB1620, HB5342, HB4885, HB4751, HB4689, HB4530, HB4488, HB2149, HB2041, HB2071, HB1813, HB2282, HB2248, HB2243, HB2522, HB2310, HB2513, HB2300, HB1902, HB3719, HB4284, HB4327, HB3743, HB3778, HB3801, HB5153, HB5147, HB4877, HB4850, HB3158, HB3261, HB3005, HB3033, HB3138, HB3099, HB2849, HB2967, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3396, HB3469, HB2594, HB2776, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB2015, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB5111, HB5446, HB 1181, HB3963, HB2785, HB1661, HB2460, HCR98, HCR92, HCR126

Keywords: Trinity River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, board of directors, governor appointment, public water authority, regional water authority, water resources, local government, natural resources, board training, ethics, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, complaint procedures, public comment, director removal, governance reform

Transcript Highlights:

• TPWD has a draft response plan and we are currently working to refine this. plan to reflect new information
• TPWD understands that providing sufficient monitoring and wildlife using animal inspections trail camera
• This information included a link to the TPWD.
• reiterate, upon notification of the initial New World screw-in detection Nuevo Leon in September, TPWD
• In closing, TPWD will continue to work with our state and federal agency partners to refine find our

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• surface trails, unless restricted by Parks and Wildlife Commission. 4 protects natural trails by giving TPWD
• Clearly give TPWD the ability to prohibit Class 2 and 3 e-bikes on those trails, and 3, and a rulemaking
• Third, it empowers, uh, TPWD commissioners and state political subdivisions to regulate these higher-powered
• And also parks, as we've talked to people in parks department, I believe there's no opposition from TPWD

Bills: HB 535, HB 2120, HB 2822, HB 3243, HB 3457, HB 3544, HB 4089, HB 4192, HB 4669, HB 4868, HB 4955, HB 5253, HB 5669, SB 1371, SB 1919, SB 2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County

Transcript Highlights:

• It also protects natural trails by giving TPWD clear authority.
• surface trails where traditional bicycles are permitted. ...bikes aren't prohibited, clearly give TPWD
• Third, It empowers TPWD commissioners and state political subdivisions to regulate these higher-powered
• parks as we've talked to people in the parks department. and I believe there's no opposition from TPWD

Bills: HB535, HB2120, HB2822, HB3243, HB3457, HB3544, HB4089, HB4192, HB4669, HB4868, HB4955, HB5253, HB5669, SB1371, SB1919, SB2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, pedestrian safety, traffic regulations, municipal law, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, bicycle operation, traffic laws, municipal regulations, port commission, Corpus Christi, Nueces County, San Patricio County