Transcript Highlights:

• Current Texas Election Code 61.014 has not been updated since 2007.
• It makes a simple but important update to the election code to improve election.
• Under Section 16.033 of the Texas Election Code, if a person responds to a jury summons to say that they're
• I do actually have the election code definition of the general election, which is an election other than
• This legislation amends the Texas Election Code to prohibit candidates from filing applications for a

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Summary: The committee first voted out two previously heard Senate bills without amendment: SB 688, relating to the date of the meeting of presidential electors, and SB 914, relating to authorizing certain cities to change the date of their general election for officers. Both motions passed on 8-0 votes with one member absent. The committee then heard HB 3909, which would change the current prohibition on wireless device use from a 100-foot boundary around a voting station to only inside the room where voting is taking place, with a committee substitute also adding state-prescribed signage. The author and supporters said the change would reduce confusion and make enforcement easier for election workers, while opponents argued the existing 100-foot rule helps prevent electioneering, recording, and possible technical interference with election equipment. The bill was left pending. Members also heard HB 1968, which would repeal a provision that requires counties to provide election services to certain political subdivisions in odd-numbered years but not even-numbered years, making county-provided election services consistent across years. Supporters said it would improve consistency for smaller cities and school districts, while opponents warned it could strain county equipment and staffing during heavy election cycles. The bill was left pending. HB 2279 would require voter registrars to remove a person from the rolls if the person swears under oath during jury service that they are not a U.S. citizen; supporters said this would streamline removal of ineligible voters, while opponents raised concerns about mistaken identity and loss of due process. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 2803, which would require a presiding judge to give a poll watcher a signed statement explaining any removal from service. Supporters said this would improve documentation and accountability, and one witness asked for clarification that improper removal would remain a criminal offense; the author said he would consider a floor amendment and further discussion. The committee also heard HB 4253, which would create a more uniform voter-roll maintenance process based on inactivity, sending confirmation notices to voters who have not voted in the prior 25 months and eventually removing those who do not respond after multiple election cycles. Supporters said it would clean up outdated records and help keep voters registered where they actually live, while opponents argued it could wrongly remove eligible voters who simply do not vote regularly. HB 4253 was left pending as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• Current Texas election code 61.014 has not been updated since then, and technology and people's use and
• Secure Texas Elections? That's correct, yes.
• integrity and Secure Texas Elections.
• Under section 16.033 of the Texas Election Code, if a person responds to a jury summons to say that they're
• This legislation amends the Texas Election Code to prohibit candidates from filing.

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 677 prohibits county election administrators from holding an office or position appointed by an elected
• official while serving as an election administrator.
• HB 677 prohibits county election administrators from holding an office appointed by an elected official
• while serving as an election administrator.
• Additionally, the Texas Lottery is a very regressive tax.

Bills: HB668, HB677, HB766, HB3133, SB3070

Keywords: HB 668, Texas, handgun license, license to carry, LTC, concealed carry, open carry, firearm permit, gun license renewal, public safety, Department of Public Safety, DPS, Government Code Section 411.185, renewal fee, handgun permit, Second Amendment, carry permit, firearms regulation, HB 677, Texas Election Code

Summary: The committee met to hear several bills, beginning with House Bill 766, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both on their applications while keeping that contact information confidential. No one testified for or against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 677, a companion to a previously approved Senate bill, would bar county election administrators from simultaneously holding another office or position appointed by an elected official; it also drew no public testimony and was left pending. Members then heard House Bill 3133, which would add explicit deepfake material to the list of content social media platforms must handle through complaint systems, including prompt acknowledgment, investigation, and status updates. Senators discussed concerns about how platforms would verify whether reported content was actually a deepfake, and the sponsor indicated the bill may be held pending while federal law on the subject is reviewed. House Bill 668 would create a one-year grace period for renewing an expired Texas handgun license to carry, codifying an existing DPS practice; it also received no testimony and was left pending. The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 3070, a major overhaul of the Texas Lottery system. The bill would move oversight from the Lottery Commission to TDLR, dissolve the commission, impose new restrictions on ticket sales and internet play, create a lottery advisory committee, increase transparency and audit requirements, and include a sunset review that could lead to abolishing the lottery if not continued by 2027. The author described the bill as a response to alleged misconduct and illegal practices by the commission, while a witness from the Christian Life Commission testified in favor, supporting changes to prize anonymity and other lottery restrictions. After testimony, the bill was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and Members, House Bill 766 relates to the ballot application requirements for the election
• HB 677 prohibits county election administrators from holding an office or position appointed by an elected
• The Commission allowed a business entity named Rook Texas to collect.
• All new rules and rule modifications must be in full compliance with Texas law.
• This section of the code.

Bills: HB668, HB677, HB766, HB3133, SB3070

Keywords: HB 668, Texas, handgun license, license to carry, LTC, concealed carry, open carry, firearm permit, gun license renewal, public safety, Department of Public Safety, DPS, Government Code Section 411.185, renewal fee, handgun permit, Second Amendment, carry permit, firearms regulation, HB 677, Texas Election Code

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill provides common-sense safeguards into the election code.
• While Texas law currently requires post-election hand count audits, the evolving landscape of election
• Texas law organizes our election systems by precinct. not polling locations.
• The Chair calls Jennifer Doinoff with the Texas Association of County Elected Election Officials.
• Senate Bill 2166 harmonizes the pre-election testing requirements that are in the Texas election.

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

Bills: HB429, HB496, HB640, HB657, HB665, HB677, HB952

Keywords: Texas Election Code, elections, voting station, polling place, ballot marking, ballot reading, child accompaniment, minor, parental supervision, voter education, secretary of state, county election administrator, voter assistance, election administration, poll worker rules, ballot secrecy, HB 496, ballot option, none of the above, abstain from vote

Transcript Highlights:

• Now they want to move back to Texas. And be home or they get stationed back in Texas.
• The idea is you're in Texas.
• right here in Texas.
• We got a place here in Austin, Texas called Texas One Center.
• Texas Center. Oh, Texas One Center. Uh, is there a cost to get an ID for them?

Bills: HB163, HB 296

Keywords: judicial liability, personal bond, felony offenses, judges, criminal justice reform, voter registration, election procedures, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, Texas election law, residence address, precinct voting, county move, same-county move, Election Code, registrar, statement of residence, polling place, local elections

Transcript Highlights:

• We have less than half the voter turnout compared to some other cities. ...Texas, who hold their elections
• Recently in primary elections in Texas, candidates have filed for the same office for nomination by multiple
• Yes, this is a cleanup of the election code and a government efficiency bill.
• The Libertarian Party of Texas believes in minimizing state involvement in elections and empowering individuals
• My name is Christina Adkins, and I'm the Director of Elections for the Texas Secretary of State's office

Bills: SB38, SB287, SB291, SB292, SB508, SB618, SB901, SB1436, SB1494, SB1626, SB1719, SB1999, SB1333, SB 38

Keywords: evictions, property law, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, justice court, court rules, SB 287, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, sexually oriented business, adult entertainment, strip club, nude entertainment, live nude performance, alcohol prohibition, alcohol consumption, possession of alcohol, criminal offense, Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• rules, or procedures not explicitly allowed by the Texas Election Code.
• Texas has some of the strongest election code laws in the country.
• Paul was denied entry by the election administrator. which is a violation of Texas Election Code 127.201
• This is a violation of Texas Election Code 1.012 E through H.
• Texas Election Code 122.001 states that election systems must be accurate.

Bills: SB38, SB287, SB291, SB292, SB508, SB618, SB901, SB1436, SB1494, SB1626, SB1719, SB1999, SB1333, SB 38

Keywords: evictions, property law, tenant rights, landlord responsibilities, justice court, court rules, SB 287, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, sexually oriented business, adult entertainment, strip club, nude entertainment, live nude performance, alcohol prohibition, alcohol consumption, possession of alcohol, criminal offense, Class A misdemeanor, state jail felony, third degree felony

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Election Code 72.003 cleared this up for us.
• Election officials in Texas are entrusted with implementing our elections and election procedures in
• election code have their ballots rejected.
• judge who violates the election code repeatedly.
• election code.

Bills: HB569, HB766, HB1638, HB2316, HB2773, HB2785, HB3113, HB3709, HB3775, HB4275

Keywords: early voting, ballot correction, voting rights, election integrity, mail-in voting, voter notification, HB 766, precinct chair, precinct chair candidate, ballot application, Texas Election Code, Section 172.021, election administration, candidate filing, party precinct chair, county party, political party office, email address, telephone number, confidential candidate information

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Election Code sets forth the requirements related to a... a plan for a central count station
• operation, often referred to as central count, for certain elections in Texas.
• However, if the Texas Election Code already prohibits ranked-choice voting or preferential voting, ..
• Right now, our election equipment in Texas does not support ranked-choice voting.
• of voters who voted in the last election, plus 25% as required by the election code.

Bills: HB376, HB817, HB 1297, HB1478, HB1661, HB1783

Keywords: HB 817, Texas Election Code, majority vote, majority threshold, ranked-choice voting, preferential voting, instant runoff voting, vote reassignment, ballot ranking, election administration, public office election, Election Code Section 2.0215, runoff elections, plurality vs majority, voting systems, education reform, budget allocation, teacher retention, student performance, accountability measures

Transcript Highlights:

• In Texas, 95% of the time it's in Spanish.
• in the southern region of Texas alone.
• Government Code 4.001.
• HB 824 adds focused instruction on local and civic processes to the Texas Education Code, Section 28.002
• in elections.

Bills: HB295, HB824, HB1579, HB1581, HB2189, HB295

Keywords: bullying, antisemitism, school policies, school discipline, education, education policy, Texas Education Code, hate speech, student rights, civics education, high school curriculum, government, voting process, elected officials, Texas Seal of Biliteracy, biliteracy, bilingual education, multilingual, language proficiency, high school diploma

Transcript Highlights:

• What would happen mechanically if the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reached
• the Supreme Court of Texas.
• Texas Constitution.
• In doing so, the Texas Constitution created the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Senate Bill 311 will amend Section 22.002A of the Texas Government Code, and it will allow the Texas

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met and heard several bills related to legislative process and court jurisdiction. Senate Bill 1386, by Senator Huffman, would change compelled legislative testimony from blanket transactional immunity to testimonial immunity, allowing compelled statements or documents to be used against a witness in criminal prosecution only if not derived from the compelled testimony, while preserving protection against perjury and false statements and retaining the right to counsel. No public witnesses testified, and the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1470, by Chairman Hughes, which would require DPS to share existing data on cross-state driver’s license cancellations with the Secretary of State for voter-roll maintenance. Hughes said the bill does not create new data collection and is intended to improve list maintenance. A DPS resource witness was present, there was no substantive opposition, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1210, also by Hughes, would address conflicts between the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Criminal Appeals on constitutional questions by making the Supreme Court the final arbiter in limited circumstances. Chris Hilton supported the bill, but Allen Place, Jack Rohde, and Philip Furlow opposed it, arguing it was unconstitutional, unnecessary, and could create practical problems in criminal post-conviction litigation. The bill was left pending after testimony. The committee also heard Senate Bill 311, which would conform the Government Code to the Texas Constitution by clarifying the Supreme Court’s original writ authority against lower courts and officials other than the governor. Justice Evan Young and Chris Hilton supported the bill as a clarification of existing authority, while no one testified against it; the bill was left pending. The committee then recessed to allow the chamber to rearrange for the Senate session.

Bills: HB 34, HB 128, HB 621, HB 748, HB 2259, HB 2960, HB 3113, HB 4749, SB 835

Keywords: property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, elections, scannable ballots, voting technology, paper ballots, electoral process, jury service, juror qualifications, grand jury, petit jury, legal implications

Bills: HB 34, HB 128, HB 621, HB 748, HB 2259, HB 2960, HB 3113, HB 4749, SB 835

Keywords: property owners' association, free speech, assembly rights, government officials, political candidates, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, elections, scannable ballots, voting technology, paper ballots, electoral process, jury service, juror qualifications, grand jury, petit jury, legal implications

Transcript Highlights:

• However, however, that's not always as easy. to effectuate as it should be under the Texas election code
• Texas voter turnout in non-November elections.
• Texas election code 122.001 clearly states that voting must be private.
• program in the Texas election code and required. are in precinct-only voting for any in-person voting
• Texas election laws and to ensure the security of our elections.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• What would happen mechanically if the Texas Supreme Court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals reached
• The Supreme Court of Texas can.
• Texas Supreme Court, which violates the very fundamental principles of our Texas Constitution that have
• In doing so, the Texas Constitution created The Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
• Senate Bill 311 will amend section 22.002A of the Texas Government Code, and it will allow the Texas

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion. Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 2681 amends the Election Code to allow for someone to challenge SB 2681 amends the Election Code to
• the public the elections are run according to Texas law and regulations.
• The elections are run according to Texas law and regulations.
• result in the county being unable to meet its burdens and duties to voters under the election code.
• And we already have a tool in the code, Texas Election Code 31.14(c), which specifies they must update

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending. Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 2681 amends the election code to allow for someone to challenge a voter's registration based
• Texas really pioneered these procedural audits, which evaluate the elections held in those counties.
• public that elections are run according to Texas law and regulations.
• And we already have a tool in the code, Texas Election Code 31.014, which specifies they must update
• It's about strengthening the physical security and oversight of election equipment in Texas, making sure

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63, SB 3

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission