Transcript Highlights:

• I am a trust and estate litigation attorney here in Austin, and I'm the co-chair of legislative.
• Affairs for the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute, known as TREP.
• Probate estate and trust law. TREP supports this bill.
• is a small estate, so this will clean things up.
• It removes an archaic provision in the Estates Code that is not used.

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, I'm just curious as to whether or not you're changing the order in which payments from a decedent's
• estate can occur, correct?
• If the estate doesn't go to, let's say, the mother of that child, and it goes somewhere else, like if
• This bill to me is a crucial step towards ensuring fairness and clarity in the administration of estates
• There are definitely challenges faced by families when dealing with the estates of deceased individuals

Bills: HB368, HB3311, HB1734, HB2495, HB2716, HB793, HB3376, HB2524, HB3421, HB3446, HB3181

Keywords: electronic devices, family violence, criminal prosecution, protective orders, tracking, harassment, family allowance, decedent's estate, surviving spouse, minor children, inheritance, child support, maintenance, HB 1734, Family Code, Section 155.207, suit affecting the parent-child relationship, SAPCR, continuing exclusive jurisdiction, jurisdiction transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually probated my first small estate this year. first small estate this year because there was just
• or not. out whether it was a small estate or not.
• estate.
• SB106 that we just took up, dealing with small estates, and we... dealing with small estates, and we
• We have questions that have arisen about intestate succession—what size is a small estate?

Bills: SB156, SB134, SB108, SB47, SB88, SB89, SB106, SB18, SB9, HB38, HB54

Keywords: habitual felony offender, resentencing, Alabama Department of Corrections, victim notification, criminal justice reform, life sentences, parole eligibility, pardon, parole, law enforcement, GPS monitoring, data sharing, mail theft, stolen mail, criminal penalties, personally identifying information, felony, misdemeanor, SB47, Alabama

Bills: HB230

Keywords: real estate, brokerage, broker, salesperson, licensee, consumer disclosure, agency disclosure, RECAD, Real Estate Consumers Agency and Disclosure Act, Alabama Real Estate Commission, buyer agreement, listing agreement, transaction broker, single agent, dual agency, compensation disclosure, commission, referral agreement, referral fee, written agreement

Transcript Highlights:

• HB382 is a bill that changes some Alabama real estate licensing laws. Um, be very...
• Alabama real estate licensing law. Um, be very brief. It does a few things.
• Um, there are team concepts you might have heard of, the Something Real Estate team.
• My understanding is that the real estate commission has rules and... real estate commission has rules

Bills: HB95, HB382

Keywords: HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate, homebuyer, homeowner, property transfer, fixture, condominium, cooperative, duplex, triplex, quadraplex, warrantor

Transcript Highlights:

• And then judge has the authority to take in different considerations of the estate, but we don't I feel
• House Bill 5642 seeks to ease the burden on realtors by instructing the Texas Real Estate Commission
• The chair recognizes Lauren Hunt. who is here on behalf of the Texas Real Estate and Probate Institute
• danger of being sued for failing to properly monitor these cases and the loss to the guardianship estate
• And it's particularly in cases in which the estate has been closed or the personal representative has

Bills: SB387, SB1335, HB1671, SB1760, SB1839, SB1923, HB1928, HB4942, HB5628, HB5642, HB1980

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, estates, inheritance, representative duties, court authority, personal representative, retroactive child support, parentage, genetic testing, family code, child's conception, incapacitated persons, court proceedings, guardianship fees, estate management, probate

Transcript Highlights:

• actors, for legitimate Representative Walsh [member_16258]: ...people with interest in a probate estate

Bills: HB2640, HB2161, HB2304, HB2445, HB2590, HB2412

Keywords: Uniform Commercial Code, business filings, legal filings, commercial transactions, UCC compliance, attorney general, legal authority, state powers, judiciary, civil rights, condominium, housing, warranty, property rights, construction, probate, estate administration, inheritance, heir finder, heir locator

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee met on January 30 for a public hearing on House Bill 2640 and then took executive action on several bills. HB 2640 would address unauthorized Uniform Commercial Code filings by allowing the Department of Licensing to refuse suspected harassing or fraudulent filings, creating an affidavit-based process to terminate wrongfully filed financing statements, allowing administrative review and court challenges, and adding criminal penalties for intentional unauthorized filings. Department of Licensing testimony supported the bill as an agency request and said it would provide a lower-barrier remedy for people harmed by abusive UCC filings; members questioned whether the department should be making legitimacy determinations and whether existing court remedies were sufficient. No vote was taken on HB 2640 at the hearing stage. In executive session, the committee advanced HB 2161, which expands attorney general civil investigative demand authority for certain civil rights and labor-related investigations, with a substitute clarifying that the authority does not apply to criminal investigations, bars improper use, and extends the response deadline from 20 to 30 days. The bill passed 7-5 with one excused. HB 2304, extending condominium warranty coverage to four-story buildings, passed unanimously. HB 2445, revising probate law and standards for personal representatives and third-party administrators, passed 10-2 with one excused, though some members warned it could slow legitimate probate matters. The committee also adopted an amendment to HB 2590, which exempts limited equity cooperatives from the Washington Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act unless they elect coverage, and then passed the substitute bill 8-4 with one excused. Finally, HB 2412, increasing the number of superior court judges in Yakima County from eight to nine, passed unanimously 12-0 with one excused. The meeting then adjourned.

Bills: HB426, SB24, SB106, SB254, HB505, HB458, HB535, HB509, HB320, HB518, HB261, HB426, SB24, SB106, SB254, HB505, HB458, HB535, HB509, HB320, HB518, HB261, SB316, HB228, SB318, SB260, HB132, HB347, HB405, HB86, HB263, HB302, SB336

Keywords: Alabama Ad Valorem Advisory Committee, ad valorem taxes, property tax, real property, personal property, tax assessment, tax collection, county tax officials, Department of Revenue, Commissioner of Revenue, taxpayer representation, resident taxpayers, local government, property tax administration, Association of Alabama Tax Administrators, tax policy, advisory committee, public input, governance reform, body-worn camera

Transcript Highlights:

• That will help everybody that's in the development and real estate business, and it will also help those

Bills: HB294

Keywords: energy efficiency, tax exemption, residential properties, sustainability, real estate

Transcript Highlights:

• So when you brief this, I mean, thinking on the capital gains tax, real estate is excluded.
• It was essentially unduly, to a certain extent, the exemption on real estate sales.
• Oh, it does not change that with respect to real estate.
• I’m doing the recent changes to the estate tax.
• SB 6347, in front of you, would modify the estate tax rate for estates of decedents dying on or after

Bills: SB6346, SB6347, SB6147, SB6246, SB5940, SB5882, SB6223, SJR8206, SB5762, SB5828

Keywords: millionaires tax, wealth tax, income tax, state revenue, tax reform, Washington estate tax, estate tax, inheritance tax, death tax, probate, decedent, gross estate, taxable estate, exclusion amount, tax rate, estate planning, heirs, beneficiaries, RCW 83.100, Department of Revenue

Summary: The committee first suspended the five-day notice rule for all bills on the agenda by a 15-9 roll call vote, after several senators objected that the main tax bill had not been public long enough and that the fiscal note had just been released. The hearing then focused on Senate Bill 6346, described by staff as a 9.9% tax on Washington taxable income above a $1 million household deduction, with additional charitable deductions, credits for certain taxes, and related changes to the working families tax credit, a grooming and hygiene sales tax exemption, a larger small business B&O credit, and early repeal of the high-grossing business B&O surcharge. Staff said the proposal would raise about $3.5 billion annually once fully implemented, with most revenue going to the general fund and 5% to a public defense stabilization account for counties. Public testimony was sharply divided. Supporters, including labor, anti-poverty, health care, education, and local government advocates, argued the bill would make the tax code more progressive, help fund schools, health care, child care, public defense, and other services, and provide relief through the working families tax credit and lower taxes on working people. Several individuals who would be subject to the tax also testified in support, saying they were willing to pay more to support public services and community investment. Opponents, including business groups, builders, hospitality, rental housing, medical, and taxpayer advocates, warned the bill would function as a tax on pass-through businesses and retained earnings, hurt housing production and small businesses, create cash-flow problems, and potentially drive people and investment out of Washington. Committee members asked questions about the bill’s treatment of pass-through entities, student athletes, nonresidents, capital gains, and whether the measure would eventually expand beyond high earners. Some witnesses and senators also raised constitutional concerns and argued the bill conflicts with Initiative 2111 and the state constitution’s tax provisions. Others noted the bill’s public defense funding and asked for broader or different distribution formulas, including possible support for cities and higher education. No final action on Senate Bill 6346 was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the committee was still hearing testimony when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not apply to commercial real estate.
• And it only applies to the extent that you are using a licensed real estate broker or a real estate firm
• Our real estate community remains unwavering, Our real estate community remains unwavering in our commitment
• I've been in the real estate industry for over 25 years and I've been in the real estate industry for
• Solicited real estate transactions in which a buyer or seller is represented by a licensed real estate

Bills: HB2477, HB2501, HB2465, HB2512, HB2240, HB2624, HB2536, HB2476

Keywords: real estate, appraisal, consumer protection, business operations, regulatory compliance, HB 2501, real estate disclosure, seller disclosure notice, residential property, home heating oil tank, oil tank insurance, pollution liability insurance agency, PLIA, heating oil contamination, remediation assistance, Washington real estate, property sale, buyer disclosure, seller obligations, oil heat

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee heard public hearings on several real estate, consumer, and business bills. House Bill 2477 would create a specific statute of limitations for claims against appraisers and related entities arising from appraisal reports, and limit liability to clients and intended users; the sponsor and appraisers testified that it would align Washington with other states, reduce recordkeeping burdens, lower insurance costs, and help attract new appraisers. House Bill 2512 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to exclusive groups unless the property is also publicly marketed; supporters framed it as a transparency and fair housing measure, while opponents argued it could limit homeowner privacy and off-market sales. House Bill 2240 would modernize self-storage rental agreements by allowing electronic execution, setting notice and acceptance rules, and clarifying procedures after termination or non-renewal; storage industry witnesses supported the clarity, while an advocate for unhoused people raised concerns about property loss and notice access. House Bill 2465 would require a Department of Health water-safety guide for short-term rentals with pools or similar facilities; the sponsor and hospitality industry supported it as a low-cost consumer safety measure, while cities raised implementation concerns that the sponsor said would be addressed by amendment. House Bill 2501 would update a seller disclosure notice to reflect the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency’s shift from a heating oil insurance program to a loan and grant/remediation program, and House Bill 2624 would exempt public entities, tribes, and nonprofit land conservancies from the “unsolicited real estate transaction” requirements adopted last year; conservation groups and DNR said the exemption was needed to preserve existing appraisal and grant processes. The committee also took executive action on two bills. House Bill 2536, allowing wineries to hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or a beer and/or wine restaurant license at one location, was reported out with a due pass recommendation on a 14-1 vote. Substitute House Bill 2476, which narrows a proposal to remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for spirits, beer, and wine theater licenses by restoring the cap except for theaters that admit only patrons 21 and older, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation on a 13-2 vote. The committee then adjourned.

Bills: HB329, HB8, HB353, HB329, HB8, HB353, HB50, HB78, HB225, SB75, SB209

Keywords: military installations, tall structures, local government, construction approval, wind energy facilities, tobacco regulation, vaping, sales restrictions, youth protection, tobacco compliance, public health, education programs, electronic nicotine delivery systems, judicial compensation, salary adjustments, district attorneys, Judges, local officials, computer science, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, let's go to 2477 concerning actions arising out of real estate appraisal activity.
• causes of action against appraisal professionals and companies from Chapter 18.140, which is the Real Estate
• Next up, 2624, consumer protections regarding unsolicited real estate transactions.
• House Bill 2624, consumer protections regarding unsolicited real estate transactions.
• entities, Indian tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies from the requirements of solicited real estate

Bills: HB2483, HB2477, HB2274, HB2394, HB2624, HB2240

Keywords: data broker, registry, consumer protection, privacy, data regulation, real estate, appraisal, business operations, regulatory compliance, email regulation, commercial communications, data privacy, electronic mail, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties, real estate transactions, nonprofit

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met in executive session to review amendments on several bills, including House Bill 2483 on a data broker registry, House Bill 2477 on claims arising from appraisal activity, House Bill 2274 on the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act, House Bill 2394 on insurance fraud enforcement, House Bill 2624 on unsolicited real estate transactions, and House Bill 2240 on self-service storage rental agreements. Staff explained the proposed amendments and substitutes, including narrowing and expanding exemptions in HB 2483, clarifying limitations and licensing authority in HB 2477, and competing substitute approaches for HB 2274. After a caucus recess, the committee deferred action on HB 2483, HB 2477, and HB 2394. The committee then voted to advance HB 2274, with the Walen substitute withdrawn and the H-3163.1 substitute adopted; members discussed the bill as a response to issues raised by the Brown v. Old Navy case and as a way to balance consumer protection with clearer rules for retailers. The roll call was 12-3 in favor, and the substitute bill was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also moved HB 2624 forward after debate over its carve-outs for public entities, tribes, and nonprofit nature conservancies; it passed 9-6 and was reported out do pass. Finally, the committee took up HB 2240 and adopted two amendments: one requiring rental agreements to be sent by both email and first-class mail when an email address is provided, and another extending notice of termination or nonrenewal from 15 to 25 days, with an additional five days to remove property. Members discussed whether the timelines were sufficient, but the bill was ultimately reported out of committee with a do pass recommendation by voice vote. The meeting adjourned after the committee noted the approaching policy cutoff and urged members to finish their work before the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• In light of the rising costs brewers face on raw materials, real estate, packaging, and more, this incentive
• The cost of grain, the cost of insurance, the cost of real estate, everything's been a little bit tougher

Bills: HB249

Keywords: real property, ad valorem tax, tax appraisal, property value limitation, real estate taxation, property ownership

Transcript Highlights:

• This resulted in a large number of real estate loans being pulled into the scope of Minnesota Statute
• So, um, all of you now are well on your way to getting your Minnesota real estate license because these
• So, um, all of you now are well on your way to getting your Minnesota real estate license because these
• I would be in really good conversation with my insurance agent and my real estate agent.
• agent um I think the insurance estate agent um I think the insurance agents<01:04:09.039><c> in</c><

Bills: HF1865, HF2014, HF2028

Keywords: mortgage, qualified mortgage, QM, points and fees, conventional loan, consumer lending, home loan, residential real estate, lender fees, service charge, finance charge, closing costs, Minnesota Statutes 47.20, housing finance, borrower protections, cooperative apartment loan, contract for deed, real estate lending, foreclosure, notice requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• So I'm primarily working commercial real estate.
• I think there are potentially some real estate transactions where we would want this to apply, but we're
• Representative Boyd said her concerns are similar to Representative Hilferty’s because real estate is
• disclosures, to provide for the duties of sellers and real estate agents, to provide for applicability
• I worked with the Louisiana Realtors Association and the Real Estate Commission, who are all here, but

Bills: HB267, HB478, HB617, HB659, HB800, HB922, HB924, HB947, HB1166, HB1223

Keywords: home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board, utility, reimbursement, overcharges, consumer protection, economic relief, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price, service fees

Transcript Highlights:

• The act seeks to better reflect current practices in the relationship between a real estate broker or
• the education requirements of the Texas Real Estate Commission.
• , choice, and transparency regarding real estate agency.
• Sub-agency occurs when a real estate agent works with a buyer but represents the interest of the seller
• Either represent the seller or the buyer directly, which provides clarity in real estate transactions

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce heard Senate Bill 2021 by Senator Johnson, as substituted, on distributed energy resources (DERs). Johnson said the bill was intended to create a regulatory framework for DERs and virtual power plants, address interconnection and registration issues, and prevent regulatory capture as the industry grows. Testimony was split: Texas Electric Cooperatives asked for clarification so co-ops would not be unintentionally excluded from owning or operating DERs; AECT supported the bill as providing needed rules and customer protections; TABA, Texas Solar and Storage Association, Sierra Club, Texas Solar Energy Society, and several others opposed it or raised concerns that it was too utility-centric, imposed red tape, and could burden homeowners and small businesses with registration and interconnection requirements. Johnson repeatedly said the bill was not meant to stop rooftop solar or backup systems and that he was open to specific redlines and further changes. SB 2021 was left pending after testimony. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2330 by Senator Parker, which would end government payroll deduction for dues to certain public employee organizations, while exempting first responders under Chapters 143 and 147 and making other conforming changes in a committee substitute. Parker argued the bill was about government neutrality, transparency, and employee freedom from coercion, and said organizations can collect dues directly using modern payment methods. Supporters from Texas Public Policy Foundation, Texas Business Coalition, Freedom Foundation, ABC Texas, and Texans for Fiscal Responsibility said taxpayer-funded payroll systems should not be used to collect dues for private organizations, especially ones involved in political activity. Opponents, including ATPE, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Public Employees Association, and correctional employees, said payroll deduction is a convenient, secure service that helps professional associations and employee groups, and argued the bill would burden teachers and other public employees. Several witnesses and senators focused on the bill’s exemptions and whether it treated teachers differently from first responders. Senator Menendez questioned why some public employees were excluded while others were not, and a Houston police union representative said he moved from opposing to supporting the bill after being told the substitute would preserve meet-and-confer deductions under Chapters 143 and 147. Senator Parker closed by saying the bill was not meant to eliminate associations or payroll deduction entirely, only to remove the state as a middleman. SB 2330 was left pending, and the committee then recessed subject to call.

Transcript Highlights:

• between a real estate broker or agent and a buyer.
• between a real estate broker or agent and a buyer.
• between a real estate broker or agent and a buyer.
• Formal relationship with a real estate agent.
• , choice, and transparency regarding real estate agency.

Bills: SB75, SB715, SB776, SB1299, SB1405, SB1968, SB2021, SB2077, SB2148, SB2321, SB2330, SB2411

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, nonprofit donor privacy, membership lists, supporter confidentiality, volunteer privacy, association rights, public records exemption, Texas Public Information Act, government transparency

Summary: The committee first took up pending business and favorably reported several bills without objection or by recorded vote, including SB 783, SB 1238, SB 1706, SB 1791, SB 458, SB 1644, and SB 1810, with some of them also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then moved into hearings on additional bills. SB 1968, by Senator Schwertner, would update the Real Estate License Act by repealing subagency, requiring written buyer-agent agreements before showings, and clarifying when a formal buyer representation agreement must be signed. Texas Realtors testified in support, saying the bill modernizes agency rules and increases transparency, while a committee substitute corrected drafting issues. SB 2411, the annual update to the Texas Business Organizations Code, was also laid out and left pending after supportive testimony from the Texas Business Law Foundation and drafting committee representatives. The committee also heard SB 2321, which would codify ERCOT’s current practice of notifying TCEQ when backup generation needs enforcement discretion for grid reliability; Sierra Club and a chamber of commerce witness supported it with suggestions for clearer emissions reporting, and the bill was left pending. SB 2077 would broaden eligibility for the Texas Mutual Insurance Company board by narrowing conflict restrictions tied to insurance-related interests; Texas Mutual supported the change and the bill was left pending. SB 1405, a broadband bill, would align state law with FCC standards and streamline Broadband Development Office processes; it was left pending after supportive testimony. SB 1299, protecting nonprofit donor privacy, drew support from privacy advocates and concerns from one witness about transparency for publicly funded nonprofit operations; it was left pending. The committee then heard SB 776, which would bar government construction contracts from shifting delay damages to contractors when delays are caused solely by the public owner. Contractors, surety representatives, and water infrastructure advocates supported the bill, arguing it would improve fairness and reduce inflated bids, while water utilities and critical infrastructure entities opposed it, warning of more litigation and higher costs; the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 715, which would apply reliability requirements retroactively to all generation resources in ERCOT, drew opposition from renewable and storage groups and support from some critics of renewable subsidies, with witnesses split over whether it would improve reliability or raise costs; testimony was underway when the transcript ended.