Transcript Highlights:

• and fraud accounts at the close of a fiscal year the option to fund the wildfire response, forest restoration
• amendments: MOV 643 by Representative Abbarno exempts from the prohibition on the assignment of benefits contractors
• MOV 643 by Representative Abarno, exempts from the prohibition on the assignment of benefits contractors

Bills: SB6178, SB5831

Keywords: SB6178, property insurance, insurance claims, assignment of benefits, AOB, post-loss assignment, post-loss benefits, homeowners insurance, policyholder, insured, restoration contractor, mitigation contractor, public adjuster, insurance commissioner, claims handling, consumer protection, void and unenforceable, Washington insurance code, chapter 48 RCW, civil penalty

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee received a staff briefing on eight bills in executive session, including measures on insurance disclosures and wildfire risk (SB 5928 and SB 6079), travel insurance (SB 6248), insurance fraud enforcement (SB 6031), assignment of insurance benefits (SB 6178), mortgage modifications (SB 5831), real estate marketing practices (SB 6091), and virtual currency kiosks (SB 5280). Staff outlined multiple proposed amendments, including changes to implementation dates, wildfire-risk disclosure scope, fine levels, fee limits, consumer disclosures, refund rights, and transaction limits. Members asked about amendment compatibility on the virtual currency kiosk bill and about the “Beckett’s Law” title for the real estate bill; staff and members explained that the amendments could generally work together, though some policy tension existed between transaction-limit and fee-related proposals. After a caucus recess, the committee took action on several bills. Substitute Senate Bill 6248, the Washington Travel Insurance Act, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by voice vote. Senate Bill 5831, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, was also reported out with a due pass recommendation after members noted it would preserve mortgage priority for certain safe-harbor modifications. For Substitute Senate Bill 6091, Representative Corey withdrew Amendment 656, and the committee then approved the bill on a roll call vote of 13 ayes, 1 nay, and 1 excused, with members supporting the bill’s prohibition on marketing residential real estate to exclusive buyer or broker groups except for health and safety reasons. The committee deferred action on the remaining executive-session bills: engrossed substitute SB 5928, substitute SB 6079, engrossed substitute SB 6031, SB 6178, and engrossed SB 5280. The meeting ended with thanks to committee staff and adjournment.

Bills: HB 346, HB 1360, HB 1510, HB 1606, HB 1804, HB 1805, HB 2156, HB 2391, HB 2767, HB 3022, HB 3044, HB 3272, HB 3293, HB 3493, HB 3809, HB 3824, HJR 110, HB 2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• to fully remove battery infrastructure, including batteries, cables, roads, and foundations, and restore
• HB 3809 will also make sure that project lands... and are restored as best possible to pre-project conditions

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• The substitute will also extend the ability to pay the railroad commission or a contractor with a plug

Bills: SB 1150, SB 763, SB 1061, SB 1146, SB 1198

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• It supports oyster farming and restoration while putting strong safeguards in place.
• Today, TNC Texas is a leader in oyster reef restoration.
• We hold over 10 years of experience leading oyster reef restoration projects and spearheaded the first
• part harvestable, part non-harvestable oyster reef restoration design in Texas at Lap Reef in Copano
• This bill would allow for oysters to be used in restoration or on private oyster leases.

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:

• One for the Saint Louis River restoration project, and that's 1.2 million that's being carried forward
• </c> In the end, when we got all done, approximately $100 million was spent restoring and rebuilding
• </c> they're meant for restoration they're meant for restoration enhancement<00:40:47.200><c> and</c>
• </c> when you start bringing restoration when you start bringing restoration enhancement<00:41:42.520
• Because they do give, they get to see and restore and protect America and Minnesota.

Bills: HF3879

Keywords: outdoor heritage, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resources, wildlife management, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• approved, of course, by the Road Commission after an evaluation of several factors committing to plug or restore
• bill, you can enter a compliance plan with the Railroad Commission to say, look, we've got a plan to restore
• determines pre-mining low and high. values of groundwater quality to measure post mining groundwater restoration
• If the boundaries change or if the restoration levels go above the initial threshold, then it is subject
• worked on everything from shuttle propulsion systems to leading the Commercial Crew Program, which restored

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• It is the contractor, the operator, the plugger's intent to do so within 30 days and then plug or re-plug

Bills: SB1150, SB763, SB1061, SB1146, SB1198, HB279, HB310

Keywords: concrete plants, environmental regulation, permit process, air quality, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, SB 1061, uranium mining, production area authorization, TCEQ, Water Code, groundwater, groundwater conservation district, restoration table value, restoration values, contested case hearing, Chapter 2001, mineral rights, surface owners, notice requirements, environmental permitting

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just wetland restoration and prairie restoration and forest restoration and those different types
• It's just wetland restoration and prairie restoration and forest restoration and those different types
• It's just wetland restoration and prairie restoration and forest restoration and those different types
• It's just wetland restoration and prairie restoration and forest restoration and those different types
• It's just wetland restoration and prairie restoration and forest restoration and those different types

Bills: HF1250

Keywords: outdoor heritage, land acquisition, wildlife management, conservation easements, environmental restoration, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• governing body within the state government tasked with the long-term preservation, maintenance, restoration

Bills: SB3059

Keywords: Alamo, historic preservation, cultural heritage, restoration, Texas history, state parks, commemoration, 1184, house, all

Bills: SB1239, SB1732

Keywords: Service Oklahoma, apportionment, state revenue, funding, vehicle registration, professional licensing, licensing fees, home inspection, home inspector, Construction Industries Board, CIB, contractor license, journeyman license, apprentice registration, alarm endorsement, code inspector, electrical license, plumbing license, mechanical license, permit fees

Transcript Highlights:

• These delays don't just affect contractors.
• </c> delays don't just affect contractors. delays don't just affect contractors.
• of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association
• He requested a yes vote on the amendment to restore the $875,000 back into the budget.
• </c><01:15:02.080><c> the</c> amendment to restore the amendment to restore the $875,000<01:15:03.920

Bills: HF3228, HF2441

Keywords: workers' compensation, insurance programs, employee protection, Minnesota statutes, safety regulations, prevailing wage, certified payroll, payroll reporting, construction contracts, public works, project registration, labor standards, contractor compliance, subcontractor reporting, state government, Department of Administration, Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Metropolitan Council, highway construction, public construction

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming. We are in support of this bill.

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Bills: SF0052

Keywords: wildlife management, environmental restoration, funding, invasive species, aquatic ecosystems, native fish, habitat conservation, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Construction contracts often include multiple tiers of contractors.
• So we have no licensing requirement for roofing contractors.
• substitute for HB 3344 addresses that risk by creating a targeted licensing structure for re-roofing contractors—contractors
• Contractors must provide a written contract before beginning work.
• Texas, and the president of the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 3862, which would restrict social media app use for minors and limit smartphone/social media access in classrooms. Supporters, including representatives from Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media are linked to addiction, distraction, cyberbullying, and worsening youth mental health, and said the bill would help parents and schools protect children. After testimony, the committee left HB 3862 pending. Members then heard HB 3712, a construction retainage bill that would stop owners from withholding reserved funds on specially fabricated materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted, while still allowing retainage for labor and installation. Witnesses from the precast concrete industry said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk for subcontractors and suppliers. The bill was left pending after closing. The committee also heard HB 2963, a right-to-repair bill requiring manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for owners and independent repair providers, with carve-outs for medical devices, vehicles covered by existing repair agreements, trade secrets, and security protections. Support came from consumer, environmental, repair, and policy groups, while one witness from Safelite was neutral and urged removal of the MOU reference for auto manufacturers. HB 2963 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4308, which would create county industrial development districts to attract industrial employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and a board structure. Supporters, including the Fort Bend County commissioner, said the bill would help counties diversify tax bases and create jobs; the bill was left pending. Later, the committee took up several pending bills and voted to report HB 74, HB 112, HB 2214, HB 3016, HB 3133, HB 3173, HB 3807, HB 4063, HB 4115, HB 5008, and HB 2652 favorably to the full House, with some sent to the Local and Consent Calendars. The committee also heard HB 3874 on construction contract transparency and HB 4196 on creating a task force to modernize manufacturing, both of which were left pending. Finally, the committee heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing and regulatory framework for re-roofing contractors; supporters said it would curb storm-chasing and protect homeowners, while one roofing contractor opposed it as too restrictive and argued existing fraud laws are sufficient. HB 3344 was also left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, contractors who have fallen victim to unscrupulous contractors have very limited recourse
• We're a general contractor, construction manager.
• Contractors don't have the financial flexibility.
• Many contractors are forced to observe the status of the building, call, or continually email the contractors
• You know, there are a lot of good contractors, but even the best contractors fall short sometimes.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to technology, construction, economic development, and consumer protection. HB 3862 would restrict minors’ access to certain social media apps and limit smartphone use in classrooms; supporters, including Champions for Childhood, argued that smartphones and social media contribute to addiction, distraction, depression, self-harm, and trafficking risks, and the bill was left pending. HB 3712 would change Texas retainage rules so owners could not withhold payment on specially fabricated construction materials once they are delivered, approved, and warranted; subcontractors and suppliers said current retainage practices delay payment for years and create financial risk, and the bill was left pending. HB 2963, the right-to-repair bill, would require manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and information for independent repair of digital devices, with exemptions for medical devices, vehicles under existing agreements, and trade-secret protections; consumer, environmental, business, and repair advocates supported it, while Safelite asked that automotive manufacturers not be excluded from the bill, and it was left pending. HB 4308 would create county industrial development districts to attract major employers and finance infrastructure through local elections and bonds; Fort Bend County supported it as a tool to add jobs and broaden the tax base, and it was left pending. The committee also heard HB 3344, which would create a licensing system for re-roofing contractors, require insurance and bonding, and establish a public database and complaint process. Supporters said it would help curb storm chasers and protect homeowners after storms, while opponents argued it would add burdens on legitimate small roofers, duplicate existing fraud laws, and potentially restrict consumer choice and contractor pricing flexibility. After extensive testimony and questions, the bill was left pending. HB 4196 would create a task force on modernizing manufacturing through digital integration and automation; Schneider Electric and the Texas Workforce Commission supported it as a way to improve competitiveness and create skilled jobs, and it was left pending. HB 3874 would require contractors to receive copies of incorporated contract documents before signing if requested; subcontractors and construction attorneys said it would improve transparency and prevent parties from being bound by unseen terms, and it was left pending. In pending business, the committee voted out several bills. HB 74, creating the Port Verde Port Authority District, was reported favorably to the full House without amendment. HB 112, relating to a science park in certain counties, was reported favorably as substituted. HB 2214, on floodplain notice requirements for leased dwellings, HB 3016, on rental vehicle damage waivers, HB 3133, on explicit deepfake material on social media, HB 3173, on workforce development program planning and evaluation, HB 3807, on child care waiting list priority for children of certain child care workers, HB 463, on unilateral memoranda of contract for residential property, HB 4115, on shareholder proposals to certain domestic corporations, and HB 5008, on use of the Skills Development Fund by certain entities, were all reported favorably, most without amendment and some as substituted. HB 2652, creating a certified caregiver pilot program in the Borderplex workforce area, was also reported favorably and sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are good contractors out there.
• As you know, contractors who have fallen victim to unscrupulous contractors have very limited recourse
• We're a general contractor. construction manager.
• Many contractors are forced to observe the status of the building, call, or continually email the contractor
• There are a lot of good contractors, but even the best contractors... ...fall short sometimes.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Bills: SB3408, HB4171, SB3403, SB3404, SB2210

Keywords: economic development, industrial authority, Yazoo County, trustees, grants and loans, local government, taxation, tourism, parks and recreation, Ackerman, restaurant sales tax, local funding, suffrage, voting rights, restoration of rights, felony conviction, Mississippi legislation, restoration, criminal record, legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• one measure on the agenda, SCR 159 SD1, urging the adoption of shared guiding principles for the restoration
• </c><00:07:48.160><c> Um</c> restoration of the Waikiki beaches.
• Um restoration of the Waikiki beaches.
• </c><00:07:56.560><c> of</c> uh guiding principles for restoration of uh guiding principles for restoration
• </c><00:08:10.600><c> of</c><00:08:10.720><c> Waikiki</c> impact the restoration of Waikiki impact the

Bills: SCR159

Keywords: Waikiki, beach restoration, shoreline management, public access, environmental protection, coastal resources, tourism, economic development, traditional practices, 910, house, all