Transcript Highlights:

• three-year right to reinstatement of the insurance policy to a policyholder and a third-party designee
• party to receive notice of lapse or cancellation of the policy based on non-payment of premium.
• three-year right to reinstatement of the insurance policy to a policyholder and a third-party designee
• Notices required.
• party to receive notice of lapse or cancellation of the policy based on non-payment of premium.

Bills: HB2428, HB2399, HB2087, HB2629, HB2483, HB2477

Keywords: life insurance, policy lapse, policy cancellation, nonpayment of premium, premium grace period, lapse notice, termination notice, third-party notice, third-party designee, beneficiary protection, consumer protection, insurance regulation, insurer notice requirements, policyholder, beneficiary, Washington RCW, insurance code, unintentional lapse, coverage continuation, premium delinquency

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met on February 4, 2026, and did not hold public hearings. House Bill 2629 was removed from consideration and not advanced. The committee was briefed on House Bill 2428, which would require insurers to give 30 days’ written notice before an individual life insurance policy lapses for nonpayment and to notify applicants of the right to designate a third party for lapse notices; the committee adopted Representative Ryu’s amendment clarifying the notice applies to nonpayment lapses, adjusting proof-of-delivery language, and adding a January 1, 2027 effective date. The committee also considered House Bill 2399, which would prohibit assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits. Supporters described it as a way to curb predatory assignments that transfer policyholder rights to contractors, while opponents argued it can help homeowners get repairs completed and return home, especially after flooding or other losses. The bill was reported out on a narrow 8-7 vote, with members noting the issue may need further work. House Bill 2087, creating the Washington Travel Insurance Act, was also advanced after a proposed substitute made changes to conflict-of-law language, attorney exclusions, child support-related license suspension, supervision liability, and rate-setting provisions; it passed 12-3. The committee then took up House Bill 2483 on data brokers and a public registry. Members adopted three amendments: one narrowing exemptions for entities with customer or business relationships, one delaying penalties until notice of noncompliance and making the registry public, and one exempting publicly available or already published information. Supporters said the bill would make hidden data practices visible and improve transparency, while opponents warned it was still too broad and could sweep in retailers, public entities, or other unintended actors. The amended bill passed 8-7. Finally, House Bill 2477, with an amendment limiting appraiser liability to clients and named intended users and clarifying appraisal reports, was unanimously reported out of committee. The committee then adjourned after thanking staff on cutoff day.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the way I see for the committee to decide: either third party all the time or third party with
• To have third-party review, they've created their own program.
• We are okay with third-party reviews.
• We are okay with third-party reviews. It just has to be a.
• Again, counties are not against third-party reviewers.

Bills: SB1708, SB2523, SB1450

Keywords: county platting, subdivision platting, Local Government Code Chapter 232, Section 232.022, Section 232.0014, model subdivision rules, Water Code Section 16.343, Texas county subdivision law, residential subdivision, land conveyance, gift deed, family transfer, consanguinity, affinity, third degree relative, five acres or less, county land use, platting exemption, rural land division, property subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to read them out first, second, third.
• The first one out first, second, third.
• Then, Abdullah Abir and Eid Ali will be third.
• Please state your name for the third.
• So, under different circumstances, if there was one party in control completely, that would prohibit

Bills: HF3553, HF3513, HF3576

Keywords: vehicle platooning, transportation, public safety, pilot project, Wilkin County, Grant County, autonomous vehicles, transportation regulations, driverless cars, safety standards, first responder interaction, school bus, third-party testing, driver certification, transportation regulation, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Yourselves and uh I noticed that you guys have uh your administrative impact.
• Ensuring safety is the purpose of third-party nationally recognized certification entities.
• purpose</c><00:53:48.440><c> of</c> Ensuring safety is the purpose of Ensuring safety is the purpose of third-party
• <00:53:49.160><c> nationally</c><00:53:49.640><c> recognized</c> third-party nationally recognized third-party

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Bills: SF0095, SF0107, SF0112

Keywords: driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, motor vehicle, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers, vehicle fees, public records, license plates, replacement cycle, vehicle registration, motor vehicles, state fees, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe already has a third-party vendor that does that as well.
• </c><00:17:03.839><c> party</c><00:17:04.240><c> vendor</c> believe already has a third party vendor
• </c> uncommon in other states to have third uncommon in other states to have third parties<00:17:52.400
• </c><00:18:12.640><c> parties</c><00:18:12.880><c> that</c> clerks as well as the third parties that
• Um, most programs third party employee.

Bills: SF0058, SF0061, SF0095, SF0107

Keywords: Indian child welfare, tribal relations, sunset repeal, Wyoming law, child custody, sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers

Bills: SF0058, SF0061, SF0095, SF0107

Keywords: Indian child welfare, tribal relations, sunset repeal, Wyoming law, child custody, sales tax, motor vehicle, family transfer, tax exemption, Wyoming legislation, driver's license, motor vehicle services, third-party providers, Wyoming, regulatory compliance, registration, license plate, electronic system, State Department of Transportation, county treasurers

Bills: SB301, SB329

Keywords: Lee County, Alabama, business personal property tax, business property tax, personal property tax return, electronic filing, e-filing, tax administration, revenue commissioner, county tax, business tax return, tax preparer, third-party preparer, property tax returns, online tax filing, local legislation, land redemption, taxation, administrative fee, 1136

Transcript Highlights:

• Ironically, this bill would specifically allow those agencies to invite a party and political candidate
• . parties, including the Democrat Attorneys General.
• I said, well, we got a notice here that you request a mail-in ballot.
• Yeah so Dallas, Travis, Bexar County was the the third one that they got under and they were say they
• Whereas this bill encourages that kind of electioneering by having the parties and the candidates.

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 1596, which would remove short-barreled rifles from the list of prohibited weapons in the Texas Penal Code. The author, Sen. Hagenbuch, said the bill would align state law with federal realities and argued that the current prohibition is arbitrary and unnecessary. Supporters, including representatives from Gun Owners of America and Texas Gun Rights, said the bill would reduce confusion, protect lawful gun owners, and preserve the ability to use shorter firearms for self-defense, hunting, and for smaller shooters. One supporter also described a recent case in which an AR pistol was mistaken for a short-barreled rifle and led to a state charge that was later dismissed. Public testimony was split. Supporters said stabilizing braces and shorter firearms can improve accuracy, safety, and accessibility for women, children, and smaller-statured shooters. Opponents, including Texas Gun Sense and two Santa Fe shooting survivors, argued that short-barreled firearms are more concealable and dangerous, and pointed to the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting as evidence of the risks of easier access. They urged the committee to keep the existing restrictions in place to protect public safety. After public testimony closed, the committee took up pending business. Senate Bill 1505, relating to the Compassionate Use Program, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-0 vote. Senate Bill 17, relating to the acquisition of real property by certain aliens or foreign entities, was first amended by adopting a committee substitute and then reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-1 vote. The committee then recessed until after the Senate’s adjournment or final recess.

Transcript Highlights:

• private third party.
• </c><00:22:56.720><c> party</c><00:22:57.520><c> uh</c> by a judge not by a third party uh by a judge
• not by a third party uh private<00:22:58.240><c> third</c><00:22:58.480><c> party.
• </c> private third party. private third party.
• But the idea that the existence of that disagreement entitles any third party to come in and take over

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• The Washington Vaccine Association collects funds from health carriers and third-party administrators
• I'd like to open the hearing on the third bill on our agenda this morning: Substitute House Bill 2088
• I'd like to open the hearing on the third bill on our agenda this morning.
• Madam Chair, I move the five-day notice rule be suspended for Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247.
• Third, the bill does require ...that the RN have appropriate competencies to do this transfer.

Bills: HB2340, HB2155, HB2531

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• that the initial billing statement must be transmitted to both the patient and the other responsible party
• , and it also defines initial billing statement and other responsible party.

Bills: HB2340, HB2540, HB2113

Keywords: HB 2340, nursing assistants, nurse aide, substance use disorder monitoring program, monitoring program, credentialing, licensure, disciplinary records, enforcement action, public disclosure, privacy, third-party website, stipend program, financial assistance, treatment costs, drug testing, peer support, recovery, rehabilitation, board-approved program

Transcript Highlights:

• rider on your policy that says, Insurance companies can place a rider on your policy that says if a third
• party helps you pay for your deductible, they won't count it.

Bills: SB2271, HB1216

Keywords: adult residential facilities, care services, Medicaid, payment rates, elderly care, health services, North Dakota, prescription drugs, drug affordability, copay assistance, copayment accumulator, deductible accumulator, out-of-pocket maximum, health insurance, health benefit plan, self-insured health plan, self-funded plan, third-party payment, manufacturer assistance, patient assistance program

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met with a quorum and took up three bills. House Bill 1216, dealing with prescription drug expense co-pay accumulators in health plans, was presented by Rep. Karen Carl’s, who explained it would prevent insurers from refusing to count third-party assistance toward deductibles for patients using high-cost, non-generic drugs. An amendment was offered to clarify effective dates, including a delayed January 1, 2026 start for PERS coverage. PERS testified that the amendment would align with its calendar-year benefit structure and likely reduce the fiscal note. The amendment was adopted 16-0, and the bill was set aside for further discussion later. House Bill 1199, creating a criminal justice data-sharing system and missing persons/missing Indigenous people task force, was introduced with a committee amendment changing the Attorney General reference to the Attorney General or designee. The committee noted the bill includes a $250,000 general fund appropriation for ongoing costs. The amendment passed 16-0, and the amended bill received a do pass recommendation by a 15-1 vote, with one no vote from Senator Magrum. House Bill 1531, appropriating $75,000 for an irrigation expansion study by the Agriculture Commissioner, was supported as a way to update older economic-impact studies on irrigation and assess opportunities for expansion. Members discussed its relationship to broader study pauses and the history of irrigation development in the state, including Garrison Diversion and remaining authorized acres. The bill passed 16-0. The committee then discussed scheduling for the coming week, noting a heavy bill load and plans for daily morning meetings before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• Notice that it started. It starts out with convenience.
• Banks take one-third, and consumers take the rest.
• Second, it would disclose to an uninvolved third party the negotiated contractual pricing between the
• uninvolved third party is a difficult precedent.
• It's either the second or third expense, depending...

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• My aunts wanted nothing to do with the third party, but they were adamant about making sure we saw the
• And at the end of 2016, then, after that nine years, I sold to a third party.
• I just wanted the committee to know that I was pursuing a... a third party with my attorney.
• And at the end of 2016, then, after that nine years, I sold to a third party. Thank you, ma'am.
• I just wanted the committee to know that I was pursuing a third party with my attorney.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Transcript Highlights:

• My family would have walked away with nothing if it wouldn't have been for this third party.
• And at the end of 2016, then, after that nine years, I sold to a third party.
• And at the end of 2016, then, after that nine years, I sold to a third party. Thank you, ma'am.
• I just wanted the committee to know that I was pursuing a third party with my attorney.
• I just wanted the committee to know that I was pursuing a third party with my attorney.

Bills: SB231, SB584, SB600, SB668, SB841, SB986, SB1003, SB1244, SB1625, SB1960, SB1963, SB1964, SB2026, SB2056, SB2368

Keywords: temporary emergency electric energy facility, temporary generation, emergency power, backup generation, mobile generator, portable generator, grid resilience, power outage restoration, transmission and distribution utility, TDU, Public Utility Commission of Texas, PUCT, Utilities Code Section 39.918, competitive bidding, lease authorization, emergency procurement, bulk power system, locational marginal pricing, reliability model, black start

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and first took up several pending and uncontested bills. It favorably reported SB 1405, SB 1762, SB 1977, SB 2077, SB 2148, and SB 1968, and also moved SB 2321 to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 819, which would change how the Public Utility Commission reviews proposed utility-scale solar and related interconnection projects. The committee substitute would shift the default so interconnection is allowed unless the PUC affirmatively prohibits it within 180 days, limit denial to cases where harm substantially outweighs benefits, remove public meeting requirements, retain setback and financial assurance provisions, add optional application materials such as national security and environmental information, and restore local control over county tax abatements. The substitute was adopted and SB 819 was favorably reported to the full Senate on a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 231, focused on CenterPoint’s use of large emergency generators after Hurricane Beryl. Senator King explained that the original bill was intended to prevent customers from being charged for non-mobile generators that were leased at great cost and did not match the bill’s emergency-response purpose. CenterPoint’s Jason Ryan apologized for the company’s communication failures and said the company would make customers whole through a combination of rate reductions, foregone storm-cost recovery, and a donation of the 15 large generators to ERCOT for about two years to address a San Antonio-area reliability issue, with the company absorbing the associated costs. PUC Executive Director Connie Corona said the commission could enforce the agreement through its contested-case process. Public testimony included consumer and reliability advocates, one of whom argued utility-scale microgrids should be preserved as a policy option. SB 231 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 986, which would create an alternative process for routine Public Information Act requests so local governments can make initial redactions without sending every routine exception to the Attorney General, while preserving an appeal path and training requirements. Supporters said it would reduce backlog and speed access to records; opponents argued it would shift the burden to requesters and encourage delay. The AG’s office testified that the process could improve efficiency and still fit within current timelines if used promptly. SB 986 was left pending. Finally, SB 584 was briefly laid out to require consumer reporting agencies that buy data from others to ensure the information complies with Texas law on excluded items such as bankruptcies, judgments, and tax liens, and SB 600 was heard on heir property. SB 600’s substitute would strengthen notice, require an attorney ad litem, add an heir’s bill of rights, allow settlement conferences, and require fair-market-value sales protections; supporters said it would curb predatory partition practices, while opponents warned some provisions could burden or diminish minority heirs’ property rights. SB 584 and SB 600 were left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are often third-party intermediaries vendors that do the same thing Representative Elkins: Yeah
• There are often third-party intermediaries vendors that do the same thing Representative Elkins: Yeah
• There are often third-party<00:32:20.720><c> intermediaries</c> third-party intermediaries third-party
• </c><01:04:55.200><c> It's</c><01:04:55.800><c> third-party</c> Being served by this.
• It's third-party vendors or publishers who own the rights that are making the most money off of this,

Bills: HF4456, HF4544, HF3698

Keywords: data broker, data brokerage, consumer privacy, personal data, data privacy, Minnesota attorney general, registration, public registry, civil penalties, enforcement, special revenue fund, privacy rights, data sales, data collection, consumer protection, chapter 325M, controller, processor, data broker registry, transparency

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite this process, additional notice to all potentially affected parties. of the district creation
• HB 363 seeks to address this issue by mandating a pre-petition notice to counties for.
• I'm for it because today we're speaking of just notice.
• So there's a there's a notice that it's provided through public notice in the paper and then mailed as
• It does clarify the notices that are given to county.

Bills: HB23, HB363, HB447, HB954, HB23

Keywords: third-party review, property development, local government, permits, construction inspection, regulatory authority, land development, liability, occupancy certificate, municipal utility district, petition, county clerk, water code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, traffic impact studies, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, extraterritorial jurisdiction, county authority