Transcript Highlights:

• There was one level at 70 percent, and then there was another level at 100 percent disability rating.
• If you're 90 percent disabled... My cousin fought and was injured in Iraq.
• We've year 90% disabled. My cousin fought and was injured in Iraq.
• I'm the adjutant for the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota, and I want to thank Representative
• of $150,000 for veterans rated 100% permanent and total receive a set amount of $300,000.

Bills: HF3727, HF3684, HF3467

Keywords: veterans property tax, homestead exclusion, disabled veteran, totally and permanently disabled, service-connected disability, property tax relief, market value exclusion, surviving spouse, family caregiver, county veterans service officer, Minnesota property tax, assessment year 2027, homestead tax benefit, veterans tax exemption, DD214, VA disability rating, veterans, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, grant standards

Transcript Highlights:

• We ask you to bless us all with peace and happiness, safety, and good health.
• And this we ask and pray in Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you.
• But the total exemption right now for 100% disabled persons is $12,500.
• But it's because the one that was disabled has passed away, and so it just extends that if they're still
• And Dr.

Bills: HB205, HB226, HB234

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• but I told her I'd, we'd come back next time and, and, and try to address it, and that's what we're
• We'll get with that, uh, that bill author as well and, and see, and, and with the committee and see how
• and I, and I don't think and, and so my client was found not guilty.
• And um And if now again.
• And it was just the dickens and, and those are the kinds, at least that was headed to trial and by the

Bills: HB207, HB235

Keywords: HB 207, Texas Government Code, Section 411.201, license to carry, LTC, handgun license, concealed carry, federal judge, immigration judge, immigration court, U.S. immigration court, judicial security, firearm carry permit, Texas handgun license, federal judiciary, HB235, Texas, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, disabled veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• So if they were 100% disabled and weren't on the deed, they ended up with their house, then when they
• If your spouse was disabled and died, that's the... was disabled and died, that's the exemption that
• So, it's like having a disabled sticker for your car and the spouse taking advantage of it at the grocery
• Because if you and I are married and I'm 100% disabled, I die, you're the widow with this bill.
• My exemption or my disability passes to you, and that homestead exemption continues.

Bills: SB213, HB24, HB163, HB226, HB271, HB288, HB319, HB24

Keywords: utility tax, poultry industry, energy consumption, agricultural exemption, tax exemption, HB24, Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program, EMS, emergency medical services, EMSP, paramedic training, EMT training, tuition reimbursement, scholarship, workforce development, volunteer rescue squad, volunteer fire department, ambulance service, nonprofit ambulance, Alabama Department of Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• And Father, be with us today as we deliberate and help us to keep you at the front of our mind and to
• and what you do.
• There are like four different ones, and that one is for disabled homeowners specifically.
• This is for disabled homeowners, and I do...
• If the spouse that was disabled passed away and the other one is earning six digits, I don't understand

Bills: HB226, HB24, HB309, HB315, HB272, HB24, HB226, HB309, HB315, HB272

Keywords: HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax, property tax relief, widow, widower, unremarried spouse, surviving spouse, senior exemption, elderly, disabled, permanently and totally disabled, blind taxpayer, deed ownership, principal residence, school tax, county tax, municipal tax, Alabama Department of Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Olivia Lee, and I'm an attorney on the education team at Disability Rights Texas testifying
• I am a teacher and a student with a disability and the parent of a student with a disability, and I'm
• Yeah, um, also is that disabled kids will get caught up in this and, and, um, have, uh, you know, unfair
• it has been totally unfair and there's nothing that we can do to get that time back and that education
• My name is Maya Volk, and I'm a policy fellow with Disability Rights Texas, and I'm respectfully testifying

Bills: HB6, HB120, HB210

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• and I learned a lot, um, and.
• I totally agree on on on encouraging and so forth, but sitting in a classroom.
• And so I've taken many kids from our school districts out and had them go fishing with us and go, and
• Um, and he has a huge following and he is encouraging hundreds and hundreds of children to come out and
• And, and it went on and on and on. That has stopped. Like legitimately stopped.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: hemp, consumable hemp products, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, cannabidiol, CBG, cannabigerol, Texas hemp law, hemp regulation, cannabinoid products, delta-9 THC, intoxicating hemp, hemp gummies, hemp vape, retail registration, product registration, QR code labeling, child-resistant packaging, youth access, minor sales

Transcript Highlights:

• seeing on the street and the powder and seeing on the street and the powder and all<00:12:07.200><c>
• And the and the weight for right?
• /c> to be fentanyl and we detect 4&amp;ppp and to be fentanyl and we detect 4&amp;ppp and fentanyl.<00
• </c> for us to vet it and and approve it. for us to vet it and and approve it.
• :06.400><c> and</c> all 10 counts and Marshall County and all 10 counts and Marshall County and Alabama

Bills: SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226, SB309, HB192, SB178, SB179, SB237, HB10, HB107, HB189, HB37, HB226

Keywords: automated driving systems, oversized vehicles, transportation, regulations, permits, HB192, international wire transfer, wire transfer fee, remittance fee, money transmission business, Alabama Securities Commission, Department of Revenue, Education Trust Fund, ELL instructors, English Language Learner, ESL teachers, income tax credit, remittances, international money transfer, migrant families

Transcript Highlights:

• And I mean, in some ways, you could look at the packaging and the marketing and say this is what it's
• between that other bill and this and what we're doing.
• And it was just the dickens. And those are the kinds.
• It's what you're leaning in on, and I respect that, and appreciate that, and agree with that.
• But we just stood here and listened to an expert and...

Bills: HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence will come to order, and the clerk will please call the roll.
• A quorum is present, so we'll go ahead and vote.
• Vice Chair Wu is present, and Representative Bowers is present.
• That we vote on are consistent and meet a pattern that is relative to the severity of the offense.
• Okay, so it is the Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties.

Bills: HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members.
• Chairman and members. House Bill 195 provides more transparency and taxation.
• I, I'm just, I think it's a good idea and I, and I agree with the premise.
• and, and encouraging, uh, and, and supporting the Texas Stock Exchange, uh, continues to lead to that
• And, uh, came out of committee in the Senate and right at the end of the session, and it didn't, uh,

Bills: HB195, HB247, HB255, HJR6, HJR31, HJR34

Keywords: HB 195, Texas Controlled Substances Act, Schedule IV, controlled substances, mifepristone, misoprostol, carisoprodol, Health and Safety Code, drug scheduling, pharmacy regulation, prescription drugs, reproductive health, abortion medication, medication abortion, women's health, prescribing, dispensing, law enforcement, drug control, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• This will bring the total for elderly and disabled homeowners to a whopping 200,000 exemption.
• The total is a whopping $950. The total is a whopping $950 and 87 cents. And with that, Mr.
• The disabled and veterans exemption was $10,000.
• And when you go down through other counties, depending upon the total age and also the value of the home
• And when you go down through other counties, depending upon the total age and also the value of the home

Bills: SB23, SJR85

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Summary: The Senate Committee on Local Government heard testimony on Senate Bill 23 and its companion constitutional amendment, Senate Joint Resolution 85, both by Senator Bettencourt. The bills would increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from $10,000 to $60,000, which proponents said would significantly reduce property taxes and help seniors and disabled Texans age in place. Bettencourt and supporters described the measure as part of a broader property tax relief package, estimating combined savings of about $950 for over-65 and disabled homeowners when paired with other recent homestead exemption changes. Witnesses largely supported the proposal. Testimony in favor came from a lawyer, a private citizen, Texas Realtors, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, and the Texas Association of Builders, all emphasizing relief for fixed-income seniors, housing stability, and the ability to remain in their homes. Several witnesses noted rising property taxes, medical costs, and the challenges seniors face in moving or affording home modifications. One witness from Every Texan said a flat homestead exemption is the most equitable way to cut property taxes, but argued against additional tax cuts generally, favoring a circuit-breaker approach and warning that permanent tax cuts could reduce funding for schools and other needs. The committee also discussed data showing many over-65 homeowners already pay no school property taxes in some counties and that the proposed changes would increase that share. After closing public testimony, the committee voted on the measures. Senate Bill 23 was reported favorably to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote, and S.J.R. 85 was also reported favorably by a 7-0 vote. The transcript also shows Senate Bill 898 being laid out and passed unanimously earlier in the meeting, with a recommendation for the local and uncontested calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 23 will increase the additional homestead exemption for elderly and disabled homeowners from
• With the additional homestead exemption of SB 4, this will bring the total for elderly and disabled homeowners
• This will provide elderly and disabled homeowners with an additional $554 in savings, combined with the
• The disabled and veterans exemption was $10,000.
• So for over 40 years, the disabled and veterans exemption has stayed the same.

Bills: SB23, SJR85, SB 23

Keywords: homestead exemption, elderly, disabled, ad valorem taxation, school district funding, Texas constitutional amendment, property tax relief, school district taxes, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, elderly homeowners, senior citizens, disabled homeowners, age 65 or older, school finance, tax exemption increase, local school taxes, property tax exemption, homestead tax relief, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• and those with disabilities. disabilities. disabilities.
• if that at that time, you know, it's very expensive, that's totally fine and it can be sold to anyone
• if that at that time, you know, it's very expensive, that's totally fine and it can be sold to anyone
• if that at that time, you know, it's very expensive, that's totally fine and it can be sold to anyone
• It's very expensive, that's totally fine, and it can be sold to anyone.

Bills: SB2060, SB2063, SB2062, SB2069, SB2070

Keywords: rental housing revolving fund, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, mixed-income housing, mixed-income rental project, affordable housing, low-income housing, housing finance, housing development, preservation, rehabilitation, pre-development, construction financing, equity investment, credit enhancement, collateral, gap financing, area median income, AMI, perpetual affordability

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> this time and time and time again this time and time and time again throughout<00:03:36.319><c>
• and contributes to Safe Drinking Water<00:25:09.679><c> and</c> Water and Water and Recreation<00:25
• and and representative Jordan Mr chair and and representative Jordan so<00:51:58.799><c> yes</c><00:
• </c><01:02:13.480><c> and</c> more specifics to you Mr chair and and more specifics to you Mr chair and
• </c><01:10:44.400><c> and</c> monitoring and and monitoring and and other<01:10:46.320><c> thank</c><

Bills: HF276, HF413, HF411

Keywords: human services, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, long-term services and supports, LTSS, public assistance, application process, eligibility determination, customer service survey, wait times, form complexity, lead agencies, Department of Human Services, Department of Children Youth and Families, streamlining, administrative reform, case management, reassessment, intake system, adaptive eligibility form

Transcript Highlights:

• The center officially opened in January of 2022, and according to the FCIC 2024 annual report, the total
• And I urge you to pass House Bill 201, and I thank you, Chairman Lambert, and members for considering
• And the insurance code for our state employees and so.
• and authority, safeguarding our economy and communities.
• and forgery and other fraud statutes already exist there.

Bills: HB201, HB272

Keywords: disabled veteran, partially disabled veteran, veterans property tax exemption, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax relief, surviving spouse, appraisal district, Tax Code, local government revenue, homestead portability, service-connected disability, veteran benefits, Texas property tax, residence homestead, disability rating, disaster response, financial assistance, helicopter, municipalities

Bills: HB19

Keywords: real property, theft, fraud, criminal offense, elderly, disabled, restitution, recording requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2032 seeks to correct this injustice and properly support disabled veterans.
• In uniform have paid the ultimate price; others are disabled, and these disabilities are incurred in
• It's the men and women in uniform, our disabled veterans.
• I'm a disabled veteran and also a proud Texan, born here years ago.
• This would give disabled individuals and those 65 years of age or older a total of a... $100,000 homestead

Bills: HB485, HB1367, HB1370, HB1827, HB1879, HB2032, HB2133, HB2357, HB3581, HB3830, HB4060, HB4085, HB4270, HB4979, HB5217, HB5268, HB5478, HJR96, HJR97, HJR119, HJR195, HJR209, SB4, SB23, SJR2, SJR85, SB 4, SB 23, SJR 2

Keywords: healthcare, insurance, access, affordability, public health, emergency services district, sales tax, gas and electricity, residential use, tax exemption, emergency services, gas, electricity, HB 485, ESD, use tax, residential utilities, utility tax, local option tax, Texas Health and Safety Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members.
• and it's flagged.
• committed against a person who's over 65, disabled, um, and, uh, also if if the crime is against a homestead
• And um Uh, it is a really expensive and arduous process.
• To see the individual prosecuted and convicted. And I, I, I can.

Bills: SB15

Keywords: real property, fraud, theft, elderly, disabled, statute of limitations, criminal offense, property rights

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, we did that and we don't think that's going to be a permanent thing. but we have to fit it and
• CTD works to ensure that persons with disabilities may work, live, learn, and can play and participate
• Amendment, the Individuals with Disability Education Act, and the Americans with Disability Act.
• support for students with disabilities and their family.
• And the possible negative impact on children with disabilities.

Bills: HB6, HB27, HB 123, HB210, HB213, HB222, HB610, HB 1085, HB1481, HB6, HB27, HB123, HB210, HB213, HB222

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, financial literacy, high school education, curriculum requirements, economics, personal finance, HB 123, kindergarten readiness, early literacy, early numeracy, reading screening, math screening, foundational literacy, foundational numeracy, dyslexia screening, reading intervention