Transcript Highlights:

• her love of a Spanish music anthem.
• Many of us are so appreciative because of your work, and I know you've gone above and beyond.
• Best of luck to you, Christelle.
• or a little experience working in this building, you are already miles ahead of so many of your peers
• President, I move confirmation of the nominees.

Bills: HJR34, HB6, HB18, HB39, HB107, HB114, HB138, HB247, HB300, HB647, HB748, HB762, HB793, HB1240, HB1275, HB1397, HB1584, HB1700, HB1875, HB1894, HB1965, HB2071, HB2254, HB2340, HB2350, HB2516, HB2712, HB2713, HB2715, HB2760, HB2842, HB3088, HB3104, HB3260, HB3479, HB3575, HB3687, HB3788, HB4163, HB4187, HB4205, HB4370, HB4384, HB4655, HB4753, HB4809, HB4850, HB5195, HCR90, HCR98, SJR60, SB203, SB317, SB719, SB801, SB867, SB1071, SB1232, SB1319, SB1483, SB1633, SB1798, SB1978, SB2233, SB2363, SB2603, SB2607, SB2717, SB2797, SB2841, SB2928, SB3038, SJR5, SB4, SB9, SB21, SB23, SB27, SB34, SB40, SB75, SB213, SB458, SB482, SB493, SB840, SB841, SB843, SB912, SB1241, SB1253, SB1350, SB1388, SB1423, SB1535, SB1559, SB1789, SB1951, SB2037, SB2143, SB2155, SB2544, SB1, SB17, SB260, SB509, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2308, HB2525, HJR34, HB1393, HB26, HB388, HB2712, HB1633, HB685, HB762, HB2286, HB1606, HB1458, HB1240, HB2791, HB3146, HB1397, HB2061, HB647, HB4738, HB2563, HB128, HB581, HB766, HB2259, HB2358, HB4384, HB748, HB793, HB1734, HB2340, HB2350, HB3104, HB5180, HB1584, HB3806, HB3804, HB3803, HB1522, HB3597, HB1612, HB4224, HB1314, HB2254, HB1237, HB3126, HB2856, HB3114, HB3505, HB4205, HB5652, HB3687, HB2025, HB3395, HB2495, HB138, HB18, HB1700, HB4655, HB2516, HB1894, HB1965, HB300, HB2713, HB39, HB114, HB24, HB3088, HB4163, HB3479, HB2842, HB519, HB609, HB1275, HB1592, HB3348, HB120, HB6, HB247, HB1533, HB2421, HB2273, HB2464, HB2011, HB3575, HB3788, HB4370, HB4809, HB5057, HB5084, HB5534, HB5668, HB3424, HB2715, HB2564, HB2760, HB2765, HB2898, HB3260, HB3800, HB4396, HB5195, HB4341, HB43, HB5686, HB2467, HB2468, HB2518, HB4310, HB4386, HB4490, HB180, HB5323, HB2, HB149, HB4945, HB2434, HB2529, HB3161, HB3745, HB4044, HB5155, HB5667, HB4996, HB2697, HB2492, HB2355, HB2282, HB2001, HB1902, HB1866, HB1445, HB1443, HB1306, HB1024, HB908, HB305, HB285, HB449, HB171, HB47, HB3464, HB2637, HB4263, HB5436, HB4429, HB3986, HB3966, HB3510, HB2560, HB2026, HB2688, HB4076, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB1978, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB1749, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3038, SB3045, SB1538, SB719, SB3071, SB3065, SB823, SB3062, SB719, HB39, HB114, HB138, HB247, HB300, HB762, HB793, HB1275, HB1584, HB1700, HB1894, HB1965, HB2254, HB2340, HB2350, HB2760, HB2842, HB3088, HB3104, HB3260, HB3479, HB3575, HB3687, HB3788, HB4163, HB4205, HB4370, HB4655, HB4809, HB5195, SB1978, SR508, HJR34, SB963, SB1383, SB1883, SB1968, HB2525, HB112, HB117, HB557, HB783, HB869, HB876, HB1039, HB1201, HB1347, HB1359, HB1650, HB1788, HB1904, HB1955, HB2370, HB2849, HB2853, HB3066, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3196, HB3241, HB3567, HB3672, HB3715, HB3720, HB3883, HB3954, HB3976, HB4070, HB4098, HB4222, HB4327, HB4359, HB4412, HB4683, HB4755, HB4894, HB4926, HB5115, HB5165, HB5320, HB5437, HB5499, HB5596, HB5650, HB5651, HB5654, HB5656, HB5658, HB5659, HB5661, HB5662, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5671, HB5672, HB5674, HB5676, HB5677, HB5678, HB5679, HB5680, HB5681, HB5682, HB5688, HB5694, HB5695, HB5696, HB5699, HCR46, HCR59, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HCR142, HB112, HB117, HB557, HB783, HB869, HB876, HB1039, HB1201, HB1347, HB1359, HB1650, HB1788, HB1904, HB1955, HB2370, HB2849, HB2853, HB3066, HB3169, HB3178, HB3179, HB3196, HB3241, HB3567, HB3672, HB3715, HB3720, HB3883, HB3954, HB3976, HB4070, HB4098, HB4222, HB4327, HB4359, HB4412, HB4683, HB4755, HB4894, HB4926, HB5115, HB5165, HB5320, HB5437, HB5499, HB5596, HB5650, HB5651, HB5654, HB5656, HB5658, HB5659, HB5661, HB5662, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5671, HB5672, HB5674, HB5676, HB5677, HB5678, HB5679, HB5680, HB5681, HB5682, HB5688, HB5694, HB5695, HB5696, HB5699, HCR46, HCR59, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HCR142

Keywords: mental health, telehealth, public schools, discipline management, behavioral interventions, rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, sickle cell disease, registry, health data, confidentiality, healthcare access, veterans, mental health, Texas Veterans Commission, peer support, suicide prevention

Summary: The meeting held by the Senate focused on a variety of legislative measures, including the recognition of the Luna Scholars Program, designed to honor students who have shown exceptional promise in public service. Senators Menendez and Hinojosa emphasized the importance of this program in shaping future leaders, reflecting on how they aim to inspire the youth to engage in their communities and utilize their skills for the betterment of society. The session also featured discussions regarding several bills aimed at various sectors, although specific details on each bill were not the primary focus of this gathering.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of the early adoption of.
• The power of decentralized ledger technology and distributed ledger technology is that we can't have
• of Accounting program at the University of Houston and current chair of the Texas Society of CPAs.
• I am not aware of all of the members.
• of fighters without fear of frivolous lawsuits.

Keywords: clean up bills, licensing, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, public safety, professional integrity, massage therapy, electrician licensing

Summary: The committee meeting included extensive discussions on a variety of bills, predominantly focusing on cleanup legislation aimed at aligning Texas laws with current practices and standards within various professional fields. Notable bills discussed included SB703, which addressed licensing consequences for massage establishments to close loopholes in existing law, and SB764, which related to improving procedures for electrician's licensing appeals. Several members expressed support for these measures, highlighting their importance in maintaining professional integrity and public safety. Public testimonies were received, offering insights and support from professionals in the fields impacted by these legislative changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• of days.
• times we're operating with about 65% of our fleet because of maintenance.
• We know of a protest that all of a sudden grows from 200 to 2,000 people.
• And I've heard of a number of problems in the past.
• Some of this, and most of this burden is going to shift back to them.

Keywords: Texas Department of Public Safety, driver's license backlog, recruitment, public safety, border security, crime rates, data breach, infrastructure

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the operations and budgetary recommendations for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Key discussions included addressing the backlog of driver's licenses, recruitment challenges within the department, and strategies to enhance public safety amidst rising crime rates and border security issues. Representatives discussed specific budget requests aimed at improving infrastructure, recruiting more officers, and enhancing technological capabilities to better handle crime data and public safety operations. The urgency of training law enforcement personnel and the need for modernized facilities were also highlighted as critical issues. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the impacts of the recent data breach involving driver's licenses and the measures installed post-incident to protect personal data. Public comments reflected support and concerns about the ongoing challenges DPS faces in managing resources and expectations related to law enforcement and public service. The meeting concluded with plans to reconvene for further discussions on the proposed initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• a lack of presence of DPS.
• state regarding a lack of presence of DPS.
• Speaking of all of this, Mr.
• So is that because of pay or because of the location of the facilities?
• house, one of the very traditional roles of TCOL.

Keywords: Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Juvenile Justice Department, budget recommendations, staffing, facility construction, public safety, juvenile justice

Summary: The meeting of the committee centered around discussions on the budgets for the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Significant recommendations included a proposed budget of $3.7 billion for the Department of Public Safety, which reflects a decrease of $199.6 million from the previous cycle. Key topics included customer service enhancements and the increase of staff to improve operations and reduce wait times. Additionally, the Juvenile Justice Department's funding was discussed, including adjustments related to staff salary increases and facility needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is Senate Bill 740, a matter of pending business

• Like the Senate bill we passed yesterday, it has to do with non-disclosures related to the victims of

• As a matter of pending business, the chair lays out Senate

• The committee stands in recess up to the call of the

Keywords: non-disclosure, victims of sexual abuse, Lottery Commission, TDLR, Senate Bill 740, House Bill 748, Senate Bill 3070

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss several important bills. The focus was primarily on Senate Bill 740 concerning non-disclosure agreements related to victims of sexual abuse and House Bill 748, which addresses similar concerns. Senator Paxton played a pivotal role in advocating for HB748, proposing that it be reported favorably to the Senate with unanimous support. Additionally, Senator Hall introduced Senate Bill 3070 aimed at restructuring the Lottery Commission and transferring its responsibilities to the TDLR, which also garnered unanimous support. The meeting concluded with both bills being recommended for passage without opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• all of five feet tall, was the most powerful person I had ever met in my life.
• For a long time, I've been troubled with Congress's chronic delegation of the law-making power.
• Yes, so that case reinforced for me the importance of Article I, the vesting of legislative power in
• structural separation of powers and that each branch...
• thugs who've now been imprisoned in El Salvador, the apex of presidential power is, as Justice Jackson

Keywords: John Eisenberg, assistant attorney general, national security, China Initiative, Department of Justice, judicial authority, executive actions, nomination hearing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily involved discussions around key nominations and pressing legal issues pertaining to the Department of Justice. Notable discussions included the nomination of John Eisenberg for assistant attorney general for national security, where concerns over the revival of the China Initiative were raised. Senators expressed significant apprehensions regarding previous actions taken under this initiative and its implications for national security. Additionally, there were critiques of the broader implications of executive actions that challenge judicial authority, aligning with ongoing dialogues about the integrity of the judiciary and executive oversight.

Keywords: transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Jones of Harris because of important business.
• Here we know the motives of Powered by People when it made these donations, and that was to financially
• I learned at an early age the importance of using my voice, power, and privilege.
• It's when this chamber has chosen to use its power and privilege to silence the voices of my constituents
• Under the minority party's view, a minority group in one chamber could command the powers of fellow members

Bills: HB18, SB54, SB10

Keywords: voter registration, change of address, election procedures, Texas Election Code, voting rights, elections, political contributions, voter registration, HB18, SB54

Summary: The recent committee meeting addressed several significant bills, primarily focused on electoral processes and legislative conduct. Notably, HB18, which regulates political contributions by legislative members during absences, was passed with a notable vote of 86 ayes to 46 nays. Additionally, Senate Bill 54, centered on election procedures regarding the registration of voters with outdated addresses, also advanced successfully through the committee, although not without discussion regarding its implications. The chair emphasized the importance of these legislative measures and their potential impact on voting rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the region.
• is half that of the rate of Area High School graduates.
• I am the President-Elect of the Board of.
• of the Office of Excellence in Higher Education.
• In fact, about a third of all of our students do that.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, higher education, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, Texas State Technical College System, land acquisition, facilities development

Summary: The meeting focused on significant education reform, particularly the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M system. Senator Kohlkorst led the discussions, highlighting the historical context of the partnership and the challenges ahead in transitioning governance, especially regarding accreditation and technical support. Community leaders expressed their support, emphasizing the need for alignment with regional industry needs to enhance educational programs that would ultimately benefit both students and the local economy. Notably, testimony from James Hallmark and Dwayne Crocker highlighted both the potential growth for the region and the collaborative spirit of the involved institutions in implementing this transition.

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of them kind of follow the chain of command and they'll take it to their party.
• First of all, of course, due to a variety of factors, the percentage of foreign-born...
• Furthermore, it's an issue of allegiance to a foreign power.
• I know a lot of people, of course, have it.
• years the Supreme Court of the United States recognized that Congress has the power to regulate presidential

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, voter access

Summary: The meeting focused on significant discussions regarding several bills, particularly SB396 and SB827. Public testimonies were heard against SB396, expressing concerns over government overreach regarding voter registrations. Various witnesses highlighted potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters and the inefficiencies of the proposed residency confirmations. SB827 was another bill of interest, with discussions centered around the methods of election monitoring and concerns regarding the accuracy and cost-effectiveness of hand-counted audits.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the sake of balance, fairness, and regional collaboration, I respectfully urge you to support House
• bikes, the types of power, and which ones were actually classified as what.
• And, frankly, we don't have the power to do that. We don't have the influence of Terry Hall.
• of...
• 253 is a smart, balanced step towards the larger goal of

Bills: HB535, HB2120, HB2822, HB3243, HB3457, HB3544, HB4089, HB4192, HB4669, HB4868, HB4955, HB5253, HB5669, SB1371, SB1919, SB2001

Keywords: motor vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, traffic safety, municipality, criminal offense, motor vehicle, pedestrian safety, bicycle, traffic regulations, municipal law, pedestrian safety, bicycle regulations, motor vehicle passing, traffic law, municipalities, motor vehicle, pedestrian safety, bicycle operation, traffic laws

Summary: The meeting focused on various transportation-related bills, including discussions around essential infrastructure for flood control, electric bicycles, and safety measures for cyclists. Representative Martinez introduced HB3544, highlighting the flooding issues in the Rio Grande Valley and the need for proper stormwater management. The bill garnered attention as it addresses urgent concerns for local emergency services and community safety. Additionally, CSHB4089 outlined regulations for electric bicycles in state parks, promoting access and safety for all park-goers. There was a significant public turnout, with testimonies both in support and against various proposed bills, reflecting community engagement and interest in transportation safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• the purchasing power today.
• Some dealt with billions of dollars, some dealt with millions of dollars.
• There was quite a bit of loss of purchasing power during
• that period of time.
• an amount of salary for that years of service or experience.

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737, HB4591

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits

Summary: During the meeting, the committee discussed several important bills focused on state employee pensions, the education sector, and consumer credit resources. One of the main topics was HB886, which proposes a 13th check for state retirees to help alleviate financial challenges faced by those who have not seen any pension adjustments for over a decade. The bill received support from various stakeholders who emphasized its necessity given the rising costs of living and inflation. Additionally, HB3221 was examined, addressing unequal pension contributions between traditional school districts and charter schools, which has placed undue financial burdens on charter schools since 2019. The bill aims to unify the contribution rates to ensure fairness and retain essential funding for education.

Transcript Highlights:

• The availability of many of these things is outside the department's control.
• All of them ask a...
• Many of them may not have had symptoms; many of them might not have had chest pain or shortness of breath
• of dollars of revenue.
• side effects of all of this.

Bills: HB18, HB37, HB116, HB388, HB879, HB913, HB1151, HB2216, HB2358, HB2809, SB577, SB1590, SB1782, SB1887, SB2744

Keywords: rural health, hospital funding, healthcare access, mental health services, financial stability, perinatal bereavement, healthcare, hospital training, bereavement support, maternal care, fetal demise, stillbirth, neonatal death, parent-child relationship, involuntary termination, family law, child welfare, child protection, military veterans, healthcare licensing

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on various significant bills impacting health, family welfare, and vaccinations. Discussion around SB1887 generated notable interest, as it proposed a ten-year prohibition on administering mRNA vaccines, allowing exceptions for cancer treatment and genetic disorders. Senator Sparks, the bill's author, highlighted safety concerns regarding the mRNA technology, stating that further evaluations were necessary. Public testimonies included both support and opposition, with advocates arguing for informed consent and safety, while others expressed concern about restricting scientific advancements in healthcare. Additionally, the conversation addressed HB2216, which aimed at reforming parental rights in child welfare cases, ensuring that parental drug use alone would not warrant automatic termination of rights unless there was a direct, substantial risk to the child. Public testimony for this bill emphasized the need for additional resources to effectively implement its provisions. The committee also discussed HB2809 regarding tracking suicide attempts by children and SB1590 which proposed adopting an electronic process for paternity verification in adoption cases. Overall, the meeting was marked by lively discussions and significant public involvement, indicating the community's vested interest in the legislative outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will do everything in my power to ensure the continued relevance of our national banking system and
• of promoting the strength of the financial sector that makes all of this possible.
• the separation of powers.
• Of powers. Mr.
• Can you speak to the purpose of 2155 and how a balanced regulatory framework actually promotes stability

Keywords: financial regulations, SEC, Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Transit Administration, nominees, Empowering Main Street in America Act, capital formation, economic growth

Summary: The committee meeting focused on several nominees within key financial institutions, including discussions surrounding the SEC, the Federal Transit Administration, and the Comptroller of the Currency. Notable dialogue included concerns over regulatory balance, with various members emphasizing a need to streamline regulations to foster innovation while ensuring accountability and safety for investors. The importance of the proposed 'Empowering Main Street in America Act' was highlighted as a means to facilitate access to capital for small businesses, underlining the current administration's approach towards financial regulations.

Transcript Highlights:

• United States of America, for the great citizens it has, and for the great privilege of being citizens
• of this great country.
• In this great state of Texas, Father, we thank you for the
• members on matters of public corruption.

• Members, the call of the House remains in force.

Bills: HB4

Keywords: redistricting, congressional districts, Texas Legislature, elections, 2020 Census, Texas Department of Public Safety, legislative attendance, Disaster Preparedness Committee, flood legislation, quorum

Summary: In this meeting, the chair addressed concerns regarding the attendance of certain members who have been evading their legislative duties. The Texas Department of Public Safety is actively working to enforce civil arrest warrants to ensure that these members return to the chamber. This issue is pressing as the Disaster Preparedness Committee is poised to evaluate five crucial pieces of legislation aimed at addressing catastrophic flooding that has severely impacted communities across the state. The emphasis was placed on the urgency and importance of the work undertaken by the committee in these trying times. The meeting concluded with a plan for the House to reconvene, urging members to ensure their attendance. The chair expressed hope for a quorum to be achieved by the next session, allowing for the continuation of critical discussions. This session saw active participation from members, highlighting the dedication towards serving constituents despite the present challenges faced within the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• to do TDCJ raises, but I guess in order to kind of balance
• I think instead of saying this is a system of...
• One of the...
• In terms of.
• training for a number of reasons, and some of it is...

Keywords: budget recommendations, law enforcement, correctional agencies, staff shortages, Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, jail standards, public safety

Summary: The committee meeting focused on comprehensive budget recommendations across various law enforcement and correctional agencies. Notable discussions included funding for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the Legislative Budget Board's educational and support initiatives for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Specific emphasis was placed on addressing staffing shortages and retention of personnel, particularly in parole and correctional officer positions, amid rising concerns regarding jail standards and operational efficiency. The meeting also saw testimonies from agency heads who outlined their needs and challenges, underscoring the importance of legislative support for public safety and corrections reform.

Transcript Highlights:

• year because of lack of capacity.
• A review of the plans needs to happen for that industry to move forward.
• events because of lack of capacity.
• The results of their efforts have been promising.
• They have also led to the arrest of 165 members of organized

Keywords: Department of Licensing and Registration, staffing needs, combative sports, industrialized housing, Waco examination center, cybersecurity, Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, financial crime prevention

Summary: The meeting focused on various aspects of the Department of Licensing and Registration, highlighting the need for enhanced staffing to manage increased demand in several programs such as combative sports and industrialized housing. Notably, discussions included the establishment of new examination centers to improve service delivery and licensing processes, with emphasis on the Waco center's contribution. There was also deliberation on cybersecurity measures, showcasing the department's efforts to protect infrastructure from breaches, alongside mention of the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center's successes in preventing financial crimes in Texas.

Transcript Highlights:

• of Texas.

• So the consideration of that unexpended balance authority

• I'm just kind of demonstrating some of the volume of our work.
• , and the backup power plants and the resiliency plans outside of ERCOT, such as in Senator Nick's district

• BHEC has seen the buying power of its appropriations

Bills: SB1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, budget recommendations, Department of Licensing and Regulation, Texas Funeral Service Commission, anti-trafficking, whole body donation program

Summary: The meeting covered significant budget recommendations for the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Texas Funeral Service Commission, focusing on their proposed changes and the implications of the funding adjustments. Blake Paul from TDLR presented a comprehensive overview including a $23.1 million net decrease in their budget and a significant push for anti-trafficking efforts, which received positive feedback. Additionally, discussions on the whole body donation program highlighted increased funding to facilitate its transition following the recent legislative changes. The committee members engaged actively, debating the sufficiency of the proposed budgets and their impact on ongoing initiatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• what the change of governance of UH-Victoria has been.
• graduates who matriculate to UHV is half that of the rate of area high school graduates of similarly
• each of those stakeholders.
• the state of Texas.
• Myself, but also as a secretary of the board of trustees for Victoria College and a board member of the

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, higher education, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, Texas State Technical College System, land acquisition, facilities development

Summary: The Senate Committee on Education convened to discuss several important bills, prominently featuring Senate Bill 2361, which proposes the transition of the University of Houston-Victoria into the Texas A&M University System. Testimonies from community leaders such as Mayor Dwayne Crocker highlighted the significant positive implications this shift could have for local education and economic development. The consensus was that the integration would not only elevate educational opportunities but also enhance the region's workforce alignment with industry needs, particularly in fields like engineering and agriculture. Additionally, SB 530 was introduced, focusing on removing restrictions on which accrediting bodies universities can engage for accreditation, a move that aims to modernize Texas educational regulations to align with recent federal changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's always a balancing act between how well-funded the pension is and how well you're taking care of
• And sometimes when that gets really out of balance, the focus
• Specifically, our purchases of coal for our coal power plant and purchases of gas for our gas power plant
• the city of Corpus Christi, who are in support of this.
• Not only has inflation dramatically decreased the purchasing power of judicial retirement over 20 plus

Bills: HB886, HB1514, HB2434, HB2688, HB2802, HB3161, HB3221, HB4029, HB4339, HB4591, HB4774, HB4802, HB4853, HB5627, SB1737

Keywords: retirement, supplemental payment, benefits, Employees Retirement System, eligible annuitants, legislation, annuity, retirement, service credit, Employees Retirement System of Texas, employee benefits, pension reform, public retirement systems, municipality pensions, firefighters, police officers, retirement age, DROP program, actuarial studies, pension benefits

Summary: The meeting was focused on a range of significant legislation including discussions on retirement benefits for public safety officers and specific bills aimed at addressing current challenges in the pension systems. Representative Busey introduced HB2802, aimed at stabilizing the Austin Firefighters Retirement Fund, which received support from various stakeholders including Mayor Kirk Watson, reflecting months of collaborative effort. Testimony emphasized the need for proactive changes to prevent future financial crises in the fund. Additionally, HB4029, proposed by Chairman Guillen, generated appeals from various members about the necessity of addressing retirement needs for peace officers in public schools, linking it directly to their recruitment and retention challenges in the current environment. Issues regarding recruitment and the financial sustainability of the Houston Fire Department were also highlighted with HB2688, enabling timely action on pressing pension reform to retain skilled personnel.