Transcript Highlights:

• Both the Union and Retired Firefighters Association

• I am the president of the Austin Retired Firefighters Association.

• The board of the Austin Retired Firefighters Association

• /p>

  I'm currently the president of the Austin Firefighters Association

• We represent the Exotic Wildlife Association.

Bills: SB771, SB2345, HB135

Keywords: diesel fuel tax, tax credit, auxiliary power units, power take-off equipment, refund, energy efficiency, firefighter retirement, municipal contributions, pension system, retirement benefits, funding ratios, sales tax exemption, exotic animals, game animals, agriculture, livestock, firefighter pension reform, tax equity, diesel fuel, auxiliary power units

Summary: The Senate Finance Committee meeting covered crucial legislative discussions surrounding several important bills, particularly focused on firefighter pension reforms and tax equity for diesel fuel. Senate Bill 771, presented by Senator Hinojosa, seeks to rectify a gap in state tax law regarding tax credits for diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units. The bill drew support from several witnesses who emphasized its importance for maintaining fairness in tax treatment across fuel types. Additionally, House Bill 135, aimed at providing tax exemptions for exotic game sales, was discussed with fervent support from stakeholders within the industry. Public testimonies highlighted the positive economic impact of the bill on rural communities in Texas. The committee also reviewed Senate Bill 2345, another pension-related bill, which showcased collaboration between the city and the firefighters' association.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Rick Isaacs on behalf of the State Firefighters and Fire Marshals Association
• International Technical Workers Texas State Association of
• Texas State Association of Electrical Workers and yourself
• The Texas Association of Builders has always been very mindful of workplace safety and recognizes that
• The Texas Association of Builders is opposed to this bill for the same reasons as in previous sessions

Bills: HB446, HB1609, HB4443, HB4464, HB4735, HB5476

Keywords: heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, employee rights, administrative penalties, training requirements, heat illness prevention, workplace safety, Texas Workforce Commission, advisory board, administrative penalties, employee training, occupational health, heat illness prevention, workplace safety, advisory board, employer penalties, worker rights, heat illness

Summary: The meeting held by the committee focused on several bills aimed at improving worker safety and economic support for rural communities. Key discussions included the introduction of HB446, which aims to establish a Heat Illness Prevention Advisory Board to address the increasing number of heat-related worker deaths in Texas. Testimonies from various stakeholders highlighted the need for heat safety standards and the emotional impact of heat-related illnesses on workers' lives. HB1609 was also presented, seeking protections for volunteer firefighters during declared disasters to prevent job loss while responding to emergencies. The committee expressed strong support for these initiatives, suggesting a collective understanding of their importance amid rising temperatures and demands on the workforce.

Transcript Highlights:

• We show you registered as Trevor Stokes on behalf of yourself and the Texas Association of Firefighters
• Folks, Texas State Association of Firefighters, thank you,
• I'm the executive director of the Texas State Association of Emergency Services Districts (ESDs).
• We are the state association, as I said, for emergency services districts.
• Hill on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders, and you will be testifying for the bill.

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, building permits, municipal government, application processing, time limits, local government regulations, cemeteries, municipalities, regulation, health and safety, local governance, municipal utility district, dissolution, local governance, Tarrant County, environmental quality

Summary: The committee meeting focused on a variety of bills, with notable discussions surrounding the challenges faced by municipalities in managing growth and public safety. Bills such as HB447 and HB3897 sparked conversations on the impact of Municipal Utility Districts in high-density areas and the necessity of thorough traffic impact assessments before approving new developments. Representative Cook highlighted concerns over a specific project related to HB3671, which aimed to dissolve a municipal district due to contradictory prior agreements. Public testimonies included concerns from residents, signaling the tension between development needs and public safety requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• American Property Casualty Insurance Association, we show you.
• Texas Windstorm and the Texas Fair Plan Association.
• Okay, we show you Jennifer Collie from the Texas Association of Life...
• and the American Psychiatric Association.
• I am a past president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.

Bills: HB778, HB1266, HB1576, HB2213, HB2517, HB2518, HB2841, HB3306, HB3320, HB3388, HB3508, HB3520, HB3689

Keywords: credentialing, healthcare, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, managed care, hurricane, windstorm, loss mitigation, grants, insurance discounts, property retrofitting, insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, board composition, coastal counties, property insurance, insurance, taxation, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, Texas FAIR Plan Association

Summary: The committee meeting addressed several key bills, with significant discussions surrounding HB778, which focuses on insurance coverage for individuals undergoing gender transition and those wishing to detransition. During the presentations, the bill's author, Chairman Leach, emphasized the importance of ensuring coverage for potential adverse effects from gender transition procedures. However, concerns were raised by various witnesses regarding the potential implications of limiting coverage for transgender care, leading to heated debates and a range of testimonies from both supporters and opponents of the bill. HB2517 and HB2213 also received attention, with discussions centered on insurance premiums and board eligibility for the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, respectively.

Transcript Highlights:

• is by offering a stipend to these individuals so that they can get reimbursed for their expenses associated
• I'm with the Texas State Association of Firefighters.
• With Texas Hotel and Lodging Association on the bill.
• I'm General Counsel for the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association.
• Our association has been in existence since 1903, and I've been on board for 18 years.

Bills: HB164, HB411, HB627, HB1226, HB1677, HB1865, HB1997, HB2985, HB3462, HB4188, HB4685, HB4840, HB5370, HB5424, HB5466, HB5509, HB5660, HB5673

Keywords: migrant labor, housing regulations, civil penalties, complaints, occupants' rights, remediation, education, retaliation, housing, rental regulation, municipal authority, local government, leasing, housing regulation, local control, rental properties, municipal authority, leasing laws, housing, rental regulation

Summary: The meeting of the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee was focused on various housing-related bills, including HB411, which seeks to prevent discrimination against tenants based on their source of income, particularly targeting landlords who refuse Section 8 or other housing vouchers. Representative Rosenthal presented compelling arguments advocating for the bill, highlighting the discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect low-income families, including veterans. The discussion included public testimonies that underscored the vital need for housing reforms to provide a fair chance at stable housing for those relying on assistance programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Keith Oakley, and I'm here representing ASSIST, Associated Security Services, and Investigators of
• It is the guard company association in Texas, and they very
• or the American Association of Police Polygraphists.
• of Polygraph Examiners, and secondly, the Texas Association of Law Enforcement Polygraph Investigators
• These associations that offer those that I just previously mentioned are seeing a drastic decline in

Bills: HB1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, law enforcement, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database

Summary: The meeting focused on several significant bills concerning law enforcement training, mental health crisis management, and resource allocation. Notably, House Bill 2929 aimed at requiring police officers to undergo specialized training related to autism, was discussed with testimonials highlighting the need for improved understanding of individuals with autism in potential law enforcement encounters. Additionally, House Bill 4993 gathered attention as it proposed measures to enhance the health and readiness of military service members, emphasizing the importance of fitness standards and supportive health programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Association itself, you're showing neutral on the bill.
• marker="361" data-time="2160"> Next witness is Scott Kibbe, American Property Casualty Insurance Association
• It exempts the Texas Windstorm Association Fund (TWAF) from insurance premiums and maintenance taxes.
• Association neutral on SB2530, correct? Correct.
• I defer to the TWIA staff and your association, and the members that want to decide the composition of

Bills: SB1642, SB1643, SB2530

Keywords: Texas Department of Insurance, commission appointments, insurance regulation, oversight, consumer advocacy, insurance rates, property insurance, commercial automobile insurance, rate approval, consumer protection, windstorm insurance, Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, insurance regulation, administrative penalties, coastal counties, insurance regulation, property and casualty insurance, Senate Bill 1643, consumer protection, Texas Department of Insurance

Summary: The committee meeting held extensive discussions on multiple pieces of legislation focused primarily on insurance and healthcare. A significant portion of the meeting revolved around SB1643, which proposes changes to how property and casualty insurance rates are regulated in Texas by requiring prior approval from the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for any rate changes exceeding 10%. Members expressed mixed feelings about this proposal, with concerns that it might lead to increased costs for consumers while discussing the balance between consumer protection and maintaining a competitive insurance market. Witnesses offered testimony both in favor and against the bill, highlighting the importance of thoughtful regulatory frameworks amidst rising insurance costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, I have some distinguished members in the gallery who are members of the Military Officers Association
• The Association advocates to support U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families.
• like to specifically recognize a couple of my constituents that are part of the Military Officers Association
• Smith, H.R. 267 by Garcia Hernandez, Trial Lawyers Association
• span marker="118" data-time="702"> Service Academy, H.R. 449 by Leach, North Texas Warrior Golf Association

Keywords: public safety, education, taxation, emergency power, constitutional amendment, infrastructure

Summary: The committee meeting primarily addressed various proposed bills concerning public safety, education, and taxation. Notably, HB4250 was discussed, relating to emergency power sources for nursing facilities. During the session, several amendments were proposed, leading to an in-depth discussion on the adequacy of the current infrastructure to support emergency generators, especially in light of recent events. The committee members also engaged in conversations regarding H.J.R. 172, a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at tax exemptions for residential properties, which sparked considerable debate about its fiscal implications.

Transcript Highlights:

• 151" data-time="900"> juniors and seniors to earn a diploma alongside a child care credential or associate
• to a high school diploma and a Child Development Associate
• certificate or associate degree related to the field of professional child care.
• What is a Child Development Associate credential? I mean, what are we talking about there?
• marker="199" data-time="1188">OK, so currently, there's not a definition of a Child Development Associate

Bills: HB1079, HB3651, HB4980

Keywords: Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, public school, career education, military readiness, public school accountability, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Leadership Officer Training Corps, career education, public school accountability, funding allotments, healthcare, insurance, cost control, patient access, regulation, affordability, public health, JROTC, Leadership Officer Training Corps

Summary: The meeting of the committee on academic and career-oriented education centered on a series of bills focused on career and technology education. Notably, Representative Kerr introduced HB1079, which aims to formally recognize JROTC and LOTC programs as viable career and technology education pathways. Kerr expressed the significance of these programs for student readiness in both military and civilian careers, emphasizing the importance of leadership and teamwork skills gained through these courses. Public testimony included support from former JROTC members, highlighting the positive impact of the program on their lives and career trajectories.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joining us is always good, as it is always associated.
• (TWIA)** and **Texas Fair Plan Association**.
• Association or TWIA.

• Member associations?

• Association or TWIA.

Keywords: electric grid, cryptocurrency mining, insurance costs, transmission planning, winter storm resiliency

Summary: The meeting focused on various critical issues affecting Texas, primarily the challenges surrounding the electric grid and rising insurance costs. Members discussed the ongoing implications of weatherization standards and the operational performance of the grid since the Winter Storm Uri. Significant attention was given to the growing demand for electricity in the state, especially in the context of emerging industries like cryptocurrency mining, and how that influences the need for resilient transmission planning. Additionally, extensive discussions occurred regarding the potential transition of transmission infrastructure from 345 kV to 765 kV, weighing the costs and future readiness of Texas' electrical grid.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think we have one person that would like to testify from the Texas Association of Realtors.
• Explain to the committee the reasoning why your association
• I'm the Executive Director of the Texas Broadband Association.
• TechSWIM is a 501(c)(6) trade association that represents
• My name is Taylor Kilroy, Executive Director of the Texas Public Power Association.

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

Keywords: electric generation, reliability, ERCOT, Public Utility Commission, penalties, performance requirements, energy policy, construction contracts, compensatory damages, government delays, contractor, legislation, broadband access, tax reduction, internet service, rural connectivity, infrastructure funding, distributed energy resources, interconnection, ERCOT

Summary: The Business Commerce Committee meeting was marked by the successful reporting of several bills, notably Senate Bill 783, SB1238, and SB1706, all of which received unanimous support from committee members. The chair facilitated discussions around the potential implications of these bills, with committee members highlighting the necessity for timely updates to current legislation. Public testimonies were heard regarding Senate Bill 1968, emphasizing its efforts to clarify the agent-buyer relationship in real estate transactions through the introduction of written representation agreements. Additionally, concerns were raised about regulations regarding backup generation for energy loads in the Senate Bill 2321 discussion, reflecting ongoing discussions about balancing energy needs with environmental regulations.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Chair recognizes Bill Valli with the Texas Funeral Directors Association.
• Valli, you represent the Texas Funeral Directors Association?
• Because it says that you're with the association. Yes.
• Silva, you are representing the Texas Medical Association and yourself.
• They're adding up all of our individual trade association members' budgets for that number.

Bills: SB2024, SB227, SB268, SB1467, SB1580, HB5537, SB1313, SB1677, SB918, SB331, SB2207, SB2721

Keywords: e-cigarettes, marketing prohibition, youth protection, criminal penalties, public health, school funding, education reform, state budget, property taxes, equity in education, health care, licensing, complaint procedure, disciplinary action, law enforcement, death records, vital statistics, healthcare, trauma facility, Medicaid

Summary: The meeting of the Committee on Public Health was centered around discussions on several significant bills, including HB4175 and SB2721. HB4175 seeks to expand mental health leave policies to cover a wider range of qualified employees, including peace officers and parole officers. The motion for HB4175 was approved with a roll call vote showing a majority in favor. Conversely, SB2721 sparked extensive dialogue concerning the regulation of anatomical donations. Testimonies revealed public concerns over unclaimed bodies and the necessity for informed consent in body donation practices. The bill underwent substantial scrutiny, highlighting the balance between supporting medical education and protecting family rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the current president of the Texas Wine and Grape Association, and Twiget is the largest and oldest
• I'm also the president-elect of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, otherwise known as TWGA
• As the past president of the Texas Funeral Directors Association, I have crisscrossed the state and met
• The committee was requested by the County and District Clerks Association and differs from the bill as
• ...by the Secretary of State and by the ADA Association,

Keywords: committee meeting, HB4749, SB621, HB201, HB3133, deepfake legislation, social media, public testimony, tactical medical professionals

Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee saw extensive discussion surrounding several key bills, including HB4749, SB621, and HB201. Notably, HB3133, which involves legislation regarding explicit deepfake content and social media, was presented and debated vigorously with a committee substitute being proposed to align it with federal standards following the recent federal 'Take It Down' Act. The committee moved to report several bills favorably, including HB1506, emphasizing support for updating laws concerning political contributions and expenditures. Public testimonies were held on various bills, allowing stakeholders to voice their perspectives, particularly on legislation concerning tactical medical professionals and their role during high-risk incidents. The committee concluded the meeting by laying out additional bills for further discussion in subsequent sessions, underscoring a commitment to thorough legislative review.

Transcript Highlights:

• Earl Zuravik with Texas Health Care Association.
• The Chair calls Travis Clardy with the Texas Health Care Association.
• Our board met last week at the Texas Health Care Association.
• Yes, that's the Texas Healthcare Association, not the Boca Raton Healthcare Association.
• Texas Association of Health Plans is against the bill.

Bills: HB660, HB4845, HB3902, HB5396, HB4615, HB1825, HB1403, HB4336, HB4585, HB4371, HB863, SB1589, HB5223, HB3195, HB2734

Keywords: child protective services, adult protective services, caseload limits, call processing goals, child-care licensing, employee workload, reporting requirements, employee caseload limits, protective services, child-care licensing, call processing goals, workload management, accountability, Department of Family and Protective Services, caseload limits, protective services, child-care licensing, employee goals, call processing, caseload limits

Summary: The meeting was organized to address several key bills affecting health care and public assistance programs. A significant portion of the time was dedicated to discussing HB4585, which seeks to streamline claims processing for Medicaid providers by instituting strict payment timelines and limiting the use of artificial intelligence in utilization reviews. Representative Spiller and various stakeholders provided testimonies highlighting the frustrations of rural health care providers regarding payment delays. Concerns were raised about preserving patient access to necessary services amid administrative burdens. Another important discussion revolved around HB2734, which aims to combat fraud in public assistance programs, a topic that sparked heated testimonies reflecting the complexities faced by low-income families in navigating application processes. Critics expressed worries that the bill could mistakenly criminalize innocent mistakes in applications.

Transcript Highlights:

• representative of the MUD, wouldn't you think that it would be better for you to have the history associated
• So we're the Texas Rural Water Association.
• Rick Ellis, representing the Association of Water Board Directors, is here to speak against the bill.
• My name is Rick Ellis, and I am the Executive Director of the Association of Water Board Directors, Texas
• your association or you guys have an issue with, please go

Bills: HB279, HB310, HB365, HB391, HB420, HB422, HB638

Keywords: water infrastructure, Texas water fund, rural municipalities, water conservation, water loss mitigation, water fund, infrastructure projects, rural communities, water conservation, fund allocation, water infrastructure, Texas water fund, rural communities, municipalities, water conservation, water infrastructure, Texas water fund, rural communities, municipalities, conservation

Summary: The meeting conducted by the committee included detailed discussions on two main bills: HB279 and HB638. Representative Harris opened the session by moving that HB279 be reported favorably, a motion that passed unanimously with ten votes in favor and none opposed. Following this, Representative Tepper presented HB638, which requires most water districts to record their meetings and post them online. The purpose of this bill is to ensure transparency and accessibility, especially in light of the substantial investments in water infrastructure projected for the state. Various stakeholders, including those in favor and against the bill, provided testimony highlighting both the benefits of transparency and concerns over implementation costs and logistical challenges for smaller districts.

Transcript Highlights:

• /span> At resolution 587 by Creighton et al. recognizes the Association
• Resolution 587 recognizes the Association of Water Board

• Since 1975, the association has played an important

• The association brings together more than 1,000 members

• as the apartment associations and other landlords, because

Bills: HB4, HB20, HB40, HB46, HB101, HB112, HB117, HB121, HB127, HB146, HB150, HB186, HB229, HB426, HB521, HB541, HB549, HB632, HB713, HB796, HB1052, HB1106, HB1135, HB1234, HB1306, HB1403, HB1523, HB1532, HB1690, HB1960, HB2035, HB2217, HB2399, HB2488, HB2517, HB2594, HB2655, HB2686, HB2731, HB2757, HB2820, HB2963, HB3005, HB3053, HB3073, HB3225, HB3320, HB3333, HB3336, HB3441, HB3483, HB3516, HB3520, HB3697, HB3748, HB3793, HB3848, HB4099, HB4134, HB4144, HB4158, HB4233, HB4236, HB4285, HB4350, HB4359, HB4464, HB4580, HB4690, HB4730, HB4848, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5294, HB5381, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5606, HB5646, HB5658, HB5661, HB5663, HB5666, HB5672, HCR40, HCR59, SB867, SB2919, SJR5, SJR27, SB4, SB6, SB7, SB9, SB13, SB15, SB23, SB27, SB30, SB40, SB57, SB66, SB140, SB268, SB293, SB331, SB413, SB447, SB457, SB467, SB506, SB510, SB512, SB571, SB650, SB763, SB777, SB785, SB800, SB850, SB863, SB865, SB973, SB974, SB1191, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1494, SB1522, SB1540, SB1567, SB1579, SB1580, SB1610, SB1660, SB1723, SB1760, SB1838, SB1923, SB1946, SB1957, SB1964, SB2018, SB2024, SB2121, SB2167, SB2217, SB2221, SB2321, SB2337, SB2368, SB2373, SB2407, SB2431, SB2477, SB2587, SB2615, SB2753, SB2807, SB2900, SB2965, SB2972, SB2986, SB3039, SB3047, SB3059, SB3070, SB1, SB17, SB21, SB260, SB379, SB509, SB1198, SB1405, SB1506, SB1637, SB1833, SB2155, SB2308, SB2601, SB2778, HB300, HB2011, HB2525, HB5246, HB100, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB322, HB346, HB654, HB705, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1094, HB1234, HB1306, HB1506, HB1523, HB1629, HB1690, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2078, HB2128, HB2213, HB2240, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3057, HB3092, HB3112, HB3171, HB3181, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3697, HB3749, HB3793, HB3812, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4157, HB4158, HB4170, HB4202, HB4211, HB4214, HB4233, HB4285, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4748, HB4765, HB4848, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5093, HB5196, HB5320, HB5437, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5666, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694, HB5695, HB5698, HB5699, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB748, HB5652, HB3395, HB180, HB1306, HB5650, HB4894, HB1629, HB5698, HB3171, HB2694, HB5664, HB4690, HB4464, HB3623, HB2520, HB2213, HB252, HB146, HB5596, HB3619, HB5320, HB5651, HB5670, HB5665, HB5437, HB5679, HB5661, HB5662, HB5654, HB5672, HB5656, HB2035, HB721, HB346, HB5695, HB5694, HB5674, HB3185, HB2348, HB1135, HB101, HB5666, HB5677, HB5682, HB5658, HB4144, HB3642, HB3815, HB2686, HB2012, HB1960, HB227, HB654, HB4158, HB4630, HB1523, HB1973, HB3333, HB3697, HB3546, HB3225, HB2820, HB186, HB119, HB4466, HB4170, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4285, HB4463, HB4995, HB5624, HB1449, HB2598, HB3629, HB4361, HB824, HB1868, HB4848, HB40, HB117, HB3686, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB718, HB4904, HB4202, HB4765, HB4559, HB4350, HB4214, HB3388, HB3112, HB5196, HB3516, HB3092, HB4233, HB1094, HB2037, HB3005, HB3848, HB121, HB3336, HB5294, HB5646, HB4236, HB1052, HB5509, HB5435, HB3520, HB3320, HB2517, HB2488, HB5663, HB2731, HB3073, HB2655, HB2399, HB541, HB4099, HB111, HB1532, HB3483, HB2963, HB4580, HB3748, HB713, HB632, HB426, HB4730, HB127, HB5690, HB5689, HB5655, HB3385, HB2757, HB4359, HB5381, HB20, HB123, HB549, HB5606, HB2217, HB2594, HB796, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, HCR76, HCR81, HCR46, HCR111, HCR83, HCR84, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, 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, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB40, HB117, HB121, HB426, HB541, HB713, HB1052, HB1532, HB2217, HB2488, HB2517, HB2655, HB2757, HB2963, HB3073, HB3697, HB4099, HB4144, HB4158, HB4236, HB4285, HB4848, HB5435, HB5437, HB5509, HB5646, HB5666, HB14, HB1240, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, SR559, SR587, SR614, SCR53, SJR59, SB10, SB22, SB25, SB34, SB36, SB38, SB261, SB777, SB924, SB1188, SB1318, SB1333, SB1398, SB1448, SB1621, SB1862, SB2405, SB2406, SB8, SB12, SB37, SB441, SB1566, SB2878, HB300, HB2011, HB5246, HB101, HB119, HB227, HB252, HB346, HB654, HB718, HB721, HB824, HB1306, HB1629, HB1868, HB1960, HB1973, HB2012, HB2035, HB2037, HB2213, HB2348, HB2520, HB2598, HB2686, HB2694, HB2820, HB3005, HB3092, HB3112, HB3185, HB3333, HB3388, HB3516, HB3546, HB3619, HB3623, HB3629, HB3642, HB3686, HB3815, HB3848, HB3909, HB4081, HB4145, HB4170, HB4202, HB4214, HB4350, HB4361, HB4463, HB4464, HB4466, HB4559, HB4630, HB4765, HB4894, HB4904, HB4995, HB5196, HB5320, HB5624, HB5650, HB5651, HB5652, HB5654, HB5655, HB5656, HB5658, HB5661, HB5662, HB5664, HB5665, HB5670, HB5672, HB5674, HB5677, HB5679, HB5682, HB5695, HB5698, HCR46, HCR76, HCR81, HCR83, HCR84, HCR111, HB1094, HB3171, HB3793, HB4233, HB5689, HB5690, HB5694

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare

Summary: The committee meeting covered a range of bills, primarily focusing on amendments to various Senate Bills including SB34 and SB1188. Notably, Senator Sparks discussed the changes made to SB34, addressing concerns related to wildfire risks, and clarified that certain sections were removed based on their non-germane nature. The Senate unanimously concurred with the House amendments to this bill, which retains critical elements concerning wildfire equipment and funding reforms. Furthermore, discussions around SB1188 highlighted amendments aimed at clarifying the use of AI in electronic medical records management, demonstrating the committee's effort to align healthcare legislation with modern practices. Both bills successfully passed through the Senate with broad support, reflecting a collaborative legislative process.

Transcript Highlights:

• The National Fire Protection Association Standards Council,
• Colby Ferguson, on behalf of the Texas Pork Producers Association, here in support of House Bill 3630
• Manufactured Housing Association, and we've been testifying
• I'm the Gulf Coast Regional Trustee for the Association of Water Board Directors.
• AWBD, the Association, is a statewide organization that has

Bills: HB1835, HB2561, HB3630

Keywords: manufactured housing, HUD-code, zoning, local government regulations, installation permits, municipal utility district, board meetings, public access, meeting location, transparency, fire prevention, agriculture, local government, fire safety, regulations, municipal utility districts, public notice, housing regulations, legislation, committee testimony

Summary: The meeting convened with a quorum present and was primarily focused on multiple pieces of legislation related to municipal utility districts (MUDs). Among the bills discussed, HB2225 was moved forward favorably, extending public notice requirements for fee impositions. Representative Nozzolio and Vice-Chair Malani contributed significantly to the discussion, highlighting the implications of these changes. Another significant bill was HB2797, which prohibits municipalities from regulating the number of occupants in a dwelling unit based on various status categories. The committee adopted a substitute for this bill, which suggested that key modifications address community concerns around housing policies. Positive sentiments were expressed regarding the adaptability of this substitute which was widely discussed among the members.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Texas Academy of Audiology.
• Silver with the Texas Medical Association here from our district to testify in support of the bill.
• Association.
• We'll be hearing from the Texas Medical Association.
• The Texas Medical Association is comfortable with that floor.

Bills: SB128, SB640, SB672, SB904, SB1141, SB1263, SB1525, SB1528, SB2041, SB2306, SB2308, SB2357, SB2446, SB2695, SB2857, SB2891, SB2583

Keywords: hospital reporting, child abuse, neglect, administrative penalty, medical ethics, child protection, hearing instruments, licensing, continuing education, patient protection, medical evaluations, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, adversary hearing, protected rights, legal custody, prescription drugs, prior authorization, neurodegenerative diseases, health benefits

Summary: The meeting involved focused discussions on several key bills aimed at improving mental health services and regulatory practices within the state. Notably, Senator Sparks introduced SB2446, which aims to enhance transparency in Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs) by requiring detailed expenditure reports and reducing the influence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in decision-making processes. The bill drew mixed reactions, with some members emphasizing the need for more oversight while others raised concerns about potential negative impacts on recruitment and service delivery for vulnerable populations. Public testimony highlighted differing perspectives, underscoring the complexity of mental health policies and their implementation constraints.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Texas Nurse Association and you're for the bill, is that correct?
• So I'm just here to say that the Texas Nurses Association is in support of this bill.
• associations.
• Our industry is—our association is.
• associated with seafood.

Bills: HB44, HB2200, HB1612, HB2747, HB2038, HB3717, HB1431, HB3800, HB3801, HB3560, HB3246

Keywords: cremation, natural organic reduction, health and safety, environmental concerns, funeral services, medical licensing, physician graduates, healthcare access, occupational licensing, foreign medical graduates, cell-cultured protein, food safety, human consumption, agriculture, food labeling, healthcare workforce, advisory board, Texas Workforce Commission, resource guide, education collaboration

Summary: The meeting of the public health committee focused on the pressing issue of opioid addiction in Texas, with a particular emphasis on House Bill 3717. Chairman Harris detailed the bill's intent to fund a grant program for Ibogaine clinical trials, framing it as a critical response to the ongoing opioid crisis. He shared poignant testimonies highlighting the struggles of families and veterans battling addiction and mental health issues. The conversation underscored the necessity of innovative treatments, like Ibogaine, which showed promising results in studies for reducing symptoms of withdrawal and PTSD.

Transcript Highlights:

• For the record, my name is Mark Bell, on behalf of the AECT, the Association of Electric Companies of
• Yes, Francis Blake on behalf of the Texas Association of Builders.
• I'm the CEO of the Texas Association of Health Plans.
• I am speaking on behalf of the Texas Medical Association and our more than 59,000 members.
• I challenge the Texas Association of Health Plans to bring some of this forward.

Keywords: SB6, energy, liability, load interconnection, public testimony, Texas Blockchain Council

Summary: The committee meeting primarily focused on SB6, which is aimed at facilitating greater liability and addressing the challenges associated with load interconnection. The chair reopened discussions on the bill, engaging with several public testimonies. Among the 27 registered witnesses, many expressed support for the bill, emphasizing its significance in ensuring accurate load visibility and addressing issues in the energy sector. Notably, Lee Bratcher from the Texas Blockchain Council commended the committee's efforts while highlighting concerns related to transmission costs and their potential impact.