Video & Transcript DataContr Research : 'Texas Energy Day'
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TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Finance (Part I) Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- to just, **Ruth Ann Thornton**, who runs this, and just the people that have come around to know the day-to-day
- Supreme Court against a dentist in North Texas.
- Supreme Court against a dentist in North Texas.
- I want businesses in Texas; I'm a total pro-business, free market.
- and days of waiting to move the money back to victims.
Keywords:
Attorney General, budget recommendations, Crime Victims Compensation, method of finance swaps, funding challenges, public safety
Summary:
The meeting of the committee primarily focused on the Office of the Attorney General, where General Ken Paxton and his staff presented budget recommendations, highlighting a proposed decrease of $163.9 million from the 2024-25 biennium budget. Discussions included essential service funding such as the Crime Victims Compensation Program, which is facing challenges due to revenue shortfalls and increased demand. The committee raised concerns regarding the method of finance swaps that impacted the overall budget, leading to a $38 million cut that the Attorney General’s office deemed an error. Representatives from the LBB were also questioned about the implications of these funding changes.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I serve in Texas, and in Texas we've said we...
- Texas.
- Texas were safe.
- And the importance of that day to Texas history and to
- a good day.
Keywords:
biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, flags, display, state law, municipalities, government buildings, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, private civil right of action, destruction of property, qui tam action, HB5510, HB229, public testimony, women's rights
Summary:
The committee meeting featured intense discussions surrounding HB5510 and HB229, both of which generated significant public testimony. Various witnesses expressed strong opposition to HB5510, particularly highlighting concerns over its potential to threaten equitable access to healthcare and its implications for women's rights. Testimonies revealed the emotional weight behind these bills, with speakers advocating for compassion towards vulnerable populations rather than punitive measures. The atmosphere was emotionally charged, as proponents and opponents alike provided firsthand accounts and perspectives that underscored the complexities surrounding these legislative issues.
In contrast to the discussions on HB5510, commentary on HB229 mainly revolved around defining gender and safeguarding women's spaces. Many witnesses emphasized the bill's potential discriminatory effects on transgender and non-binary individuals, arguing that the legislation could fracture community relations rather than promote safety and dignity for all. Ultimately, despite the passion displayed in rebuttals from both sides, the meeting concluded with some bills left pending, leaving room for further consideration and debate in the future.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services May 23rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a general dentist from Katy, Texas, and I'm in support of this bill.
- The Texas Dental Association is also in support of this bill.
- Ho, thank you for coming from Katy, Texas.
- So if someone's only using three units a day, a whole vial might be enough for 33 days.
- Twelve Texans are diagnosed with HIV every day, and nearly 20,000 people in Texas have HIV but don't
Keywords:
health care, HIV testing, STD screenings, children's safety, intellectual disabilities, employee protections, legislative measures
Summary:
The meeting of the Health and Human Services Committee covered a variety of bills primarily focused on health care service enhancements and legal protections for employees. A notable discussion surrounded HB50, which aims to integrate HIV testing into routine STD screenings, a topic that received unanimous backing due to its potential to reduce the transmission of the virus. There was also significant dialogue around HB2399, which requires courts to provide detailed findings when making safety determinations regarding children's placements, further ensuring transparency and clarity in decision-making processes. The committee deliberated on various aspects of health care accessibility, particularly regarding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as legislative measures to protect family services workers from damages caused in the line of duty. The session was characterized by thoughtful engagement from committee members and testimonies from various stakeholders.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 2nd C.S.
Public Education Aug 21st, 2025 at 08:08 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Then you have the test days themselves, where kids take multiple tests over several days.
- I'm here representing Woodson ISD and the Texas Association of Rural Schools.
- Texas is a diverse state.
- Students across the state of Texas.
- and Texas students.
Bills:
HB8
Keywords:
House Bill 8, public school accountability, STAAR test repeal, educational assessments, student progress, teacher involvement, community feedback, accountability measures, education reform
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on House Bill 8, which seeks to reform the public school accountability and assessment system in Texas. Key discussions included the repeal of the STAAR test and its replacement with a series of shorter assessments throughout the school year, aimed at reducing the high-stakes nature of a single day test. Educators and advocates provided testimony on the need for assessments that better reflect student progress while ensuring accountability measures are fair and based on diverse community needs. Members raised concerns about the implementation timeline and the necessity of teacher involvement in the development of assessment items to enhance trust in the system. Overall, the atmosphere was collaborative, with many participants eager to improve educational outcomes for Texas students.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So 50% of the people in Texas have...
- The voters are then told that they've got up to six days from election day to provide proof of citizenship
- Six days is nothing.
- Texas, the Isleta del Sur Pueblo, and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.
In Texas, voter registration closes days before the
Keywords:
ballot application, voting by mail, Election Code, size requirements, font size, elections, public records, administration, confidentiality, force majeure, polling places, elections, voting access, local governance, state representative districts, voter registration, third-party challenge, election integrity, sworn statement, registration qualifications
Summary:
The meeting focused primarily on HB5337, which aimed to implement stricter voter identification requirements in Texas. During the session, various stakeholders, including members of the public, expressed their concerns regarding the potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters, particularly among older citizens and tribal populations. Critics of the bill highlighted that many Texan citizens might not possess the necessary documentation to comply with the new requirements, resulting in unintended consequences at the polls. Notably, representatives raised questions about the practicality of enforcing these regulations without negatively impacting voter turnout, especially for vulnerable demographics.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education May 20th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- with Texas students.
- Even in this day.
- With Texas parents and educators in mind, Texas families
- Chapter 28 of the Texas Education Code is adequate for Texas school districts.
- Our polling at Texas Family Project confirmed what we hear every day from parents across the state.
Keywords:
parental rights, education, school trustees, training, handbook, adoption, parenting, education, family law, health curriculum, education, Holocaust, anti-Semitism, truancy, student safety, public testimony, legislation
Summary:
The committee meeting focused on several critical bills aimed at improving educational standards and student safety in Texas. Notably, the discussions around SB735 concerning Holocaust education highlighted the urgency of addressing rising anti-Semitism and ensuring comprehensive education on human rights histories within public schools. Testimonies from various witnesses underscored the necessity for students to learn from historical injustices to prevent future atrocities. Moreover, SB570, aimed at implementing stricter truancy policies to enhance student attendance, was discussed with testimony supporting its significance in improving educational outcomes for at-risk students.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Mar 12th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- on Texas millions of small businesses.
- for the state of Texas.
- They blew it, and Texas has come up fast.
- to Texas law.
- It is critical for Texas.
Keywords:
eviction, landlord rights, tenant rights, justice court, property law, court procedures, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, deep fake, digital impersonation, age verification, private cause of action, explicit content, consumer protection, civil liability
Summary:
Another key topic was HB581, addressing the misuse of AI in creating damaging content. The chair emphasized the urgency of the issue affecting children and expressed a commitment to finding solutions. Bills like HB644 also drew attention, as they modified liabilities for businesses regarding the carrying of concealed firearms on their premises. The meeting was characterized by a diverse range of opinions, with several members expressing support for the bills and others raising concerns about potential impacts on governance and public safety.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services (Part I) Apr 23rd, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- days a week.
- day.
- I'm from Dallas, Texas.
- You all have chapters in Texas.
- Considering that Texas...
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.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII Feb 25th, 2025 at 08:00 am
House Appropriations - S/C on Articles VI, VII, & VIII
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas. Yes.
- to regulate Texas physicians.
This is a new day at the Texas Board of Veterinary
- to regulate Texas physicians.
- state of Texas?
Keywords:
budget recommendations, staffing increase, operational capacity, salary adjustments, public testimony, funding requests
Summary:
The meeting primarily focused on budgetary recommendations and exceptional item requests from various state agencies, with a significant emphasis on enhancing staffing and operational capacities. Key discussions revolved around the funding requests that support improved service delivery, particularly for the Funeral Service Commission and the Veterinary Medical Examiners. Members expressed concerns regarding staff retention and the need for salary adjustments to align compensation with market standards, seeking to decrease turnover rates and maintain effective service levels. Public testimonies reflected support for the agencies' requests while also raising some concerns about fee increases to accommodate budgetary needs. The chair concluded with expectations of further discussions on residual budgetary items in subsequent meetings.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Local Government (Part I) May 15th, 2025
Senate Local Government Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Yes, you're helping the expansion of the Texas economy. Congratulations.
- I'm a policy analyst for the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- I'm also an attorney for state and local officials all over Texas.
- It's rule 91a in the Texas.
- There's a 15-day period, right?
Bills:
SB3038, SB3045, SB3065, SB3069, SB3071, HB2025, HB2149, HB3370, HB4205, HB4506, HB5424, HB5652, HB24, HB3687
Keywords:
Montgomery County, management district, special district, bond issuance, assessments, taxation, public welfare, economic development, nonconforming uses, zoning regulations, land use, property rights, municipal authority, Montgomery County, municipal utility district, eminent domain, bonds, assessments, taxes, public infrastructure
Summary:
The meeting of the committee covered significant legislative matters, emphasizing the discussion around several bills such as HB2025, which aims to streamline the process of filing plats with tax receipts to prevent rejections. Representative Tepper and Senator Hughes led extensive discussions to clarify the implications of this bill, which resulted in public testimony that was ultimately closed with no opposition. Additional discussions included SB3065 regarding the creation of specific municipal management districts, where the committee expected to reconcile drafting errors in a forthcoming committee substitute. Besides, the committee reviewed HB4506, which proposes electronic delivery of zoning notices to enhance communication efficiency in municipalities. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a focused approach towards improving housing and governance-related processes within the community.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services May 13th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, we know Texas first responders are routinely...
- Texas TEEX.
- Texas A&M.
- That was a North Texas case. It was highly...
- And you know, Texas is the leader in many things.
Bills:
HB35, HB138, HB754, HB1314, HB1612, HB2254, HB2510, HB2789, HB3560, HB3597, HB4224, HB4273, HB4643, HB4783
Keywords:
peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, health impact analysis, cost analysis, coverage mandates, health insurance, legislative analysis, health care data, healthcare, price estimates, billing requirements, consumer protection, nonemergency services, assisted living, healthcare, licensing, criminal offense
Summary:
The committee meeting centered on several significant bills regarding public health and safety, particularly focusing on healthcare access, transparency, and opioid crisis response. Notably, House Bill 4783 sparked considerable discussion as it aims to enhance the state's approach to prevent opioid overdoses by directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to prepare biannual reports on opiate antagonist programs. The testimony from public officials like Dallas City Council's Paula Blackman, who spoke passionately about the ongoing fentanyl epidemic, highlighted the urgent necessity of improved access to life-saving medications. In addition, House Bill 1314 drew attention for addressing hospital pricing transparency, attempting to ease financial burdens on patients by mandating accurate upfront estimates for healthcare costs.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Health and Human Services Apr 16th, 2025
Senate Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- The Texas Medical Board, the Texas Physician Health Program
- In a hotel in Texas, in this day and age.
- It's a Texas story. It's a Texas body. And the primary purpose of...
- And under Texas law.
- to 45 days.
Keywords:
body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, physician health, regulation, surcharges, occupational licensing, national practitioner data bank, unclaimed bodies, anatomical donations, regulations, public testimony, ethical treatment
Summary:
The Senate meeting featured extensive discussions on significant legislative proposals, primarily focusing on the ethical treatment and regulation of unclaimed bodies in Texas. The committee addressed concerns raised by Senator Parker regarding the alarming misuse of unclaimed remains, urging the necessity for stricter guidelines and accountability for organizations involved in anatomical donations. Public testimonies illustrated harrowing experiences of families affected by these practices, prompting legislators to consider more robust regulatory measures, including possible criminal penalties for bad actors in the industry. The committee exhibited a unified stance in advocating for enhanced protections that would ensure the dignity of deceased individuals is respected.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.
Congressional Redistricting, Select Jul 28th, 2025 at 05:07 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- That's modern-day apartheid happening in the state of Texas
- This is Texas. This is Texas.
And to this present day, what the state of Texas, what
- It's about fear: fear of a Texas that's younger, a Texas that's stronger, and a Texas that's more diverse
- Greg Abbott in Texas.
Keywords:
redistricting, gerrymandering, public testimony, congressional maps, representation, minority communities, discrimination, voting rights
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on public testimonies regarding the revised congressional redistricting plan. Numerous witnesses presented their concerns about how the proposed changes could potentially dilute representation for minority communities. A consistent theme throughout the testimonies was the fear that the redistricting effort was not aimed at serving constituents but rather at securing power for political parties. Several participants expressed a strong opposition to what they perceived as gerrymandering tactics, claiming they would negatively impact African-American and Hispanic communities in Texas. The meeting revealed a clear public sentiment against the redistricting proposals, with nearly all witnesses speaking out against the changes. The Chair noted an overwhelming number of testimonies opposing the redistricting, indicating a strong community response to the proposed changes and their implications on fair representation.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Land & Resource Management Apr 17th, 2025 at 08:04 am
House Land & Resource Management Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- You've got emergency services districts in all those fast growth areas along the Texas Triangle.
- So instead, 45 days means 45 days.
- We'll be on 45 days, and then we say, "No, you can't have it," or we deny it, or whatever.
- meant 45 days, but now what you're going to be asked to do is fill...
- 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.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Public Education May 15th, 2025 at 08:05 am
House Public Education Committee
Transcript Highlights:
Witness of the day, right there.
- Let the record reflect that Chairman Hunter has joined us at the dais.
- SB 1049 will ensure that Texas school districts have a...
- Braswell, we have you listed as the South Texas Director of LifeWise Academy.
- Has Texas not had release time ever? Is this something new?
Keywords:
residency, public schools, child safety placement, enrollment, education code, school boards, transparency, public meetings, attendance, recording, misconduct, child abuse, educators, investigation, criminal offense, education law, suspension, reporting requirements, concussion, brain injury
Summary:
The meeting of the committee revolved around several significant bills aimed at enhancing educational policies within the state. Among these, SB413 sought to improve transparency in school board decisions, allowing voters easier access to meeting minutes and votes. There was considerable discussion about the challenges parents face in acquiring information, emphasizing the need for timely publication of school board actions online. Meanwhile, SB571 aimed to address educator misconduct and enhance protections for students by expanding the do-not-hire registry. Committee members voiced strong support, highlighting the bill's importance in safeguarding children against potential abuses within educational settings. Public testimony reflected both excitement and concern regarding the proposed measures, leading to an engaged dialogue among the representatives present.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm happy to come speak about Texas Family Care.
- State, Texas.
- April 2nd was our big day.
- SJRC Texas? Yes. Wonderful.
- In Texas, TFI operates a child placement agency.
Keywords:
fraud prevention, Medicaid eligibility, verification, healthcare benefits, data matching, family preservation, foster care, child welfare, community-based care, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, case management, service provider selection, child welfare, community-based care, SB1398, HB5396, SB596, data collection, public testimony
Summary:
The meeting highlighted significant discussions surrounding child welfare and community-based care, focusing primarily on SB1398 and HB5396. Notably, representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness and transparency of the current system, emphasizing the need for stronger documentation and accountability measures in handling cases of children and families. Senator Davis discussed the implications of SB596, which seeks to enhance data collection regarding outcomes of cases handled by the Department of Family and Protective Services, aiming to improve service delivery and outcomes for vulnerable children. Public testimony was heard from various stakeholders, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding throughout the legislative process, which ultimately aims to better support families and prevent the need for child removal from their homes.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
S/C on Transportation Funding Mar 10th, 2025 at 10:03 am
House S/C on Transportation Funding
Transcript Highlights:
- It is a Texas issue.
- 1,600 new residents a day are moving to Texas.
- administrator for Cameron County, to hire a county engineer and a county road administrator who handle the day-to-day
- ="997" data-time="5976"> The VRF money goes to public works, and we have professionals managing the day-to-day
- It used to be in the old days...
Keywords:
transportation funding, Proposition 1, Proposition 7, TXDOT, Cameron County, transportation infrastructure, public testimony, funding shortfall, state transportation
Summary:
The meeting of the Standing Subcommittee on Transportation addressed crucial issues relating to state transportation funding, focusing primarily on Propositions 1 and 7. The discussions, led by Chairman Canales, highlighted the significant contribution these propositions make to Texas's transportation budget and the impending challenges tied to a projected funding shortfall of $15 billion. Mark Williams, Executive Director of TxDOT, along with Stephen Stewart, CFO, emphasized the importance of sustained funding to support Texas’s growing infrastructure needs amidst rising costs and diminishing revenue sources, notably due to changes in vehicle fuel efficiency and increased reliance on electric vehicles. Notable public testimony from Pete Sepulveda from the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority provided insights into local funding mechanisms and their role in enhancing the regional transportation networks.
TX
Texas 2025 - 89th Regular
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C New Offenses and Changed Penalties May 8th, 2025 at 08:05 am
Transcript Highlights:
- is enforceable and has no effect in Texas.
- It's 17 veterans a day for the VA. That's minus DOD, but it's 20 veterans a day for overdose.
- 1362 for both myself and Texas Gun Rights.
- We don't have one in Texas, so we can't really say what it is going to look like in Texas.
- I live with that every day.
Keywords:
death penalty, financial fraud, SB990, SB1362, SB1379, public safety, legislative testimony, justice system
Summary:
The committee meeting primarily focused on discussions surrounding several proposed bills, including Senate Bill 990, which aims to expand the death penalty criteria. This bill faced substantial opposition from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. They expressed concerns about the effectiveness and fiscal implications of the death penalty, urging the committee to consider alternative methods for ensuring public safety. Testimony highlighted research disputing the efficacy of the death penalty as a deterrent and called for a nuanced approach to justice, particularly concerning crimes against children.
In addition to SB990, the committee reviewed SB1362 and SB1379, both related to increasing penalties for financial crimes in response to fraud surges exacerbated by the pandemic. Witnesses, including law enforcement representatives and banking officials, provided testimonies supporting these bills as proactive measures against rising financial fraud cases. The meeting concluded with motions on these bills pending further consideration, reflecting the committee's ongoing commitment to addressing these critical issues while debating the broader implications of each legislation.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I represent the Texas Public Policy Foundation.
- On our Texas border and really for our Texas community,
- Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Memorial Day, and Diwali.
- We're allowed 24 days a year to earn a living.
- You know, I'm fortunate to be here in Texas.
Bills:
SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907
Keywords:
housing authorities, tax exemptions, local government code, multifamily residential development, municipal housing authority, municipal regulation, tree removal, Ashe juniper, military base, property protection, property owners' association, board governance, homeowner regulation, declarant control, assessment limits, guaranteed income, financial assistance, local government, public funds, employment programs
Summary:
The meeting covered several significant bills, primarily focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability within local government and homeowners' associations. Notably, Senator Hinojosa introduced SB1935, aimed to reform the operations of Property Owners Association Boards, addressing concerns over insufficient representation and transparency for homeowners. The bill drew a mix of support and opposition, with testimonies highlighting the need for greater homeowner engagement in decisions affecting their communities. Additionally, SB2046 was discussed, which would enhance penalties for public officials engaging in bid rigging, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of competitive bidding processes to curb misconduct within government contracts.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association.
- I am representing the Texas Dental Association, the Texas Academy of Dental Surgeons, and the Texas Academy
- Currently, Texas unfortunately leads the nation for new HIV diagnoses.
- My name is Christopher Hamilton, CEO of Texas Health Action.
- I'm the executive director at the Autism Society of Texas.
Keywords:
autism, health insurance, coverage, medical treatment, health benefit plan, HIV prevention, prescription drug, prior authorization, health benefits, insurance coverage, insurance, contract termination, property and casualty, insurance agents, discrimination, insurance, appraiser, umpire, licensing requirements, continuing education
Summary:
The meeting of the House Committee on Insurance centered around numerous healthcare-related bills, focusing heavily on issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) in medical determinations, autism insurance coverage, and HIV prevention. Representative Garcia Hernandez presented HB4635, aiming to ensure transparency in the use of AI in medical claim denials, which has become increasingly prevalent. The bill introduces mandates for disclosures on AI algorithms used in decisions, enhancing patient rights and keeping the Texas Department of Insurance informed of potential denials. Public testimony supported the bill as essential for safeguarding Texans from unintended biases in AI applications. Additionally, HB813, presented by Representative Goodwin, garnered attention for its effort to update autism-related insurance mandates, removing outdated age restrictions for therapy coverage. This legislation is seen as a crucial step in accommodating the needs of all individuals on the autism spectrum, regardless of the timing of their diagnosis.