[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6254743,"mediaKeyId","3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9","parentId",3169548,"title","Committee considers bill to bar licensing agencies from denying or disciplining licensees for sincere religious beliefs","audioSeconds",329,"startMs",1329000,"endMs",1658000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9&start=1329&end=1658","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9/thumbnail_1329000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6254743/Texas/Committee-considers-bill-to-bar-licensing-agencies-from-denying-or-disciplining-licensees-for-sincere-religious-beliefs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254743-f44ac6f851729b3977500cc50184e051/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716992&Signature=ePTlMw9nQomxraSAjay3ugWaWtMh80nHK0OfLT12vF6aGBazoFruZs17pBGo-RndduRdP1KeYX7FMMAvsm~F7g6traRU5x9uFimCzQ4p8y9WB74unJBNetzEf1mMmNQ5ylHZKkiDjgHcdhwoJ-cGKfTQFKJr-ozNzekoDixsojbuomrBbiFEDN7Es1N3oClYtHWby8Y9gwRT88Fj-POp9mp94y25sAj6HWFsSXwFSQybHPrW-3kLzLHBuskCwn7gMZOqZU1HIya1rJDbQKnE2qZM2RKDfhVCBhichwYlX59BKNLSu5HVr1nIZ6VTt7vhtyIcEwaHfO4BcOjnTqh60w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Texas Legislature","date","2025-05-01T00:00:00Z","article","Senators considered Senate Bill 2943, a refiled measure that would add religious‑freedom protections for applicants and holders of occupational licenses by amending chapter 57 of the Occupations Code.

Jonathan Covey, director of policy for Texas Values, testified in support and summarized key provisions: the bill would prohibit a state agency that issues licenses to a business, occupation or profession from adopting a rule or policy that limits an applicant's ability to obtain, maintain or renew a license based on a sincerely held religious belief; or that burdens free exercise, freedom of speech regarding sincerely held religious beliefs, or membership in a religious organization. Covey said the measure exempts peace officers to avoid undermining operational standards and includes a non‑construction clause ensuring license holders providing medical services cannot refuse emergency care when a person faces imminent danger. Covey referenced Section 57.003 of the Occupations Code as the target for amendment and cited Garcia v. State when noting the definition of \"imminent serious bodily injury.\"

The sponsor, Senator Hagenboud, described the bill as ensuring Texas agencies do not adopt policies that hinder licensure because of religious convictions and asked for favorable consideration. No public witnesses registered to speak on the bill at the hearing; the chair closed public testimony and left SB 2943 pending.

Committee members asked clarifying questions about affected license types; Covey said the primary practical impact would likely be on health care providers, professional counselors and attorneys.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate Committee on State Affairs (Part I) May 1, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senators considered Senate Bill 2943, a measure to add religious‑freedom protections for applicants and holders of occupational licenses by amending chapter 57 of the Occupations Code.","taxTitle","Committee on State Affairs, Senate, Legislative, Texas","taxId",16216,"location","Texas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":44,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6254747,"Bill would protect attorney general interview notes from discovery in enforcement cases",136,1193000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9&start=1193&end=1329","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9/thumbnail_1193000.jpg","/articles/6254747/Texas/Bill-would-protect-attorney-general-interview-notes-from-discovery-in-enforcement-cases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254747-1bbec770c01b671f9c2db5869b2b8f20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716992&Signature=e5TMrbRhmraXLDDMDYV5049oRa01bG3s~rNtjUKuPm7FwkD-kybuu3WKvnB-yIKADLszRwcqWXOylDLn04YDW5taH11V1jDVOMXEKS7MMHHAPVYJCrGSdad3Gy-akkjGsqMM1nBkgTejRvs0hOD8XRabaJdTEbxhl7PqupJNzK2qBs0chsWUJkxZjjiSyVzfhBIFUIoeC2q6Rs1bmYbSyj15OKKi~XRxXZU8fB-xExHpKXzyCXDyvteNf-6Mukceo2nj~jNn0HdagDDvNkeeolEmISXaFdxwJLcbs6MNT2ZRpNdy27-EWegSr~F-CEHAPlbtFvF2cXq47EngA94l1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators considered Senate Bill 2417, a measure to limit discovery of attorney interview notes and to make the attorney general the sole party for discovery in enforcement litigation under the Texas Free Enterprise and Antitrust Act.

\"SB 2417 mitigates costly discovery requests by establishing: 1) investigatory notes and memorandum taken during interviews are attorney work product exempt from disclosure, and 2) the attorney general is the sole party for purposes of discovery in litigation enforcement proceedings,\" said the bill sponsor, Senator King, who described the change as a response to burdensome discovery in recent Google ad‑tech antitrust litigation.

The sponsor said the legislature's current statutory language lacks explicit protections for attorney interview notes and does not designate the attorney general as the sole discovery party, which exposed the office to broad discovery demands. No public witnesses registered to speak on the bill; the chair closed public testimony and left the bill pending for further consideration.

Committee members asked procedural questions but did not take a vote at the hearing.","Senators heard SB 2417, which would exempt attorney interview notes and memoranda created during antitrust investigations from discovery and designate the attorney general as the sole party for discovery purposes. Sponsor said the change would reduce costly discovery requests experienced in recent litigation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6254752,"Committee reviews bill to disclose foreign funding in lawsuits targeting defense contractors",144,1048000,1192000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9&start=1048&end=1192","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9/thumbnail_1048000.jpg","/articles/6254752/Texas/Committee-reviews-bill-to-disclose-foreign-funding-in-lawsuits-targeting-defense-contractors","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254752-ef16c72c36eeb259fdb58c90e62cf4ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716992&Signature=dzp4SX1lv~LsEhrEaNDnPDMe2b3TvYMsfqPd-I4eVRNbWx~7C3qe201PtpuJPgUzdIwjqKDkqkhRXZd~iRwT70eEvwOTPwH2uypAkIcxUh~6pYljNrwqmEMbD4vzuKNv-kP1ek9eSWUYa10tcGm6woJWWppouRymahzSUyl4eiPI9zaH0ILM7lgNZD-DsJo4fzLADa~u4HGJgGxcapGzar4kGgWwC65yPHZ0VwwSIsMzzROngSFCo~RmPF3w9jZnNp40Hs6Mhsg8vthEXixdqQVBtk62yPBaxlYMTq4nSd1QeLEoRCMGnnmdqFX~Tb5-d6Q0LOCo-khAx4a-KvsndQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard House Bill 2884, a measure aimed at increasing transparency when plaintiffs receive funding from foreign sources in civil litigation that targets defense contractors.

Sponsor remarks summarized the bill as seeking civil transparency: \"If you're taking money from America's enemies to target our defense industry and contractors, we deserve to know,\" Senator Bettancourt told the committee. The sponsor said the bill mirrors a prior Senate bill that passed the committee unanimously and was placed on the local and uncontested calendar before timing issues required the House bill be substituted.

The sponsor framed the bill as a tool to prevent foreign adversaries from using proxy entities and litigation to diminish U.S. economic development, energy production and manufacturing. No witnesses registered to testify, and when asked the chair found no one present to speak for or against the bill.

The chair closed public testimony and left HB 2884 pending for further consideration.","Senators considered HB 2884, which would require transparency about foreign funding behind civil actions that target defense contractors. Sponsor argued the bill protects national security and economic development; no public testimony was offered and the bill was left pending.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6254757,"Senate committee hears bill to make daylight saving time permanent in Texas",0,2118000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9&start=2118&end=2118","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9/thumbnail_2118000.jpg","/articles/6254757/Texas/Senate-committee-hears-bill-to-make-daylight-saving-time-permanent-in-Texas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254757-f09f6965e6bf0ca74fcec92a553fe346/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716992&Signature=B4apGdHxgV7JtjKD4GtsSMLNTqYKXecRf2e6FJok0027MQT7xJe75~OG74BxzAUiFfle-jVG7Vm5wVeAzLd74sf6v6qPdc--9eyDzFgp4w8ibYxyOFRAyy~kYGu1fKI4w37d~YFD~kBvmOjDj7x8ILbpwyU~wfdSGQT67BqyXHxMMzLjfZjePjcn7p4UxsEAHlU7EwMyLiq~9VtSRw4vl58ZLR7rH~2qnjbuZMt4WfjZQ~9Z7HH5U2t4ICu5RwVIES~CKDuTzHHaCZc86FAMacysbRmnXatChyjL1wByCp73k4zoMosc8KvmOPFVmIjuMic27cMMWGA1PMWIcXaaZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard House Bill 1393, a measure that would keep Texas on daylight saving time year‑round pending federal authorization, but senators left the bill pending after hearing pro and con testimony.

Supporters told the committee the change would reduce confusion from biannual clock changes and benefit health, safety and commerce. \"Adopting daylight savings time on a permanent basis can benefit Texans and travel and tourism businesses across the state in many ways,\" said Erica Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance. Boyd told senators the travel industry had a roughly $193,000,000,000 impact on the Texas economy in 2023 and generated about $9,000,000,000 in state and local tax revenue.

Opponents said permanent daylight saving time would push sunrise later in winter and harm schoolchildren and families who must begin activities early. \"Daylight Saving Time, simply put, is a mandate to wake early,\" said JP, president of Safe Standard Time and co‑chair of the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time, who urged senators to adopt permanent standard time instead. Martha Metcalfe Hobbletsil, who said she represents about 21,000 Texans, told the committee parents of bus‑riding students oppose the bill because it would put children on the roads in darkness.

The bill sponsor, Senator Bettancourt, said studies have linked time changes to sleep and health problems and cited 18 states that have passed trigger legislation to move to permanent daylight saving time if federal law allows it. He noted federal law currently permits states to opt out of daylight saving time (remaining on standard time) but not to adopt daylight saving time year‑round without congressional authorization.

Committee members asked witnesses about health, commerce and safety tradeoffs. No vote was taken; the chair opened and then closed public testimony and left HB 1393 pending.

Public testimony: invited and public witnesses included Erica Boyd (Texas Travel Alliance); Martha Metcalfe Hobbletsil (opponent, public witness); JP (Safe Standard Time, opponent); and Josh Findlay (opponent).","The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on HB 1393, which would have Texas observe daylight saving time year-round pending federal authorization. Supporters cited economic and safety benefits; opponents warned of dark winter mornings and urged permanent standard time. Public testimony closed and the bill was left pending.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6254739,"Bill would let smallest Texas counties recruit jurors from neighboring counties",539,1682000,2221000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9&start=1682&end=2221","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3169548-b7545885fe85822e969862f499addba9/thumbnail_1682000.jpg","/articles/6254739/Texas/Bill-would-let-smallest-Texas-counties-recruit-jurors-from-neighboring-counties","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254739-75dc9c399786e652d8b492c2d08c158a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770716992&Signature=A1~XxmnL68rEXTj5X57SqvAJsPGzxQM2~TuVC6X7wnqys7ZjTxohccawceSxF-4PePfb9x8k5kiSsRXkdiHqLMz0HmVPg-OfJ4b3lBqSImz2nTgBfVXtHHp~uHd0ruGzdUPSEKMABK7HoeImbb-7TouxKxOOpsaN3bkx-2xiAoUzuO~DlPXLfvqqjDmLDVZQoWfj8QZljStF6gEqyGQ9e4cArNOGhDeXV80OJOogj~Dkt-dno2o2wSeFSKIYj~iVb6H7YTIXw0J3AwgTLKwIWQmhEHBoc-~jwH7LR9mkVnI7Ltl1kCrKkuDxM-yfRtu5FsYQFLEzE-IW5HggLHmBSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Senate Committee on State Affairs considered Senate Bill 1888, which would permit counties with populations under 1,000 to supplement their petit and grand jury pools with qualified residents from contiguous counties in the same judicial district.

Sponsor Sandra Sparks told senators many small, rural counties struggle to seat juries, which can delay trials or force cases to move. \"This legislation would allow counties with a population under 1,000 to use residents from contiguous counties to backfill their jury pools,\" the sponsor said, explaining the committee substitute expands the measure to include grand juries and reduces the population threshold to 1,000.

Brandon Jones, constable of Loving County, described his county's practical problem: \"If you look around this room, I counted 62 people. That is 8 fewer than the population of my county,\" he said, noting Loving County's roughly 70 residents and transient oil‑field workers. Jones said the county has not prosecuted a felony with a jury trial in over 40 years because many residents are related or otherwise disqualified.

Judge Shepherd, a policy analyst with the Texas Public Policy Foundation who testified in support, cited government code rules on jury disqualification and said SB 1888 would not change juror qualifications but would expand the pool of potential jurors by allowing contiguous counties to assist.

The chair opened and closed public testimony and left the bill pending for further consideration.","SB 1888 would allow counties with populations under 1,000 to draw jury pools from contiguous counties in the same judicial district to address chronic shortages. Authors and witnesses said the change would help prosecute crimes in sparsely populated counties such as Loving County; public testimony supported the bill and it was left pending.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee considers bill to bar licensing agencies from denying or disciplining licensees for sincere religious beliefs

Bill would protect attorney general interview notes from discovery in enforcement cases

Committee reviews bill to disclose foreign funding in lawsuits targeting defense contractors

Senate committee hears bill to make daylight saving time permanent in Texas

Bill would let smallest Texas counties recruit jurors from neighboring counties