MINUTES

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE AFFAIRS

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

9:00 AM

Capitol Extension, Room E1.012

Pursuant to a notice posted in accordance with Senate Rule 11.10 and 11.18, a public hearing of the Senate Committee on State Affairs was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in the Capitol Extension, Room E1.012, at Austin, Texas.

MEMBERS PRESENT: — — — — MEMBERS ABSENT: — — Senator Bryan Hughes, — Chair — — — — Senator Angela Paxton, — Vice Chair — — Senator Paul — Bettencourt — — — — — — Senator Bob Hall — — — — — — Senator Adam Hinojosa — — — — — — Senator Tan Parker — — — — — — Senator Charles Perry — — — — — — Senator Charles — Schwertner — — — — — — Senator Judith — Zaffirini

MEMBERS PRESENT:

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair

Senator Angela Paxton, Vice Chair

Senator Paul Bettencourt

Senator Bob Hall

Senator Adam Hinojosa

Senator Tan Parker

Senator Charles Perry

Senator Charles Schwertner

Senator Judith Zaffirini

The chair called the meeting to order at 9:08 AM. There being a quorum present, the following business was transacted:

The following members arrived after the roll was called: Senators Hall and Senator Parker.

The Chair called the following invited witnesses to provide testimony on the following interim chargers (See attached witness list):

Maintaining Election Security: Study ways to enhance election security and guarantee poll watcher access. Further evaluate county election administration and local election officials and any recent attempts to circumvent state law. Make recommendations to ensure the security and integrity of Texas elections.

Ensuring Efficiency in Texas Elections: Study different methods counties employ regarding the marking and counting of ballots. Review the designation of polling locations for a specific political party during primary elections. Make recommendations to ensure elections are conducted efficiently and securely.

Protecting the Unborn: Study the continued threat posed by abortion pills unlawfully shipped to Texas. Monitor implementation of House Bill 7, 89th Legislature, Second Called Session, and make recommendations to further protect women and children in Texas.

Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation addressed by the Senate Committee on State Affairs passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:

Senate Bill 2337 (89th Legislature), relating to the regulation of the provision of proxy advisory services.

At 4:09pm the Chair moved that the committee stand at ease.

The Chair reconvened the committee at 4:15pm.

The following individuals provided public testimony on interim charges (See attached witness list):

There being no further business, at 6:50 PM Senator Hughes moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

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Senator Bryan Hughes, Chair

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Matthew Murdoch, Deputy Director