Transcript Highlights:

• And then when we looked at the firearm Weapons charges, they immediately think guns, right?
• And then when we looked at the firearm charges, the vast majority are for possession, not discharge,
• And so when we see this increase in weapons charges, it's a lot of increase in possession of the firearm
• And then when we looked at the firearm, of things that count as a weapon in the court system, right?
• And then when we looked at the firearm charges, the vast majority are for possession, not discharge,

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that doesn't necessarily mean firearms, but just those prohibited items. the very significant, difficult
• So, that doesn't necessarily mean firearms, but just those prohibited items.
• Any firearms? Not in the Capitol building, Senator. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
• Any firearms? Not in the Capitol building, Senator. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
• Any<00:08:32.520><c> any</c><00:08:32.840><c> firearms?</c> Any any firearms? Any any firearms?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Advisory Committee on Capitol Area Security met on April 20, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the January 13, 2026 minutes. The chair thanked the State Patrol, sergeants-at-arms, and capital security officers for their work during the session, and noted that the committee’s earlier recommendations were reflected in Governor’s Executive Order 2602, including weapon screening at the State Capitol. The chair also said the committee’s annual report included recommendations for bonding, policy, and budget changes, and expressed hope the legislature would act on them. Department of Public Safety and State Patrol officials reported that implementation of weapon screening had gone well overall and said they were continuing to gather feedback for improvements. Colonel Bogayevich said that since the start of session, 121,598 people had been screened at the Capitol’s entrances, 548 permits were verified, and 52 prohibited items were turned away. Examples of prohibited items included knives, a camping/marshmallow skewer, and a screwdriver; no firearms were found in the Capitol building. She also said the busiest day produced a wait of about 15 to 17 minutes, and that staffing was adjusted to handle larger groups such as school tours. The Senate Sergeant-at-Arms reported that 49,277 people had come through Senate screening as of the previous Friday, including 196 concealed carry permits, and that 2,359 people had entered the West Gallery to observe Senate proceedings. He also said some Senate building access doors had been reduced to direct traffic and that an audit of key card access had begun. The House Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms reported about 1,400 people had been screened for the House gallery, and noted that an NCSL visitor from Oregon would shadow House security staff to learn from Minnesota’s approach. Members from both bodies praised the professionalism of security staff and said the added trooper presence made members and the public feel safer. No members of the public signed up to testify, so the public comment period closed without testimony. The meeting adjourned after the chair reiterated that the goal of the security measures was to allow visitors, members, and public servants to participate safely.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 372 is really clarification language, clearly stating that you can Carry your firearm in
• You can actually have your firearm in your Car and you could leave it in a parking lot.
• If I understand it, you're asking if the agency can choose to prevent a firearm on its location.
• So, could someone leave their firearm in their room? Would that be allowed? Thank you, Mr.
• I think you just asked if they would be allowed to have the firearm in their room.

Bills: SB1521, SB372, SB1232, SB1307, SB1338, SB1390, SB1451, SB1463, SB1558, SB1567, SB1595, SB1621, SB1734, SB1749, SB1827, SB1833, SB1991, SB1992, SB63, SB2063, SB2180, SB1198, SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Transcript Highlights:

• And second, the bill creates the crimes of illegal entry and illegal reentry into our state.
• Also, the same maximum sentence for illegal immigrant gang members through criminal Illegal immigrants
• You are not illegal. Because no person is illegal. You are Floridians. You belong here. We see you.
• I just want to be clear that an offer and funding given to an illegal alien is illegal.
• need the illegal.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• S. 254, an act relating to allowing probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on duty, introduced
• 06.560><c> carry</c> probation and parole officers to carry probation and parole officers to carry firearms
• </c><00:12:09.120><c> Introduced</c><00:12:09.600><c> by</c> firearms while on duty.
• Introduced by firearms while on duty. Introduced by Senator<00:12:10.399><c> Polymore.
• </c> >> S. 254, an act relating to allowing probation and parole officers to carry firearms while on

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, we want to restrict transfers.
• You know, anything that restricts transfers unfairly, we don't want that to happen.
• illegally. ...able to know what's going on and have some insight into that money that could be transferred
• illegally.
• All the illegal activity now is found by crypto. You get on the scam sites, it's all crypto.

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill makes it illegal. >> Okay.
• This bill makes it illegal. &gt;&gt; No sir. This bill makes it illegal.
• And I just know this bill makes it illegal to share your personal information. >> Okay.
• </c> I just know this bill makes it illegal I just know this bill makes it illegal to<00:43:54.800><c
• </c> get transferred to Jackson. get transferred to Jackson.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 21 January, 2026; 2:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If they are, they're doing so illegally. Now, you don't have very much enforcement of that.
• So anyone that is selling any tobacco product since that time frame is doing so illegally.
• It is illegal.
• We then have 45 days to transfer 100% of that money to the organizing cities committee.
• We then have 45 days to transfer 100% of that money to the organizing cities committee.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And what he did was, he said all these other regional A&M universities, if you want to go and transfer
• Senate Bill 2476 by Nichols, relating to transfer of the ownership rights of the Woodlawn Water Supply
• disclosure requirements applicable to the transfer of certain interests in real property, to Natural
• applicable to the transfer of certain interests in real property, to Natural Resources.
• Senate Bill 2556 by West, relating to regulating the carrying of firearms on or within publicly owned

Bills: SJR12, SCR39, SB27, SB29, SB241, SB406, SB414, SB464, SB568, SB578, SB609, SB660, SB689, SB693, SB785, SB857, SB879, SB921, SB922, SB955, SB985, SB993, SB996, SB1008, SB1035, SB1036, SB1059, SB1098, SB1120, SB1122, SB1147, SB1188, SB1197, SB1209, SB1227, SB1245, SB1267, SB1307, SB1321, SB1332, SB1386, SB1396, SB1453, SB1484, SB1494, SB1536, SB1537, SB1596, SB1610, SB1664, SB1741, SB1814, SB1822, SB1841, SB1948, SB2065, SB2155, SB2188, SB2230, SB2406, SB2407

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, heard an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 358 honoring the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on its 10th anniversary, with senators highlighting the university’s growth, medical school, research expansion, and role in serving South Texas. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 368 honoring outgoing Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, with numerous senators praising his long public career, leadership in higher education, and statewide impact. Senate Resolution 361 recognizing Texas HBCU Day and Senate Resolution 362 recognizing Denton County Days at the Capitol were also adopted, along with other routine recognitions and gubernatorial appointments being read into the record. The Senate then took up several bills. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 27, relating to rights and support for public school educators, was debated and amended to shorten vacancy posting requirements, allow bilingual certification candidates to retake only failed test sections, give teachers more flexibility with paid leave, clarify classroom removal procedures, and ensure parents are informed of appeal rights. The bill passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 12, proposing a constitutional amendment to establish a parent’s right to direct a child’s education, was also brought up and passed to engrossment after a contested suspension vote. The Senate next passed Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1741, which would require reporting of foreign funding at public universities, bar gifts from adversarial governments, and require training and reporting systems to prevent foreign influence and intellectual property theft in higher education. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 29, the so-called “Dexit” bill, was debated at length for its corporate governance changes, including codifying the business judgment rule and altering internal corporate litigation and records rules; it passed to engrossment, the three-day rule was suspended, and it was finally passed by a 30-1 vote. Senate Bill 857, allowing law enforcement discretion to tow vehicles driven by unlicensed or uninsured drivers, passed after discussion of towing abuses during flooding and disaster conditions. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1536, requiring dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, passed with broad support, and Senate Bill 922, addressing delayed electronic disclosure of sensitive medical test results so physicians can discuss them first, was taken up and passed to engrossment as the chamber continued through its calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• their biannual reporting of the number of sexual assault forensic exam kits that are overdue for transfer
• go back in just a couple of weeks and do another transfusion. donated blood that's quickly used, transferred
• future for a willing, water-right, where the water right is severed from the property to to convey or transfer

Bills: SJR 12, SCR 39, SB 7, SB 8, SB 27, SB 29, SB 125, SB 241, SB 371, SB 396, SB 406, SB 464, SB 568, SB 578, SB 608, SB 617, SB 660, SB 689, SB 693, SB 707, SB 731, SB 732, SB 763, SB 779, SB 836, SB 854, SB 857, SB 875, SB 878, SB 879, SB 906, SB 920, SB 921, SB 922, SB 942, SB 965, SB 985, SB 996, SB 1029, SB 1035, SB 1036, SB 1059, SB 1084, SB 1098, SB 1101, SB 1185, SB 1188, SB 1321, SB 1332, SB 1366, SB 1388, SB 1396, SB 1453, SB 1484, SB 1494, SB 1536, SB 1563, SB 1596, SB 1610, SB 1619, SB 1737, SB 1738, SB 1741, SB 1816, SB 1822, SB 1841, SB 1939, SB 2155, SB 2188, SB 2230

Keywords: parental rights, education, constitutional amendment, school choice, child education, border security, southern border, federal immigration policy, illegal immigration, cartels, transnational cartels, fentanyl, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Operation Lone Star, Texas border, National Guard, state guard, border wall, border barriers

Summary: In this meeting, significant discussions revolved around the passage and modification of various Senate Bills, including SB1388, which pertains to family support services under the Health and Human Services Commission. Senator Kolkhorst advocated for the bill, emphasizing its focus on pro-life, family-centered care. The committee passed the bill after thorough examination, showcasing a collaborative effort among the members to ensure its alignment with successful past initiatives. In another session, Senator Hughes presented SB942, aimed at retroactive child support linked to prenatal care, which sparked a constructive dialogue reflecting bipartisan support for maternal and child welfare.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Verbaton's repeal of the tax on illegal Verbaton's repeal of the tax on illegal controlled controlled
• of transferred increment.
• </c><01:06:10.160><c> Uh</c> temporary transfer authorization. Uh temporary transfer authorization.
• </c> striking the reference to the illegal striking the reference to the illegal cannabis<01:21:39.280
• </c> shortline railroad credit transfer shortline railroad credit transfer uh<01:28:26.560><c> the</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that when that comes forward, we can say to folks, yeah, that we recognize it would not be illegal
• And I I be illegal to take the fee on.
• it would not be illegal to do this.<00:59:15.839><c> So</c><00:59:16.000><c> that</c><00:59:16.160><
• </c> approval of transfers approval of transfers um<01:04:49.200><c> over</c><01:04:50.520><c> $100,000
• , transfer programs to business<01:10:20.080><c> and</c><01:10:20.320><c> liberal</c><01:10:20.640><c

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is then transferred to a digital wallet controlled by the criminal.
• transfer money, and she did $4,000 to these people, transferred $4,000.
• You know, it was kind of like they couldn't, the money had been transferred overseas by then.
• That transfer was probably done on one of the crypto... ATMs.
• This does not account for those who may be in possession of the key illegally.

Bills: SB1281, SB1300, SB1379, SB1451, SB1497, SB1498, SB1499

Keywords: mail theft, postal theft, package theft, identity theft, negotiable instrument, check theft, mail receptacle key, mailbox lock, postal key, delivery service, courier, USPS, United States Postal Service, fraud, property crime, elderly victims, disabled victims, identity information, rebuttable presumption, felony enhancement

Transcript Highlights:

• Stag Arms, and Ballistic Advantage, collectively one of the largest firearms manufacturing groups in
• This bill recognizes that Wyoming's firearm heritage is rooted in responsible ownership, hunting, sport
• Reinforced through youth programs like 4-H shooting sports, young people learn firearm safety, discipline
• The firearms industry exists because of that culture of responsible participation, not the other way
• Thank you very much, transfers. Thank you very much, &gt;&gt; Mr.<01:15:03.440><c> Gaffne.

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• It's illegally diverted.
• It's illegally diverted. that's states.
• It's illegally diverted. that's illegal<00:34:20.320><c> in</c><00:34:20.560><c> all</c><00:34:20.720
• </c><00:57:37.520><c> drug,</c> issues that may not be an illegal drug, issues that may not be an illegal
• </c><01:52:32.239><c> of</c> with uh, when you have a transfer of with uh, when you have a transfer of

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the September 24 minutes, and heard a briefing from representatives of three Kentucky drug task forces: Greater Hardin County, Bowling Green-Warren County, and Bluegrass Narcotics. The presenters described how multi-jurisdictional task forces operate, their partner agencies, and the kinds of drugs and trafficking patterns they are seeing, with fentanyl identified as the most dangerous and fastest-growing threat. They also described large seizures and investigations involving fentanyl pills, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, tractor-trailer shipments, postal shipments, and a case tied to a pill press and undercover work with the DEA. Bluegrass Narcotics said it was formed in response to overdose deaths and has since seen major reductions in complaints and overdose deaths in Harrison and Bourbon counties. A major theme of the presentation was funding. The task forces said Byrne JAG funding has declined from about $2.1 million statewide in 2023-2024 to $1.4 million this year, while their costs for vehicles, fuel, technology, overtime, office space, and training have risen sharply. They said local support and asset forfeiture help, but the revenue is uneven and unpredictable, and they asked the legislature to consider adding about $1 million per year in state support, with oversight from the Justice Cabinet or Office of Drug Control Policy. They also emphasized that if meth labs return, many agencies would need new training and equipment because those capabilities have largely expired or been scaled back. Members asked about possible statutory barriers, coordination across counties and states, the source of drugs, and how seized cash is handled. The task forces said coordination with federal, state, and other local agencies is generally strong, but money remains the main obstacle to broader operations. They explained that seized cash is held as evidence and, after court proceedings, may be awarded back to task forces or split under statute, with 15% going to the Commonwealth’s attorney and 85% to law enforcement. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and receiving the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can actually have your firearm in your car, and you can leave it in a parking lot.
• You can actually have your firearm in your car, and you can leave in a parking lot.
• You're asking if the agency can choose to prevent a firearm on its location?
• So could someone leave their firearm in their room? Would that be allowed? Thank you, Mr.
• I think you just asked whether they would be allowed to have the firearm in their room. Yes.

Bills: SB1521, SB372, SB1232, SB1307, SB1338, SB1390, SB1451, SB1463, SB1558, SB1567, SB1595, SB1621, SB1734, SB1749, SB1827, SB1833, SB1991, SB1992, SB63, SB2063, SB2180, SB1198, SB80

Keywords: artificial intelligence, AI, generative AI, chatbot, conversational AI, companion AI, AI companion, virtual companion, chatbot regulation, minor safety, child online safety, parental controls, content moderation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, crisis intervention, mental health claims, romantic AI, emotional dependence, app store

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledges, and a series of guest and gallery introductions, including medical professionals, interns, students, and advocates visiting for Disability Day. The chamber then moved quickly through a long floor agenda, with leaders repeatedly noting the need to stay at desks and proceed efficiently. Several bills were taken up with floor substitutes or minor amendments, most often restore-title amendments, before advancing to final passage. The Senate passed a number of measures addressing technology, public safety, education, health care, elections, and state agency operations. Among the most notable were SB 1521, which creates safeguards around AI social companions for minors after discussion of teen suicides linked to such products; SB 1734, which sets guardrails for AI use in schools and requires district policies by 2027; and SB 1307, which removes statutory language conflicting with religious-freedom case law and passed after debate over whether it could open the door to funding religious entities. Other bills approved included SB 372 on carrying firearms in certain state-owned lodges and cabins, SB 1232 on escalating penalties for major copper theft damage, SB 1338 making the literacy-coach program permanent and tying Strong Readers Act dollars to district access, SB 1451 on voter-registration cleanup and reporting, SB 1463 extending the polygraph examiners board sunset, SB 1558 clarifying that some OJA youth in Level E group homes may remain served until age 19, and SB 1567 clarifying APRN prescriptive-authority rules and supervision compensation. The chamber also approved SB 1595, an anti-steering/anti-discrimination bill aimed at CDL training grants and workforce boards, and SB 1621, treating public law libraries as public entities represented by district attorneys. SB 1749, which lets the LP Gas Board create permitting and inspection rules for mobile food vendors and delegate inspections to more local permit holders, drew concern from some senators about added costs and burdens on food-truck operators but still passed. The Senate also advanced SB 1833, codifying the SNAP waiver executive order and limiting certain non-nutritive foods, with questions focused on how the restrictions would be communicated and applied. Most measures were passed by substantial margins, and several were declared emergency measures after final votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our communities are choking on decades of red tape that has made it impractical, often entirely illegal
• So imagine that the federal government came and said something that they regulate firearms, let's say

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 751, which would expand the STARS program for commercial transportation infrastructure by lowering the minimum project floor from $6 million to $5 million and raising the cap from $35 million to $100 million. Representative Monks explained that STARS lets developers front infrastructure costs and be repaid from a portion of new sales tax generated by the development, and supporters said it helps fund major roadway improvements without costing the state upfront. The committee advanced the bill on a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1347, a transparency measure for Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s pass-through homelessness grants, specifically the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. Sponsors said the bill would require annual reporting on grant recipients, uses of funds, and outcomes such as housing exits, income changes, and referrals, while not changing funding levels. Testimony included support from transparency advocates and concerns from a senator and nonprofit/housing professionals that the bill could duplicate existing federal and IHFA audits and add unnecessary reporting burden. The committee sent the bill to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Robbie and Taylor voting no. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1352, which would create state standards for “starter home subdivisions” on parcels of at least four acres in cities over 5,000 population by limiting minimum lot sizes and allowing higher density, while preserving local authority over infrastructure, safety, and environmental requirements. Supporters argued the bill would help address Idaho’s housing shortage by enabling smaller, more attainable homes and reducing regulatory barriers; opponents from city, planning, and local government groups said it would override local control, lacked an income-based affordability requirement, and could create infrastructure and neighborhood impacts. After extensive testimony, the committee’s initial motion for a due pass recommendation failed on a 4-5 roll call, and the bill was then moved to the 14th order for possible amendment. Senate Bill 1354 was held over until the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our communities are choking on decades of red tape that has made it impractical, often entirely illegal
• something that So imagine that the federal government came and said something that they regulate firearms

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 751, which would expand the STARS program for commercial roadway infrastructure reimbursement by raising the program’s cap from $35 million to $100 million and lowering the floor from $6 million to $5 million. Representative Monks explained that STARS allows developers to front infrastructure costs for commercial projects and be repaid from new sales tax generated by the development, with no cost to the state because it uses new revenue only. Senators asked about the 60% reimbursement rate and potential projects that could use the program. The committee voted to send the bill to the floor with a do-pass recommendation. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1347, a transparency measure for federal homelessness and housing funds administered through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, focused on the Continuum of Care and Emergency Solutions Grant programs. The sponsors said the bill would require annual reporting on who receives the grants, how the money is used, and what outcomes result, without changing funding levels. Testimony included support from transparency advocates and concerns from Senator Robbie and others that the bill could duplicate existing federal and IHFA audits and add unnecessary reporting burden; supporters responded that current reporting does not capture all desired outcome data. The committee approved the bill on a do-pass motion, with Senators Robbie and Taylor recorded as voting no. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 1352, a housing/zoning bill aimed at allowing starter-home subdivisions by limiting local minimum lot-size requirements in cities over 5,000 population while preserving local authority over building codes, infrastructure, and safety standards. Supporters argued the bill would reduce housing costs, expand supply, and help first-time buyers and seniors by enabling smaller lots and smaller homes; opponents from city and planning groups said it would override local control, lacked an income-based affordability requirement, and could create infrastructure and planning problems. After extensive testimony and debate, the initial motion to send the bill to the floor failed on a 4-5 roll call vote, and the committee then moved the bill to the 14th order for possible amendment. Senate Bill 1354 was held over until the next meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• formalizes a consequence for those who take extra efforts to evade identification during certain illegal
• There are numerous sentencing enhancements already for crimes that may include use of a firearm, targeting

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, then heard House Bill 685, which would add a sentencing enhancement when certain felonies and specified violent misdemeanors are committed while the offender is wearing a mask or disguise. The sponsor and supporting law enforcement witnesses said the bill would help identify offenders, deter intimidation, and give prosecutors and judges another tool, while still leaving discretion in charging and sentencing. Some members raised concerns about fiscal impacts and about language that could affect legitimate law enforcement masking practices, but the bill was advanced to the floor with a due-pass recommendation, with one member recorded as opposed. The committee then took up House Bill 668 on custody interference, a product of a child custody and domestic relations task force. The bill would create clearer law enforcement procedures, require welfare checks and written reports when possible, add affirmative defenses for legitimate delays, and establish a graduated penalty structure for repeated interference. Numerous parents, advocates, and others testified in support, describing long-running custody disputes, lack of enforcement, and large legal costs; some members also raised concerns that the bill’s drafting could unintentionally reduce penalties in the most serious cases. After discussion, the committee adopted a substitute motion to send the bill to general orders for further work. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 696, which would expand the definition of prohibited sexual contact in correctional facilities to address alleged sexual abuse of incarcerated women by staff. The sponsor and several testifiers, including survivors and advocacy group representatives, said the bill would close loopholes, improve accountability, and better protect vulnerable inmates. Members noted the seriousness of the allegations and the need for clearer standards, and the bill was sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation by unanimous vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lawfully present in the United States and are here illegally.
• Texas has the second highest number of illegal aliens in the state.
• Own illegal acts.
• This law is not a magnet for illegal immigration.
• But they're not here in an illegal status. They're not illegal.

Summary: The committee heard several education bills, with most of the discussion focused on Senate Bill 1835, Senate Bill 784, Senate Bill 1049, Senate Bill 2942, and Senate Bill 2928. SB 1835 would raise from 5% to 20% the cap on nonresident students who can receive resident tuition and fees through competitive scholarships at certain regional universities in slower-growing workforce development areas, provided the schools have capacity as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Supporters, including West Texas A&M University, said the bill would help fill underused capacity, attract students who may stay and work in Texas, and support regional workforce needs. SB 784 would strengthen a prior law allowing peace officers’ children to transfer between public school districts for safety reasons by requiring both districts’ approval, making clear that districts of innovation are not exempt, and prohibiting tuition charges. SB 1049 would require districts and open-enrollment charters to excuse students, at a parent’s request, for religious release-time instruction for up to one hour per day and five hours per week; witnesses said the program is constitutional, voluntary, and already operating in other states and some Texas districts. Each of these bills was left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them. SB 2942 would expand and adjust the state’s adult charter high school pilot program. Senator Creighton said the bill is intended to help the estimated 7 million Texas adults without a high school diploma by removing barriers to expansion, aligning legal protections with ISDs, changing TEA’s disapproval window for expansion amendments to a 30-day period after receipt, and updating funding to reflect part-year attendance. A committee substitute kept the upper enrollment age at 50 and removed a proposed testing change. Testimony from New Heights students and leadership described the program as life-changing, emphasizing that it combines diplomas with career credentials, childcare, transportation, and other supports to help adults stabilize their families and enter better-paying work. TEA witnesses explained the expansion process and said adult charter schools are overseen by the commissioner rather than the SBOE. The committee substitute was adopted, public testimony closed, and the bill was left pending. SB 2928 would set a uniform school start date for public school districts at the third Wednesday in August, while preserving existing district-of-innovation flexibility for current DOI districts and allowing year-round systems to continue. Senator Creighton argued the bill would reduce the patchwork created by DOI exemptions, support students and families, and preserve summer employment and tourism revenue. A committee substitute was adopted. Testimony came largely from tourism, hospitality, and recreation interests, including hotel, water park, zoo, chamber of commerce, and camp representatives, who said later start dates would extend the summer travel season, improve staffing and revenue, and give students more opportunities for summer jobs and camps. Several witnesses cited large economic impacts from tourism and said early school starts reduce August business. Some senators raised concerns about charter schools being excluded and about year-round calendars, but the bill was left pending after testimony.