Transcript Highlights:

• modernize outdated landlord-tenant statutes and improve clarity and fairness in how repairs and security
• consumer protections by establishing a presumption of bad faith if a landlord fails to return a security
• It's a game to try to keep the security deposits, and if you're tenacious enough or persistent enough
• On the other part, regarding the security deposit, which we had a little conversation about, certainly
• deposit or returning the security deposit.

Bills: HB431, HB648, HB 1006, HB1926, HB2037, HB2468, HB2788, HB2791, HB3255, HB3260

Keywords: HB 431, Texas Property Code, Property Code Chapter 202, solar roof tiles, solar shingles, solar energy device, homeowners association, HOA, property owners' association, POA, renewable energy, residential solar, distributed solar, roof-mounted solar, homeowner rights, architectural control, restrictive covenants, real estate, subdivision regulations, multi-zoned subdivisions

Bills: HB320, HB207, HB208, HB290

Keywords: public works, sealed bids, bid notice, public notice, newspaper advertisement, centralized website, digital platform, Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, county commissions, municipalities, contracting, procurement, construction bidding, Alabama code Title 39, bidding requirements, electronic bidding, online bid posting, HVAC, heating and air conditioning

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like the armed robber who goes to the The strip mall and just goes down the row.

Bills: HB3327, HB3711, HB4104, HJR1077, HB3329, SB2184, SB171

Keywords: State Board of Education, Oklahoma education board, board appointments, school governance, education reform, governor appointments, legislative appointments, speaker of the house, president pro tempore, senate confirmation, board vacancies, removal for cause, public education, state superintendent, school board training, board member qualifications, emergency clause, Oklahoma statutes 70 O.S. 3-101, school funding, transparency

Bills: HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB416, HB482, HB610, HB749, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB979, HB992, HB1193

Keywords: survivor benefits, law enforcement, reserve officer, auxiliary officer, public safety, phased retirement, Teachers Retirement System, faculty retention, administrative fees, public postsecondary education, Medicaid, dental coverage, healthcare access, medical necessity, Louisiana Department of Health, judicial salaries, judges, judiciary compensation, cost of living adjustment, COLA

Transcript Highlights:

• I secured a habit so ordered the amendment is adopted. Please move the bill as amended. All right.
• The identifying information includes a Social Security number, a passport number, a driver’s license
• Currently, with the department not being the designated payee, it delays the secure funds.
• Again, DCS is only requesting to be the designated payee to help secure the funds initially and is happy
• When a child is entitled to Social Security funds, whether they come into care with them, we want to

Bills: SB1086, SB1193, SB1318, SB1345, SB1346, SB1451, SB1496, SB1611, SB1630, SB1631, SB1632, SB1672

Keywords: reimbursement, healthcare, laboratory services, noncontracting providers, Arizona health care cost containment, personal identifying information, PII, privacy, confidential records, public records exemption, commercial disclosure, data privacy, licensure, certification, health professions, health care licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services, ADHS, emergency medical care technician, EMCT

Summary: The committee first approved the February 4 minutes and then heard Senate Bill 1086, which would require AHCCCS contractors to reimburse non-contracting providers for certain laboratory services when a member was referred by a contracting provider, and would bar prior authorization for diagnostic services and retaliation tied to such referrals. AHCCCS testified neutral but warned the prior-authorization ban could increase utilization and create fiscal and federal compliance concerns. The committee adopted the Warner amendment limiting non-contracting reimbursement to no more than contracting-provider rates, then passed SB 1086 as amended on a 4-2 vote. The committee next took up Senate Bill 1611, an emergency measure to require AHCCCS to contract with an administrative services organization for program integrity and case management functions for the American Indian Health Plan, while keeping AHCCCS ultimately responsible. The chair’s amendment expanded the ASO’s duties to include provider support, quality improvement, and data analytics, removed AHCCCS claims payment authority, added more tribal observers, and exempted IHS and tribal facilities. Testimony strongly supported reforming the system after fraud and overcorrection harmed Native members and providers, but AHCCCS raised concerns about the fast timeline, possible duplication of fraud-fighting functions, and the need for 45 days of tribal consultation. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1611 as amended on a 5-2 vote. Senate Bill 1630 would create a Medicaid-funded home and community-based services program for adults with serious mental illness, capped initially at 250 members under the Angius amendment, with semiannual reporting and a process for future expansion only if costs are reduced or neutral. Supporters said the bill would help the sickest SMI patients avoid repeated hospitalizations, jail, and homelessness, and could save the state general fund by shifting costs to federal Medicaid funding; AHCCCS was neutral and said it was finalizing the fiscal estimate. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1630 unanimously. The committee also passed SB 1193, protecting emergency medical care technician personal information from disclosure; SB 1318, repealing an outdated state dense-breast notification requirement to align with FDA language; and SB 1345, restricting anonymous complaints against health care institutions, though AHCCCS warned that federal law may still require investigation of complaints from any source and that the bill could reduce reporting and invite litigation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh I will note that be used and secured.
• predictable, simple, and secure predictable, simple, and secure framework<00:15:01.519> to
• key one, the data sharing and security key one, the data sharing and security process.<00:16:31.519
• Uh, again, consistency, predictability, security.
• Uh, again, consistency, predictability, security.

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• So in H.R. 1, the D.C. bill, there was a $6,000 credit that was sold to offset Social Security.
• I am proud to say in Arizona, we do not tax Social Security.
• So since we're not taxing Social Security, we thought, okay, how do we honor this?
• As a $24,000-a-year employee, I contribute to a Roth because I don't trust Social Security.
• And I think that the chairman's explanation of that vis-à-vis Social Security stands on its own.

Bills: HB4138, HB4139, HB4140, HB4141, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4145, HB4146, HB4147, HB4148, HB4149, HB4150, HB4151, HB4152, HB4153, SB1831, SB1832, SB1833, SB1834, SB1835, SB1836, SB1837, SB1838, SB1839, SB1840, SB1841, SB1842, SB1843, SB1844, SB1845, SB1846

Keywords: appropriations, education funding, health care, general fund, state budget, local funding, gaming, pari-mutuel, horse racing, regulatory assessment, first-time starters, budget implementation, federal funds, government services, budget stabilization, financial reporting, capital outlay, infrastructure, veterans services, highway construction

Summary: The committee met in a special joint appropriations session to review the FY 2027 budget package, including House Bill 4138 and Senate Bill 1831, the general appropriations or “feed” bills. Staff described the budget as including a one-time transfer of state funds, a 5% lump-sum reduction to most agencies’ discretionary general-fund budgets, continued funding for the state health insurance plan and school facilities, and various one-time restorations or reversions of prior appropriations. Members spent much of the meeting clarifying how the 5% reductions would work, noting that formula and mandatory funding such as K-12 basic aid are excluded, while the governor’s executive branch would decide how to implement the cuts within agencies. The chair repeatedly emphasized that the committee was not specifying line-item cuts and that agencies would have discretion over implementation. A large portion of the discussion focused on the practical effects of the budget on universities, public safety, health care, rural programs, and fund sweeps. Arizona Board of Regents and university representatives said the proposed reductions would amount to more than $85 million statewide and could affect programs such as the Arizona Promise Program, Teachers Academy, and tuition freezes, though no specific program cuts were written into the bill. Other testimony raised concerns about fund sweeps from encumbered balances, including university research funds, housing trust funds, utility regulation funds, and ADOT-related accounts, with some members warning about possible impacts on rural infrastructure and federal matching dollars. The committee also discussed the state employee health plan, including a $228 million general-fund infusion and proposed employee premium increases over three years, as well as questions about corrections, forestry and fire management, and rural critical access hospitals. Public testimony was largely opposed to the budget. Speakers from Opportunity Arizona, the Arizona Board of Regents, health care, and local government argued that the package would reduce support for education, housing, SNAP, health care access, and rural communities while preserving tax benefits for data centers and wealthy taxpayers. A mayor from Globe described severe flood damage and asked for state help for a flood relief fund, while a motorcycle safety advocate questioned a proposed transfer from the motorcycle safety fund. Committee members debated whether the budget’s effects should be described as speculative or as likely consequences of the broad cuts, and several exchanges became contentious over comparisons to the Great Recession and references to federal tax policy. The meeting ended with continued public testimony and no final vote taken in the portion provided, though leadership had earlier said the committee planned a mass roll-call vote on all the bills at the end.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tier four includes armed security in a high-risk environment such as critical infrastructure, armored
• And then tier five covers armed security for individuals or groups.
• :27.800> in<00:13:27.880> a four includes armed security in a four includes armed security
• <00:13:33.280> security<00:13:33.800> for then tier five covers armed security for
• then tier five covers armed security for individuals<00:13:34.560> or<00:13:34.680> groups.

Bills: HF4446, HF4066, HF1082

Keywords: public safety officer, survivor benefits, line of duty death, occupational cancer, firefighter, police officer, paramedic, EMT, correctional officer, first responder, workers' compensation, death benefits, occupational exposure, carcinogen, cancer presumption, mesothelioma, leukemia, lung cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD

Bills: HB13, HB13

Keywords: firearms, assault weapons, minors, prohibition, criminal penalties, HB13, Laken Riley Act, illegal immigration, immigration enforcement, ICE, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Department of Justice, DOJ, immigration detainer, detainer request, I-247, Law Enforcement Support Center, LESC, county jail

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, if they pay per officer because of what the security that is needed, yeah.
• If security is required or Needed, then yes, that would be on top of that.
• This is specific to the security fees.
• You know, but having that be relatively the same to provide the proper security that way.
• It's just not security. I'll give you a follow-up. This is just my final question.

Bills: HB3700, HB3315, HB3242, HB3379, HB3129, HB3132, HB2950

Keywords: education policy, grading system, student assessment, academic integrity, state funding, opinion conduct, higher education, bachelor's degree, feasibility study, Oklahoma State Regents, accreditation, credit hours, emergency declaration, gender, privacy, public schools, sleeping quarters, restrooms, criminal history, admissions process

Transcript Highlights:

• It treats foreign land ownership as a systemic and national security enforcement problem, and it's just
• But to get more detailed in the critical minerals and protecting our national security and our supply

Bills: HB3840, HB3431

Keywords: foreign ownership, land acquisition, military installation, critical infrastructure, affidavit requirements, state law, penalties, Attorney General, foreign ownership of land, foreign adversary, foreign government adversary, foreign government enterprise, foreign government entity, foreign terrorist organization, specially designated national, SDN, FTO, critical minerals, land ownership, real property

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the security officer's statute. Can you get closer to them? Sure, sure.
• If you're an armed security officer, you have an academy of two days If you're an armed security officer
• I have a question: are Arizona Rangers armed? Yes.
• The Rangers stood out there, armed, and provided protection.
• Security guards can't do that.

Bills: SB1048, SB1071, SB1092, SB1314, SB1391, SB1400, SB1401, SB1452

Keywords: juvenile services, Coconino county, rehabilitation, detox center, financial appropriation, Arizona Rangers, statutory repeal, security, state law, regulatory changes, probation, dangerous crimes, children, Arizona Revised Statutes, criminal justice, juvenile offenses, appropriations, salary increase, corrections, public safety

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and appropriations-related bills. SB 1452 would create a cargo theft task force in the Attorney General’s Office to coordinate with federal, state, and local law enforcement on cargo and freight theft; the sponsor and trucking industry supporters described cargo theft as a rapidly growing, organized crime problem, and the bill received a 7-0 do pass recommendation. SB 1048 would appropriate $36 million to Coconino County for a new juvenile court services facility and conversion of the existing detention center into a detox/sobriety/crisis recovery center; some members objected to directing a large sum to one county, but it passed 4-3. SB 1092 would prohibit early termination of probation or earned-time/work-time credit for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children, including retroactive application to current lifetime probationers; the sponsor argued it would prevent offenders from being released from supervision, while opponents raised concerns about judicial discretion and overbreadth, and it passed 4-3. The committee also approved SB 1391, which directs AZ POST to create a pilot law enforcement stress management and mental wellness training program with a $950,000 appropriation and a sunset date in 2029. Supporters, including law enforcement trainers and family members, said the program would address cumulative stress, suicide prevention, and resiliency before crises occur; it passed 7-0. SB 1401, a special license plate bill creating a golf tournament charity plate and fund to support youth athletic programs in Tucson, also passed unanimously after testimony from the Tucson Conquistadors. SB 1314 sought unspecified appropriations for salary increases for probation officers, corrections staff, juvenile corrections officers, and DPS employees. Supporters from the Fraternal Order of Police and agency representatives argued that pay raises were needed to address vacancies, turnover, and retention, while some members expressed concern about the open-ended cost and broader budget pressures; it passed 5-1 with one not voting. The committee then took up SB 1071, which would repeal the Arizona Rangers’ statutory framework; testimony sharply divided over accountability, transparency, training, and the organization’s public service role. Rather than vote, the chair held the bill for further discussion and possible amendment. Finally, the committee heard SB 1400, which would allow law enforcement agencies to establish confidential wellness and peer support counseling programs for employees exposed to trauma; supporters said confidentiality is needed to encourage officers to seek help, and the bill was presented for further consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the last thing is the Social Security Death Index. ...the last thing is the Social Security
• This is not about voter file maintenance, which is the bedrock of election security in any state.
• Now, the great thing is, once again, these are the most secure ways we can keep this data.
• We have understandings as to the level of security that we keep our data and... ... security that we
• organizations know about that. and let security organizations know about that.

Bills: HB479, HB480

Keywords: voting, elections, voter registration, voter rolls, list maintenance, address change, change of address, ERIC, Electronic Registration Information Center, AVID, Alabama Voter Integrity Database, Secretary of State, board of registrars, inactive voter, voter purge, duplicate registration, cross-state voter matching, National Change of Address, NCOA, driver license data

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs met with a quorum present and considered several pending measures. On Senate Bill 1868, Senator Perry explained a committee substitute that would keep kratom in its natural state legal while continuing to ban 7-OH and other synthetic derivatives, and would also add three synthetic opioids from another bill. The substitute was adopted, and SB 1868 was reported favorably to the full Senate and certified for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 39, Senator Birdwell’s proposed constitutional amendment related to veto overrides after a regular session, and reported it favorably to the full Senate; members noted a floor amendment would also be offered later. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1184, relating to the age of wine authorized to be sold by a wine collection seller, and reported it favorably to the full Senate. After some procedural discussion and a revote to clarify members’ positions, SB 1184 was also certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 1194 was likewise certified for the local and uncontested calendar without objection, though the transcript does not include its substantive discussion. Senate Bill 1577, relating to the temporary sale of alcoholic beverages at certain racing facilities, was reported favorably to the full Senate and then certified for the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, by Chairman Hughes, was reported favorably to the full Senate on an 8-1 vote. The committee then recessed until called back by the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
• Ed Johnson, also here with the Harris County Ballot Security Committee.
• Ed Johnson, I'm also here with the Harris County ballot security.
• access is controlled, tracked, and documented to the physical security.
• It's good to keep all the election equipment secure.

Bills: SB801, SB1200, SB1410, SB1717, SB1862, SB1863, SB2216, SB2681, SB506, SB2626, SJR63

Keywords: SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission

Summary: The Senate Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on several bills, with most measures left pending after public testimony closed. SB 801, by Sen. Menéndez, would require DSHS and local clerks to issue birth certificates at no cost to people experiencing homelessness. The author and Maria Benavides of SA Youth said the fee and mailing requirements are major barriers to obtaining ID, housing, and work, and Benavides described clients who were able to secure housing and employment after getting birth records and IDs through her program. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard a set of bills related to the Gulf of Mexico/Gulf of America naming issue: SB 1410 would require state agencies to use “Gulf of Mexico” in official documents, SB 1717 would conform state law to the federal renaming to “Gulf of America,” and SJR 63 would amend the Texas Constitution to match that change. Support testimony for the latter two emphasized alignment with federal action and the use of different geographic names by different countries. All three measures were left pending. Members then heard SB 1200, which would require plaintiffs suing defense contractors to disclose in discovery whether they are receiving litigation funding from adversarial nations such as China, Russia, or Cuba. The author and Texans for Lawsuit Reform said the bill targets third-party litigation funding and foreign influence on lawsuits, especially those affecting defense contractors; the committee substitute narrowed the definition of defense contractor and expanded applicability to actions involving defense contractors’ activities. SB 2626, which requires continuing medical education on pregnancy-related emergencies for OB-GYN physicians and nurses, drew support from witnesses who said it would reduce confusion about Texas abortion law and improve care in emergencies. SB 506, SB 2681, SB 1862, SB 1863, and SB 2216 all focused on elections, including ballot language standards, voter registration challenges, interstate voter-roll cleanup, procedural audits, and election equipment security; testimony split between supporters who said the bills improve transparency and integrity and opponents who warned of vague standards, added costs, and possible voter disenfranchisement. Each of those bills was left pending after testimony.

Bills: HB306, SB149, SB158, HB323, HB362, HB306, SB149, SB158, HB323, HB362

Keywords: education, patriotism, national anthem, Star-Spangled Banner, K-12 schools, constitutional amendment, public works, sealed bids, bidding requirements, procurement, public notice, newspaper advertisement, advertising failure, publisher liability, civil damages, criminal liability, awarding authority, county government, municipal government, construction contracts

Bills: HB2170, HB2417, HB2418, HB2771, HB2772, HB4018, HCR2059

Keywords: procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology, security, speeding, speed limit, traffic enforcement, driver safety, speed inhibiting device, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces, funding, criminal justice, community supervision, rehabilitation, supervision fee, victim compensation

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety approved the minutes from March 18, 2026, then heard and voted on several bills. HB 4018, which clarifies that a county sheriff has exclusive authority to regulate posse and reserve organizations acting under the sheriff’s authority, passed on a 5-1 vote after supporters said it simply codifies existing authority and improves accountability; one member opposed it as giving too much unchecked power. HB 2417, allowing certain drivers to use a court-ordered speed-inhibiting device instead of a license suspension for specified offenses, passed 6-1, with supporters calling it an optional safety measure and opponents raising cost, privacy, and enforcement concerns. HB 2771, allowing ADCRR to require prisoners to pay reasonable rehabilitation-program costs as a condition of community supervision, passed 5-2, and HB 2772, creating a driver’s-license medical indicator for advance directives such as a DNR, passed unanimously after discussion about implementation, renewal, and cost to applicants. The committee also approved HCR 259, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional role, on a 4-3 vote. HB 2418, which appropriates $600,000 to be distributed evenly among the five original major incident regional law enforcement task forces in Cochise, Coconino, Navajo, Pinal, and Yuma counties, passed unanimously; testimony said the bill codifies a distribution practice that has already been followed administratively. Finally, HB 2170, the Protection Procurement Act, which bars state contracts for certain Chinese government-controlled companies unless no reasonable alternative exists and imposes penalties for false certification, passed 4-3 after proponents argued it protects Arizona from security and supply-chain risks. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and pages and adjournment.

Bills: SB1075, SB1144, SB1280

Keywords: foreign ownership, land sales, review commission, national security, property rights, veterinary technicians, certification, education alternative, Arizona Revised Statutes, veterinary education, Mexican gray wolf, Mexican wolf, Mexican gray wolf puppies, Arizona Game and Fish Commission, Arizona Game and Fish Department, endangered species, wolf reintroduction, wolf translocation, cross-fostering, wildlife management

Summary: The Committee on Land and Agriculture heard two bills, SB 1075 and SB 1280, with public testimony limited and several speakers appearing on each measure. SB 1075 would create a Foreign Entity Review Commission and prohibit the conveyance, sale, lease, or sublease of state land to hostile foreign entities without commission approval. Supporters said it was needed to protect land near critical infrastructure and military sites, while opponents argued it created unnecessary bureaucracy and duplicated existing safeguards. The committee voted 5-4 to give SB 1075 a due pass recommendation. The committee then took up SB 1280, which would bar the Arizona Game and Fish Commission from transporting Mexican gray wolf pups into the state or using public funds or resources for that purpose. Supporters said the bill would stop state involvement in importing wolves and argued the population had already reached sufficient numbers. Opponents, including representatives from Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter and Humane World for Animals, said the measure would undermine science-based recovery efforts, reduce genetic diversity, and harm a still-endangered species. Members debated the wolf population, recovery goals, and whether the bill would affect federal conservation efforts. After testimony and member discussion, the committee voted 4-3, with one absent, to give SB 1280 a due pass recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• They were armed. I'm saying that scenario, would that fall under?
• They were armed. They took over security guards. They were there. Some were not just injured.
• And in the way and the manner that you put this together, they were not armed.
• The ones who were armed were DPS on top. Did they throw rocks at the window? Yes, they did.
• But were they armed and everything else? It was nothing close to a January 6th.

Bills: HB2047, HB2136, HB2198, HB2411, HB2662, HB2966, HB2970

Keywords: forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony

Summary: The committee heard several bills dealing with criminal penalties, probation, record sealing, fraud jurisdiction, reproductive coercion, and family court evidence. HB 2047 would elevate trespass after service of a writ of restitution from third-degree to first-degree criminal trespass; supporters, including the Arizona Constables Association, said the current misdemeanor classification leads law enforcement to deprioritize unsafe eviction-related situations. The bill passed with a do pass recommendation on a 6-2 vote. HB 2136 would create offenses for civil terrorism and subversion, expand racketeering predicates, and increase penalties for certain coordinated disorderly conduct and highway obstruction; supporters said it targets organized intimidation and violent disruption, while opponents from the ACLU and immigrant-rights groups argued it is vague, viewpoint-discriminatory, and would chill protest. After extensive debate over January 6th, ICE protests, and Arizona protest examples, it also received a do pass recommendation, 6-3. HB 2970 would clarify that Arizona can prosecute fraudulent schemes and artifice even if every act occurred outside a single county or subdivision, so long as there is an Arizona nexus. The sponsor said local law enforcement and the FBI often decline smaller mortgage-fraud cases because the bank is out of state; opponents said existing law already provides jurisdiction and warned of forum shopping. The bill passed 6-3. HB 2411 would make secretly administering abortion-inducing drugs to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent a class 2 felony; supporters framed it as a protection against coercion and abuse, while opponents said existing assault laws already cover the conduct and warned about unintended effects on access to miscarriage care. It also passed 6-3. HB 2198 would allow people convicted of petty offenses to petition to seal their records immediately after completing their sentence. Supporters described it as a cleanup measure to extend sealing relief to minor offenses like truancy or low-level misdemeanors, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 2966 would prohibit early termination of probation for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children; the sponsor argued that child victims should not have to repeatedly return to court, while opponents raised ex post facto concerns, juvenile-offender issues, and resource burdens. After testimony from victims, defense advocates, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, it passed 5-4. Finally, HB 2662 would tighten expert-evidence standards in parenting-time cases involving alleged domestic violence or abuse by requiring qualified experts, empirically supported methods, and excluding polygraph-type evidence; the sponsor and a domestic violence advocate said it would reduce reliance on junk science in family court.

Bills: SB2122, SB2050, HB16

Keywords: oil and gas waste, application fees, permit amendments, environmental regulation, Texas natural resources, battery recycling, battery disposal, consumer batteries, energy storage modules, electrochemical devices, lithium-ion battery, household hazardous waste, solid waste, municipal recycling, waste management, battery stewardship, producer responsibility, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, recycling program