Transcript Highlights:

• non-citizens often face the same punishment for equal crimes.
• It's the absence of crime.
• And this is a deterrent for criminal aliens not to commit crimes in Texas.
• My life matters, but so do all the lives of victims of crimes.
• But so do all the lives of victims of crimes.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending. SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we need some kind of deterrence, and we're hoping to change these definitions will allow that
• deterrence by the fact that these charges will stick.
• with<00:35:50.119> some<00:35:50.400> type<00:35:50.560> of<00:35:50.760> crime
• so we can deter with some type of crime so we can deter the<00:35:52.040> behavior<00:35:52.960
• and we're hoping to change of deterrence and we're hoping to change these<00:36:05.079> definitions

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on three fireworks-related bills. On SB 1226, which would create a shipping container inspection program and require Department of Law Enforcement reporting, the Department of Law Enforcement supported the measure, while the Attorney General recommended deleting references to explosives to avoid a single-subject constitutional issue and noted possible federal limits on military involvement. Harbor users raised concerns about logistics, delays, and cost, and HPD supported the bill; members also discussed how inspections would work and whether DLE would coordinate with county and federal partners. No vote was taken during the testimony portion. On SB 32, which would sharply restrict consumer fireworks by requiring permits for cultural use, repealing the general holiday exceptions, and imposing a $25 permit fee, the State Fire Council supported the bill as a public safety measure but said it was willing to work on problematic language. The Office of the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill’s use of “culture” could create constitutional and discrimination problems because permit decisions would effectively define culture. Fireworks retailers and other opponents said the bill would push consumers toward illegal fireworks and hurt lawful sales, while supporters said it would reduce injuries, fires, and respiratory harm. Members questioned whether the permit fee was new, whether the bill would affect commercial display companies, and whether permit caps should be added. On SB 1324, which expands fireworks offenses, increases penalties for injuries or death, creates new criminal offenses and an infraction adjudication system, and appropriates funds, the Attorney General strongly supported the bill and said it would give law enforcement and prosecutors better tools, while DLE said the current weight-based definitions make prosecutions difficult and labor-intensive. DLE also said disposal of seized fireworks is expensive and hazardous, and suggested violators should bear more of that cost. HPD and the Maui County prosecutor supported the bill, but some opponents argued it would overcriminalize conduct and create constitutional issues; a commercial pyrotechnics company asked for amendments to preserve lawful display work. Members asked about the appropriation, enforcement challenges, and whether existing exceptions would still allow commercial shows. The hearing ended with no final decision reported in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• who take lives through dangerous driving behaviors face appropriate consequences, and enhanced deterrence
• loved one that we lost just doesn't matter because it's just, you know, the person who committed the crime
• My hope is you will understand these kinds of crimes have cascading effects, that the losses sustained
• at a 4th degree felony allows us two things: one, to give teeth to um these lesser, these lesser crimes
• just have charges to be able to bring justice and to be able to hold people accountable for these crimes

Transcript Highlights:

• We added the crime of voluntary manslaughter to that list. be convicted of these crimes to get stiffer
• And so there's no deterrent. So tell me, how is this going to be a deterrent?
• Please tell me that juvenile crime is the main contributor to our future crime.
• Crime, the punishment for the crime. Does this change anything there? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Juvenile crime has skyrocketed when it gets into violent crime.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's a sufficient deterrent and punishment.
• The financial impact of these crimes is substantial.
• This is to reflect what this crime really is, a gateway sex crime and bring it in line with similar offenses
• We show you registered as April Aguirre, self, uh, crime vic, uh, crime victim advocate.
• prosecution deterrent is not there.

Bills: HB316

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• So if somebody runs a stop sign crime.
• Permits pursuits only for violent crimes Permits pursuits only for violent crimes and<00:10:19.839
• Our crime rates in Pensacola went through the roof.
• Our crime rates in Pensacola went through the roof.
• kid's going to go out and commit crimes kid's going to go out and commit crimes or<00:45:43.680>

Bills: HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328, HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328

Keywords: bail reform, illegal aliens, violent offenses, pretrial detention, flight risk, court hearings, doxing, personal identifying information, harassment, online safety, law enforcement, public servants, penalties, consumer protection, illicit material, private rights, digital privacy, nonconsensual distribution, incarceration, pregnancy

Transcript Highlights:

• state policies that include protection for victims and penalties for crimes can be an effective deterrent
• can be an effective penalties for crimes can be an effective deterrent<02:06:02.639> for<02:06
• When you're talking adults, if it's a crime for me, why isn't it a crime for the buyer?
• When you're talking adults, if it's a crime for me, why isn't it a crime for the buyer?
• When you're talking adults, if it's a crime for me, why isn't it a crime for the buyer?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Navy maintain its maritime warfighting and strategic deterrence capabilities.
• Navy maintain its maritime warfighting and strategic deterrence capabilities for another 250 years.
• So our mission is extending the reach for deterrence, as well as airlift reach all around the world to
• So our mission is extending the reach for deterrence, as well as airlift reach all around the world to
• So our wing priorities: Number one priority is our nuclear deterrence, our number one mission in the

Summary: The committee heard updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navy Region Northwest, Fairchild Air Force Base, the Coast Guard, state licensing agencies, the Professional Educator Standards Board, the Washington National Guard, and a veterans behavioral health presenter. Across the military briefings, common themes were readiness, infrastructure, and quality-of-life issues for service members and families, especially child care, housing, food insecurity, medical and dental access, and military spouse employment. JBLM highlighted its role in Indo-Pacific readiness, ongoing PFAS cleanup, 212 new family housing units under construction, efforts to expand child care, and continued work to keep the Lewis Army Museum open. Navy Region Northwest discussed its major installations and economic impact, the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan, future carrier and submarine homeporting needs, and asked the legislature to continue support for licensure compacts, educational stability for military children, housing, and medical access. Fairchild emphasized its tanker and survival missions, child care shortages, food insecurity, aging housing, and concerns about wind turbine development near flight paths, while the Coast Guard focused on rebuilding Base Seattle for new icebreakers and on rural access to housing, medical care, and child care at dispersed stations like Neah Bay. Members repeatedly raised food insecurity and asked for follow-up on solutions. JBLM and Fairchild both described increased demand for food assistance during the shutdown, and committee members noted progress in getting mobile food vans onto JBLM. The presenters also praised state action on military spouse licensure and child care, including Senate Bill 5545 and related compact and portability efforts. The Department of Licensing reported about 9,000 self-identified military members or spouses licensed, with average time-to-license just under nine days, and said applications are prioritized when military status is self-identified. The Department of Health said its military-to-civilian crosswalk now covers more than 35 health professions, that temporary practice permits and expedited processing are in place, and that 1,300 credentials were issued to military spouses and domestic partners and 129 to military-trained health professionals in the last fiscal year, all within 30 days. The Professional Educator Standards Board explained that military spouses and service members can receive expedited teacher certification with reduced documentation, and that they are moved to the front of the review queue when they self-identify. Members asked about verification, and staff said the process relies on attestation with investigatory safeguards if needed. The Washington National Guard briefed on its dual state and federal mission, the impact of the recent shutdown on nearly 700 employees who worked without pay, and policy and budget requests including youth academy protections, alignment of the Washington Code of Military Justice with the UCMJ, making Civil Air Patrol a division of the Military Department, 911 funding, disaster assistance, and capital funding for headquarters and readiness facilities. The Guard also warned about drone threats and said it wants authority to identify, track, and monitor suspicious drones. A veterans behavioral health presenter, an Army combat veteran and clinical social worker, described high suicide risk, barriers to care, and the need for more culturally competent services, especially for women veterans and caregivers. He said Washington veterans’ suicide rate remains above the national average and emphasized that childcare, transportation, and provider shortages can prevent timely treatment. Members generally responded supportively throughout, asked for follow-up on food security and other issues, and encouraged agencies to bring forward legislative ideas for future sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, you're making um an elevated crime for simple assault when someone wouldn't necessarily know that
• acts of crime without like there being like how would I know that that was a police officer and if this
• <00:16:10.880> for you're making um an elevated crime for you're making um an elevated crime
• <00:16:25.680> but making any justification for crimes but making any justification for crimes
• without like there being acts of crime without like there being like<00:16:35.519> how<00:16:

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We saw it as we do the crime, do the time, move on.
• We saw it as we do the crime, do the time, move on.
• We saw it as we do the crime, do the time, move on.
• We saw it as we do the crime, do the time, move on.
• We saw it as we do the crime, do the time, move on.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so that deterrent factor that we've already previously legislated is better advertised.
• <00:47:35.280> has this bill matters, an alleged crime has this bill matters, an alleged crime
• deterrent effect. Um, studies show that. deterrent effect. Um, studies show that.
• There's no deterrence in that sense.
• , on some of the elements of deterrence, on some of the elements of deterrence, but<00:56:32.319>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 1098 relating to crimes against protective services workers.
• HB 1098 relating to crimes against protective services workers.
• HB 1098 relating to crimes against protective services workers.
• <00:43:16.800> 1098<00:43:17.760> relating<00:43:18.079> to<00:43:18.240> crimes
• <00:43:18.560> against number 1098 relating to crimes against number 1098 relating to crimes

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Health, Human Services, and Higher Education hearing took up HB 441 HD2, a measure to increase cigarette taxes and dedicate the revenue to the University of Hawaii Cancer Center. The Department of Taxation said it had no substantive objection but requested an effective date of January 1, 2026 if tax rates change so it can order new stamps. The Department of Health, the Deputy Attorney General/tobacco enforcement, the University of Hawaii Cancer Center, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the American Cancer Society, the Hawaii Medical Association, and several other health organizations and youth advocates supported the bill, arguing that higher cigarette prices reduce youth initiation, encourage cessation, and help fund cancer research and care. Several supporters asked for a larger increase, including at least $1 per pack, while opponents from retail, wholesale, and tobacco-related groups argued the tax would be regressive, burden low-income smokers, and drive sales to the illicit market. The Tax Foundation and other opponents also criticized reliance on sin taxes and said smoking rates are already at historic lows. After testimony and questions, members discussed how the revenue should be used and whether higher taxes change smoker behavior or push people toward vaping or other alternatives. The chairs announced they would pass HB 441 HD2 with amendments, replacing the contents with SB 528 SD1 except for changes reflecting the Department of Taxation’s request and a provision directing all proceeds from the tax increase to the Hawaii Cancer Center’s debt reduction, with an effective date of December 31, 2025. The House Health, Human Services, and Higher Education committees then voted to adopt the recommendation; the Health, Human Services committee vote was adopted with Chair and several members voting aye and one member voting no in the Higher Education committee vote. The hearing also briefly covered HB 1334 on meat donation, which drew support from the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, food industry, and community groups, though no action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard HB 1098 on crimes against protective services workers. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying assaults on protective services workers can have chilling effects and deserve stronger deterrence; a committee question raised whether the bill should instead be part of a broader, more proactive approach to assault statutes. The Department of Human Services also described safety steps such as panic buttons and phone apps for social workers. The excerpt ends before any final vote on HB 1098.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a sergeant on the Massachusetts State Police in the Crime Scene Services Section.
• to analyze a crime scene.
• Modern-day policing requires us to be more than just crime fighters.
• It's a very comprehensive bill, and we believe it's necessary for a deterrent.
• crime logs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a public hearing on a wide range of bills affecting law enforcement, corrections, fire services, emergency management, telecommunicators, and sex offender policy. Testimony strongly focused on proposals to restore an education incentive for Massachusetts State Police troopers hired after the Quinn Bill was repealed, with State Police Association witnesses arguing the current system creates unfair pay disparities, hurts recruitment and retention, and leaves newer troopers earning less than some supervisors with the same or less education. They urged favorable reports on H. 2651, S. 1759, and S. 1783. A separate witness also supported H. 2627, a sheriff’s pay-parity bill, while suggesting amendments to avoid distinctions between correction officers and jail officers and warning that the proposal should not be viewed as a funding issue alone. The committee also heard testimony on public safety and oversight bills. A rape survivor testified in support of S. 1663, arguing that municipal fire or police personnel convicted of sex offenses should not remain in positions of public trust. Senator Miranda testified in support of S. 1723, S. 1724, and S. 1727, which would create correctional officer training/accountability standards, a correctional inspector general, and privileged communication with legislators for incarcerated people; he said the bills respond to misconduct and lack of independent oversight in the Department of Correction. In contrast, the Fire Chiefs Association and Professional Fire Fighters opposed H. 2572/S. 1668/S. 1740 on emergency management, saying the bill was developed without enough collaboration, lacked local-control safeguards, and could undermine incident command and local decision-making during disasters. Several panels supported other public safety measures. The Fire Chiefs Association and PFFM backed S. 1641 and S. 1744 to create a Massachusetts Public Safety Building Authority to help fund fire station and municipal public safety building projects, and supported S. 1647 to implement the Walsh-Kennedy Commission recommendations on hot works and welding safety, including tougher penalties and training requirements. Witnesses also supported H. 2664/S. 1736 to create a hoisting machinery regulations board, saying current licensing standards for heavy equipment are too minimal. Another panel backed H. 2663/S. 1761 to classify 911 telecommunicators as first responders, citing stress, burnout, and the expanding role of dispatchers. Finally, an attorney from CPCS testified in opposition to S. 1752, warning that expanded sex offender residency restrictions would likely increase homelessness, make supervision harder, and raise constitutional concerns based on prior court rulings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm talking about the current push we are seeing in our state to expand the scope of crimes in which
• Using deterrence as a primary means for addressing the issue didn't work in California, Louisiana, or
• The New Mexico DA's office reported a 57% increase in juvenile gun crimes from. to 2023.
• One misconception among many is that if you do the crime, you do the time, regardless of age.
• It doesn't reduce delinquent behavior; it's not a deterrent.

Transcript Highlights:

• No additional elements to a crime and no new crime.
• And as I to a crime and no new crime.
• Computer crimes under 6389 that establishes venue in computer crimes.
• Computer crimes under 6389 that establishes venue in computer crimes.
• Uh number two, deterrence.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:30:06.320> so individual well that's a crime so individual well that's a crime so typically
• Going out committing crimes.
• <01:01:14.720> in 1985 the incidence of vion crime in 1985 the incidence of vion crime in
• firearm's purchase to the time when they actually use it in a crime, and I was unable to find any crime
• <06:48:05.440> um something called it time to Crime um something called it time to Crime um

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• crimes.
• That these are property crimes.
• <01:53:53.760> That's and the higher crime rates. That's and the higher crime rates.
• People of and survivors of crimes.
• So crime is real time crime index.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs recessed briefly for a joint hearing, then reconvened and took up House Bill 2494, which would limit warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations, require officers to document arrest justification, expand citation-in-lieu-of-arrest use, and direct the Judiciary to create a standardized citation form. The chair also outlined hearing procedures and testimony time limits. Committee members later received an overview from the Policing Project about national trends in expanding citation use. Testimony was divided. Supporters, including the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, the Office of the Public Defender, the ACLU of Hawaii, the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, and the Policing Project, argued the bill would reduce unnecessary arrests and pretrial detention, lessen jail overcrowding, save law enforcement time, and reduce harms such as job loss, housing instability, family disruption, and recidivism. They also said the bill preserves officer discretion through public-safety and flight-risk exceptions, and several supporters urged the committee to adopt a standardized citation form despite the Judiciary’s request for a delayed implementation date. Opposition came from the Department of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, county prosecutors, Honolulu Police Department, and other individuals. They argued the bill would unduly restrict law enforcement discretion, create administrative and data-processing problems, and make it harder to identify repeat or habitual offenders because of changes to citation information and fingerprinting. The Judiciary requested implementation no earlier than January 1, 2028 and said the citation form would need major changes. Opponents also warned the bill could increase litigation, suppress evidence, and not meaningfully reduce overcrowding because most jail populations are held on felony matters. The chair reported 14 testimonies in support, 21 in opposition, and one with comments; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I don't see the crime was.
• We need to throw some deterrent to both sell it to a minor, to then, you know, deterrents for having
• We need to throw some deterrent to both sell it to a minor, to then, you know, deterrents for having
• We need to throw some deterrent to both sell it to a minor, to then, you know, deterrents for having
• We need to throw some deterrent to both sell it to a minor, to then, you know, deterrents for having

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , involving an individual with many violent tendencies and prior violent crimes, or could involve offensive
• suggests using citations decreases the number of people who are held in jails without exacerbating crime
• The gentleman from the ACLU said that citations work as a deterrent.
• citations work from the ACLU said that citations work as<00:25:01.039> a<00:25:01.440> deterrent
• do you find that to be as a deterrent do you find that to be the<00:25:03.520> case<00:25:04.240

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs heard testimony on several public safety and criminal justice measures. HB 433 HD1 would appropriate funds for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services; DCR Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the same $4 million request is in the governor’s executive budget, and the Correctional System Oversight Commission, Public Defender, ACLU, OHA, Chamber of Commerce, and other groups testified in support. Members asked whether the funding was already in the governor’s budget, and Johnson confirmed it was requested there for the next two fiscal years. HB 1045 would make emergency appropriations for law enforcement personnel costs, and the Department of Law Enforcement, DAGS, Budget and Finance, and the Judiciary testified in support, with DLE saying the amounts match what Budget and Finance will present. HB 1296 would require timely notice and reporting to the Legislature when the governor transfers money to the major disaster fund; Budget and Finance and the Governor’s office offered comments, and no opposition was noted. HB 1002 would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify inspection authority; DCR and the commission supported it, with the commission saying a longer term would help the coordinator do the job effectively and allow inspections without notice. HB 596 would clarify what events qualify as disasters and emergencies for emergency management purposes. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency opposed the bill, while maritime and Grassroot Institute representatives supported it. Members asked whether the bill’s 21-day limit should be extended to 30 days, and HEMA said it opposed any change that would limit the governor’s flexibility in the response phase. The committee also heard HB 1128 HD1, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require officers to record the justification. The Office of the Public Defender, ACLU, and some reform advocates supported it as a check on police discretion and a way to encourage citations, while the Attorney General, Honolulu Police Department, prosecutors, DLE, county police chiefs, SHOPO, and others opposed it as too restrictive and likely to create litigation and court delays. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• . deterrent.
• deterrence.
• deterrence.
• in a crime.
• This is not a victimless crime.

Keywords: 987, senate, all