Transcript Highlights:

• I could say more about deterrence and the real questions that are raised by the evidence about the ability
• to increase deterrent effect by increasing criminal penalties, but I really want to focus my comments
• I truly think there is a deterrence to it, and I think that the higher the sentence, the better, but

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met to consider several bills, with six measures approved on consent, including bills on background checks, female offender prison facilities, a juvenile justice hunger survey, protective orders and firearms, a youth offender camp pilot, and peace officer behavioral health training. AB 710 and AB 848 were pulled by the authors. The committee also took up AB 458, AB 394, AB 1094, AB 1092, and AB 1036, with extensive testimony on each. AB 458, by Assembly Member Stephanie, would require state agencies purchasing firearms, ammunition, or accessories to vet vendors for compliance with firearms laws and procurement standards. Supporters, including Brady and the California Police Chiefs Association, said taxpayer funds should not go to dealers with serious violations; opponents argued the bill added burdens and vague standards. The committee approved the bill as amended and sent it to Appropriations. AB 394, by Assembly Member Wilson, would expand protections for transit workers and riders by broadening enhanced battery penalties, clarifying who may seek temporary restraining orders in the transit context, and making those orders system-wide. Transit agencies, labor groups, and law enforcement supported the bill, while public defender and civil liberties groups raised concerns about vagueness, duration, and impacts on access to transit. The committee passed AB 394 to Judiciary as amended. AB 1094, by Assembly Member Baines, would raise the minimum parole eligibility term for child torture convictions involving a child under 14 in the perpetrator’s care or custody from seven years to 20 years. Prosecutors, sheriffs, and police groups supported the bill, citing the severity of the abuse and the need to protect child victims; opponents argued the parole system already screens for risk and that harsher sentences do not improve public safety. The committee approved the bill as amended to Appropriations. AB 1092, by Assembly Member Castillo, would extend concealed carry weapon license renewals from two years to four years; supporters said it would reduce costs and administrative burdens, while the chair and others opposed it as unnecessary. The committee ultimately voted the bill down. AB 1036, by Assembly Member Schultz, would expand post-conviction discovery access for people convicted of felonies with sentences of one year or more, including Brady materials and jury selection notes. Innocence organizations and defense groups supported it, while district attorneys opposed the broader discovery obligations; the committee passed it to Appropriations as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• actually brought to me by a sheriff's deputy, but this is a bill related to public safety and a deterrent
• It's added as a deterrent to possibly help mitigate assaults, and yeah, that's kind of what it does.
• it's<00:04:25.080> added<00:04:25.400> as<00:04:25.479> a<00:04:26.080> deterrent
• time added on it's added as a deterrent time added on it's added as a deterrent to<00:04:27.360>
• First, it serves as a deterrent by making it clear that violent behavior will result in additional consecutive

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to publish the names of a license holder whose license was revoked would significantly hinder the deterrent
• to publish the name of a license holder whose license was revoked would significantly hinder the deterrent

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with recognitions of several young climate advocates visiting the State House and then adopted an adjournment in memory of Nancy Driscoll, with remarks honoring her long public service and family legacy. The chamber then took up Senate No. 2947, An Act Regarding Fair Housing Practices in the Commonwealth, after a Ways and Means redraft. Senators supporting the bill described housing discrimination against voucher holders and Black applicants, emphasized the need for stronger enforcement, transparency, and fair housing education, and noted the bill’s goal of increasing penalties and public reporting for discriminatory brokers. Several amendments were debated. Senator Tarr offered an amendment to require annual HUD-related compliance certifications from municipalities and public agencies, notification to the Attorney General of federal findings, corrective action plans, and possible enforcement consequences; it was defeated on a roll call, 6-30. Senator Kennedy’s gender-neutral language amendment changing “salesmen” to “salespersons” was adopted. Senator Payano’s amendment to require publication of license suspensions as well as revocations for discriminatory conduct was also adopted. Senator Edwards withdrew an amendment that would have expanded housing protections for returning citizens. Senator Keenan’s amendment to anonymize complaint summaries while preserving publication of revoked licensees’ names was adopted. After the Ways and Means amendment, as amended, was adopted, the bill was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll-call vote of 37-0, later clarified as 38-0. The Senate then adopted an order to meet again the following Tuesday at 11 a.m. and adjourned in memory of John Arizian and Nancy Driscoll.

Transcript Highlights:

• A move that many people do as a deterrent to violence and as a means to defend themselves in the event
• are defending a standard where women walking alone can't even hold their keys in their hands as a deterrent

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm looking forward to concentrating on law enforcement and economic development as a deterrent to criminal
• There was absolutely no deterrent.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><01:55:50.639> as<01:55:50.800> a<01:55:50.960> general<01:55:51.199> deterrent
• <01:55:51.679> to by serving as a general deterrent to by serving as a general deterrent to
• This basically has a<01:59:33.520> broad<01:59:33.840> general<01:59:34.239> deterrent
• <01:59:35.199> because<01:59:36.080> people a broad general deterrent because people
• a broad general deterrent because people that<01:59:36.639> get<01:59:36.800> behind<01

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard SB 2694 SD2, which would authorize the Public Utilities Commission to create automatic adjustment mechanisms for water carriers, including a water carrier inflationary cost index, and to waive certain requirements under the Hawaii Water Carrier Act. Testimony was sharply divided. The Department of Transportation, Young Brothers, and several shipping, harbor, labor, and business-related supporters argued the bill would modernize regulation, reduce the need for large catch-up rate cases, and help keep rates aligned with rising costs. Young Brothers said its current rate-setting process is expensive and delayed, and that annual adjustments with guardrails such as a 5% cap and periodic full reviews would support sustainable operations and the state’s supply chain. Some supporters also said the company’s less-than-container-load service and required inter-island routes create costs that are not fully covered by current rates. Opponents, including the Consumer Advocate, the Maui Chamber of Commerce, Hawaii Food Industry Association, restaurant and chamber groups, and other businesses, argued the bill would lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses and should not move forward. Several testified that shipping costs already significantly affect pricing and that automatic increases would worsen the cost of living. The Consumer Advocate said Young Brothers should focus on cost control and implementing its business plan rather than automatic rate increases. The Maui Chamber and others pointed to a recent PUC decision that imposed a two-year stay on rate increases and said the bill would undermine that protection. Some opponents urged the committee to defer to the PUC’s regulatory authority. The PUC explained that it regulates water carriers as public utilities under existing statute and said it had recently approved a temporary rate increase while imposing a two-year stayout period on further increases, with emergency relief still possible. PUC members said they were still examining whether they have authority to adopt the proposed WICI mechanism by rule and wanted legislative clarity. In response to questions, the PUC said it prefers the current two-year stayout as reflected in its order. Young Brothers also clarified that it serves less-than-container-load cargo, that some routes and services are cross-subsidized because they are not profitable, and that an independent observer is being put in place to monitor implementation of its updated business plan. The transcript ended with the committee still taking questions; no final vote or disposition on the bill was shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's about deterrence and accountability and protection of family bonds.
• So Roman five is adding these, uh, penalty provisions, if you will, or deterrence provisions if you will
• It's about<00:06:57.600> deterrence<00:06:58.319> and<00:06:58.560> accountability
• c><00:06:59.440> and about deterrence and accountability and about deterrence and accountability
• provisions if you will or deterrence provisions if you will or deterrence provisions.<00:09:16.560

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . deterrent. deterrent.
• And I would respectfully submit that that isn't a real deterrent. It just isn't.
• So, I'm going against. does not serve as a deterrent. does not serve as a deterrent.
• <02:21:11.080> It<02:21:11.240> just that isn't not a real deterrent.
• It just that isn't not a real deterrent. It just isn't. isn't. isn't.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And according to one election official here in New Hampshire, threats and harassment are a deterrent
• I wouldn't never open carry, but some people like that as a deterrent.
• The police certainly do; they open carry as a deterrent.
• I wouldn't never open carry, but some people like that as a deterrent.
• The police certainly do; they open carry as a deterrent.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If we're focused on recovery, if we are focused on the deterrence in this bill, we haven't done a full
• If that is not a deterrence, if that does not create a savings, I'm willing to continue to work with
• in this bill, focused on the deterrence in this bill, we<00:25:14.680> haven't<00:25:15.080><
• If that is not a deterrence,<00:25:44.800> if<00:25:45.000> that<00:25:45.240> does<
• /c><00:25:45.360> not<00:25:45.560> create<00:25:46.080> a deterrence, if that does

Bills: HF4338

Keywords: human services, medical assistance, Medicaid, provider enrollment, provider revalidation, fraud prevention, program integrity, background study, background check, fingerprinting, licensing, license revocation, payment withholding, payment suspension, prepayment review, postpayment review, surety bond, compliance training, case management, targeted case management

Transcript Highlights:

• First, deterrence of abuse and neglect.
• The mere presence of surveillance cameras can act as a powerful deterrent against mistreatment, neglect
• There are three main benefits of video recording.<00:35:37.119> First,<00:35:37.680> deterrence
• First, deterrence of abuse recording. First, deterrence of abuse and<00:35:38.960> neglect.
• , powerful deterrent against mistreatment, neglect,<00:35:46.400> or<00:35:46.640> any<

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And the less it hurts, the less of a deterrent it is. It becomes a business expense.
• And I've been told by my colleagues that the deterrent effect of punitive damages... ...that the deterrent
• So I think we're getting away from that deterrent effect, and I think that's a mistake.

Bills: HB99, HJR5, HM39, HB206, HB213, SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• However, these projects can be prohibitively expensive, acting as a deterrent to a road authority's ability
• I do believe that the city we definitely need many meaningful deterrence for these offenders because,
• However, this law has not proved to be an effective deterrent against motorists speeding through.
• It will serve as an effective deterrent to recklessly speeding through work zones and hopefully help

Bills: HB341, HB791, HB1564, HB1695, HB1722, HB1729, HB1772, HB2003, HB2954, HB2989, HB3084, HB3134, HB3135, HB3309, HB3611, HB3679, HB3727, HB3832

Keywords: affordable housing, zoning, development, community support, local regulations, bicycle lanes, traffic collisions, Texas Department of Transportation, study, public safety, bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, road safety, transportation study, HB 791, Central Catholic High School, San Antonio, specialty license plate, specialty plates

Transcript Highlights:

• There aren't enough squad cars on the road, and that is a deterrent.
• There aren't enough squad cars on the road, and that is a deterrent.
• squad cars on the road and that<00:51:28.839> is<00:51:28.920> a<00:51:29.079> deterrent
• and so I think um that is a deterrent and so I think um not<00:51:32.640> necessarily<00:51:33.200
• There aren't enough squad cars on the road, and that is a deterrent.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when you look at the electronic monitoring piece, this sends a strong accountability message from a deterrent
• perspective and an accountability perspective, from the deterrent perspective a lot of these offenders

Transcript Highlights:

• It's absolutely an insufficient deterrent to prevent this criminal activity from occurring.
• the proposal and increase in the fines is going to really go a long ways in terms of serving as a deterrent

Summary: The committee opened the June 18, 2025 Local Government hearing with housekeeping rules, noting that testimony would be in person and that disruptive conduct would not be tolerated. Because a quorum was initially lacking, the committee proceeded as a subcommittee and heard several bills before later taking formal votes once quorum was established. The agenda included 15 bills, with eight placed on the consent calendar and one bill pulled by the author. The bills discussed included SB 333, which would let San Luis Obispo County voters consider raising the local sales tax cap for transportation funding; SB 390, a district-specific measure for South San Francisco to address a Mello-Roos/CFD issue affecting properties with conservation easements; SB 394, which would increase penalties for water theft and allow local agencies to recover damages; SB 611, which would restore protections for housing projects tied to adopted community plans while CEQA litigation is pending; SB 757, which would allow nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect cleanup costs for chronic nuisance properties; and SB 489, which would require public agencies involved in housing approvals to post application requirements online. Supporters generally framed the bills as tools for infrastructure financing, housing production, transparency, public safety, or deterrence of theft and blight. Opposition was heard on SB 757, with critics warning about due process, foreclosure risk, and displacement of low-income homeowners. After quorum was called, the committee voted 7-0 to pass SB 757, and later approved SB 489 on a 10-0 vote. The consent calendar bills—SB 74, SB 225, SB 272, SB 409, SB 558, SB 735, SB 736, and SB 737—were approved together. SB 333 advanced on a 7-2 vote, SB 390 passed 9-0, SB 394 passed 9-0, and SB 611 passed 10-0. The hearing concluded with the committee adjourned after all listed actions were taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so there's no deterrent. So tell me, how is this going to be a deterrent?

Transcript Highlights:

• In particular, in the present proposal, there's good reason to doubt the deterrence effect when we have
• In particular, in the present proposal, there's good reason to doubt the deterrence effect when we have

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met and considered nine bills, with members hearing brief presentations, limited debate, and mostly unanimous support. Early measures included CS/HB 421, which expands peer support access for first responders to include support personnel, and HB 205, which creates a new offense for abandoning a restrained dog during a natural disaster (“Troopers’ Law”). Both bills drew support from law enforcement and animal welfare-related witnesses, and both were reported favorably; HB 205 was adopted with a technical amendment. The committee also approved CS/HB 157 on service of process, which clarifies that a prior statutory change applies to all causes of action, creates a safe harbor for compliance, tightens substituted service requirements, and allows individual registered agents to be served anywhere in the state. HB 693, which adds an aggravating factor for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for school, religious, or public government activities, drew both support and opposition; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters argued juries should have more tools in capital cases. The bill was reported favorably after debate. Members then approved CS/HB 113, increasing penalties for fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, after discussion about marked versus unmarked vehicles and an amendment that restored current penalties for two related offenses. Rep. Bracey Davis voted no, citing concerns about unmarked cars and public safety perceptions. The committee also passed HB 91 on misdemeanor probation, PCS/CS/HB 383 allowing certain officers and service members to purchase firearms without the three-day waiting period, and CS/HB 195 to let correctional education count toward professional licensure requirements for incarcerated people. Finally, CS/HB 479 was approved to allow judges to order restitution in hit-and-run property-damage cases. All bills were reported favorably, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• It essentially allows businesses to have their own deterrent and have agency in the protection of their
• It essentially allows businesses to have their own deterrent and have agency in the protection of their
• facing criminal activity at their permanent yards and work sites, and this bill offers an effective deterrent

Keywords: 996, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Memorial 54, which would create a stakeholder working group to study utility-service problems in manufactured and mobile home parks and recommend solutions. The sponsor described repeated water and utility outages in large parks, said current law places maintenance responsibility on park owners, and argued that the state needs clearer standards and alternatives to costly attorney general lawsuits. Supporters from PNM and the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty backed the memorial as a step toward better oversight and protections for residents. The committee asked about existing landlord obligations and whether rent withholding is available; the sponsor said current law does not clearly provide that remedy. HM 54 was reported out with a due pass. The committee then considered House Bill 166, which would create a statewide permitting framework for battery-charged electric fences used by commercial businesses while preserving local zoning authority. The sponsor and an industry witness said businesses face inconsistent local permitting, delays, and added costs, and that the bill would provide uniform standards and security options. Several members raised concerns that the bill appeared to favor a specific product type, could override local code differences, and might not address mixed-use areas, historic districts, or homeowners associations. After debate, the bill passed on a 4-3 vote, with one member explaining support but urging further work with local government experts before floor consideration. House Bill 20, a bipartisan measure, would allow Native American applicants to request a voluntary Native American designation on state driver’s licenses and ID cards, without naming a specific tribe, and with documentation requirements tied to tribal cards, certificates of Indian blood, or affidavits of birth. Supporters said it would recognize tribal political status, help with law enforcement and Turquoise Alert verification, and assist with education, health, and child welfare matters; tribal representatives and State Police testified in favor. Several members expressed concern about racial profiling, privacy, and possible unintended consequences of marking IDs, while others noted the designation is optional and tied to political status rather than race. Members also flagged drafting language that appeared to require multiple documents, and the sponsor agreed to clarify it. The bill ultimately passed, with some members explaining their votes and asking for continued discussion with tribes. The committee also approved Senate Joint Resolution 1, which would amend the state constitution to allow school bond and mill levy questions to appear on the general election ballot rather than being limited to separate school elections. Sponsors said the change would reduce special-election costs, increase turnout, and remove outdated language dating to 1910; school board and education groups supported it. Members asked about ballot crowding and local election timing, and sponsors emphasized that the measure gives school districts a choice rather than a mandate. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 295, which would create an Office of Accessibility to centralize reporting, provide technical assistance, and produce annual reports on accessibility of state buildings and websites. Disability advocates largely supported the bill as a way to improve compliance and consistency, while one webcast commenter opposed it, arguing that without enforcement authority it would not produce meaningful change. The transcript ends during testimony on HB 295, before final committee action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, the law provides no deterrent for plaintiffs filing these lawsuits as they are not required
• So this kind of modernizes the language and also creates a deterrent for repeat offenses.
• You're providing an immediate deterrent, sometimes just being told by an officer that there is a criminal

Bills: HB166, HB2000, HB3248, HB3513, SB155, SB1659, SB1730, SB1778, SB1790, SB1848, SB2017, SB2105, SB2794, SB2917, HB2756, HB353, HB166

Keywords: child endangerment, controlled substances, penalty group, elderly protection, disabled individual rights, child grooming, sex offender registration, criminal justice, reportable conviction, law enforcement, defense, peace officers, local government, security, juvenile board, Moore County, appointments, juvenile justice, county legislation, dangerous dogs