Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, while this legislation would make an exception in the statute, uh, it does not make an exception
• <01:27:53.360> in legislation would make an exception in legislation would make an exception
• But also creating exception to enforced.
• So that's kind of the impetus of how that exception was necessary.
• And if that exception was was necessary.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that were, um, uh, some of them were adopted in the Senate, uh, uh, um, reflecting common-sense exceptions
• So allowing an exception for credentialed training programs, that were someone gets a credential, um,
• Um, an exception that would be the amendment to the amendment and is an exception that would allow for
• What we were looking for is exceptions.
• I can read you the exclusion, the exceptions.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Increasing the rate for autism services in HHSC's LAR exceptional item 24.
• item request, an HHSC legislative appropriations request, exceptional item 4A.
• I urge you to fully fund the PACE exceptional item.
• Increasing the rate for autism services and HSCs, HSS, HHS LAR exceptional item 24.
• ID Item request, an HHSC legislative appropriations request, Exceptional Item 4A.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which was just highlighted in a Baltimore Sun article last week, would prohibit, with common-sense exceptions
• But there has been that exception where anybody has the access to it.
• So with the narrow exceptions that are out there, who can have it, we believe this bill is narrowly tailored
• But there has been that exception where anybody has the access to it.
• But again, I believe the exceptions are going to be very narrow and who can use it, if that answers your

Bills: HB351

Keywords: vehicle security circumvention device, car theft, auto theft, key fob hacking, relay attack, key programming device, car key emulator, vehicle immobilizer bypass, automotive security, locksmith, motor vehicle dealer, repossessor, law enforcement, National Insurance Crime Bureau, Delaware Title 21, criminal offense, misdemeanor

Summary: The Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee met in hybrid format but did not have a quorum, so it held approval of the May 13 and June 10 minutes. The committee heard House Bill 351, sponsored by Senator Brown, which would update Delaware law on vehicle security circumvention devices. The bill would criminalize the manufacture, sale, transfer, or possession of devices used to bypass keyless entry and push-to-start vehicle security systems, while exempting certified users such as locksmiths, mechanics, dealerships, repossession agents, and law enforcement. Senator Brown said the measure is intended to address modern vehicle theft methods and increase penalties for first and repeat offenses. Testimony in support came from Howard Handler of the National Insurance Crime Bureau and Sergeant Mike Ripple of the Delaware State Police. Handler said Delaware has seen more than 1,600 vehicle thefts in 2025 and that organized theft rings increasingly use key programming and relay devices, often in under a minute. Ripple said the devices are easily purchased online, are being used in Delaware and nearby states, and have contributed to a sharp rise in auto thefts, especially involving certain makes such as Jeeps, Hondas, and Toyotas. Committee members asked about enforcement, online sales restrictions, and whether similar laws in other states have been effective; witnesses said the technology is new and that comparable laws have been enacted in states such as New Jersey and Michigan, though no effectiveness data was available. During public comment, Robert Overmiller spoke in favor of the bill, saying criminals will always find ways to exploit new technology. Several committee members indicated support for the measure, but no vote was taken because the committee lacked a quorum. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• exceptions exceptions um<00:26:41.840> allowing<00:26:42.400> disclosure<00:26:43.200>
• It's a clear exception where they can make the disclosure.
• <01:16:53.679> to or some sort of exition or exception to or some sort of exition or exception
• <01:18:32.000> is is the reason for the agent exception is is the reason for the agent exception
• 01:18:58.320> make<01:18:58.480> the exception where they can make the exception where

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for 10 hospitalized patients exception for 10 hospitalized patients was<00:12:52.320> granted
• We really have had to limit those exceptions to people who have extraordinary need, aligned with what
• We really have had to limit those exceptions to people who have extraordinary need, aligned with what
• <00:33:50.399> to which extends The Limited exception to which extends The Limited exception
• <00:35:02.160> is patients not only if that exception is patients not only if that exception

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• No person shall solicit, offer, deliver except a campaign contribution during legislative session as
• except offer, deliver except a<00:18:01.520> campaign<00:18:02.000> contribution A legislator
• Then there's an exception for the 90 days immediately preceding an under the control of the Senate.
• <00:21:43.280> for Then there's there's an exception for Then there's there's an exception
• Uh, there's an exception for a time period immediately preceding. I don't know.

Keywords: 916, all

Summary: The Rules Committee met to consider a proposed Senate Rule 15-9 prohibiting campaign contributions in Senate-controlled areas of the Capitol, prompted by concerns about lobbyists and others distributing checks to legislators while legislation is pending. The chair read a leadership statement condemning campaign contributions during session when donors’ interests are under consideration, saying such conduct creates at least the appearance of impropriety and undermines public trust. The initial draft would bar soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in Senate-controlled spaces such as the chamber, gallery, floor, corridors, lounge, lobby areas, and committee rooms. Senator Barlo raised concerns about defining the Senate’s authority and the scope of the prohibited areas, asking whether the rule would apply year-round, during interim meetings, or to online donations received while in the building. Other members responded that the Senate could only regulate areas under its control and that the rule should focus on the Capitol building itself, where fundraising should not occur. The chair noted that many other states have similar restrictions, and members discussed whether the rule should also cover campaign contributions during legislative session, not just inside the building. Senators Guru, Rothfus, and Biteman generally supported a stronger rule aimed at preventing vote buying and preserving the integrity of the institution, while acknowledging the need to refine language for enforcement and scope. The committee reviewed examples from Alaska and Wyoming’s constitutional bribery language, and staff and members proposed revised wording that would prohibit any person from knowingly soliciting, offering, delivering, accepting, or receiving campaign contributions in the state capital complex at any time, and separately prohibit senators from knowingly soliciting or knowingly accepting contributions by affirmative act during regular or special session. The discussion ended with no final vote taken, and members indicated they would continue working on the language with staff.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think when it comes to accepted livestock management, so I would take a little bit of an exception
• So the concern with that is that nothing in this exception states any educational requirements.
• Of those three areas versus what was on the exception originally.
• The exception is not requiring any education.
• The exception is not requiring any education.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The conference committee on House/Senate Bill 2129 met to resolve the House amendment to the Senate-passed bill, which concerns exemptions related to veterinary practice. The main dispute centered on the House language adding terms such as “specialized or holistic trade” and expanding exemptions to include acupuncture/acupressure and non-veterinary dentistry, while the Senate preferred a narrower, more definitive list of exempt activities. Senators and House members discussed whether the word “includes” made the exemption open-ended, and whether equine dentistry should be treated as veterinary medicine or allowed as a separate practice. Testimony from Dr. Sarah Lyons of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and veterinarian Troy Dutton emphasized that dentistry, including equine dentistry, is generally considered the practice of veterinary medicine and can involve invasive procedures and animal safety risks. They argued the House amendment lacked educational or licensing requirements and could allow untrained individuals to perform procedures such as dentistry or acupuncture. House members raised concerns about rural access, shortages of veterinarians, and the practical reality that some horse owners and equine practitioners currently perform float work and similar services. After extended discussion, the committee did not reach agreement. Members noted that the House amendment language differed from the Senate version on the key exemption provisions, and that further review of proposed alternative language would be needed. A motion was made and approved by roll call that the committee was unable to agree at this time and would schedule another meeting. The meeting was then adjourned pending rescheduling.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's much higher use of exceptions than originally anticipated.
• So that's much higher use of exceptions than originally anticipated.
• and then the amount for those exceptions.
• year over year when those exceptions are renewed.
• <00:30:40.600> are exceptions are exceptions are renewed<00:30:42.880> and<00:30:43.320

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• WITH LOW DOSE OPIOIDS THAT WILL NOT MEET YOUR EXCEPTION. PAIN IS ALSO VERY SUBJECTIVE AS WE KNOW.
• SEVERE PAIN IS ONLY AGAIN INCLUDED IN YOUR EXCEPTION AND THERE CAN BE SCENARIOS AGAIN WHERE PATIENTS
• WHILE THIS INTENSE DOUBLE DATE TO ENACT THE EXCEPTIONS THOSE EXCEPTIONS SINGLED OUT A NARROW GROUP OF
• THE EXCEPTIONS RUN COUNTER TO THE SPIRIT BEHIND THE LEGISLATIVE INTENT CREATED IN FLORIDA'S WRONGFUL
• IT IS A LINE DRAWN TO WHICH EVERYONE ELSE CAN SEEK TO RECOVER EXCEPT THOSE THAT FALL INTO THIS NARROW

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Pay raise and adopt that language with the exception of the non-germane portion of the bill.
• With the exception of one amendment that is clearly not germane.
• We've agreed with them, they've agreed with us, except this one amendment that's not germane.
• We've agreed on everything except this one non-germane amendment. Thank you, Mr. President.
• The bill, with the exception of one non-germane section. And with that, I move adoption.

Bills: SJR27, SB7, SB27, SB57, SB66, SB140, SB293, SB413, SB437, SB467, SB506, SB510, SB512, SB571, SB710, SB785, SB800, SB850, SB863, SB865, SB904, SB905, SB973, SB974, SB1191, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1494, SB1504, SB1522, SB1567, SB1579, SB1580, SB1723, SB1760, SB1838, SB1923, SB1946, SB1957, SB1964, SB2121, SB2167, SB2221, SB2321, SB2368, SB2373, SB2407, SB2431, SB2477, SB2587, SB2615, SB2807, SB2965, SB2986, SB3039, SB3047, SB3070, SB1, SB8, SB12, SB13, SB15, SB17, SB21, SB30, SB37, SB260, SB268, SB331, SB379, SB441, SB447, SB457, SB509, SB568, SB650, SB763, SB1198, SB1405, SB1506, SB1540, SB1566, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB1833, SB2018, SB2024, SB2155, SB2217, SB2308, SB2337, SB2601, SB2753, SB2778, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB145, HB300, HB493, HB2011, HB2067, HB2516, HB2525, HB2885, HB2974, HB3071, HB3372, HB3556, HB3595, HB5138, HB5246, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB705, HB1545, HB2017, HB2963, HB3642, HB3909, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59, SR695, SCR54, HCR153, HCR166, HCR168, SJR27, SB7, SB57, SB66, SB140, SB293, SB413, SB437, SB467, SB506, SB510, SB512, SB571, SB710, SB785, SB800, SB850, SB863, SB865, SB904, SB905, SB973, SB974, SB1191, SB1281, SB1300, SB1362, SB1504, SB1522, SB1567, SB1579, SB1580, SB1723, SB1760, SB1838, SB1923, SB1946, SB1957, SB1964, SB2167, SB2221, SB2321, SB2368, SB2407, SB2477, SB2587, SB2615, SB2807, SB2965, SB2986, SB3039, SB3047, SB3070, HB40, HB119, HB705, HB1545, HB2017, HB2963, HB3642, HB3909, SB17, SB21, SB509, SB1198, SB1506, SB1833, SB2155, SB2601, SB2778, HB300, HB2011

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, water infrastructure, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, water supply, environmental sustainability, school safety, emergency operations plan, multihazard plan, mandatory drill, disaster preparedness, emergency response, students with disabilities, impairments, special education, Section 504

Transcript Highlights:

• , prescription exceptions, and so many other exceptions filed in these cases, there is only one case
• You mentioned the exceptions of prescription that were filed.”
• “You mentioned the exceptions of prescription that were filed.
• I believe every parish in the state has them except Orleans. That's my understanding.
• I believe every parish in the state has them except Orleans. That's my understanding.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, any questions except Derazio, except for Derazio.
• You can be as reckless as you want because now we've got an exception here.
• The second is an exception to prosecution, and that's where the law carves out, OK, it doesn't apply
• exception.
• This bill will make it harder to do that by creating an exception.

Transcript Highlights:

• <04:19:24.680> for are exceptions for are exceptions for that<04:19:26.560> there<04
• So there are exceptions for 504s, IEPs. Are there exceptions for the educators themselves?
• So there are exceptions for 504s, IEPs. Are there exceptions for the educators themselves?
• So there are exceptions for 504s, IEPs. Are there exceptions for the educators themselves?
• So there are exceptions for 504s, IEPs. Are there exceptions for the educators themselves?

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 362, which would give the Department of Education rulemaking authority over educator licensing and testing requirements, including professional education assessments. Representative Ladd argued the bill is meant to preserve New Hampshire’s higher standards for teacher preparation and to avoid lowering requirements for licensed educators, while also allowing flexibility for career and technical education (CTE) instructors who may have strong industry experience but not traditional classroom credentials. Members discussed whether the bill should preserve industry-recognized credentials and basic academic skills testing while exempting CTE teachers from content exams; DOE Director Steven Appy said an amendment would clarify that the bill applies to initial licenses, exempt CTE teachers from the content-testing requirement, and keep current administrative practice on basic skills and industry credentials in statute. The committee also noted that an executive session would be scheduled later, likely the following week, to act on the bills and amendment. The committee then took up House Bill 90, dealing with the definition of part-time teachers. Representative Ladd explained that the bill is intended to let university and community college faculty teach limited hours in high school concurrent enrollment settings, especially in subjects like math and STEM where some schools cannot find locally certified teachers with a master’s degree. He said the measure is designed to expand student access to college-level courses, not to replace fully certified teachers or reduce standards, and emphasized that the bill is limited to faculty employed or contracted by the University System of New Hampshire or the Community College System of New Hampshire, with criminal background checks and ethics/conduct rules still applying. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the discussion ended with the understanding that further action would come in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there were some exceptions that were removed.
• There were some exceptions that were removed with this new law, and those exceptions: the law removed
• Those exceptions were removed by the federal law, and now we have removed them here in this rule.
• There were some new exceptions added in the federal law, and that includes...
• There were some new exceptions added in the federal law, and that includes some specific definitions

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee reviewed a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates with no questions, and several Commerce rules were approved, including repeals tied to the minority business enterprise and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act because they were superseded by Act 116 or duplicative of statute. The Insurance Department’s new rule for online marketplace guarantee providers was also approved, with Airbnb used as an example of the type of platform covered. The Department of Education presented an update to the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program to align payment milestones with Act 502 of 2025, and DFA presented a rule implementing a new tax credit for Arkansas rice used in beer and sake production under Act 874 of 2025. Members asked about verification of grain bills and whether the credit was broadly available; DFA said the rule tracks the statute and requires producers to submit the grain bill with their return. DHS then presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes from Public Law 119-21, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64, changing treatment of dependents and exemptions, and adjusting energy assistance income treatment; the rule was approved despite one public comment. Later, DHS Medical Services amended the Medicaid Rehab Hospital Manual to allow rehab hospitals to operate psychiatric units and bill Medicaid for those services, and also secured approval for a recovery audit contractor exemption because Arkansas law bars contingency-fee contractors and the state already has other program integrity safeguards. The Board of Public Accountancy’s rules implementing Act 428 of 2025 were approved after discussion of a new CPA licensure pathway requiring a bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience, changes to substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of a government/not-for-profit coursework requirement. The committee also approved the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, retained all 18 DAPSAF rules under a review of Group 3, filed outstanding 2023-session rulemaking updates, and adjourned after filing monthly updates.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there were some exceptions that were removed."
• "There were some exceptions that were removed with this new law, and those exceptions: the law removed
• Those exceptions were removed by the federal law, and now we have removed them here in this rule.
• There were some new exceptions added in the federal law, and that includes..."
• "There were some new exceptions added in the federal law, and that includes some specific definitions

Summary: The Administrative Rules Subcommittee met to review a series of agency rules and related requests. The Department of Corrections and Post-Prison Transfer Board reported quarterly updates and had no questions, so both were filed. The Department of Commerce sought repeal of rules tied to the minority and women-owned business enterprise programs and the Consolidated Incentives Act, explaining the rules were repealed by implication or duplicative of statute; all were reviewed and approved. The Insurance Department presented a new rule implementing Act 426 of 2025 for online marketplace guarantee providers, using Airbnb-style host damage protection as an example, and it was approved. The Department of Education updated the Arkansas Adult Diploma Program rule to reflect statutory payment amounts for milestones and diplomas, and it was approved. DFA presented a rule creating a reporting method for the Arkansas rice beer and sake excise tax credit; members asked about verification of Arkansas rice use, and the rule was approved. DHS presented a SNAP rule implementing federal changes to work requirements and energy assistance counting, including raising the able-bodied adult without dependents age limit to 64 and removing some exemptions; it was approved after questions about terminology and waiver-related issues. The committee also approved DHS Medicaid rules allowing rehab hospitals to bill for psychiatric units and exempting Arkansas from the federal recovery audit contractor requirement, citing other program integrity measures already in place. The State Board of Public Accountancy, under Labor and Licensing, presented rules implementing Act 428 of 2025, including a new CPA licensure pathway with a bachelor’s degree plus two years’ experience, substantial equivalency for out-of-state CPAs, and removal of the government not-for-profit accounting requirement; despite some negative comments, both rules were approved. The committee then granted the Department of Education’s request to be excluded from certain reporting requirements, and approved its request to retain all 18 Division of Public School Academic Facilities and Transportation rules under Act 781 review. Remaining outstanding 2023-session rulemaking and monthly updates were noted in packets with no questions, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Darby was passed, which did raise the minimum age to marry to be 18, but they had, they allowed an exception
• Sex with a 16-year-old is a crime if the perpetrator falls out of the close in age exception unless the
• Therefore, a marriage license involving a 16-year-old and a spouse outside the close in age exception
• We ask that the committee report HB 168 favorably, creating a bright line of 18, no exceptions.
• Have there been any, uh, in the states that have banned it to or raised the age to 18 with no exceptions

Bills: HB168

Keywords: certificates of obligation, local government debt, municipal finance, county finance, public works, bond election, voter petition, registered voters, refinancing certificates, Texas Local Government Code, municipality, county, hospital district, infrastructure financing, public improvement, debt issuance, general obligation alternative, public oversight, local bonds, historic preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• However, they allowed an exception for minors who are emancipated if the minor... or is at least 16 years
• Therefore, a marriage license... involving a 16-year-old and a spouse outside the posted age exception
• We ask that the committee report HB168 favorably, creating a bright line of 18, no exceptions.
• In the states that have banned it or raised the age to 18, with no exception, have there been...?
• Mothers in wedlock, not the exception for statutory rape for spouses.

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate is prepared to accept the House's offer with the exceptions of the following lines, which
• For the implementing bill, we agree with the Senate with the exception of the following lines: 2, 6,
• For proviso, we agree with the Senate offer with the exception of the following lines, all lines related
• We agree with the Senate offer, with the exception of the following lines: all lines related to the enterprise
• For the back of the bill, the House accepts the Senate's offer except for the following lines on the

Summary: The Appropriations Conference Committee on Agriculture, Environment, General Government, State Administration, and IT met to reconcile differences between House and Senate budget offers, including the budget spreadsheet, proviso, implementing bill, and back-of-the-bill items. Members reviewed a large number of line items and project rows, with both chambers agreeing to many provisions while identifying specific lines to be bumped. The Senate accepted the House offer on most items but rejected numerous listed lines and certain projects; the House likewise accepted the Senate offer with exceptions on several implementing, proviso, and enterprise-related lines, including enterprise cybersecurity resiliency items. The committee also resolved differences on the back of the bill, with the House accepting the Senate offer except for several proviso spreadsheet lines, and the Senate concurring on those items to be bumped. After noting that the committee’s work at this level was complete, members exchanged thanks and praised the collaborative process. Senator Collins moved to allow staff to make technical and conforming adjustments related to the bump process, and the motion was adopted without objection. There was no public comment. Senator McLean then moved that the committee rise, and the meeting adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• And SB 52 addresses this responsibly by establishing a narrow exception for volunteers who provide armed
• Except for one—that's what my intent is in this. So concurrently, we should raise a...
• They're not doing anything sophisticated except for some of the kids of the North Miami area who do the
• They're not doing anything sophisticated, except for some of the kids of the North Miami area who do
• There is no exception for a minor in possession of a firearm.

Bills: S0050, S0052, S0432, S0436, S0524, S0536, S0590, S0676

Keywords: veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.