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• Through the leadership of the lieutenant governor, Mr.

Bills: SB241, SB145, HB2

Keywords: child care, child care assistance, child care subsidy, early childhood education, early childhood care, daycare, preschool, pre-K, Head Start, Early Head Start, Children's Code, early childhood education and care department, ECECD, child care facilities, licensed child care, registered child care, copayments, waitlist, subsidy, federal poverty level

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• My name is Lieutenant Tom Ruiz. I'm a member of Albuquerque Fire Rescue.

Keywords: 996, all

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• political reasons, especially the seat I'm talking about, the former Representative Caruso and current Lieutenant

Bills: S0460, S0748, S1180, S1334

Keywords: special elections, vacancy, Governor authority, election timeframe, judicial determination, voting rights, felony, sentencing, civil rights, criminal justice, rehabilitation, elections, voter registration, citizenship, provisional ballots, election fraud

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum and took up several election-related bills. CS/SB 1180 by Senator Arrington, which creates a recall framework for elected community development district board members and also addresses synthetic turf regulation and CDD eligibility, was presented briefly and then approved unanimously. SB 460 by Senator Polsky, requiring the governor to call special elections within set deadlines after vacancies and allowing judicial relief if deadlines are not met, also passed unanimously after members discussed flexibility for emergencies and the cost of delayed elections. The committee then heard SB 748 by Senator Bracy Davis, which would add constitutional voting-rights restoration language to the sentencing score sheet given to felony defendants. Supporters said it would improve clarity and notice without changing eligibility, and the bill was favorably reported unanimously. The committee also confirmed several appointees, including Jim Milliken and Alicia McShea to the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Robert P. Estalas as Director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and additional gubernatorial appointees listed on the agenda, all by favorable votes. The longest discussion centered on Senator Grall’s strike-all amendment for SB 1334, an elections bill dealing with citizenship verification, Real ID and SAVE database use, paper-ballot voting, candidate qualification rules, and related election administration changes. Supporters argued it would streamline verification and ensure only citizens vote, while opponents warned it would create burdens, disenfranchise eligible voters, and impose costs and administrative confusion. After extensive public testimony both for and against, the committee adopted an amendment to allow supervisors of elections to observe holidays when not otherwise required to be open, then approved the strike-all as amended by a 6-2 vote, with Senators Polsky and Bernard voting no. The meeting then adjourned after members recorded their votes on earlier items.

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• He's a lieutenant in special investigations.

Keywords: 914, all

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• She's also the mother of Lieutenant Jess Matthews, a naval officer and one of my best friends.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened for an opening-day floor session marked by ceremonial activities, including the invocation, posting of the colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and musical performances. Members also welcomed the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Jason Jamison, and a large number of special guests, dignitaries, family members, and community leaders. The Speaker delivered extended remarks about Arizona’s history, the responsibilities of legislators, and the importance of civility and respect in the chamber. Guest speakers included ASU football coach Kenny Dillingham and University of Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd, both of whom spoke about leadership, culture, teamwork, and the role of athletics in uniting and retaining talent in Arizona. The House then took up organizational business. Members adopted amendments to the House rules for the 57th Legislature, Second Regular Session, and then adopted the amended rules as the governing rules for the session. The chamber also approved an emergency declaration for bill readings, allowing bills, resolutions, and memorials to be read by number and short title only. The Speaker announced two new standing committees for the session: Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, chaired by Representative Justin Wilmeth, and Rural Economic Development, chaired by Representative Teresa Martinez. A House Organizational Committee was appointed to notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business and to join a committee to notify the Governor. A lengthy portion of the meeting was devoted to points of personal privilege, during which many members introduced family members, constituents, local officials, educators, business leaders, veterans, and advocacy groups. Several members highlighted issues such as water security, affordability, education, health care access, reentry services, veterans’ citizenship, and support for working families. The session concluded with the House recessing and then reconvening for the formal start of legislative business, including committee membership changes and the first reading of a large slate of bills covering elections, taxes, education, health, water, transportation, public safety, and other topics.

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• And that's what she did for Maura because a lieutenant governor who was acting governor actually did

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• about rural New Mexico and how we want to get people outdoors, and the values that the Governor and Lieutenant

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• We've also engaged with other tribal communities, members, governors, and lieutenant governors at the

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• from patrolman, he did assignments with detective, motor, sergeant, finishing with the rank of lieutenant

Keywords: 988, house, all

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• All of that was cut short because of a lack of judgment by a lieutenant. in it, who has now been terminated

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Genesis Gonzalez, on behalf of Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, as a proud co-sponsor in support

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard a full agenda of bills focused on reproductive health, professional licensing and sunset reviews, consumer protection, and business regulation. Early testimony centered on AB 260, which would protect access to medication abortion, mifepristone, and telehealth reproductive care in California; supporters emphasized state protections against federal restrictions, while an opponent argued the bill removed safety safeguards. The committee also heard AB 714 on closing a loophole in regulation of low-cost commercial driving schools, AB 968 on allowing pharmacists to prescribe non-hormonal contraception, AB 671 on streamlining restaurant permitting, AB 1027 on strengthening cannabis product testing oversight, AB 1271 on broadband pricing and speed transparency, and AB 1332 on narrowly allowing medicinal cannabis shipments for seriously ill patients. Several sunset bills were also taken up, including AB 1482 on animal shelter and breeder transparency, AB 1501 on the Podiatric Medical Board and Physician Assistant Board, AB 1502 on the Veterinary Medical Board, AB 1503 on the Board of Pharmacy, and AB 1504 on the Massage Therapy Council. Testimony was largely in support of the measures, with many bills drawing co-sponsors or support from industry, consumer, or professional groups. AB 1503 generated the most sustained opposition, with nurses, physicians, and drug industry representatives objecting to expanded pharmacy technician ratios, standard-of-care language, and therapeutic interchange authority; supporters argued the bill would modernize pharmacy practice and expand access. AB 1504 also drew mixed testimony, with massage therapy groups supporting continuation of the council but raising concerns about proposed public records and governance provisions. AB 1271 drew a policy dispute over whether broadband reporting requirements duplicated federal FCC processes, while supporters argued California needed its own consumer-facing data and complaint system. After quorum was established later in the hearing, the committee began taking roll-call votes. AB 1271, AB 1332, AB 1482, AB 1501, and AB 1502 were all reported out on due-pass motions, with AB 1271 amended and the others generally amended or as introduced as noted. Earlier bills including AB 260, AB 671, AB 714, AB 968, and AB 1027 also received motions and were approved once the quorum was present. The chair repeatedly noted the lack of quorum during the hearing, but once one was secured, the committee completed votes on the agenda items and advanced the measures to Appropriations.

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• aware of this problem, with this practice being used against the Office of the Governor and the Lieutenant

Bills: SB383, SB1012, SB1181, SB1705, SB2075, SB2221, SB2586, SB2864, SB2994

Keywords: SB 383, ERCOT, Texas Utilities Code, interconnection, wind power facility, offshore wind, coastal wind, nearshore wind, Gulf of America, Texas coast, three marine leagues, electric grid, transmission line, distribution facility, renewable energy, battery storage, energy storage, grid access, power grid, electric service

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• Before I was promoted to captain, I was a lieutenant over a patrol division where we had one of these—they

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 Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony on several bills dealing with criminal discovery, crime lab access, controlled substances, community supervision, interference with officers, oilfield theft, and copper theft. On SB 1124, witnesses split over whether the bill clarified discovery law after the Heath decision or rolled back the Michael Morton Act; opponents argued it narrowed disclosure and shifted responsibility away from prosecutors, while supporters said it restored balance, limited harsh sanctions, and preserved exculpatory-disclosure duties. The committee later voted 4-0 to report SB 1124 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also heard and later reported favorably SB 1372, which resolves a statutory conflict over access to the DPS crime lab portal, and SB 1936, which changes how LSD “abuse units” are defined for testing and charging purposes; both were sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1937, which would require a subject-matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence, was also reported favorably and placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then heard SB 552, which would make people defined in the bill as “illegal aliens” ineligible for judge-ordered or jury-recommended community supervision, including deferred adjudication. Supporters said the bill would prevent state-funded early release of people who entered or remained in the country unlawfully, while county officials and immigration advocates warned it would be overbroad, difficult to administer, and costly to local jails and taxpayers. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to report SB 552 favorably, and Senator Huffman requested it be taken to the floor. On SB 1208, which increases interference with a peace officer or public official from a Class B misdemeanor to a state jail felony, law enforcement witnesses said repeat “auditors” and similar actors were creating dangerous confrontations and needed stronger deterrence; opponents argued the bill would chill protected filming and protest activity. The committee voted to report SB 1208 favorably and place it on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also took testimony on SB 1806, a committee substitute addressing oilfield theft and related crimes. Supporters from law enforcement and the oil and gas industry said organized theft of crude, equipment, and related materials is a growing problem and that the bill would strengthen penalties, allow seizure and sale of stolen product, and improve inspection and forensic tools. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill was reported favorably, with placement on the local and uncontested calendar. Finally, the committee heard SB 1646, which targets copper theft and fiber vandalism by increasing penalties, requiring reporting and recordkeeping for certain purchases, and adding training and enforcement tools. Telecommunications, law enforcement, and emergency-network witnesses supported the bill as necessary to protect 9-1-1 and critical infrastructure, while metal recyclers warned the bill could overregulate legitimate businesses and sweep too broadly. The committee later voted to report the committee substitute for SB 1646 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Senator, State Representative, Chief Justice or Justice of the

Bills: HB346, HB1360, HB1510, HB1606, HB1804, HB1805, HB2156, HB2391, HB2767, HB3022, HB3044, HB3272, HB3293, HB3493, HB3809, HB3824, HJR110, HB2463

Keywords: expedited service, business records, veteran-owned businesses, franchise tax, fee schedule, Texas Ethics Commission, election reporting, campaign finance, violation categorization, penalties, public disclosure, Texas Utilities Code, electric utility, retail electric provider, municipally owned utility, electric cooperative, vegetation management, tree trimming, line clearance, transmission line

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for having DPS here today to discuss Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan's 2025

Bills: HF2432

Keywords: HF2432, judiciary finance bill, public safety finance bill, corrections policy, crime victims, victim services, Minnesota victims of crime account, court fees, marriage license fee, financial crimes, fraud investigations, insurance fraud, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Commerce Fraud Bureau, wage theft, automobile theft prevention, nonprofit security grants, 911 funding, POST Board

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• I asked a lieutenant from the Miami-Dade Police Department if he could spare it, or just get to a certain

Summary: The committee took up a full agenda of criminal justice and related bills, beginning with SB 1180 on AI-generated sexual images. Senator Gates explained the bill was prompted by an Escambia County case involving deepfake pornography created from images of teenage girls, and a student victim testified in support. The committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Members then approved SB 500, creating a Spectrum Alert system and related training for missing children with autism; SB 726, making swatting offenders liable for prosecution, investigation, and restitution costs; and SB 494, which would create a statewide animal abuse database, after extensive support testimony from shelters, law enforcement, and animal welfare advocates. SB 964, revising objective parole guidelines to account for rehabilitation and program participation, also passed after testimony from supporters of parole reform and compassionate release. The committee next approved SB 1344, a juvenile justice cleanup bill with a delete-all amendment that updated truancy, CINS, detention risk assessment, and other juvenile justice provisions. SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding and allowing impoundment of involved vehicles, was reported favorably after limited opposition and support from law enforcement-related groups. SB 1136, increasing penalties for offenses involving minors and clarifying that ignorance of a victim’s age is not a defense, also passed after testimony from law enforcement supporters and two speakers opposed. SB 1660, on prostitution, drew the most extensive public comment: the sponsor said it was intended to distinguish trafficking victims from willing participants and shift penalties toward buyers and facilitators, while survivors, prosecutors, and advocates debated whether the substitute amendment would improperly criminalize prostituted persons; the committee ultimately adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved SB 1828, making trespass at large ticketed events and certain secured locations a felony, with discussion focused on crowd control and public safety at major events. SB 1386, increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers and adding propane workers through an amendment, passed with broad support. SB 612, closing a loophole so minors who distribute deadly drugs like fentanyl can be charged with murder in certain cases, was reported favorably after testimony from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and opposition from civil liberties groups. SB 814, which would allow firearms on college campuses and at school-sponsored events, drew strong opposition from students and faculty and was reported unfavorably. Finally, the committee began SB 1604 on corrections with a delete-all amendment that addressed filing deadlines for DOC-related claims, execution-method language, tracking devices, involuntary treatment, and parole-related statutory cleanup; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

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• The legislature has to say, "Lieutenant Governor, what our presiding officer will indicate, of course

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• committee will be composed of 13 members, including representatives from the governor's office, the lieutenant

Bills: HB 26, HB 140, HB 141, HB 142, HB 215

Keywords: Medicaid, nutrition support, maternal health, chronic conditions, pilot program, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child protective services, child abuse investigations, child neglect, child exploitation, advisory committee, Family and Protective Services Council, council abolition, foster care, due process, investigative procedures, child welfare, parental rights, family preservation services

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• Lieutenant Lopez. And speaking of roads, we have overweight corridors in South Texas.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

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• And then, you know, in Orlando, I was a lieutenant. And then I transitioned to law school.

Summary: The committee met to hear an overview of Florida’s alcoholic beverage regulatory structure and a panel discussion on the state’s three-tier system. Emily Oglesby of DBPR explained the department’s licensing and enforcement roles, described common license types, and outlined the three tiers—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—along with tied-house restrictions and several statutory exceptions for certified Florida farm wineries, breweries with tap rooms, brew pubs, and craft distilleries. Members asked about licensing fees, the number and classification of distributors and craft producers, and how the exceptions fit within the broader system. Panelists from craft breweries, craft distilleries, wholesalers, and retailers then discussed how the system affects market access, pricing, and product selection. Craft producers argued that Florida’s rules make it difficult for small brands to reach retailers because they must rely on distributors that often prioritize larger, higher-volume products; they said limited self-distribution or other reforms could help small businesses grow without eliminating wholesalers. Wholesalers and retailers defended the three-tier model as a public-safety and anti-monopoly framework, emphasizing investment in warehousing, sales, compliance, and product vetting, while noting that they already carry some craft products and make selections based on demand, quality, and shelf space. Members also explored related issues such as direct-to-consumer sales, the role of excise-tax audits and inspections, and the emerging market for hemp-derived THC beverages and other alternative drinks. DBPR and industry witnesses said alcohol and hemp products are regulated differently, and several speakers urged the Legislature to consider clearer rules for these products. The meeting ended with no bill vote or formal action; the chair thanked the panel and adjourned after Representative Yeager moved to rise, with no objection.