Transcript Highlights:

• The fact is that when they're going in to bring order into some of the protests, and especially when
• Now, what we're not doing here is we're not coming against the First Amendment in protesting.
• Modern protest movements— Modern protest movements frequently use satire, costumes, and absurdist imagery
• For example, a protester detained at an anti-ICE protest while wearing a Pikachu costume during a demonstration
• Protesters are not criminals, and I'd like to emphasize protesters are not criminals.

Committee: House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2931, which continues the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board for eight years. The sponsor and a Civil Rights Division representative testified that the board helps examine civil rights issues and supports transparency and justice. The bill received a due pass recommendation on a 5-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2862, a strike-everything amendment creating a sentencing enhancement for crimes committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, narrowed by amendment to Title 13 offenses. Opponents, including CAIR Arizona and the ACLU, argued it could burden religious expression and protest activity, while supporters said it targets criminal concealment and improves accountability. The committee adopted the striker and amendment and gave the bill as amended a due pass recommendation by a 7-2 vote. HB 4042 followed, requiring a potential father in a paternity action to serve the mother to avoid waiving certain rights and allowing failure to do so to support termination of the parent-child relationship. An adoption attorney said the change would close a loophole and align termination law with adoption statutes. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard HB 4136, creating unlawful entry into a residence where a vulnerable adult lives as a felony, with an amendment removing immediate-arrest language and other provisions. The sponsor described a case involving repeated harassment of a vulnerable adult, while opponents said existing trespass, burglary, and aggravating-factor laws already cover the conduct. The amended bill received a due pass recommendation on a 6-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are crimes, and we're not talking about protest.
• Those are crimes, and we're not talking about protest.
• Those are crimes, and we're not talking about protest.
• Those are crimes, and we're not talking about protest.
• Those are crimes, and we're not talking about protest.

Summary: House File 768, sponsored by Vice Chair Hudson, was heard with an author’s amendment (A4) adopted to remove a technical section and put the bill in the intended form. Hudson described the bill as a response to concerns about government monitoring of protected speech, saying it would bar the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from creating or maintaining a database of constitutionally protected speech while preserving the department’s ability to investigate actual discrimination, harassment, threats, or illegal conduct. He emphasized First Amendment protections and argued the state should not track speech simply because it is controversial or unpopular. The main testimony in support came from Ran Lee of Americans for Prosperity, who echoed the free-speech concerns and said databases of bias incidents can capture lawful speech and create a chilling effect. Representative Rest said she generally supported the free-speech goal but wanted to preserve the Department of Human Rights’ ability to produce biennial reports and analyze de-identified trend data on civil rights incidents, including emerging threats or hateful rhetoric, so lawmakers can respond to patterns without recording individuals’ protected speech. Representative Curran raised concerns that speech trends can relate to public safety and argued that attacks on human rights often begin as speech. Hudson responded that the Department of Human Rights is not a law enforcement agency and that the bill would not impede criminal investigations. He argued that trying to monitor “trends in thought” would be constitutionally problematic and produce unreliable data, and he distinguished protected speech from criminal conduct. Representative Feist said the department’s existing report already uses aggregate, non-investigative data and suggested there may be room to refine the bill’s language. The bill was laid over for further consideration, with Hudson indicating he was open to continued discussion and possible language changes.

Transcript Highlights:

• as flashbangs and tear gas against protesters.
• , or demonstration—lawful assembly, protest, or demonstration.
• These are not peaceful protests on sidewalks.
• People are free to disagree, they are free to protest.
• You don't allow protesters within 100 feet of an abortion clinic.

Summary: The committee met first as a subcommittee because a quorum was not initially present, and it heard several bill presentations. SB 1056 by Senator Grayson would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases, limiting copying and dissemination while preserving discovery and trial rights. Supporters, including Aaron and Denise Heskins-Quinn and the California District Attorneys Association, said the bill would prevent retraumatization and close a privacy gap; opponents, including public defenders and criminal defense groups, argued it was overbroad, vague, and could interfere with defense preparation. The committee adopted amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and sent it to Appropriations on a due pass as amended vote, with the bill held on call. SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching charges, including incidents involving protests and a home entry in Huntington Park; opponents from sheriffs’ and police groups argued the bill’s definitions were vague, could limit tactical discretion, and might conflict with existing law and task force operations. Members expressed both support and concern about definitions and exigent circumstances, and the bill was moved due pass to Appropriations on a vote, with the final roll held on call. SB 1070 by Senator Grove would make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defenders argued it would criminalize speech, rely on a content-based statute, and impose disproportionate felony penalties. Several committee members raised constitutional and restorative-justice concerns, and the bill failed on the roll call, though reconsideration was granted. SB 1130 by Senator Reyes would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses, limiting surreptitious recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and restricting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to emerging surveillance risks; opponents from TechNet and industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses beyond the actual wrongdoers. The committee accepted amendments reducing penalties, removing manufacturer provisions from the bill’s core criminal section, and creating civil penalties in the Business and Professions Code; the bill was moved due pass as amended to Rules, with the vote held on call. The committee also heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, which would bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; there was no public opposition, but some members questioned the need for a constitutional amendment given the lack of evidence of abuse, and discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And among the protesters were children, the elderly, even pets.
• TEAR GASSED KIDS, PROTESTERS FROM UNION FAMILIES IN PORTLAND, OREGON, CAME TOGETHER TO EXERCISE THEIR
• AND AMONG THE PROTESTERS WERE CHILDREN, THE ELDERLY, EVEN PETS.
• Just as the protesters in Selma and Birmingham had to make sure that that lesson got across to the law
• Just as the protesters in Selma and Birmingham had to make sure that that lesson got across to the law

Bills: HB3123 , HR980 , HB1458 , HR658 , HR988 , HB3497

Keywords: veterans, benefits, death, pension, family payments, estate, wildfires, natural disaster, California, anniversary, emergency response, rebuilding, first responders, community support, education, assistance programs, independent study, Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit, National Nonprofit Day

Transcript Highlights:

• Protesting against the banning of books, protesting against war and violence, protesting for the Protesting
• against the banning of books, protesting against war and violence, protesting for the recognition of
• The overall effect will be to push protesters off of the campus and onto the streets, where the protests
• In 2024, the protests attracted a fraction of the protests in 1944 and in 1970.
• Larger than either the 1944 protest of 8,000 students or the 1970 protest of 20,000 students, resulting

Bills: HJR1 , HB9 , HB21 , HB26 , HB30 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB630 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB1318 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB2703 , HB2809 , HB2890 , HB2970 , HB3307 , HB3526 , HB5092 , SB128 , SB203 , SB317 , SB393 , SB397 , SB644 , SB731 , SB801 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1073 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1232 , SB1250 , SB1262 , SB1285 , SB1310 , SB1359 , SB1444 , SB1483 , SB1705 , SB1782 , SB1861 , SB1897 , SB1944 , SB2023 , SB2043 , SB2082 , SB2133 , SB2215 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2309 , SB2532 , SB2549 , SB2566 , SB2617 , SB2619 , SB2639 , SB2688 , SB2696 , SB2717 , SB2790 , SB2841 , SB2847 , SB2850 , SB2857 , SB2891 , SB2919 , SB2928 , SB2972 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB1 , SB260 , SB1506 , SB1637 , HB37 , HB 109 , HB334 , HB 1130 , HB 1238 , HB1327 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB1689 , HB2081 , HB2809 , HB2884 , HB2890 , HB4215 , HB5092 , HCR7 , HCR75 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR126 , SB644 , SB1086 , SB1230 , SB1310 , SB1361 , SB1553 , SB1778 , SB1790 , SB2344 , SB2460 , SB2515 , SB2600 , SB2747 , SB2751 , SB2785 , SB2790 , SB3047 , SB3048 , SB3050 , SB3051 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3056 , SB3058 , SB3061 , HJR1 , HB 1130 , HB1689 , HB2884 , HB1393 , HB2559 , HB26 , HB3012 , HB1327 , HB 109 , HB 1238 , HB2890 , HB9 , HB4215 , HB2970 , HB37 , HB1899 , HB1593 , HB2607 , HB3526 , HB3810 , HB5092 , HB388 , HB2809 , HB 1151 , HB913 , HB3307 , HB879 , HB 116 , HB 12 , HB2703 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB30 , HB21 , HB2712 , HB2692 , HB1633 , HB1318 , HB685 , HB630 , HB4753 , HB2742 , HB303 , HB198 , HB1535 , HB762 , HB148 , HB1520 , HB5061 , HB2286 , HB1606 , HB 1041 , HB132 , HB 11 , HCR7 , HCR75 , HCR86 , HCR92 , HCR93 , HCR126 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB1310 , SB2972 , SB1073 , SB2847 , SB2532 , SB2619 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1359 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB2891 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1285 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB2460 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB2994 , SB2747 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1861 , SB2043 , SB1367 , SB2857 , SB128 , SB3058 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3048 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3056 , SB3043 , SB3050 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB1790 , SB1778 , SB203 , SB3061 , SB2799 , SB2790 , SB2688 , SB2515 , SB1230 , SB2522 , SB2639 , SB2459 , SB3051 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2617 , SB2751 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1897 , SB1749 , SB1361 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1782 , SB1705 , SB2696 , SB1944 , SB2215 , SB644 , SB1232 , SB2850 , HB45 , HB48 , HB 1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , HB33 , HB 1188 , HB210 , HB 1022 , HB1458 , HB5560 , HB 1240 , HB1950 , HB2027 , HB2768 , HB2788 , HB2791 , HB3146 , HB3698 , HB3699 , HB1893 , HB3700 , HB4850 , HB4187 , HB1397 , HB4885 , HB4804 , HB3751 , HB3611 , HB2775 , HB2061 , HB2003 , HB1729 , HB 1242 , HB791 , HB2029 , HB647 , HB2522 , HB4738 , HB3033 , HB3594 , HB3474 , HB2563 , HB2802 , HCR90 , SJR87 , SB2969 , SB3073 , SB2497 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB781

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, it allows protesters to gather outside a privately owned Planned Parenthood or hospitals where
• We must protect our right to free speech and our right to protest and our right to worship.
• Protesting our governor or president must always be a right that is protected because our protests are
• The federal government actually listened to protesters.
• If this bill passes, you— Listen to protesters.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended. The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended. In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, it allows protesters to gather outside a privately owned Planned Parenthood or hospitals where
• We must protect our right to free speech and our right to protest and our right to worship.
• Protesting our governor or president must always be a right that is protected because our protests are
• The federal government actually listened to protesters.
• If this bill passes, you... ...listen to protesters.

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 2664 is a solution to a growing problem: violent protests outside houses of worship.
• That's not protest. That's not peaceful protest. Peaceful protest, the line has blurred.
• And it makes me upset that it is, because we can't have civilized protest anymore.
• Civilized protest anymore. I see some once in a while, but a lot of them are not.
• And they're there to intimidate people, not protest.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills and took action on multiple measures. AB 1662 by Assemblymember Wilson, which would require notice to the DMV when a defendant receives diversion in certain driving-related cases so points can still be assessed administratively, drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, AAA, and road safety advocates, with opposition from the Western Center on Law and Poverty. The bill passed on a due pass motion to Transportation and was held on call. AB 1741 by Assemblymember Pacheco, as amended, would allow sexual battery committed during an unlawful residential intrusion to be charged as a wobbler; prosecutors and victim advocates supported it, while public defender organizations argued existing law already covers the conduct and warned the bill was overbroad. It passed due pass as amended to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2760 by Assemblymember Sharp Collins would let counties with an Office of Inspector General expand that office’s oversight to probation and animal control departments. Supporters, including the author, an Ella Baker Center representative, and San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, said it would improve transparency and help counties lacking capacity. Probation officials and Fresno County opposed, citing existing oversight structures and concerns about conflicts, confidentiality, and duplication. The bill passed due pass to Local Government, with some no votes, and was held on call. AB 1753 by Assemblymember Wix, the Survivor Pathways to Safety Act, would strengthen firearm relinquishment and protection-order enforcement, expand firearm prohibitions for certain threats and violations, and broaden remote hearing and notification provisions. Support came from gun violence prevention, victim, medical, and law enforcement groups; gun rights organizations opposed on due process grounds. It passed due pass as amended to Judiciary and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1743 by Assemblymember Wix, which would allow local governments and certain universities to request firearm trace data from DOJ for research and policy purposes. Supporters said the data would help identify trafficking patterns and inform evidence-based policy, while opponents warned about privacy, misuse, and stigmatizing lawful dealers. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. AB 2164, the Care Without Fear Act, would strengthen California’s shield-law protections for reproductive health care providers against extradition and related enforcement; supporters framed it as protecting lawful care in California, while opponents raised concerns about abortion and gender-affirming care and due process. It passed due pass to Judiciary and was held open. AB 2664, the Safe Worship Zone Act, would create a narrow buffer around houses of worship to prevent harassment of people entering or exiting; faith-based and anti-hate groups supported it, while civil liberties and some community groups opposed it as an unconstitutional speech restriction. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee then began hearing AB 2122 by Assemblymember Kalra, which would prohibit bench warrants for Vehicle Code infractions and allow noncustodial warrants for other infractions, but the transcript cuts off before testimony or action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is purely political and is going after pro-life protesters.
• I rise in opposition. a pro-life protesters near the Planned a pro-life protesters near the Planned Parenthood
• </c><00:40:15.680><c> It</c> protesters from blocking entrance?"
• It protesters from blocking entrance?"
• We Again, we pro-life protesters.

Bills: SCR96 , SCR164 , SCR172 , SCR166 , SCR182 , SCR7 , SCR59 , SCR58 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR184 , SCR11 , HB2296 , HB2315 , HB2343

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience, energy analysis, cost reduction, financial risk, Hawaii PUC, energy self-sufficiency, natural gas, energy transition, ratepayer protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Modern protest movements. of protected First Amendment rights.
• Modern protest movements frequently use satire, costumes, and absurdist imagery to protect political
• For example, a protester detained at an anti-ICE protest while wearing a Pikachu costume during a demonstration
• Protesters are not criminals, and I'd like to emphasize protesters are not criminals.
• Protesters are not criminals, and I'd like to emphasize protesters are not criminals.

Bills: HB2495 , HB2557 , HB2594 , HB2615 , HB2800 , HB2861 , HB2862 , HB2931 , HB2995 , HB4042 , HB4070 , HB4117 , HB4136

Committees: House Judiciary , House House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Keywords: vulnerable adults, sentencing, felonies, criminal justice, enhanced penalties, medical records, patient rights, healthcare access, privacy, healthcare providers, timeliness, address confidentiality, domestic violence, privacy protection, voter registration, court proceedings, parenting time, supervised visitation, family court, high-risk cases

Transcript Highlights:

• perceive, probably because of social media, that it's not a peaceful protest, that they need to come
• , I'm not quite sure what a non-peaceful protest is.
• sure what a non- peaceful protest quite sure what a non- peaceful protest is. is. is.
• If people are actually protesting peace, you bring a sign, that's fine.
• If people are actually protesting peacefully, you bring a sign, that's fine.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• as flashbangs and tear gas against protesters.
• Protesters.
• , or demonstration, a lawful assembly, protest, or demonstration.
• These are not peaceful protests on sidewalks.
• People are free to disagree; they are free to protest.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require courts to issue protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases and limit copying or dissemination of that material. The author and survivors Aaron Quinn and Denise Haskins-Quinn testified that the bill is meant to prevent revictimization and protect privacy while preserving defendants’ access to discovery. Opposition from public defenders and criminal defense groups argued the bill was too vague, could interfere with defense preparation, and inappropriately modeled adult-material protections on child sexual abuse material. After committee amendments narrowing the bill’s scope and clarifying access, SB 1056 passed out of committee to Appropriations on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some members voting aye and the bill kept on call. The committee then took up SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters, including the author, the mayor of Huntington Park, and advocacy groups, described injuries and fear caused by flashbangs and explosive breaching devices, especially in protests and immigration operations. Law enforcement organizations opposed the bill, saying the definitions were vague, the restrictions could hinder officers in fast-moving situations, and the immigration-enforcement language could conflict with existing task-force arrangements. Members discussed possible amendments to clarify definitions and exigent circumstances, but the bill was ultimately moved due pass to Appropriations and then failed on the roll call, with only one aye and several no votes. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove proposed making intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges for more serious conduct. The author and faith leaders said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions at houses of worship and protect religious freedom. Opponents, including the Friends Committee on Legislation, ACLU California Action, and public defender groups, argued the measure would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct that should be addressed through existing law or restorative justice. Several committee members also objected to elevating the offense to a felony, and the bill failed on a due-pass vote, though a motion to reconsider was granted. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting covert recording in places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting devices or technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill responds to rapidly advancing wearable technology and surreptitious filming, while opponents from tech and business groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and be too broad. After committee amendments reduced penalties, removed manufacturer provisions from the criminal section, and shifted them to civil enforcement, SB 1130 passed out of committee to Rules on a due-pass-as-amended vote, with some support and one no vote. Finally, Senator Troy presented SCA 2, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members; with no opposition testimony, members briefly discussed the proposal, and the transcript ends before any final action on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, they have the ability to protest.
• They have the ability to protest our findings if they choose to do that.
• We're in the protest period now.
• I think they can protest through sometime next week, through the 12th.
• The majority of protests have been heard, if not all.

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Uh, forming a protest is not the intent here.
• >> Uh, forming a protest is not the intent here.
• >> Uh, forming a protest is not the intent here.
• >> Uh, forming a protest is not the intent here.
• That's the to attend those protests.

Bills: HB0159

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• a street-level photograph of a property online would help property owners find comparables when protesting
• would give property owners the ability to research things on... online, in preparation for their protest
• adequate ARB members, appraisal districts are unable to complete the high volume of training... protests
• Teachers are a perfect fit to serve on the ARB since most protest hearings occur during the summer months
• You know, we are seeing increasing volume as more and more property owners protest their appraisals.

Bills: HB3557 , HB5578 , SB973 , SB974 , SB2068 , SB2073

Committee: House S/C on Property Tax Appraisals

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• What was the nature of the protest?
• I believe there were three, and the company that was awarded the contract before the protest...
• But you don't know the nature of the protest.
• I mean, I think we need to know why there was a protest and what the nature of that protest was, so I'm
• <00:23:40.840><c> I</c> protest I protest I mean<00:23:42.919><c> I</c><00:23:43.000><c> think</c><00

Summary: The committee approved the January 14 minutes and then considered a large agenda of contracts, including personal services contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, and Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program items. The chair noted the agenda contained 240 items and emphasized the need for transparency in how contract approvals work. Several items were pulled for questions, while the rest were approved without objection. The first major discussion involved seven contingency-fee contracts for the Attorney General’s office. Committee members asked about the apparent $20 million maximum per contract, and staff explained that the amount was a ceiling, not a guarantee, and that under the statutory waterfall in KRS 45A.717 a $20 million fee would require roughly $355 million returned to the Commonwealth. Staff also said the new batch included some new firms, that these contracts are being handled in 6- to 12-month batches, and that no money had yet been spent from the prior cycle. The committee then approved those contracts. Members also questioned a Cabinet for Health and Family Services training contract, which officials said was needed because Finance provides only Kentucky-specific training, while the outside vendor offers broader procurement and federal-funds training; the committee approved that item. A University of Kentucky capital project contract for the State Capitol exterior renovation was approved after questions about the open-ended date, total project cost, and expected completion, with staff saying the overall project is projected for substantial completion by the end of 2026 and final warranty work could extend into 2027. A DCBS amendment for SSI eligibility determinations for children in out-of-home care was explained as an increase caused by a protest, a reissued RFP, and more children entering care; the committee approved it after discussion of the protest and scoring details. The committee also approved a Transportation Cabinet amendment for an I-71 widening and interchange project in Oldham County after staff explained it was a time extension with no additional funds, though the project had evolved due to traffic changes and now includes an eight-lane bridge design. Finally, the committee discussed two Finance Cabinet facilities and support services amendments tied to the Capitol renovation and juvenile justice facility retrofits. Staff said the Capitol project contract covered the full design team, with completion projected around 2029, while the juvenile justice amendments covered additional design work for McCracken and Breathitt facilities, with final bid documents expected in June or July and construction anticipated to begin in the latter half of 2025. Both items were approved.

Transcript Highlights:

• What is the purpose of adding a 10-day protest period?
• So, the 10-day protest period will just give time for them to verify the validity of the signatures.
• And currently, there is no protest period. Thank you for the question.
• I'm not aware of there being a protest period in there right now. Mr.
• Chair, I do not believe There is no protest period at this time.

Bills: SB1491 , SB1581 , SB1286 , SB1451

Committee: House Elections and Ethics

Keywords: presidential electors, vacancies, oath of office, political party, elections, initiative petitions, signature gathering, protest period, grand jury, Oklahoma legislature, polling place, polling locations, voter access, county election board, precinct, municipal building, school building, school district, municipality, political subdivision

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would hate to see somebody participating in a Black Lives Matter protest.
• That doesn't say you can't protest. That doesn't say you can't hate us. You can.
• But we're afraid of some kids protesting on the campus.
• But we're afraid of some kids protesting on the campus.
• You can still protest in support of ideologies that you believe.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and reported several of them favorably, often after brief sponsor presentations, supportive public testimony, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early measures included PCS for CSHB 1069 on background screenings for athletic coaches and qualified entities, CS/HB 365 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and CS/HB 269 plus its linked public-records bill CS/SB 298 on domestic violence and dating violence. The domestic violence package focused on using NG-911 technology for discreet help-seeking, expanding protections to dating violence victims, and preserving confidentiality for participants in related programs. The committee also approved HB 6507, a claims bill for injuries involving DCF negligence, after limited discussion. Members then considered PCS for CSHB 1159, which increases penalties and updates terminology for sexual offenses involving minors, child sexual abuse material, and related crimes. The bill was amended to replace “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” and to address childlike sex dolls, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard CS/HB 529 on community-based care lead agency and subcontractor liability insurance. That bill would remove a statutory liability-insurance requirement for certain child welfare providers amid an insurance market crisis; it drew extensive debate, with supporters saying it would prevent agencies from shutting down and opponents warning it would reduce accountability and leave children vulnerable. It passed 15-4 as amended. The committee next approved PCS for CSHB 277 on domestic violence and protective injunctions. The bill creates a Pinellas County pilot for electronic monitoring with victim notification, raises the victim relocation allowance, strengthens penalties for repeat injunction violations, and adds protections involving military orders and pets. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from survivors, and the bill passed 18-0 as amended. CS/HB 1009 on government publication of advertisements and public notices also passed, after an amendment requiring notices to remain publicly accessible; newspapers and press groups opposed it, arguing it would fragment access to notices, while the sponsor said it modernizes outdated posting rules. Finally, the committee heard PCS for CSHB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations, which would create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and bar public support for them; the bill drew sharp constitutional objections from civil liberties, press, labor, and advocacy groups over due process, free speech, and viewpoint discrimination concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:59.440><c> against</c><00:13:59.760><c> and</c><00:14:00.079><c> writing</c> protesting against
• and writing protesting against and writing critically<00:14:00.959><c> about</c><00:14:01.279><c> the
• </c><00:36:14.160><c> in</c> Democracy is preserved with protests in Democracy is preserved with protests
• They're exercising their right to protest their government.
• They're exercising their right to protest their government.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you mentioned, the CCR limits the right to protest.
• That's an interesting word, that they can't protest.
• They're going to be under the state's definition of when they can protest or not protest.
• We're restricting their right to protest, I guess. Is that what you're saying?
• You know, protests that are allowed, First Amendment free speech rights protected.

Bills: SB27 , SB8 , SB15 , SB30 , SB268 , SB568 , SB650 , SB1405 , SB1540 , SB1610 , SB1637 , SB1660 , SB2024 , SB2217 , SB2308 , SB2753 , SB2878 , SB2900 , SB2972 , SB3059 , HB4 , HB40 , HB46 , HB 119 , HB145 , HB493 , HB705 , HB1545 , HB2017 , HB2516 , HB2885 , HB2963 , HB2974 , HB3642 , HB3909 , HB5138 , HB5246 , 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 , HB 1135 , HB3225 , HB186 , HB1449 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB3336 , HB3520 , HB3320 , HB5663 , HB2399 , HB 111 , HB3483 , HB4580 , HB3748 , HB632 , HB4730 , HB5690 , HB5689 , HB3385 , HB4359 , HB5381 , HB 123 , HB5606 , HB 1057 , HB3664 , HCR141 , HCR40 , HCR59

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several recognitions and memorial resolutions, including honoring retiring Senate staffer Kelvin Bass and Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw and her staff. Members also adopted a series of local and honorary resolutions, including designating Rockport as the Redfish Capital of Texas, San Antonio as Military City, Texas, and Bridge City as the Corn Dog Capital of Texas, along with memorial and medal-of-honor resolutions for Texans and service members. The chamber also received messages from the House reporting passage of various measures and conference committee actions. The bulk of the meeting focused on conference committee reports and related procedural resolutions. The Senate adopted reports and/or out-of-bounds resolutions on SB 293, SB 1610, HB 46, HB 145, HB 1545, SB 650, SB 1660, HB 40, SB 2217, HB 119, HB 493, HB 3642, HB 2963, SB 2024, SB 2972, HB 2516, HB 2885, and SB 2753, among others. Topics included the Texas Civil Commitment Office, the T-Cup prescription program, wildfire mitigation and utility liability, sunset scheduling, alcohol ID swiping at retail and package stores, business court jurisdiction, election administration and data consistency, foreign adversary lobbying, poll watcher qualifications, road naming, right-to-repair, disguised vape pens, and campus expressive activity rules. Several measures passed with near-unanimous votes, while others drew more opposition, including SB 268 on medical board enforcement and SB 2753 on election procedures. There was extended debate on SB 268, which would shift enforcement authority for scope-of-practice complaints to specialty boards rather than the Texas Medical Board. Senators raised concerns about whether the bill would weaken the Medical Board’s ability to stop unlicensed practice of medicine, while supporters argued that specialty boards should police their own licensees and that criminal referrals remain available for unlicensed practice. The Senate also discussed SB 2972 on expressive activities at public universities, with questions about content-neutral restrictions, who counts as the university community, and whether the bill provides a mechanism to challenge campus time, place, and manner rules. Both bills ultimately passed their conference reports, and the Senate later adopted a large package of resolutions by voice vote before adjourning further business.