Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Bills: SCR100, SB2466, HB1163, HB1514, SB3082, SB2135, SB2727, SB3097, HB1696, HB2021

Keywords: endangered species, sanctuaries, conservation, nonprofit organization, biodiversity, Hawaii, wildlife protection, elections, chief elections officer, termination for cause, Hawaii election law, elections commission, commercial drivers license, non-domiciled, federal regulations, commercial learner's permit, citizenship, lawful residency, Department of Transportation, workers' compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• Did they have a prior felony violent conviction proven beyond a reasonable doubt where a firearm was
• convictions.
• If there's any ambiguity as to whether or not a firearm was involved in a violent felony conviction,
• </c> firearm was involved in a violent felony firearm was involved in a violent felony conviction,<01
• happened</c> felony conviction and it's happened felony conviction and it's happened three<01:42:40.719

Bills: HF1567, HF2809, HF3380

Keywords: public safety officer, peace officer, correctional officer, law enforcement, police privacy, officer safety, doxxing, personal information, data privacy, government data practices, private data, internet posting, online disclosure, residential address, phone number, email address, family member protection, child safety, school information, public records

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, this bill elevates illegal slot machine operation to a third-degree felony.

Bills: S0530, S0658, S0608, S1708, S0680, S0980, S0204

Keywords: Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond, security report, counterfeit ticket, altered ticket, false claim, ticket theft, fraud

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries considered and reported several bills. SB 530 on state lotteries was presented with two technical amendments adopted, including changes to lottery department contracting language and machine-purchase flexibility; the committee then reported the bill favorably. SB 204, which increases penalties for illegal slot machine operations to a third-degree felony and creates a declaratory-statement process for veteran service organizations to confirm machine legality, drew support from gaming interests and some soft opposition from a veterans group concerned about implementation; it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a proposed committee substitute combining SB 658 and SB 608 on water safety requirements for rental and vacation properties. The combined bill would require certain rental properties near water bodies or with pools to install specified alarms, locks, fences, covers, or similar safety devices, with enforcement through DBPR and a grace period for correcting some violations. Senators emphasized the bill as a response to child drowning deaths, including those involving autistic children, and the PCS was reported favorably. SB 980, as a delete-everything amendment, would create the Florida Agegate Act to restrict advertising, promotion, and display of non-FDA-approved nicotine devices in areas accessible to those under 21, with penalties and inspection authority; after questions about counterfeit products and enforcement, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved SB 1708, which removes a three-year out-of-state practice requirement for veterinary licensure by endorsement while keeping other competency requirements, and SB 680, as amended, which creates a sales tax exemption for electricity sold to EV charging station operators and transferred to consumers, subject to metering and affidavit requirements. Several members recorded votes after the roll calls, and the meeting ended with an invitation to return later for another bill before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, this bill elevates illegal slot machine operation to a third-degree felony.

Bills: S0530, S0658, S0608, S1708, S0680, S0980, S0204

Keywords: Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond, security report, counterfeit ticket, altered ticket, false claim, ticket theft, fraud

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met and reported several bills favorably. SB 530 on state lotteries, presented by Senator Pizzo, made technical changes to the Department of Lottery’s powers and duties, clarified definitions, and allowed more flexibility to purchase rather than lease machines; two technical amendments were adopted before the bill passed. SB 204, also presented by Senator Bradley, increased penalties for illegal slot machine operations to a third-degree felony and created a process for veteran service organizations to seek binding declaratory statements from the Gaming Commission about whether a machine is lawful; the bill was reported favorably after testimony from supporters and a veteran organization expressing concern about clarity and good-faith cooperation. SB 658 and SB 608 were combined into a proposed committee substitute on water safety for rental and vacation properties, requiring certain pool or water safety devices and adding enforcement provisions through DBPR; the merged bill was reported favorably after strong testimony emphasizing child drowning statistics and support from local residents and industry representatives. SB 980, as amended, created the Florida Agegate Act to restrict advertising, promotion, and display of non-FDA-approved nicotine dispensing devices around minors, with escalating penalties and inspection authority; members discussed concerns about illegal products and enforcement, and the bill was reported favorably. SB 1708 on veterinary licensure by endorsement removed a three-year recent practice requirement for out-of-state veterinarians while keeping other competency standards, and it was reported favorably with support from several animal and veterinary-related groups. SB 680, as amended, addressed double taxation of electricity used at EV charging stations by creating a sales tax exemption for separately metered electricity transferred to consumers, and it was also reported favorably. The committee also noted additional support forms for the water safety bill and adjourned after miscellaneous remarks and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just also want to be sure that this will only apply when and if convicted of a felony.
• When and if convicted of a felony, it would upgrade basically or enhance the mandatory minimums that
• of a felony for the sentence enhancement to apply.
• My concern is, but I have been advised it should be only applied for convictions.
• My concern is that it certainly puts convictions at risk.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Bills: HB85, HB94, HB276, HB323, HB374, HB586, HB656, HB998, HB1204, SB42, SB46, SB51, SB87, SB110, SB154

Keywords: animal abuse, registry, law enforcement, felony offenses, public notification, firearms, due process, confiscation, law-abiding citizen, government funding, self-defense, bail, contradictory bail hearing, Gwen's Law, pretrial detention, criminal procedure, child sexual abuse, child rape, sexual battery, oral sexual battery

Bills: SB342, HB379, HB326, HB233, HB388, SB342, HB379, HB326, HB233, HB388

Keywords: land bank, land bank authority, local land bank authority, Alabama Land Bank Authority, tax delinquent property, tax sale, tax lien, redemption period, quiet title, blight remediation, vacant property, foreclosure, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, intergovernmental agreement, county government, municipal government, redevelopment, brownfields, floodplain management

Transcript Highlights:

• The purpose of this bill, increasing a penalty to a second degree felony for overloading or overweight

Bills: SB 35, SB 1113, SB 1365, SB 1394, SB 2243, SB 2245, SB 2589, SB 2199, SB 2200

Keywords: transportation, TxDOT, Texas Department of Transportation, road projects, highways, infrastructure, bridge construction, interchanges, corridor improvements, road widening, railroad grade separation, sound barrier, unified transportation program, legislative notice, project prioritization, capital projects, state highway system, Farm-to-Market Roads, San Antonio, Harris County

Transcript Highlights:

• by the statewide voter registration database in response to a PRA request, and makes it a Class C felony
• an affidavit of voter registration or included in a voter registration file is guilty of a Class C felony

Bills: SCR8406, SB5892, SB5863

Keywords: civic health, community engagement, committee reestablishment, public participation, governance, voter registration database, election security, public records exemption, Secretary of State, county elections office, election infrastructure, cybersecurity, ballot signatures, ballot return envelopes, signature correction forms, voter privacy, personal identifying information, Social Security number, driver's license number, state ID number

Bills: S0314, S0530, S0576, S0800, S0990, S1078, S1440, S1568, S1588, S1614

Keywords: payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills related to engineering regulation, cybersecurity, financial services, and state administration. CS/SB 800 would increase penalties for repeated unlicensed engineering practice and create an engineering student loan assistance program funded by licensure fees and fines; it was reported favorably after questions about whether it would reimburse victims of unlicensed practitioners, with the sponsor noting it would not and that affected individuals would need to pursue complaints and private legal action. CS/SB 576 created a local government cybersecurity protection program administered by Florida Digital Service, with state purchasing of cybersecurity services and priority for fiscally constrained counties; it received support from local government and industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 1078 set transition requirements for gubernatorial administrations, including liaisons, briefing books, office space, IT access, and controlled access to agency records under a memorandum of understanding, and it also passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 314, which creates a regulatory framework for payment stablecoin issuers in Florida, and CS/SB 530, which updates lottery operations, security, retailer rules, and bonding requirements. CS/SB 1614, after adoption of a technical substitute amendment, would limit local governments’ eligibility for certain state funding if they have excess funds, have recently been audited by the legislative audit committee, or fail to affirm expenditure of prior funds; the sponsor said it would give the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee more enforcement leverage, and the bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 990 authorizes protective cell captive insurance companies to expand insurance market capacity and potentially lower premiums, while CS/SB 1588 is a step toward implementing last session’s gold and silver legal tender law; both were reported favorably. Additional bills passed included CS/SB 1440, which adds cybersecurity-related exemptions and reporting provisions for financial institutions, loan originators, and money service businesses, and CS/SB 1568, which creates a Florida Stable Coin Pilot Program allowing DFS fees to be paid with approved stablecoins. The stablecoin bill was amended to add guardrails, including fee limits, website notice requirements, and restrictions if no approved issuers are available. The committee also received a brief budget overview highlighting major funding items such as Florida Forever, Everglades restoration, water quality, Farmers Feeding Florida, citrus recovery, school lunches, state parks, and law enforcement and staffing items, and members later recorded additional votes before the committee adjourned.

Bills: S0314, S0530, S0576, S0800, S0990, S1078, S1440, S1568, S1588, S1614

Keywords: payment stablecoin, financial regulation, anti-money laundering, state oversight, digital currency, financial services, Florida lottery, state lottery, lottery tickets, lottery retailer, Department of the Lottery, Division of Security, ball machine, lottery vending machine, instant tickets, online lottery tickets, major procurement, vendor disclosure, performance bond, retailer bond

Bills: HB2775, HB2874, HB2940, HB4014, HB4067, HB4115, HCM2010, HCR2051

Keywords: international organizations, government resources, public institutions, Arizona Board of Regents, foreign adversaries, campaign finance, contributions, termination statements, reporting, penalties, electoral processes, healthcare, public benefits, eligibility verification, fraud prevention, Medicaid, SNAP, transparency, accountability, state land

Transcript Highlights:

• I had real concerns that the person who was up for appointment would kind of project the moral convictions
• I had real concerns that the person who was up for appointment would kind of project the moral convictions

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• I had real concerns that the person who was up for appointment would kind of project the moral convictions
• I had real concerns that the person who was up for appointment would kind of project the moral convictions

Bills: SM20, SM9, SJR6, HB124

Keywords: youth violence, violence prevention, violence intervention, community violence intervention, credible messengers, peer support, restorative justice, violence interrupters, juvenile justice, at-risk youth, high-risk youth, public safety, Department of Health, New Mexico, statewide summit, data collection, reporting, interagency coordination, community-based organizations, law enforcement

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Mary Patricia Roman to the State Investment Council. Senator Campos presented her as highly qualified, citing more than 34 years in global investing, leadership at J.P. Morgan, and prior service on the SIC investment committee. Roman described her experience with asset allocation, fiduciary responsibility, and the SIC’s vetting process. Senators asked about the council’s role in pension investments, staffing levels, and whether personal values could influence decisions. Roman said the SIC process is robust, heavily staff-driven, and insulated from individual value judgments. The committee reported broad support and voted 8-0 to advance her nomination to the full Senate. The committee then heard the reappointment of John F. Bingaman to the SIC. Senator Worth praised his leadership as SIC chair and his background in private equity, public service, and economics. Bingaman emphasized the growth of New Mexico’s sovereign wealth funds to more than $70 billion, the importance of staffing and asset allocation, and the SIC’s role as a fiduciary for New Mexicans. Senators asked about protecting the funds in a weaker market and about the Blackstone/PNM matter; Bingaman declined to comment on the memorial because he had not read it. The committee voted 9-0 to send his reappointment to the full Senate. The committee next took up Senate Memorial 20, calling for a statewide youth violence summit. Senator Lopez and an expert from the Council of State Governments said New Mexico lacks a cohesive statewide infrastructure for youth violence prevention and intervention, limited data collection, and enough evidence-based services. Supporters from the ACLU, behavioral health organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and youth advocates backed the memorial as a way to center lived experience, community engagement, and research-based solutions. Some members raised concerns that victims’ families were not explicitly included in the planning group, but the memorial passed on a 6-3 vote. Finally, the committee debated Senate Memorial 9, which asked the Legislative Finance Committee to study whether New Mexico should invest in equity stakes in PNM and New Mexico Gas Company and requested that the PRC pause consideration of the private-equity acquisitions while the study was completed. Supporters argued the state should examine whether utility ownership value could remain in New Mexico, protect ratepayers, and diversify revenue, while opponents from PNM, Blackstone’s representatives, chambers of commerce, and utility advocates said the proposal would duplicate the PRC’s review, create uncertainty, and risk higher rates and delayed investment. The committee adopted an amendment removing references to the PRC, but the memorial then failed on a 4-4 tie after a motion for due pass as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing the FBI was able to do to get him convicted was on public health rules and law.
• The individual in Arizona, I believe, received nine years, and that individual was also convicted on
• the best of our abilities, and when we find those that are not compliant, they should face a jail felony

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• The only thing the FBI was able to do to get him convicted was on public health rules and laws.
• To get him convicted was on public health rules and laws.
• And the individual in Arizona, I believe, was nine years, and that individual also was convicted on public
• abilities, and when we find those that are not compliant with getting rid of it, they should be a jail felony

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.