Transcript Highlights:

• product and then um we do not because under 3915 this body told us we cannot give copies of child forensic
• interviews to defense attorneys they have to access those um through a secure system.
• I know with my, like even with my forensic experts, uh, I have to link up with them if I'm trying to

Bills: HB207, HB235

Keywords: HB 207, Texas Government Code, Section 411.201, license to carry, LTC, handgun license, concealed carry, federal judge, immigration judge, immigration court, U.S. immigration court, judicial security, firearm carry permit, Texas handgun license, federal judiciary, HB235, Texas, sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, disabled veteran

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we do not, because under 3915, this body told us we cannot give copies of child forensic interviews
• I know with my, like, even with my forensic experts, I have to link up with them if I'm trying to track

Bills: HB207, HB235, HB324, HB449, HB463, HB502, HB 1121, HB1445, HB1465, HB1778, HB1977, HB2000, HB2066, HB2596, HB207, HB235

Keywords: child protection, sexual offenses, obscenity laws, visual material, anatomically correct dolls, mannequins, robots, criminal offenses, sexually explicit material, minors, artificial intelligence, sexually explicit, doll, mannequin, robot, law enforcement, healthcare, insurance, affordable care, access

Transcript Highlights:

• These are expert witness intensive, meaning forensic psychologists.
• If there's medical issues, uh, we'll use, uh, forensic psychiatrists as well in these cases.
• teaching technology skills to the clients, how to use a computer, how to do a resume, how to do, um, interview

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:46:07.480> for<00:46:07.760> those interviewing for those interviewing for those positions
• <03:16:56.680> on them on the spot we did um interviews on them on the spot we did um interviews
• Resume development for interview, resume development for interview, practicing that sort of thing
• They're there for some forensic issue, which is prolonging their hospitalization.
• <04:26:19.479> issue they're there uh for some forensic issue they're there uh for some forensic

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You just said avoiding duplicate interviews.
• interviewers like a SANE interview type of situation.
• > own<05:02:05.040> interviews<05:02:05.558> and conduct their own interviews and
• County where trained forensic County where trained forensic interviewers<05:02:21.958> like
• interviewers like a sane interview type interviewers like a sane interview type of<05:02:23.320>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 146, which would require longer retention and quicker disclosure of certain video recordings from traffic stops and similar motor vehicle violations when a citation is disputed. The prime sponsor described the bill as a response to a constituent who challenged a speeding ticket but could not obtain a cruiser video before it was deleted under the current 30-day retention practice. Supporters argued the bill is about fairness and access to potentially exculpatory evidence, and one member suggested a simple 60-day retention period might avoid confusion over different timelines. The sponsor also noted that the bill would not affect criminal cases and that victims and complainants should have access to the same evidence as law enforcement when a recording is relevant to a defense. Major Brendan Davey of the New Hampshire State Police testified in opposition. He said the proposal would create a different discovery standard for one type of evidence, could discourage agencies from adopting body-worn or cruiser cameras, and would add cost and administrative burden. He explained that the State Police already retain routine traffic-stop videos for at least 30 days, but keep videos much longer when complaints or possible litigation are involved, and said the current system balances efficiency with accountability. He also argued the underlying speeding case did not make the trooper video directly material to the citation, though he acknowledged the legislature could choose a longer blanket retention period if it wished. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then opened a public hearing on House Bill 638, which would allow people serving life without parole sentences to become eligible for a parole hearing at age 60 after serving at least 18 years, provided they have had no major conduct violations in the prior 10 years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give a narrow second look to a small number of elderly prisoners, citing the high cost of incarceration and the health challenges of aging in prison. He emphasized that the bill would not automatically release anyone, would not apply to capital murder convictions under RSA 630:1, and would still allow victims to participate in the parole process. Testimony on HB 638 was mixed. Alexander Bailey, a survivor of violent crime and domestic violence advocate, supported the bill, saying many survivors favor rehabilitation, second chances, and restorative justice, and that people in prison often age faster and face serious health and safety problems. Another supporter, Russell Roy, began offering a personal story about crime, addiction, and violence in Concord, but the transcript cuts off before his full remarks. Committee members asked about why age 60 was chosen, how released individuals would support themselves, and whether victims or families would be consulted; the sponsor said 60 was meant to limit eligibility and reflect the health realities of prison, and that parole boards already consider support networks and victim input. No action or vote was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• CHUNK OF WHAT WE FIND HERE FOR OUR STATE'S LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY IS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND FORENSIC
• INMATES WOULD JOKE THEY DON'T NEED LOTS FOR THEIR LOCKERS, IS THAT GOOD OF AN ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE IN INTERVIEWING
• OR 30 YEAR MANDATORY SET BY THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM THE COMMISSION CONDUCTS WHAT'S CALLED AN INITIAL INTERVIEW
• FOLLOWING THE INITIAL INTERVIEW THEY CONDUCT SUBSEQUENT INTERVIEWS AND A SET PERIOD.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The remaining slides present. data on the number of beds we have online currently, as well as the forensic
• Slide 9 shows the non-maximum security forensic waitlist.
• A lot of that higher cost is attributed to the type of patient, so forensic patients. which is about
• Ninety-one of those 169 are forensic, and the rest are civil. at 78, and also I will add that some of
• This is four forensic patients that are being treated. are with us for a longer stay and are ready to

Keywords: budget, House Bill 1, public education, healthcare, border security, federal funding, spending limits

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the proposed budget for the upcoming biennium, with substantial discussions around House Bill 1 and its implications for public education, healthcare, and border security. The Comptroller presented a revenue overview indicating a total of $194.6 billion available for general purpose spending, which reflects a slight decrease compared to previous years due to fluctuating economic conditions. Members raised questions regarding spending limits and the impact of federal funding on state programs, highlighting concerns about the sustainability of funding in light of potential changes at the federal level.

Transcript Highlights:

• Equally concerning, beyond the initial forensic exam, survivors are not guaranteed adequate post-assault
• will prevent unnecessary decompensation of defendants while awaiting trial, reduce strain on the forensic
• Texas continues to struggle with a growing forensic wait-list crisis, leaving individuals with mental
• We have someone from the forensic mental health, the Harris Center, here as a resource as well.

Bills: HB47, HB171, HB285, HB305, HB449, HB908, HB 1024, HB 1306, HB1443, HB1445, HB1741, HB1866, HB1902, HB2001, HB2282, HB2355, HB2492, HB2637, HB2697, HB3464, HB4263, HB4996, HB5667

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met with a quorum and heard a long agenda of bills on criminal justice, public safety, mental health, victims’ rights, and related administrative issues. Early bills included HB 47, the omnibus sexual assault survivors bill, which would expand post-assault care, require courts to consider delays for adult survivors, bar sex offenders from rideshare driving, allow lease termination regardless of where an assault occurred, and require more reporting from sexual assault response teams. Testimony was generally supportive, though one witness raised concern that the bill’s reporting requirements could jeopardize county grant funding. HB 171, the Annel Borrego Act, would set a minimum period for court-ordered chemical dependency treatment; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 908 would require missing children reports to be sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within two hours, and HB 1443 would criminalize possession and promotion of childlike sex dolls; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 567, changing juvenile board chair selection in Parker County, and HB 4263, a TJJD workforce retention bill, were also heard and left pending after brief discussion and adoption of committee substitutes where applicable. The committee also heard several bills focused on jail and prison safety, court process, and victim protection. HB 2282 would raise the arrest warrant fee from $50 to $75; constables supported it as a cost-recovery measure, while the Texas Fair Defense Project opposed it as a regressive fee that burdens low-income defendants. HB 3464 would increase penalties for correctional employees who bring drugs or alcohol into prisons, with support from Harris County jail officials and a formerly incarcerated advocate who described the dangers of contraband and retaliation. HB 285, “Poncho’s Law,” would add criminal negligence to non-livestock animal cruelty offenses; animal welfare advocates said it would close a loophole that lets pet service businesses avoid accountability, and the bill was left pending. HB 2355 would keep certain Crime Victims Compensation records confidential when held by the Attorney General, and HB 2637 would standardize jury exemption ages and clean up jury disqualification reporting; both were left pending after limited testimony. Mental health and competency-related bills received significant attention. HB 305 would require a pretrial hearing within 14 days after a defendant is restored to competency, aimed at reducing repeated decompensation and the forensic waitlist; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 1741 would tighten procedures for not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity outpatient commitments by requiring a stronger nexus to the receiving county and clearer supervision authority; law enforcement and mental health witnesses said it would improve public safety and treatment success. HB 2492 would make the four-hour family-violence post-bond cooling-off period mandatory rather than discretionary, and HB 1445 would allow a managed assigned counsel director to designate someone to approve certain payments for indigent defense attorneys; both were left pending. HB 1024 would require prompt execution of warrants for parole violators on superintensive supervision, and HB 1306 would extend first-responder-style benefits to death investigation professionals; neither drew opposition in the hearing. The committee also heard a series of public integrity and technology bills. HB 449 would expand the deepfake sexual content statute to include sexually explicit images, with Public Citizen supporting the change as necessary to address a rapidly growing problem. HB 1902 would create a new offense for “jugging,” or following bank or ATM customers to rob them; the Texas Bankers Association supported it. HB 2697 would require sureties to notify prosecutors before surrendering a felony defendant’s bond, and HB 2001 would sharply increase penalties for misuse of public information for financial gain and related coercion, with prosecutors and Texas Rangers describing bid-rigging and public corruption investigations as difficult to prove under current law because of short limitations periods and limited penalties. HB 1866 would grant Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service rangers within Texas park boundaries, and HB 4996 would increase penalties for fraudulent liens filed against public servants. Throughout the hearing, most bills were left pending after testimony, and several committee substitutes were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• School is not designed to be a structured interview with a child.
• It actually minimizes the number of times that a child has to go through the process of being interviewed
• not require scientific peer-reviewed clinical data and would be developed absent any input from forensic
• peer-reviewed, science-based evidence and input from rare disease experts, complex care providers, forensic

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001, HB136

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been our experience through interviews of those that we've arrested, or at least issued citations
• to design equipment to kind of defeat what's in the statute and it's been our experience through interviews
• We do interview them, and they are very gracious in their responses to us.
• equipment as well as storing it, as well as our federal partners having to come in to assist us with forensic

Summary: The Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee met to hear a panel on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gaming in Florida. The chair opened with a video showing seized machines at a Florida Gaming Control Commission warehouse and described the scale of illegal operations. Panelists included the commission’s executive director, local sheriffs and police officials, and state attorneys from several counties, who described widespread illegal slot-machine locations, often in strip malls or convenience-store-type settings, and said the machines are typically used in organized criminal activity rather than legitimate amusement gaming. Witnesses repeatedly said the current penalty structure is ineffective because possession and operation of illegal slot machines are generally second-degree misdemeanors, which they described as too minor to deter operators who can quickly reopen after paying fines or completing diversion. They said enforcement is resource-intensive, requiring undercover work, search warrants, machine seizure, storage, forensic review, and long prosecutions, often while the same operators reopen elsewhere. Several panelists cited associated crimes such as robberies, firearms offenses, prostitution, drug activity, human trafficking, and at least some homicides tied to illegal gaming locations. Members also asked about the difference between legal amusement devices and illegal slot machines, online gambling, illegal horse racing, local licensing and ordinances, and whether manufacturers or distributors could be pursued. The commission and prosecutors said legal slot machines are limited to specific regulated locations and that lawful amusement machines lack a material element of chance. They said many illegal machines are imported or reworked versions of gaming devices and that upstream accountability is difficult under current law. Panelists also discussed cooperation with licensed casinos, tribal gaming entities, and local governments, noting that some local ordinances have tried to permit or limit these businesses. The main policy takeaway from the panel was a call to increase penalties, likely to felony-level offenses, and to consider stronger forfeiture and enforcement tools. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the panelists.

Transcript Highlights:

• Independent research from the R Street Institute, the Journal of Forensic Sciences, and the National
• chance to practice a litany of lawyering skills, such as research, evidence preparation, witness interviewing
• My name is Drew Cross, C-R-O-S-S, and I'm the State Forensic Program Coordinator.
• AB 550 suggests changes to NRS 178.461, which allows for up to a 10-year commitment at a secure forensic
• is committed to the division if the risk assessment determines the person does not need inpatient forensic

Bills: AB102, AB108, AB117, AB213, AB220, AB221, AB251, AB259, AB331, AB336, AB375, AB379, AB409, AB475, AB476, AB550, AB575, AB594, SB466

Keywords: emergency medical services, ambulance, licensing, health district, paramedic, training requirements, outdoor education, recreation, grant program, environment, funding, special license plates, vehicle registration, custom plates, state revenue, transportation, public works, prevailing wage, custom fabrication, nonstandard materials

Transcript Highlights:

• organizations that didn't necessarily have the credentialing that they should be a part of that, those forensic
• interviews.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee first addressed Senate Bill 2387, which had previously included language expanding the definition of a sexual assault victim advocate to include advocates from organizations serving victims of sexual trafficking or other sexual violence. After concerns were raised that the language could broaden participation in forensic interviews beyond appropriately credentialed organizations, the parties agreed to remove that added language. The committee then reconsidered its prior action, adopted the amendment striking the new language, and passed SB 2387 as amended on a 12-0-1 roll call vote. The bulk of the meeting focused on Representative Nelson’s proposed changes to a 340B-related bill, centered on expanding reporting and transparency requirements. His draft would require hospitals to report how 340B savings are used, and would also add reporting by drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers on rebates, pricing, ownership interests, 340B savings, premiums, claims, and related data. Nelson argued the reporting was needed to give lawmakers better information about how the 340B program affects hospitals, insurers, pharmacies, and public costs, and noted the Department of Corrections also benefits from the program. Testimony was mixed but generally supportive of more transparency. Sanford Health Plan said it needed more time to review carrier impacts and had concerns about employer-related language and rebate reporting. The North Dakota Hospital Association supported hospital transparency and said the broader approach was appropriate because hospitals are only one part of the 340B system. Several members raised procedural concerns about the scope of the proposal and the lack of a drafted LC amendment. The committee decided not to take final action on the 340B proposal that day, instead forming a subcommittee led by Representative Hendricks, with Representatives Dobervich and Bolinske, to work with LC and return with drafted language for further review on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• So when kids are getting their forensic interviewing done, the dogs are meeting with those kids before
• , and we're not sitting on the interview because we don't want to sway the interview, but then we meet
• So when kids are getting their forensic interviewing done, the dogs are meeting with those kids before
• , and we're not sitting on the interview because we don't want to sway the interview, but then we meet
• psychologist. conquered as a forensic psychologist.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:07:20.400> But<00:07:20.800> everything their phase interviews.
• But everything their phase interviews.
• the child in the family and interviews the child in the family and whether<00:08:06.240> or<00
• <00:45:08.880> We our forensic psychiatric hospital.
• We our forensic psychiatric hospital.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the May 12 minutes, then deferred item 285 on the routine personal service contract green list for Western Kentucky University to the July 2026 meeting. It also noted that several deferred university contracts had been withdrawn by the institutions, and then approved the remaining agenda items without objection, including personal service contracts, amendments, memoranda of agreement, Kentucky Entertainment incentive agreements, deferred items, and corrections, except for items pulled for further review. The main pulled item was a Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts contract supporting Fayette District Court’s juvenile treatment court through Fayette County Public Schools. Court officials explained that the program, created under Supreme Court rules in 2022, serves court-connected juveniles with mental health and related needs, operates at the courthouse, and uses a school-employed program manager funded through a pass-through arrangement with Fayette County Public Schools and the Urban County Government. They said the program has had over 100 referrals, accepted about half, and had at least 25 successful graduates, with 11 high school graduates among participants. Members asked about who pays for drug screens, family involvement, and what counts as successful completion; the officials said the Urban County Government’s Division of Youth Services pays for drug screens and services, and that parents must participate in classes and support services. The committee then approved the contract review, with some members explaining their votes in support and one member emphasizing the committee’s role in reviewing contracts in the public interest. The committee also reviewed two Auditor of Public Accounts contracts. The auditor’s representative said contract 11, with Vantage Point Solutions, will examine the Kentucky Communications Network Authority/Kentucky Wired network for $700,000, well below the $1.5 million appropriated, and that a report is expected before the 2027 regular session. Contract 12 funds a special examination of investment managers used by Kentucky’s retirement systems, prompted by a Legislative Oversight and Investigations request to assess whether investments tied to ESG factors are consistent with fiduciary duties; the representative said the retirement systems have been cooperative and that findings are expected on a similar timeline, with some flexibility built into the deadline. After questions about the Texas litigation referenced in the explanation, the committee approved both auditor contracts without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• I talked about our commercial vehicle enforcement division, our forensic lab, aircraft, K9s, a large-scale
• And with that, when someone resigns, we do an exit interview.
• we do an exit interview. we do an exit interview.
• We had 104 speaking engagements and completed 22 media interviews.
• and completed 22 media interviews. and completed 22 media interviews.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He had to wait many weeks before we could even get forensic psychiatrists in to interview him, and then
• He had to wait many weeks before we could even get forensic psychiatrists in to interview him, and then
• He had to wait many weeks before we could even get forensic psychiatrists in to interview him, and then
• He had to wait many weeks before we could even get forensic psychiatrists in to interview him, and then
• He had to wait many weeks before we could even get forensic psychiatrists in to interview him, and then

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when in your offices, interviews with people as they're entering the program, as you talked about
• the interviews, have you run across any applicants that you question whether they truly had stalking
• So, when in your in your offices interviews<02:10:25.120> with<02:10:25.440> people<02:
• 10:26.120> as<02:10:26.320> they're interviews with people as they're interviews with people
• ,<02:10:29.080> have<02:10:29.320> you the interviews, have you the interviews, have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One is to ensure that we have the right number of forensic pathologists and that we have the right number
• of forensic assistant pathologists and field medical investigators to ensure that we can do two things
• The next question I have is that you were describing I've been here at Forensics.
• And so our current forensic pathologists are at the maximum number of cases that they can do and still
• We already do exit interviews in collaboration with the AAMC, and so we actually have, you know, some

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They allow for reimbursement for travel expenses to and from interviews arranged by the direct care and
• <01:02:49.520> experience have the wealth of forensic experience have the wealth of forensic
• Special review board when it comes to forensics, but when it comes to the MSOP, we have participated
• Somebody would be civilly committed, whether that was into forensics or whether that was into MSOP.
• Somebody would be civilly committed, whether that was into forensics or whether that was into MSOP.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're interviewing for that attorney position now.
• And then, you know, one of the big buzzwords coming out of the 2020 election was, you know, forensic
• They go make the interviews, they make the prosecutor's prosecutorial discretion decisions.

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met to hear a lengthy presentation from Secretary of State Cord Byrd on Florida election administration, with a focus on how elections are handled during natural disasters, election security, and preparations for the 2026 cycle. Byrd described Florida’s response to hurricanes in 2022 and 2024, saying the state works directly with county supervisors of elections to tailor executive orders to local conditions, add or relocate polling sites, extend deadlines, and help displaced voters and emergency workers cast ballots. Members from affected areas echoed that local supervisors had managed storm disruptions well and that turnout remained strong despite major damage. A large portion of the meeting covered election integrity and security. Byrd emphasized Florida’s use of paper ballots, pre-election logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, public canvassing, standardized voter-intent rules, and strict vote-by-mail request and signature-match requirements. He said the Department of State’s Office of Election Crimes and Security investigates complaints and refers matters to law enforcement, and that Florida has expanded access to the federal SAVE database to verify citizenship. Members asked about threats to election workers, staffing vacancies, cybersecurity, ballot design, vote-by-mail address changes, and how the state coordinates with county supervisors, emergency management, and other agencies. Several members raised questions about voter eligibility and returning citizens, and Byrd said the department provides free information to help people determine whether their rights have been restored, while noting that court and clerk reporting practices still create challenges. He also said the department is considering additional legislative proposals, including more safeguards tied to driver’s license and citizenship verification and a possible statewide 100% audit of races before certification. The meeting ended with the chair encouraging members to visit supervisors of elections offices and submit specific ideas for future elections legislation; no votes were taken and the committee adjourned.