Video & Transcript Research : 'Code Commission'

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AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Mar 18th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • . with the Mobile Judicial Commission. with the Mobile Judicial Commission.
  • Alabama code section abstensions. Alabama code section abstensions.
  • Uh this bill would update code to consolidate code would update code to consolidate code would update
  • code to consolidate code rem remove old references to old code in rem remove old references to old code
  • co in the code now?
Keywords: 1136, house, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 29th, 2026

Administration of Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • It comes with the recommendation from our Highway Safety Commission.
  • I'm the Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission.
  • It's just adding five articles from the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • It's just adding five articles from the Code of Criminal Procedure.
  • , and Rebecca Taylor Hill, post-Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Joint Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions, May 22, 2026 - AM

Corporations, Elections & Political Subdivisions

Transcript Highlights:
  • the current code. the current code.
  • <00:11:40.079> House in the code. Very important bill. House in the code.
  • Election Assistance Commission. Election Assistance Commission.
  • Commission. Commission.
  • Given that the Fremont County Commission is the only county commission which is drawn into districts
Keywords: 916, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Water Topics Overview Committee Mar 26th, 2026 at 09:00 am

Water Topics Overview Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • On the note of municipal funding, at the pre-commission meeting last week, the commission discussed all
  • The Water Commission hosts basin meetings then in the summer where we The Water Commission hosts basin
  • Another area: administrative code. Our new administrative code updates will go live April 1.
  • And what they did, we had a Natural Resources Commission back in— We had a Natural Resources Commission
  • I mean, Water Commission will always rate it.
Keywords: 908, all
DE

Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Natural Resources & Energy Committee Meeting Jun 17th, 2026

Natural Resources & Energy

Transcript Highlights:
  • item number two, which is SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, an act to amend Title 26 of the Delaware Code
  • So what will happen that is different: normally, if there is a regulatory advisory commission or if a
  • I'm the Chair of the Delaware Native Species Commission, and I want to read a letter from the Commission
  • At the February 2026 meeting of the Delaware Native Species Commission, the commission voted unanimously
  • At the February meeting, uh, 2026 meeting of the Delaware Species Commission, the Commission voted unanimously
Bills: SB9
Summary: The House Natural Resources and Energy Committee met and first considered SB 321 with Senate Amendment 1, the community solar utility billing bill. The sponsor explained that it would consolidate the two-bill system for community solar subscribers into one utility bill, with the utility forwarding the subscriber fee to the solar facility through an escrow mechanism so costs are not shifted to other ratepayers. Testimony from the solar industry, the Public Advocate, and environmental advocates supported the measure, emphasizing easier enrollment, fewer barriers for low-income customers, and guaranteed savings. The committee initially lacked enough members present to release the bill, but after a roll call vote it was released from committee. The committee then heard SB 9 with Senate Amendment 1, a wetlands protection bill creating a state non-tidal freshwater wetlands permitting program. The sponsor and DNREC described a framework of exemptions, general permits, and individual permits based on wetland type and value, with an advisory committee to develop regulations. Witnesses explained that “exceptional value” wetlands would include unique wetland communities and high-functioning wetlands, and that the bill was intended to preserve important habitat while allowing farming, drainage, and other exempt activities to continue. Some members raised concerns about flooding, land classification, and the balance of the advisory committee, while supporters said the bill was the product of broad stakeholder consensus and would protect wetlands without unduly harming agriculture or development. Public comment on SB 9 was strongly supportive from environmental groups, the Delaware Native Species Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Farm Bureau, The Nature Conservancy, and affordable housing advocates, who said the bill balanced conservation with practical land use concerns. After remote testimony, the committee took a roll call vote and SB 9 was released from committee. The meeting concluded with remarks thanking the chair for her service and instructions for members to sign the backers before adjournment.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The administration wasn't able to get that plan to the Little Hoover Commission until last month.
  • District of commission is certainly matters.
  • You guys are out there hiring another third attorney position dealing with codes and standards.
  • As stated above, the Revin Tax Code provides the state must return excess ERAF to the counties.
  • It's found to be reimbursable by the commission on state mandates.
Keywords: 988, house, all
ND

North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session

Agriculture and Water Management Committee Mar 31st, 2026 at 09:30 am

Agriculture and Water Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is something that needs to be presented to the commission, and the commission still has to go through
  • This is something that needs to be presented to the commission, and the commission still has to go through
  • This is something that needs to be presented to the commission, and the commission still has to go through
  • The commission is done to make changes.
  • It's not all just the state water commission.
Keywords: 908, all
NH

New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session

House Housing Committee (04/08/2025)

Housing

Transcript Highlights:
  • Codes code issues best address this by requiring the building code review board to update the code to
  • There's a plumbing code, a mechanical code, electric code, and so forth.
  • <02:39:38.800> So code, electric code, and so forth.
  • So code, electric code, and so forth.
  • building code. building code.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • We created our own code using Navajo words.
  • It's all up here, the entire code.
  • To developing the code. And it's not just for Navajo.
  • So, they gave it to the Code Talkers Association.
  • We had Code Talkers from Utah.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Elections Committee May 6th, 2026

Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • Delete the proposed criminal penalties in proposed Section 1507 of the Elections Code.
  • sections 1553 and to the Elections Code.
  • Will be brought back into Sections 18544 and 18545 of the Elections Code.
  • The code provides a six-month retention period where ballots are secured.
  • In fact— President Trump set up a commission during his first term, and the commission disbanded the
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on May 6, 2026, with a quorum present and took up one measure, SB 73 by Senator Svantez. The author described the bill as an urgency measure intended to strengthen protections around California elections, including restrictions on law enforcement or military presence at voting locations, protections for ballots and voting equipment, and limits on access to election materials. The chair also outlined a set of agreed-upon amendments, including removing a section to avoid conflict with AB 1664, deleting proposed criminal penalties in one section, clarifying language on vote-by-mail signature challenges, and refining provisions related to law enforcement support and certified voting technology. Supporters, including AAPI Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to protect voters from intimidation and to safeguard election administration from interference, citing concerns about immigration enforcement at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Additional supporters from the League of Women Voters and Common Cause registered their support. Opposition testimony from CALA argued the bill would impede legitimate investigations and federal oversight of elections, and questioned the need for the measure. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the bill addressed a real threat, the chain of custody for ballots, and the scope of the signature-challenge provisions. After closing remarks from the author and the chair, the committee voted to pass SB 73 and re-refer it to the Committee on Public Safety. The initial roll call was 5-1 with one member absent, and after the absent member’s vote was added, the final vote was 6-2-1. The bill advanced from committee.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Carol Swartzlander, California Commission on Aging, in support.
  • First, Health and Safety Code Section 1569.147, subdivision (c), states that subdivisions (a) and (b)
  • , because it's outside of the Health and Safety Code, makes things a little uncomfortable for DHCS.
  • Welfare and Institutions Code allows DHCS and DSS to...
  • Carol Swartz, from the California Commission on Aging, in support.
Summary: The Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee met on June 24 with a substitute chair presiding and considered three measures. SB 352 by Senator Reyes was placed on the consent calendar and approved unanimously, 7-0, to be re-referred to the Committee on Emergency Management. SB 433 by Senator Wahab, presented on behalf of Senator Stern, was heard next and focused on room-and-board protections for participants in the assisted living waiver and CalAIM assisted living transition community support programs. Supporters, including Justice in Aging, CANHR, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, the California Commission on Aging, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, argued the bill would prevent low-income Medi-Cal residents from being charged unaffordable rates and losing their housing. Opponents, including the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, and Six B’s, said they remained concerned about the bill’s rent-control implications and statutory scope, though they acknowledged recent amendments addressed some eligibility issues. After committee discussion, SB 433 was approved 5-1 with one abstention and re-referred to the Committee on Human Services. The committee also heard SB 582 by Senator Stern, presented by Senator Wahab, which would allow state departments to issue disaster suspensions of active licenses for facilities rendered inoperable by declared emergencies, waive some licensing fees, and provide temporary flexibility for community-based adult services, child care, and evacuation planning requirements for skilled nursing and residential care facilities. Support came from the California Assisted Living Association, LeadingAge California, the California Commission on Aging, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Association, CANHR, and a child care resource center, all describing the bill as helpful for rebuilding and continuity of services after disasters. There was no recorded opposition, and SB 582 passed unanimously, 7-0, to the Committee on Health. The meeting then adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee Jun 24th, 2025

Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism

Transcript Highlights:
  • It allows an exemption for muralists to continue to engage in commissioned work without having to obtain
  • support of **SB 456**, the muralist exception, adding section 750 to the Business and Professions Code
  • They go through a rigorous application and review process to receive these commissions.
  • My first mural was commissioned by my mom on the hallway wall between our washer and dryer when I was
  • you said, It wasn't until just recent years that this issue even came out through ambiguity in our codes
Keywords: 988, house, all
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 19, 2025 - 01:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • What do they need to do to stay up to date on the fire protection code?
  • Municipalities have their own enhancements to the Florida Fire Code.
  • What do they need to do to stay up to date on the fire protection code?
  • Municipalities have their own enhancements to the Florida Fire Code.
  • But we also will have agents that won't do the job for a 5% commission.
Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and took up a series of bills, beginning with PCS for HB 743 on social media use by minors. The sponsor said the bill would extend last session’s restrictions by requiring parental access to messages for minors ages 15 and 16 and allowing law enforcement access with a warrant or parental request. Members raised concerns about abuse situations and private communications, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at protecting children from grooming and trafficking. The PCS was supported in public testimony and passed 15-0. Members then approved HB 1161, which would let victims of altered sexual depictions or deepfakes demand removal of the content and pursue civil remedies if it is not taken down; an amendment clarified a definition tied to federal law, and the bill passed 14-0. The committee also passed local bills for Duval County (HB 4053) and Oviedo/Seminole County (HB 4031) creating special alcohol licensing exception areas, and HB 717, which increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places, with supporters from historic preservation and local government groups. The committee next approved HB 1035 on building permits for single-family dwellings, as amended, to extend permit validity around building code updates, speed approvals after emergencies, and create faster review timelines for smaller projects; members questioned possible loopholes and storm-related applications, while the home builders association supported the measure. It also passed PCS for HB 1219 on employment agreements, creating a framework for covered non-compete and garden leave agreements for higher-wage employees or those with access to confidential information; several members objected to its impact on workers and the marketplace, and the vote was 11-5. Additional favorable votes were taken on HB 799 regarding condominium alcohol licenses, HB 869 expanding underground utility contractors’ scope to include certain fire line work after a contested amendment and testimony from both utility and fire sprinkler groups, HB 1071 on alternative plan reviews and inspections, PCS for HB 981 on athlete representation and NIL compensation, and PCS for HB 801 on HVAC/mechanical contractors repairing and replacing certain pool heaters, both of which drew mixed testimony and debate over scope and safety. The final item introduced was HB 311 on repair of motorized wheelchairs, which the sponsor said would improve access to parts, tools, and independent repair options for users.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Taxes Committee 3/25/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • As many of you may know, Minnesota has a huge marriage penalty built into our tax code.
  • I'm a co-chair with Senator Pappas on the Economic Security for Women and Children Commission.
  • I'm a co-chair with Senator Pappas on the Economic Security for Women and Children Commission.
  • I'm a co-chair with Senator Pappas on the Economic Security for Women and Children Commission.
  • I'm a co-chair with Senator Pappas on the Economic Security for Women and Children Commission.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Education - Room 216, 22 January, 2026; 10:30 AM

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:04:34.639> um School Counselors uh code of ethics. um School Counselors uh code of ethics
  • This is basically ethical conduct that is done by your commission for teachers already that have codes
  • This simply sets up the code of conduct and the code of ethics for school board members.
  • We have a code of conduct and basically a code of ethics for school board members.
  • , the commission, the commission, the<02:13:08.480> standing<02:13:08.880> commission
Summary: The committee took up several education-related bills. Senate Bill 2071 would allow school boards to vote on providing health insurance to board members and their dependents using local, not state, funds; it was advanced after Senator Brian objected that it could create an incentive for people to seek school board seats for the insurance benefit. Senate Bill 2072 would move the deadline for teacher supply cards earlier, from August to July, using EF funds, and it was reported. Senate Bill 2103 would require school boards to adopt policies banning or restricting student cell phone use during school and class time, and it was also reported. Senate Bill 21103 would remove a requirement that school counselors follow the National Association of School Counselors’ code of ethics and instead align them with the Mississippi teacher code of ethics; it passed without opposition. Senate Bill 2236 would authorize the use of LifeVac choking devices in schools, with the sponsor saying the devices are inexpensive and could be provided free to districts; it passed as well. The committee then spent most of its time on Senate Bill 2242, the Mississippi Math Act, which would create a statewide math improvement initiative within the Department of Education. The bill would deploy math instructional coaches, require K-5 universal math screeners three times a year, create individual math plans for students below benchmark, support algebra readiness, protect data under FERPA, and establish a fund for grants and other deposits. Senator Boyd said the bill is modeled on efforts in other states, especially Alabama, and is intended to build on Mississippi’s literacy reforms by focusing on support, intervention, and professional development rather than retention or punishment. Members raised concerns about cost, the proposed anti-lapsing language for the fund, and whether the bill should require high-quality instructional materials statewide rather than leaving curriculum choices to local districts. Senator Hopson estimated the program could cost about $3.5 million and suggested the anti-lapsing language might be removed or handled through appropriations. Senators Blunt, Hill, and Wiggins argued that the success of literacy reforms came from requiring standardized, high-quality instructional materials and accountability, not home rule alone. Senator Wiggins offered an amendment to require high-quality instructional materials for math statewide, and Senator Boyd said he was supportive of that as a friendly amendment. The discussion ended with the amendment still being worked through and the bill not yet finally disposed of in the excerpt.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Jurisprudence May 7th, 2025

Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:
  • Over time, amendments to the Family Code have refined these provisions to balance parental rights with
  • Yes, Ronald Morgan, I'm the director of the Judicial Branch Certification Commission.
  • There are over 2000 court reporters registered with the commission right now.
  • And a lot of this stuff, page after page after page, is merely updating the code where there's a list
  • The bankruptcy code has related to jurisdiction and it's, what is it, 28 USC 1334.
MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

MS Senate Floor - 11 February, 2026; 10:00 AM

Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I mean on this commission<01:55:16.800> proposed<01:55:17.360> commission.
  • commission proposed commission. commission proposed commission.
  • It was a different code the other bill. It was a different code section. section. section.
  • So it has changed the code.
  • So it has changed the code.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received the invocation from Dr. Keith Grubs, and approved routine procedural motions dispensing with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. The chamber then spent a significant portion of the meeting recognizing visiting groups, including the Madison County Executive Leadership Class, members of The Links and related chapters, Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team and coaches, Miss Rodeo Canada/Miss Rodeo Mississippi/Miss Rodeo America, Delta State University student leaders, Jackson State University NAACP political action chair Hannah Robertson, and other guests in the galleries. Several resolutions and commendations were read and presented, including Senate Resolution 40 honoring The Links, Senate Resolution 37 recognizing Abby Hardy as Miss Rodeo Canada 2026, Senate Resolution 38 recognizing Brinkley Boswell as Miss Rodeo Mississippi 2026, and Senate Resolution 39 recognizing Olivia Fero as Miss Rodeo America 2026. The Tupelo Christian Preparatory School cheer team was formally congratulated for winning its fourth consecutive 1A state championship, and Coach Stemier addressed the Senate on the program’s faith-based emphasis, discipline, and support from families and school leadership. Olivia Fero also spoke about the Dixie National Rodeo and the role of rodeo as an agricultural and community-oriented lifestyle. The Senate then took up several bills. Senate Bill 2471, the State Treasury Efficiency and Transparency Act, was explained as a measure to identify and close idle agency accounts, require interest-bearing features on agency accounts, and mandate regular reporting to DFA, the Treasury, ELBO, and the Legislature; it passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2843, revising definitions in the Mississippi Development Grant Fund to expand eligible site-development expenses, including utility and energy infrastructure improvements, also passed by morning roll call with three no votes. Senate Bill 2865, creating an income tax credit tied to added tax revenue from certain non-gaming capital investment projects at casinos, was described as a repeat of a bill passed the prior year and likewise passed by morning roll call with three no votes. The Senate also considered Senate Bill 2848, revising notice procedures for towing and sale of motor vehicles. The bill would require notices to owners and lienholders to be sent through a third-party vendor by certified mail, shorten notice deadlines, and preserve public notice requirements; it was supported by bankers, towing interests, recyclers, and the Department of Revenue. After questions about notice procedures and concerns about access to personal property in towed vehicles, an amendment adding a reverse repealer was adopted, and the bill passed by morning roll call. Later, the chamber moved to Senate Bill 2202, concerning economic development incentives and employee freedom/privacy regarding unionization decisions, but the motion to table reconsideration prevailed after a division vote, leaving the bill unresolved at that point. The Senate then began consideration of Senate Bill 2259, the People’s Access Act, with an amendment narrowing its live-streaming requirements to state agencies only and limiting retention to two years, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that measure.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Finance Committee 3/12/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • storage and in our UFARS program codes storage and in our UFARS program codes uh<00:14:25.920>
  • Uh it's coded 1099-3A. Uh it's coded 1099-3A.
  • We are going to engage in a code.
  • students from two different zip codes. students from two different zip codes.
  • code of 55331. 55331. 55331.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Transportation, Highways and Public Works Apr 21st, 2026

Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Transcript Highlights:
  • That's not the Amite River Basin Commission, though.
  • No, that's not the Amite River Basin Commission.
  • We don't even know why we're on the commission or in the commission. Leave us out.
  • The commission is... I was on it when it was on, you know.
  • The Amite River Basin Commission, the seven parishes of the Amite River Basin Commission, have been crystal
Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on April 21 and considered a series of transportation, licensing, tolling, and public safety measures. It reported favorably House Bill 745, extending special permits for tandem loads hauling containers to and from port facilities; House Bill 1000, a DOTD cleanup bill that clarifies Highway Priority Program reporting and raises the letter-bid contract threshold from $1 million to $3 million; and House Bill 1050, which clarifies commercial driver’s license rules, including age and intrastate/interstate driving limits. The committee also approved House Bill 1172 naming a portion of U.S. Highway 165 in Oberlin the Coulin Brooks Manuel Memorial Highway, House Bill 1218 naming a portion of Louisiana Highway 1090 the Lewis Pat Miramon Memorial Highway, House Concurrent Resolution 32 urging backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge, and House Bill 1207 on public contracting standards and competition in public bidding. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 896, which responds to tolling issues at the Belle Chasse bridge project. The bill would require toll signage, local toll customer service centers, dispute procedures, and limits on administrative fees, with amendments addressing effective dates, in-person assistance, appeal deadlines, law-enforcement exemptions, and limits on certain charges. The author and witnesses described high administrative fees, long travel distances to customer service locations, and problems with toll bills, while committee members noted the issue was complex and ongoing. The committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also heard House Bill 1159, allowing Jefferson Parish municipalities to use automated speed enforcement devices again under local control. Supporters from Gretna, Westwego, Harahan, and Kenner said photo enforcement reduced crashes, improved safety, and helped limited police resources, while opponents were not emphasized in the transcript. After discussion about whether the measure should be voluntarily or involuntarily deferred, the committee ultimately deferred the bill. House Bill 493, which would prohibit expropriation by the Amite River Basin Drainage and Water Conservation District in East Feliciana and St. Helena Parishes, drew extensive testimony about reservoir fears and local opposition; the committee voluntarily deferred it. House Bill 679, as substituted, created a driver’s license designation for people with brain injuries and required related law-enforcement training; witnesses described personal experiences with brain injury and the need for officers to recognize communication and behavioral effects, and the committee reported the substitute favorably. House Bill 1173, which waives late fees for certain reinstatement-relief payment plans for driver’s licenses, was also reported favorably, and House Bill 1024 creating a Louisiana Democratic Party prestige plate was approved as well.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Criminal Justice Apr 22nd, 2025

Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • Currently, the offense of purchasing or selling human organs is classified as... ...of the Penal Code
  • It took government code 51.903.
  • It took government code 51.903.
  • This bill is about the offense of human smuggling in the Texas Penal Code.
  • SB 739 adds an investigator commissioned by the Commissioner of Insurance into the section of code that
Summary: The committee heard and laid out a series of criminal justice bills, with public and invited testimony on restitution, juvenile justice, child abuse reporting, public-safety protections, organ trafficking, property fraud, disaster-response worker protections, fentanyl exposure, emergency data disclosure, insurance-fraud investigations, blood warrant execution, human smuggling, and TJJD advocacy access. Several measures drew support from prosecutors, clerks, law enforcement, utility companies, and victims who described real-world harms and delays in current law; opposition or caution came from civil-rights and advocacy groups on bills involving expanded criminal liability, data disclosure, and juvenile-facility access. Most bills were left pending after testimony, with the committee later voting out SB 127 favorably and placing it on the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1666 would streamline restitution payments for parole or mandatory supervision cases by requiring TDCJ to include victim information when forwarding payments, shortening the period before unclaimed funds go to the Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, and clarifying confidentiality and contact procedures; county clerks supported it as an efficiency measure. SB 2776 would let TJJD disclose certain information, with written consent, to support the Credible Messengers Program, and SB 127 would extend limitations periods for failure-to-report child abuse and concealment offenses, with testimony emphasizing delayed discovery of abuse and the need for accountability. SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting or interfering with peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers, and SB 456 would raise penalties for organ purchasing/trafficking and create a more specific criminal framework for the offense; both drew strong support from law enforcement and victims. The committee also heard SB 2611 on real property theft and deed fraud, which would create separate offenses for real property theft and fraud, add a ten-year limitations period, require criminal judgments to be filed in county property records, and expand restitution and title-clearing remedies. Witnesses described forged deeds, stolen church and family properties, and long, costly efforts to restore title; county clerks and prosecutors said the bill would help victims and streamline civil remedies. SB 482 would increase penalties for offenses against utility workers during declared disasters or evacuation orders, prompted by reports of threats and assaults during Hurricane Beryl; utility representatives said the bill is needed to keep mutual-aid crews coming to Texas. SB 1234 would add fentanyl to the endangerment statute for vulnerable people, while SB 816 would allow providers to disclose electronic data in immediate life-threatening situations; both drew support from prosecutors and criticism from civil-rights advocates concerned about overbreadth and liability protections.