Transcript Highlights:

• <04:46:23.280> the domestic violence, my dad weaponized the domestic violence, my dad weaponized
• , that power when it comes to weapons, that power when it comes to weapons, when<04:47:16.480>
• ,<04:47:32.640> the<04:47:32.760> firearm, the weapon, the firearm, the weapon, the
• people will find other weapons to do so. people will find other weapons to do so.
• <04:59:13.000> whatsoever to keep and carry any weapon whatsoever to keep and carry any weapon

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, approved the journal, and then moved through announcements recognizing Nowruz/Persian New Year, Ute Day at the Capitol, Mosaic students, and other brief invitations and tributes. The chamber then agreed to proceed out of order to resolutions and adopted House Joint Resolution 1017, which urges the federal government to fulfill obligations to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe regarding water rights and the Animas-La Plata project. Supporters emphasized tribal water security, federal funding, and the tribes’ longstanding stewardship; an amendment (L.004) was adopted 60-0, and the resolution then passed 60-0, with several members adding as co-sponsors. The House also adopted Senate Joint Resolution 17, reappointing Carrie L. Hunter as State Auditor for a five-year term. Speakers from the Legislative Audit Committee praised Hunter’s professionalism, nonpartisan leadership, and the office’s national recognition; the resolution passed unanimously, 62-0, and members invited Hunter to be recognized in the chamber. After that, committee reports from Appropriations and Finance were read and several bills were set as special orders for later consideration. In Committee of the Whole, the chamber considered several measures. Senate Bill 39, dealing with Fire and Police Pension Association disability and survivor benefits, received a technical cleanup amendment and passed. House Bill 1311, concerning bonds in lieu of retainage in construction contracts, was amended to clarify public versus private projects and passed; supporters said it would help smaller contractors, including contractors of color and women contractors, enter the market. House Bill 1184, continuing the Colorado Forest Health Council, passed after committee report amendments. House Bill 1305, on aligning state and federal statutes to improve access to inpatient behavioral health, passed despite some committee-level concerns about regulation. House Bill 1234, concerning access to child abuse or neglect records, passed after an amendment limiting access unless courts explicitly grant it; supporters said it would help victims access their own records, including for legal defense. Finally, Senate Bill 50, on child care center policy disclosures, was introduced with sponsors explaining it would require centers to disclose mandatory reporter obligations, camera and footage policies, and related privacy/access rules, in response to a case where parents were denied access to video footage.

Transcript Highlights:

• The weaponization of anti-Semitism makes me and Jewish students less safe.
• As an educator and student, I have... repeatedly witnessed anti-Semitism be weaponized against Palestinian
• Who deeply believe that Jewish safety is through solidarity and against weaponizing Jewish pain in the
• That becomes weaponized. You can see how very easily that would happen.
• would not allow in classrooms, would in fact deny students an education on a well-rounded stuff, weaponize

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If passed, the legislation would allow 18-year-olds to purchase assault weapons and semiautomatic rifles
• in Florida who are against this bill because it would allow 18 to 20 year olds to purchase assault weapons
• HB 1021 allows law enforcement officers to carry weapons at sports venues.
• Members, HB 1021 only allows active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at a sporting
• Does this allow him to also be able to carry a weapon? Chair: You are recognized. Rep.

Transcript Highlights:

• To make matters worse, our adversaries have weaponized the U.N. against Americans in democratic interest
• But instead of disarming, Hezbollah has expanded its military presence, stockpiled weapons, and constructed
• And I believe he would absolutely detonate a nuclear weapon over an American city if he could.
• been victims of human rights abuses, have been slaughtered by the Assad regime, the use of chemical weapons
• back, and I credit President Trump for his effective military response to when Assad used chemical weapons

Transcript Highlights:

• He said the entire United States is within range of our nuclear weapons.
• Penalty could be weaponized for political reasons against the library.
• Members, there's a long history of weaponizing books.
• Ought to use their weapons in a civilian situation. I'm not advised. Shouldn't you be?
• You're telling them they can bring a weapon into this place where no one else can bring a weapon into

Bills: HJR175, HJR88, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR9, HCR40, HB5138, SB17, HB4944, HB2284, HB3421, SB1569, SB2420, SB1968, SB2351, SB2544, SB1490, SB1349, SB1568, SB2776, HB3531, HB2149, HB4327, HB3158, HB3717, HB4520, SB888, SB552, HB3138, HB3704, HB2921, HB4853, HB4506, HB3892, HJR161, HJR175, HJR88, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40

Keywords: constitutional amendment, medium of exchange, currency rights, digital currency, financial autonomy, tax exemption, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, local government, ad valorem taxation, housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, audit requirements, affordable housing, development bonds, oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes

Transcript Highlights:

• obtaining and misusing weapons. obtaining and misusing weapons. exempting<01:36:13.120> any
• <01:49:42.880> or states ban carrying concealed weapons or states ban carrying concealed weapons
• Open carry is forbidden in in weapons.
• There's no mention of weapons.
• cover the militia mentor storing weapons cover the militia mentor storing weapons in<01:52:20.080

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We didn't want his weapons taken; all we wanted was to make sure there was no contact at all, that he
• wasn't anywhere near our family. weapons that made that weapons that made that individual<02:06:43.920
• Of course, you see on here, right, number six box check is to take weapons.
• I take them very serious, you know, when I hear somebody that has weaponized a restraining order.
• I take them very serious, you know, when I hear somebody that has weaponized a restraining order.

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:

• any world where you would even consider like a restriction or any kind of ban on an assault-type weapon
• So, you know, you heard from the Annunciation parents, they want an assault weapons ban, high-capacity
• Niska, you told one of our reporters that you wouldn't let a bill, an assault weapons bill, even come
• that you wouldn't let a a bill an that you wouldn't let a a bill an assault<00:08:11.280> weapons
• bill even come to the assault weapons bill even come to the floor.<00:08:13.360> So,<00:08:13.599

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This says that now with these weapons, you may use...
• largely good, is that officers are not necessarily trained in many of these weapons.
• And in fact, TCOLE doesn't have a curriculum for some of these weapons.
• We don't want to be encouraging officers to use these weapons recklessly.
• I mean, we can't just have everybody run around with weapons and guns doing special ops.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several public safety, criminal justice, and regulatory bills. HB 4995 would create a training and certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would let tactical medical staff protect themselves while providing immediate care; the bill was left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the failure-to-appear-or-pay/OmniBase license-hold program, with the author and advocates arguing it creates compounding debt and unnecessary barriers to driving, while judges and municipal court representatives said the program is a voluntary, cost-effective tool that improves court appearances and reduces warrants; the bill was also left pending. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/Delta-9 THC substances, and HB 5436 would let licensed auto recyclers buy certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shops; both measures were left pending after brief testimony in support. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would require a discrete designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people required to register as sex offenders. The author and supporters argued the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and prevent harm, while opponents called it a stigmatizing “scarlet letter” that would increase harassment, family harm, and reintegration barriers. The bill was left pending. HB 4155 would create a two-year Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study family violence homicides, gather stakeholders, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, the Texas Council on Family Violence, and a survivor testified in support, and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4514, which would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and privacy safeguards, to help businesses confirm identities and combat fraud; supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce theft and fraud, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 5139 would clarify that peace officers and jailers are justified in using less lethal force weapons when acting within training and official duties; law enforcement groups supported the measure as a way to encourage use of less lethal tools without fear of prosecution, and testimony was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• This says that now with these weapons, you may use...
• good, is that officers are not necessarily trained in many of these weapons.
• And in fact, TCOLE doesn't have a curriculum for some of these weapons.
• We don't want to be encouraging officers to use these weapons recklessly.
• “Set a standard for these weapons and train on them.

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• Eligibility for expungement includes the absence of weapons or violence, and that act must be less than
• or um or violence uh absence of weapons or um or violence uh involvement<01:07:42.400> and<01
• The staff does some quality control measures, making sure there's no violence or weapons in those cases
• or violent Acts or dangerous weapons or violent Acts or threats<01:10:03.080> um<01:10:03.239
• in those cases um violence or weapons in those cases um and<01:11:31.560> just<01:11:31.760><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Audits are not a weapon; they're simply to show whether a system is operating as designed or if it's
• So she said, hey, somebody is lowering the weapons detection.
• How many incidents have you had since 2024 involving guns, knives, box cutters, and other weapons?
• How many incidents have you had since, since 2024 involving guns, knives, box cutter, and other weapons
• After they went through the weapons detection.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> So help us to not respond in the flesh and with carnal weapons.
• For our weapons are not carnal, but they're mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds, casting
• <00:01:39.040> For<00:01:39.280> our<00:01:39.439> weapons and with carnal weapons
• For our weapons and with carnal weapons.
• For our weapons are<00:01:39.840> not<00:01:40.000> carnal,<00:01:40.400> but<00

Keywords: House streaming session for Friday, February 20, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The Maryland House met in session with 122 members present, received the journal, introduced several House bills and Senate Bill 37, and referred bond initiatives and executive nominations to committee. The chamber then took up a series of third-reading bills. House Bill 146, concerning on-site wastewater system inspection and pumping requirements and implementation dates, drew extended debate. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and water-quality measure, while opponents argued it would add significant costs to home sales and rentals, especially in rural areas. After discussion of septic-system costs, enforcement, and the pace of replacement approvals, the bill passed 93-36. House Bill 220, dealing with individual water submeters, also prompted debate over a $1 monthly administrative fee and a provision affecting unpaid water bills in eviction proceedings; members clarified that the eviction language had been struck by floor amendment. Some members argued the bill could raise housing costs, while the sponsor said it mirrored existing electric and gas submetering law. The bill passed 95-34. House Bill 236 on blood-testing timing for contestants before the State Athletic Commission passed 130-0, House Bill 241 extending sunset provisions for state boards and commissions passed 130-0, House Bill 242 on unemployment insurance confidentiality passed 130-0, House Bill 259 revising the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund passed 120-10, and House Bill 308 on private mailboxes for associations passed 120-2. During the floor session, members also discussed septic-system policy more broadly, including the cost of inspections, the need for timely repairs, and whether government should intervene in real-estate transactions. One member explained that a floor amendment had removed a disputed provision from HB 220, which is why it did not appear in the reprint. The House also received a gubernatorial message with executive nominations, referred it to House Rules, and then heard committee and subcommittee announcements about upcoming votes, budget hearings, and caucus meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our current law allows principals to permanently expel students for three offenses: weapons, drugs, and
• However, the law does not define what weapons or an assault is. ...educational staff.
• However, the law does not define what weapons or an assault is.
• The proposed amendment defines a weapon the same as federal law.
• She was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, alleging that at one point during the

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education held a public hearing on a large slate of bills, with much of the testimony focused on school discipline and student equity. Bills discussed included measures to address inequities in suspension and expulsion, clarify school exclusion rules, reduce discipline for dress and grooming violations, and expand protections related to fair educational practices. Committee members repeatedly reminded witnesses of the two-minute limit and asked for written testimony to supplement oral remarks. A substantial portion of the hearing centered on the RAISE Act and related school discipline bills, including H. 730/S. 376 and H. 731/S. 380. Testifiers from advocacy groups, legal services, and the legislature argued that exclusionary discipline disproportionately affects Black and Latino students, students with disabilities, low-income students, and DCF-involved youth. They said current law is overly broad or unclear in areas such as “assault on educational staff,” indefinite suspensions tied to felony complaints, and definitions of weapons, leading to unnecessary removals from school. Supporters said the bills would add due process, clearer definitions, and better accountability, while one legislator testified in support of the discipline reforms and opposed several other bills on the agenda. The committee also heard testimony on H. 576/S. 368, which would prohibit suspensions and expulsions for dress and grooming violations and require clearer, non-discriminatory dress code policies. Witnesses cited research and personal stories about disproportionate enforcement against Black girls, girls of color, non-binary students, and students wearing religious attire, and said the bill would prevent physical contact used to enforce dress codes. Another major topic was H. 641/S. 349, which would add “special medical status” protections in education; supporters said it would prevent exclusion based on medical decisions or conditions, though members questioned how it would interact with existing disability law and vaccination-related school requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 625, which would extend the ban on corporal punishment from public to private schools, with witnesses citing research on harm and disproportionate impact. Additional testimony covered bills on accelerated learning and gifted education, with parents, educators, and advocates saying Massachusetts under-identifies advanced learners and lacks adequate acceleration pathways. A senator also testified for S. 406 on recovery high schools, saying the funding formula should be updated to better support students in recovery. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair closed testimony on several bill groups and noted that written testimony would remain open for a week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we should not be weaponizing the auditor to punish people who bring valid claims to court.
• Second of all, it is a very clear weaponization of this committee for political purposes.
• And we should not be weaponizing the auditor to punish the should not be weaponizing the auditor to punish
• Second of all, it is a very clear weaponization of this committee for political purposes.
• I think we absolutely are weaponizing the Audit Committee with this, and I would encourage my colleagues

Summary: The committee met as a subcommittee for much of the hearing because it initially lacked a quorum, then later established one and began taking votes. The state auditor gave a status update on ongoing audits, including several JALAC-requested audits in progress, other statutory audits, staffing growth in his office, and the number of new JALAC audits his office could start in the coming months. The committee also heard that one audit request on Prop. 28 was held, and another PUC-related request was moved off consent and heard on the regular calendar. Members then heard and discussed several audit requests. Senator Cervantes presented a request to audit California fusion centers, with witnesses from the FBI and ACLU supporting the need for transparency and oversight; opponents argued the request was politically motivated and could interfere with counterterrorism work. Senator Allen presented a request on CPUC enforcement of Rule 21 interconnection timelines for solar and storage projects, supported by industry and school representatives who described long delays and financial harm, while CPUC staff said the issue was being addressed through workshops and a formal proceeding. Senator Perez presented a request to audit Caltrans’ administration of the former SR 710 extension properties and affordable sales program, citing tenant complaints about maintenance, pricing, and transparency; Caltrans said it was working to complete sales and improve administration. Senator Umberg presented a request to audit the Orange County Board of Education over transparency, contracting, litigation spending, charter oversight, and whistleblower issues, while board representatives said there was no factual basis for an audit and that existing legal remedies had not been invoked. After quorum was established, the committee approved the consent-calendar DMV license revocation audit and then approved the PUC utility timeliness audit and the Caltrans SR 710 audit. The fusion center audit was left on call after a split vote, and the Orange County Board of Education audit continued with testimony from the board’s representatives after the committee had already moved on to other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are people who are very weapons that are people who are very opposed<01:18:18.239> to<01
• Federal law already prohibits the sale of weapons which will be used for the furtherance of genocide.
• which will be used for the of weapons which will be used for the furtherance<02:39:08.080> of
• You don't want somebody to harm somebody with your weapons.
• Interestingly, that money Israel has to use that money to purchase weapons from the United States.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Fine, SB 814, weapons or firearms at school-sponsored events or on school property.
• Senator Fine, SB 814, weapons or firearms at school-sponsored events or on school property.
• Exhibiting and storing weapons.
• There were even more concealed weapons on our campus, and this bill has not even been passed yet.
• on school property and specifying a person may not store weapons in such a place.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• We should be threatened by their cameras, you know, because of their weapons and the armor that they
• "Oh, they have a weapon! Oh, there's a weapon involved! Oh, where's the weapon?"
• The video doesn't show a weapon. There's no weapon. They're lying. They lie to the media.
• Somebody feels like a weapon, actually. Thank you, yes. I know when those are.

Bills: SB552, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1372, SB1506, SB1667, SB1804, SB1806, SB1870, SB1936, SB1937, SB2180, SB2405, SB2569, SB2570, SB1646

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Transcript Highlights:

• No weapons were involved, but that, again, is a scenario where that gentleman could have gone and gotten
• This bill in no way will infringe upon anyone's rights to carry a weapon.
• In Florida, you cannot have a weapon if you have a weapon if you have a weapon.
• You cannot have a weapon if you have an injunction, whether it be temporary or permanent; it's a given

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met with a quorum present and temporarily postponed SB 156. The committee first considered the confirmation of Matthew Walsh as Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Walsh described his background in law enforcement, social work, and juvenile justice, and outlined DJJ priorities including recruitment and retention, staff wellness, collaboration with DCF and other agencies, aging facilities, and expanding educational and vocational opportunities for youth. Members asked about his social work training, lockout youth, bed space, recidivism, and the Florida Scholars Academy. The committee voted unanimously to favorably report his confirmation. The committee then took up SPB 704, a committee bill extending the public records exemption for conviction integrity unit reinvestigation information. Senator Martin explained that the exemption was originally created to protect active innocence reviews and should continue past its current sunset date. With no opposition or debate, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably as a committee bill. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 32, as amended, which creates an injunction for protection against serious violence by a known person and adds it to the statewide injunction verification system and related enforcement provisions. Senator Sharif said the bill is intended to give judges a faster tool to protect victims who have reported serious violence to law enforcement, while supporters said it addresses cases where victims are harmed before a repeat-violence injunction can be granted. Eric Friday of Florida Carry opposed the bill, warning it could be misused against self-defense situations and create problems in cases already covered by existing injunction laws. After debate, the committee voted unanimously to report the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 210, which extends public records protections to petitions for injunctions for protection against serious violence by a known person, including dismissed petitions and identifying information before service. There was no opposition, and the committee voted unanimously to report SB 210 favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• SOME AGENCIES, IF THEY WANTED A BACK UP WEAPON, THE LAW ENFORCEMENT WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE HIS OWN WEAPON
• HE GOES INTO A GUN SHOP AND PURCHASE AS A WEAPON AND SAYS OH, HAVE TO HOLD ONTO THAT FOR THREE DAYS BUT
• NOT MANY AGENCIES DO THAT ANYMORE BUT THERE IS STILL A FEW THAT REQUIRE, IF YOU WANT A BACKUP WEAPON.
• IS THERE ANY RESTRICTION FROM POLICE AGENCY SELLING ME THEIR PRIVATE SALE, SELLING A WEAPON?
• HIGHWAY PATROL PURCHASES OUR WEAPONS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all