Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I reserved 366 for a piece of legislation. It just happened to be this piece of legislation.
• So I don't see why we would carve any ourselves out of this legislation.
• I was a proud member of the Legislative Ladies Club.
• , I'm going to ask you about another piece of legislation.
• But I deeply oppose this legislation.

Bills: HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1160, HB 1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90, SB1806, SB783, SB1271, SB326, SB1637, SB769, SB897, SB1035, SB1706, SB1185, SB1194, SB384, SB1426, SB1468, SB1215, SB1066, SB599, SB1930, SB2065, SB767, SB1619, SB1738, HB1500, HB718, HB23, HB34, HB 119, HB 128, HB 130, HB132, HB2756, HB166, HB406, HB186, HB331, HB380, HB1583, HB1584, HB621, HB303, HB552, HB366, HB463, HB 1211, HB1327, HB1461, HB923, HB1760, HB2467, HB5333, HB1592, HB1576, HB1552, HB2018, HB3511, HB1781, HB2013, HB2340, HB2508, HB2970, HB865, HB2851, HB3385, HB3336, HB3309, HB 1127, HB 1232, HB1397, HB4236, HB4041, HB1965, HB2730, HB3698, HB3699, HB163, HB201, HB272, HB405, HB519, HB654, HB694, HB791, HB 1136, HB 1240, HB 1266, HB 1275, HB1437, HB1532, HB1675, HB1842, HB1868, HB1894, HB1943, HB1990, HB2029, HB2061, HB2286, HB2523, HB2622, HB2652, HB2692, HB2842, HB2885, HB3016, HB3096, HB3248, HB3255, HB3479, HB3611, HB3623, HB3803, HB3804, HB3805, HB3806, HB3810, HB3816, HB4129, HB4163, HB4187, HB4238, HB4454, HB4588, HB4643, HB4738, HB4739, HB4945, HB5015, HB5616, HB1749, HB1775, HB 118, HB1762, HB2520, HB24, HB45, HB15, HB35, HB38, HB47, HB318, HB349, HB554, HB1359, HB1373, HB1647, HB2254, HB2259, HB2853, HB3073, HB3088, HB353, HB355, HB786, HB762, HB705, HB932, HB849, HB 1160, HB 1119, HB1612, HB3041, HB713, HB3104, HB3970, HB3962, HB5061, HB4042, HB4115, HB4490, HB1731, HB1705, HB2607, HB3556, HB138, HB3689, HB1788, HB1887, HB1914, HB2402, HB2306, HB1809, HB2350, HB3000, HB3237, HB3326, HB3211, HB 1056, HB2081, HB2187, HB3092, HB3308, HB3526, HB3750, HB3527, HB4219, HB4230, HB4290, HB5238, HB4804, HB4749, HCR6, HCR12, HCR34, HCR50, HCR55, HCR58, HCR70, HCR71, HCR72, HCR74, HCR75, HCR78, HCR80, HCR93, HCR100, HCR107, HCR116, HCR117, HCR90

Keywords: zoning, public notice, local government, residential development, protests, peer support, first responders, mental health, confidentiality, emergency services, information network, health services, client referral, data privacy, disaster preparedness, accreditation, community services, sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is a result of their efforts.
• Legislative session senator Menendez authored list legislation to direct HSC to survey behavioral health
• No appropriations to this fund is requested by this legislation.
• You know, there's legislation out there.
• Legislative Director for Texas Right to Life and Self.

Bills: HB5141, HB4638, HB2264, HB2035, HB4813, HB4408, HB2684, HB1621, HB2300, HB216, HB3829, HB4466, HB1747, HB2284, HB3614, HB2587, HB3219, HB3318, HB5147, HB4014, HB216

Keywords: lease, state property, public purpose, Travis County, Health and Human Services, pharmaceutical initiative, drug distribution, healthcare services, generic drugs, advanced pharmaceuticals, cost savings, mental health, patient discharge, medical records, health care professionals, substance use, family involvement, chemical dependency, treatment facilities, minor admissions

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm Kara Gross, legislative director, and... Good afternoon.
• Of course, again, I look at the legislation. My hope is that we look at the legislation.
• This legislation... Is that accurate? You are recognized.
• We have the ability as legislators to narrowly tailor legislation if it serves a compelling government
• We have the ability as legislators to narrowly tailor legislation if it serves a compelling government

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:08:35.359> also<01:08:35.759> represent legislators also represent legislators also
• <01:14:30.000> mandate is not following the legislative mandate is not following the legislative
• He's basically listening to what the legislator is saying.
• you're not following a legislative you're not following a legislative statute<01:15:44.159> then
• <01:16:11.679> and<01:16:11.840> the the legislative experience, you and the the legislative

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• legislation. This is an act of justice. legislation. This is an act of justice.
• c><00:49:58.319> the honorable legislators, members of the honorable legislators, members of the
• Thank you, Miss Lee. former legislators, veterans who have former legislators, veterans who have passed
• much for this important legislation. much for this important legislation.
• 400,000 via this grant or legislative 400,000 via this grant or legislative appropriation.<01:18

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We have several ways that were identified in the legislation to do that.
• So the offsets—there were nine that were identified in legislation.
• greenhouse gas and this uh legislation greenhouse gas and this uh legislation is<00:29:19.480>
• I'm legislative director for Sierra Club.
• The Legislative Assistant will call the roll. This is going to the General Register.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ticking not only did this legislation ticking not only did this legislation create<00:11:09.760>
• <01:04:51.079> debate countless hours of legislative debate countless hours of legislative
• fixes your institutional legislative fixes your institutional legislative Horizon<01:12:42.920><
• This legislation has been one of the most vetted and dissected pieces of legislation in state history
• surprise us is if we saw legislators surprise us is if we saw legislators that<01:24:02.120>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• the legislative session, and this is a kind of colorful graphic timeline of the legislative session.
• the legislative session, and this is a kind of colorful graphic timeline of the legislative session.
• the legislative session, and this is a kind of colorful graphic timeline of the legislative session.
• the legislative session, and this is a kind of colorful graphic timeline of the legislative session.
• the legislative session, and this is a kind of colorful graphic timeline of the legislative session.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Tax Committee met to receive a presentation from House Fiscal staff Cynthia Templin and Katrina Heimark on state tax revenues, property tax aids and credits, and key budget terms and timelines. They explained the difference between fiscal years, tax years, biennia, the general fund, and dedicated funds, and reviewed the legislative budget calendar, including the governor’s January budget recommendation, the February forecast update, March budget resolution deadlines, and the expected end of session in May. The presentation focused on how Minnesota tax revenue is collected and where it goes. House Fiscal said fiscal 2024 total revenue for public services was about $102.5 billion, with $46.5 billion coming from state and local taxes. Of total state tax revenue, about 85% goes to the general fund and about 15% is dedicated to other funds. They noted that income and sales taxes make up the largest share of state collections, while local property taxes are the largest share of local revenue. They also reviewed constitutional and statutory dedications, including the Legacy sales tax dedication, the motor vehicle sales tax dedication to transportation, and the auto parts sales tax dedication that was changed in 2023 to a 100% transportation dedication phased in over 10 years. Members asked several questions about slowing income tax growth, possible effects of migration and corporate departures, and whether changes in population or wages were affecting revenue trends. Templin said she was not aware of recent independent or MMB studies tying revenue loss to migration, but would look into it. Members also discussed the sharp rise in tax receipts in fiscal 2021 and 2022 after the pandemic downturn, with staff explaining that the low fiscal 2020 base and a shift toward goods purchases during COVID helped drive the increase, especially in sales tax revenue. No bills were taken up and no votes were recorded during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislative budget assistant. Mr.
• Appropriation being the authorization granted by the legislative body.
• authorization granted by the legislative authorization granted by the legislative body<00:38:00.720
• We will, our office will receive, and the Office of Legislative Services, who drafts legislation, will
• office of legislative Services who drafts<00:44:04.160> legislation<00:44:04.760> we<00

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The Finance Committee met for an organizational opening session in which the chair, Ken Weyler, called the committee to order and members introduced themselves. The introductions established the committee’s leadership and membership, including Vice Chair Dan McGuire, ranking member Mary Jane Wallner, deputy ranking member Karen Eil, clerk Jerry Griffin, and other members from both parties. Many members briefly described prior legislative service and professional backgrounds, with several noting prior experience on Finance or related budget committees. Chair Weyler then outlined committee procedures and expectations. He emphasized that Finance handles spending bills and fiscal notes, that bills will generally be heard by the full committee and then referred to the appropriate division, and that executive sessions may be used to save time when positions are clear. He reviewed rules on attendance, dress, phones, paperwork handling, committee replacements, conflict of interest and recusal, and the process for testimony, including that members should listen without debating witnesses and that sponsors of bills must recuse themselves from questioning witnesses on their own bills. He also described the committee’s structure and workload, noting three divisions and the role of legislative budget staff. Weyler said the committee would likely see bills from many policy committees that have fiscal impacts, and he encouraged policy committees to find offsets within their own areas rather than assume new spending will be added. No bills were heard and no votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Will the clerk please certify the journal for the previous legislative days?
• I certify as to the correctness of the journal for the 23rd through the 30th legislative days of the
• 34th Legislature of the State of Alaska into its third special session in Juneau, Alaska, in the legislative
• Speaker, what this resolution does is it allows the legislation on the governor's special session call
• Our body has done substantial work on property tax legislation thus far, and we should keep the momentum

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and approved the journal and the prayer for the record. The clerk read gubernatorial messages calling the legislature into a third special session and describing the call around House Bill 381, a major natural gas project bill addressing property taxes, municipal taxes, AGDC, reporting requirements, contract approval, an alternative volumetric tax, municipal impact grants, and related provisions. Messages from the Senate reported passage of a Senate-amended version of HB 381 and transmission of Senate Concurrent Resolution 203 to suspend certain rules related to the bill. The House introduced HCR 301 and HCR 302. HCR 301, which suspends rules on carryover of bills into a special session, passed 40-0. The House then took up the Senate amendments to HB 381. The Majority Leader outlined the Senate changes, including new school funding provisions, reorganization and oversight of AGDC funds, a public project dashboard, stricter bond approval requirements, a heating fuel assistance fund, changes to the alternative volumetric tax structure and distribution of revenues, a permanent rather than sunsetted tax break, new deadlines tied to final investment decision and construction, and a new graduated income tax on certain pass-through entities. He urged members to vote no on concurrence, and the House rejected concurrence 12-28. Because the House did not concur, the Speaker appointed a conference committee on HB 381 consisting of Representative Schrage, the Majority Leader, Representative Edgmon, and Representative Ruffridge. HCR 302, authorizing the House and Senate to recess for more than three days, passed 40-0 after members stated the recess was intended to allow conference negotiations to continue and that the body would return on a time certain. The House also received two governor-request bills, HB 3001 and HB 3002, both referred to the Finance Committee. The House then excused several members for specified absences and adjourned until July 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• As chair of the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I rise to present
• I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to wish everyone a Gong He Fa Cai in
• Fellow Assembly Members, on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus, I rise today in support of House
• Today I rise as Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus in recognition of the Lunar

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of a motion to withdraw SB 107 and SB 117 from the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and place them on third reading. Members also approved procedural requests for adjournment-in-memory remarks and guest seating, and later took up the daily file. The main floor item was H.R. 80, a resolution recognizing Lunar New Year. Assembly Member Fong presented the resolution, and several members from different caucuses spoke in support, emphasizing the holiday’s cultural significance, themes of renewal and family, and California’s large AAPI community. The resolution was opened for coauthors, received 62 coauthors, and was then adopted by voice vote. Fong also distributed prosperity cookie boxes to members after passage. The chamber also observed moments of silence for Reverend Jesse Jackson and later for Babatunde Akinlola and Harold Tripp during adjournments in memory. Members gave tributes highlighting Akinlola’s film and education career and Tripp’s leadership in the Karuk Tribe and work on tribal restoration and natural resources. The session ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Thursday, February 19 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is legislative cleanup language.
• This bill is a critical piece of cleanup legislation.
• This bill is a critical piece of cleanup legislation, Thank you for placing it on the hearing today.
• support of this legislation.
• The very reason this legislation is before you today is because of an incident The very reason this legislation

Bills: HB2091, HB2118, HB2122, HB2138

Keywords: insurance, financial surveillance, regulations, assessments, Arizona Revised Statutes, mobile food vendors, licensure, food safety, statewide regulations, health standards, zoning, temporary vendors, technical registration, engineering, architect, land surveyor, reciprocity, endorsement, qualification standards, firefighter

Transcript Highlights:

• living a roller coaster of emotion, a roller coaster of dynamics, an ever-changing landscape that legislators
• our work, because of the focus on these issues that weren't getting their daylight through other legislative
• to correct the program legislation to correct the program integrity<00:03:24.159> failures<00
• getting their daylight<00:03:56.560> through<00:03:56.959> other<00:03:57.519> legislative
• <00:03:58.480> um daylight through other legislative um daylight through other legislative

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Schultz reflected on the prior session as highly dynamic and unpredictable, but said it was productive because it allowed many viewpoints to be represented. He described the session as history-making and said he was able to advance priorities for his district and conservative constituents. He highlighted two main policy wins: a bill he said prevented illegal immigrants from receiving taxpayer-funded health care benefits, identified as House File 10, and a bipartisan measure he called “freeing the hot tubs,” which allowed hot tubs at short-term rentals such as Airbnbs and VRBOs after prior Department of Health restrictions. He said both measures were enacted during the special session. Schultz also discussed his work on the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, saying the committee was needed to focus on fraud in state agencies. He cited more than a billion dollars in fraud over the past six or seven years, including Feeding Our Future and issues in Medicaid-funded services, waiver services, and the housing stabilization program. He said the committee’s hearings and agency discussions helped produce tangible legislation to strengthen program integrity and protect taxpayer dollars. Looking ahead to 2026, he said his priorities would be affordability, stopping fraud, and improving school safety and learning environments across all types of schools in Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• we will not permit conduct that disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of legislative
• And I know that this bill came shortly after the legislators in Minnesota were gunned down.
• And thank you to my fellow legislators. We can fix this place together. Thank you.
• The existing crime was originally put in place by this legislative body in 1980.
• The existing crime was originally put in place by this legislative body in 1980 after the Republican

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on September 12, 2025, with a quorum present and heard two bills. AB 1392 by Assemblymember Sharp-Collins would make candidates’ residence addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses confidential in county election records for the duration of the election cycle or term, with access provisions for journalists and government offices after amendments removed prior opposition. The author and a representative from the Secretary of State argued the bill was needed in response to rising political threats and violence, and several members from both parties spoke in support, citing personal experiences with harassment and concern for family safety. No opposition was heard. The committee then heard SB 851 by Senator Cervantes, a measure described as responding to federal threats to California’s election administration. The bill would require notice to the Secretary of State and Attorney General for certain federal election-related court actions and settlements, extend the prohibition on unauthorized law enforcement presence at voting locations to federal agents, reaffirm California’s voting system standards, and make county registrar certification duties ministerial and non-discretionary. The author and Secretary of State’s representative said the bill was needed to defend election integrity and protect against federal interference, while some members criticized it as fearmongering and argued California should focus on cleaning voter rolls and preventing fraud. Other members defended the bill, saying isolated fraud cases do not undermine the overall security of California elections. AB 1392 was approved on a 6-0 vote with a recommendation that Senate amendments be concurred in, and SB 851 passed on a 5-2 vote. The hearing then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• During the period beginning of the date of the special legislative session convenes and continue through
• the date of final adjournment of the special legislative session.
• The uh and these special sessions have repeatedly turned into many legislative sessions.
• Very little public awareness of this kind of legislation.
• The judicial branch really is a is a is not involved in our actions here to make legislation.

Bills: SB 53, SB 54, HB16, SB 19

Keywords: voter registration, election procedures, provisional ballot, change of address, residence requirements, Texas Election Code, voting rights, judicial administration, court reform, juvenile diversion, court security, mental health services, drug offenses, constitutional amendments, political contributions, special legislative session, election code, transparency, campaign finance, election law

Transcript Highlights:

• Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
• Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day are: for legislative business, Assembly Member
• And she also told that... so masterfully together to bring this piece of legislation in mind to bring
• this kind of piece of legislation before us today.
• But certainly, I don't want to forget my legislative director, Selena, who was tireless, hundreds and

Summary: The Assembly convened on June 4, 2025, first addressing a quorum call before proceeding with the day’s business. Members handled several procedural motions, including a failed attempt to withdraw AJR 4 for immediate consideration, approval of requests to notice bills pending re-referral, and a successful motion to withdraw SB 119 from Budget and Fiscal Review and place it on third reading. The chamber also rescinded prior action on SB 47, re-referred SB 355 and SB 685 to Appropriations, and authorized notice for a Housing and Community Development hearing on SB 522. On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 369, a measure on emergency services that increases access to life-saving medication for people with seizure disorders, by a unanimous vote. Members then took up AB 1138, the major film and television tax credit measure, with extensive support from the author and other members who described the bill as a response to California’s declining production and job losses; the bill’s urgency clause and Senate amendments were concurred in, and it was sent immediately to the Governor. The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 313 on student financial aid. The body adopted SJR 2, which urges Congress to protect the rights of classified school employees, after debate emphasizing the importance of paraeducators, bus drivers, custodians, clerical workers, and food service staff. The Assembly then adopted the second-day consent calendar, including SCR 25 on nuclear fusion and several other Senate concurrent resolutions, and added coauthors to SCR 74 on Flag Day. The session concluded with announcements, birthday acknowledgments, and adjournment until Monday, July 7 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then the Legislative Management shall report its findings and recommendations, together with any legislation
• , together with any legislation required to implement the record.
• Findings and recommendations, together with any legislation required to implement the recommendations
• , to the 70th Legislative Assembly.
• I did get clarification on hoghousing and on amendments and germaneness from Legislative Council, and

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up the final bill on its agenda, Senate Bill 2370, which had been converted into a 340B drug transparency measure tied to insulin and broader prescription drug pricing issues. Representative Hendrix outlined the latest bill draft, explaining that it would require reporting by covered entities, contract pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, and health insurers, with confidentiality protections, civil penalties, and staggered effective dates. He also noted unresolved questions about the scope of required reporting, possible overlap with federal reporting, and whether the Insurance Department would need a consultant to analyze the data. Representative Dobervich then proposed an alternative amendment that would replace the bill language with a Legislative Management study on 340B transparency reporting during the 2025-26 interim. Her proposal would remove the detailed reporting mandates and instead direct a study of what information should be collected, how it should be used, who should receive it, staffing or contracted support needs, and stakeholder input from hospitals, pharmacies, FQHCs, rural health, state agencies, insurers, and manufacturers. Members discussed germaneness, the late-stage nature of the changes, and whether the issue had been adequately heard, while the Insurance Department testified that it had not previously studied 340B-specific data but supported transparency and could see value in either a study or reporting approach. The committee first adopted the Hendrix amendment by a vote of 8-5, then voted on a do not pass motion on the amended bill, which passed 7-6. Representative Frelich was selected to carry the bill. The chair then adjourned the committee for the last time and reminded members about the committee dinner.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation addresses a very real and frustrating issue faced by retailers, law enforcement, and
• questions that you may have, I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation
• I'd like to defer to him to speak directly to the necessity of this legislation and perhaps answer any
• This last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute...
• So, this last session, Senator Huffman passed legislation making it illegal to possess or distribute

Summary: The Subcommittee on New Offenses and Changed Penalties met with a quorum present and first handled witness-registration corrections for House Bill 2461, changing one witness from support to neutral and deleting another registration; HB 2461 was left pending. The subcommittee then heard House Bill 3507, which would create a tiered penalty structure for repeat theft offenders by increasing penalties for those with five or more prior theft convictions. Representative Wharton and Walker County District Attorney Will Durham testified in support, arguing current law treats chronic shoplifters the same regardless of how many prior convictions they have. No opposition was presented, and HB 3507 was left pending. The committee next heard House Bill 1871, which would increase penalties for attempted capital murder of a peace officer, raise the minimum sentence to 25 years, and deny parole and mandatory supervision for those convicted. Representative Dyson, Brazos County District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, Lieutenant Ed Ramirez, and Chief Deputy Constable Calder Lively testified in support, describing attacks on officers and arguing the bill would provide stronger deterrence and truth in sentencing. No questions or opposition were recorded, and HB 1871 was left pending. House Bill 4911 followed, updating child exploitation laws to address AI-generated and deepfake child sexual abuse material by expanding definitions and criminalizing knowing possession or viewing of fake or computer-generated images depicting minors. Representative Fairly and Harris County DA’s Office division chief Steven Driver supported the bill, saying technology had outpaced existing law and that the measure would help protect children. A committee member raised concerns about broad affirmative defenses in the bill, and Representative Fairly said the office would work on an amendment. HB 4911 was left pending. Finally, on HB 795, Representative Bowers moved that the subcommittee report completion of deliberations and recommend the bill for full committee consideration; the motion passed 3-2, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We urge Texas legislators to champion policies recognizing and maximizing the contributions of Texas
• I urge your support in passing this critical legislation for veteran-owned businesses. Thank you.
• I’m Jim Brennan, and I’m the Legislative Director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations.
• I’m the Legislative Director for the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organizations, and I’m testifying on
• This legislation makes it possible to animate that appreciation by sending a clear message to veterans

Bills: SB390, SB1197, SB1271

Keywords: veteran-owned businesses, state contracting, historically underutilized business, economic opportunity, small business, economic development, veterans, certification, Texas legislation, unmanned aircraft, spaceport, criminal offense, aviation regulations, airspace safety, military installations, concurrent jurisdiction, governor's approval, state agency, land acquisition, 1185

Summary: The Committee on Veteran Affairs heard several bills related to military installations, veterans, and contracting opportunities. Senator Birdwell presented SB 1197, which would extend existing drone restrictions over military bases and airports to spaceports, with exceptions for authorized users; no public testimony was offered at the first hearing, and the bill was left pending before later being reported favorably. Chairman Hancock presented SB 1271, which would allow Texas to accept concurrent jurisdiction over military installations so state and local authorities could handle certain juvenile offenses and provide more rehabilitative options; a committee substitute was explained, but the bill was left pending after no initial witnesses appeared. The committee also considered SB 390, which would expand the state historically underutilized business definition to include SBA-certified veteran-owned businesses regardless of disability rating. Supporters from the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and other veterans argued the change would improve access to state contracting, strengthen the economy, and better recognize veterans’ contributions. Senator Eckhardt raised concerns that broadening the category to all veterans might not satisfy the disparity-study basis typically used for HUB classifications, and Jim Brennan echoed that concern while suggesting a separate category might be more workable. During the pending-legislation portion, the committee voted on several bills. SB 651 and SB 897 were each substituted and reported favorably to the full Senate, with both also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1814 was likewise reported favorably and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1197 was reported favorably and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. SB 1271 was left pending after a motion to report the committee substitute favorably, and SB 390 was left pending after testimony concluded. The committee then recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation creates a new section of law governing the operation of UTVs on certain roadways and
• So I'm reading this as a clear objection to the legislation. Is that incorrect? Senator Wright.
• And as such, Honda respectfully opposes this legislation.”
• We have legislative committees that refuse all legislation and solicitive committees.
• We have legislated committee that refuse all legislation and the legislative committee is asked in the

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development met with a quorum present and considered two bills. The first, CS for SB 88 by Senator Wright, would create a framework for local governments to allow or prohibit utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on certain low-speed roads, define UTV equipment and driver requirements, and make violations noncriminal traffic infractions. An amendment was adopted to correct the insurance requirement to match automobile-style minimums of $10,000 personal injury and $10,000 property damage liability. Testimony on SB 88 was divided. The Florida Justice Association and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association opposed the bill, arguing UTVs are designed for off-road use, do not meet federal safety standards, and could increase crash risk on public roads; Honda’s letter was cited as opposing road use. Supporters, including the sponsor and agencies waiving in support, argued the bill would address an existing loophole, provide insurance and licensing requirements, and help rural users and law enforcement by creating a clear legal pathway. Senators raised concerns about nighttime visibility, taillight spacing, speed limits, and whether the bill should be more restrictive, but the committee ultimately voted to report CS for SB 88 favorably. The committee then heard SB 274 by Senator Arrington, which designates a portion of International Drive in Orange County as Harris Rosen Way in honor of hotelier and philanthropist Harris Rosen. The sponsor and several senators praised Rosen’s business success, philanthropy, and support for education, cancer research, veterans, and the Central Florida community. There was no opposition, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.