Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:34:34.079><c> ofc> misdemeanor level.
• <c> ac><00:52:22.960><c> classc><00:52:23.280><c> Ac><00:52:23.520><c> misdemeanor.
• :26.720><c> classc><00:52:26.960><c> Bc><00:52:27.200><c> felony.
• <c> underc><01:00:55.040><c> thisc> misdemeanor conviction under this misdemeanor conviction under
• ><c> lawsuitsc><03:24:37.760><c> becausec> olved in class action lawsuits because olved in class

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are all equivalent Class C-level offenses.
• Once you make something a Class C felony, you are entitled to a jury trial.
• These are all equivalent Class C-level offenses.
• c><00:43:19.960><c> pettyc><00:43:20.280><c> misdemeanorc><00:43:21.160><c> toc><00:43:21.280><
• c> ac> misdemeanor a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor a petty misdemeanor to a felony<00:43:23.040

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on February 6, 2025, and heard testimony on several transportation-related bills. HB 667 would require DOT or county departments to scan deceased cats or dogs found on public roadways for microchips, record information, and report it to county animal services. DOT said it supported the bill, and the Hawaiʻi Humane Society and others strongly backed it, describing it as important for grieving pet owners. A private citizen also testified in support, saying the measure could help families learn what happened to missing pets. The chair noted there were nine supporters. The committee then heard HB 230 on sending a carbon copy of traffic citations to vehicle owners, followed by HB 77, which would make civil identification cards free to issue or renew. The Attorney General’s office said it had already submitted comments on HB 77, DOT opposed it, and a private citizen supported it as a way to reduce barriers to basic services. HB 668, which would make license suspension mandatory for operating a vehicle without insurance, drew opposition from the Office of the Public Defender and DOT. The Public Defender argued current law already allows suspension and that a mandatory rule would discourage people from obtaining insurance, increase court burdens, and disproportionately affect indigent drivers; the chair emphasized that driving is a privilege and raised concerns about uninsured driving in rural areas. The Public Defender also said it would look into whether state insurance options could help people who cannot get traditional coverage. The committee also took up HB 12, which would bar inspection certificates for mopeds or vehicles modified to increase NOx emissions. DOT offered comments, Citizens Against Noise supported it, and the Motorcycle Industry Council opposed it; the chair noted six additional supporters and ten opponents. HB 169 would raise the minimum age for moped operators from 15 to 16 and increase the helmet requirement age from 18 to 21; DOT supported it, while Moped Doctors, Moped’s Direct, and seven individuals opposed it. HB 220 would require moped operators to carry insurance under motorcycle/motor scooter insurance laws; DCCA offered comments, DOT supported it, and Moped Doctors and ten individuals opposed it. Finally, the committee heard HB 277, which would establish a statewide vehicle pursuit policy for law enforcement agencies. The Policing Project at NYU and the ACLU of Hawaiʻi supported the bill, citing national data on deaths and injuries from pursuits and arguing for a baseline limit on pursuits for minor offenses; the Hawaii Police Department and Maui Police Department opposed it. The committee also heard HB 54, which would make a third or subsequent excessive speeding offense a Class C felony and allow vehicle forfeiture. DOT supported it, while the Public Defender opposed it, arguing the bill was overly harsh, internally inconsistent, and likely to strain courts, law enforcement, and probation systems by turning a traffic offense into a felony with prison exposure and jury-trial rights. No votes or final actions were taken on the measures in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> class A misdemeanor.
• 01:20:50.320><c> classc><01:20:50.560><c> Ac><01:20:50.800><c> misdemeanor.
• c><01:20:51.600><c> Whenc><01:20:51.840><c> youc> it's a class A misdemeanor.
• c> and it's a class A misdemeanor. and it's a class A misdemeanor.
• c> A misdemeanor to a class C felony. A misdemeanor to a class C felony.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> morec><00:32:57.760><c> sayingc> misdemeanors covering but more saying misdemeanors covering
• ><c> itc><00:41:21.520><c> justc><00:41:21.680><c> saidc><00:41:21.839><c> misdemeanor?
• ><c> misdemeanor.
• c> being a misdemeanor. being a misdemeanor.
• c><01:07:38.160><c> isc><01:07:38.319><c> itc><01:07:38.480><c> ac><01:07:38.559><c> classc

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• I was actually shocked to find out that effectively bid rigging was all of a Class C misdemeanor, and
• We picked a level of Class A misdemeanor just to try to get it up from Class C.
• No, and I would just say, for clarification, the offense of bid rigging is a Class C misdemeanor.
• I mean most of us probably violated a Class C misdemeanor driving to this location today, at least...
• I mean, most of us probably violated a Class C misdemeanor driving to this location today, at least some

Bills: SB434, SB844, SB898, SB1177, SB1214, SB1454, SB1920, SB1927, SB1935, SB1965, SB2010, SB2046, SB2068, SB2073, SB2183, SB2260, SB3034, SB907

Keywords: SB 434, Harris County Hospital District, hospital district police, peace officers, commissioned officers, law enforcement authority, Health and Safety Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, public safety, hospital security, county hospital district, local government, Texas criminal procedure, district police, armed security, SB 898, low income housing tax credits, LIHTC, affordable housing, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs

Summary: The committee heard several bills dealing with local government authority, homeowners associations, hospital district policing, school AED inspections, special district annexation, public contracting penalties, and guaranteed income programs. Senate Bill 2073 by Sen. Zaffirini would clarify that appraisal districts may finance purchases, leases, or construction of real property for appraisal offices without prior approval from taxing units; it was supported by the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts and left pending. Senate Bill 1935 by Sen. Hinojosa would increase homeowner control of property owners association boards, require more transparency, limit fines and assessment increases, and require accessible meeting locations; HOA and builder representatives opposed it, arguing it would hinder maintenance and make dues harder to manage, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 434 by Sen. Miles would authorize Harris County Hospital District police officers, was supported by Harris Health, and was left pending. Senate Bill 1177 by Sen. Alvarado, as substituted, would require school AED inspections during fire inspections and reporting to school leadership; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1214 by Sen. Perry would update Concho County Hospital District law to align with current procurement and notice rules; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1965 by Sen. Middleton, for Sen. King, would tighten notice and proximity rules for special district annexations; district witnesses warned the bill could interfere with service to noncontiguous tracts, and the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 2046 by Sen. Bettencourt, which would increase criminal penalties for county purchasing act violations involving unauthorized separate or sequential purchases to evade competitive bidding, and create a tiered penalty structure based on contract amount. Former Harris County DA Kim Ogg, Deputy Attorney General Josh Reno, and James Quintero supported the bill, citing recent Harris County bid-rigging cases and arguing the current Class C misdemeanor penalty is too weak to deter misconduct; some members questioned whether the proposed thresholds were too low and whether stronger oversight, rather than higher penalties alone, would be more effective. The bill was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 2010 by Sen. Bettencourt would bar counties and other political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs and address constitutional gift-clause concerns. Testimony split sharply: Ogg and Quintero argued such programs are unconstitutional, can be used for political data collection, and should not be funded with public money, while Paige Terry Barry defended the bill as protecting taxpayers and discouraging dependency. Senators also debated whether the state can restrict use of federal grant funds and whether local governments should be allowed to run such programs; the bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• :33:40.120><c> isc><00:33:40.320><c> onec><00:33:40.559><c> smallc> misdemeanor crime there is
• thec><00:34:47.079><c> dayc><00:34:47.159><c> isc><00:34:47.240><c> ac><00:34:47.320><c> misdemeanor
• for a<00:35:37.520><c> classc><00:35:37.760><c> Bc><00:35:38.000><c> felonyc><00:35:38.359><c>
• andc><00:35:38.480><c> ac><00:35:38.640><c> classc><00:35:38.880><c> ac><00:35:39.079><c> felony
• 36:16.560><c> classc><00:36:16.839><c> Bc><00:36:17.400><c> felonyc><00:36:18.400><c> umc><00

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> umc><00:55:24.799><c> classc><00:55:25.119><c> ac> does create an additional um class a does
• a Class A person would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor<04:32:18.239><c> andc><04:32:18.399><c>
• ifc><04:32:19.920><c> suchc> misdemeanor and a class B felony if such misdemeanor and a class B felony
• > Classc><04:40:20.160><c> Bc><04:40:20.320><c> andc> difference between a Class A Class B and
• difference between a Class A Class B and a<04:40:20.560><c> Classc><04:40:20.798><c> Ac><04:40:21.160

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Class C will be a misdemeanor, misdemeanor will be petty misdemeanor, and petty misdemeanor will be
• ><c> bec><01:12:40.800><c> classc><01:12:40.960><c> Bc> um offenses class A will be class B um
• <c> bec><01:12:41.920><c> classc><01:12:42.159><c> Cc><01:12:42.400><c> classc><01:12:42.880>
• <c> willc><01:12:42.960><c> bec><01:12:43.040><c> ac> class B will be class C class will be a class
• B will be class C class will be a misdemeanor<01:12:43.679><c> misdemeanorc><01:12:44.159><c> will

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills related to bribery and public corruption. On SB 2249, which would increase penalties for bribery under certain circumstances, the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office and Honolulu Police Department supported the measure, arguing that Hawaii’s current class B felony penalty is probationable and too weak to secure cooperation in corruption cases, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Snyder decision narrowed federal bribery prosecutions. The Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that elevating bribery to a class A felony and making it non-probationable was excessive, overbroad, and would remove judicial discretion. Multiple individuals also testified in support. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about removing deferred acceptance of plea provisions and asked HPD about the $20,000 threshold; the prosecutor said alternative charges could still be used in plea bargaining, and HPD said the threshold aligns with first-degree theft. The committee also discussed how current law tolls the bribery statute of limitations while an official remains in office, with the prosecutor explaining it can extend up to six years total. The committee then heard SB 2494, which would set a nine-year statute of limitations for bribery offenses. The Public Defender opposed the extension, saying the justification based on the length of federal investigations was too broad and that bribery already has a longer limitations period than most felonies. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill, saying bribery cases often involve coordination with federal investigators, that federal and state evidence-gathering methods may differ, and that a longer period would help ensure admissible evidence and allow state prosecution when federal law no longer applies. Members asked whether there were public examples of cases lost to the current limitations period; the prosecutor said he was not aware of any publicly available examples, but maintained nine years was a reasonable period. The committee also considered SB 2737, which would create a misdemeanor for failure by a state or county elected official to report bribery. The Department of the Attorney General offered comments and suggested changing the term to “public servant” for consistency with existing law. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the intent but warned the reporting requirement could create Fifth Amendment issues for witnesses who might otherwise be useful in grand jury proceedings. The bill drew broad public support, with 33 supporters and no opposition noted. Finally, the committee took up SB 3071, which revises sex trafficking and promoting prostitution statutes by redefining “profits from prostitution” and adding an affirmative defense for certain lawful transactions. The Public Defender opposed the measure, saying it still could reach people without the required criminal intent and that the affirmative defense language could be applied unevenly. The Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor supported the bill, saying it better addresses concerns raised by the State v. Ibarra decision while closing loopholes that allow traffickers to disguise profits as loans or gifts. The prosecutor emphasized that traffickers are sophisticated and can structure transactions to evade current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• 42.280><c> ac><00:07:42.680><c> misdemeanorc><00:07:43.680><c> servesc><00:07:44.120><c> ac><
• Classc><00:07:57.639><c> Dc><00:07:58.000><c> Felonyc> misdemeanor versus a Class D Felony misdemeanor
• ><c> takingc><00:08:06.240><c> misdemeanorc><00:08:07.120><c> andc> unlawful taking misdemeanor
• than you do more time on misdemeanors than you do class<00:12:36.199><c> Dc><00:12:36.399><c> felonies
• c><00:12:37.839><c> canc> class D felonies and I know that's can class D felonies and I know that's

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:03 HB 220: 00:01:49 Discussion in Opposition to HB 220: 00:14:37 HB 136: 00:28:21 HB 201: 00:34:14, 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met with a full roll call and first took up House Bill 220, which would strengthen Kentucky DUI penalties. The sponsor and a Commonwealth’s attorney testified that the bill would make a third DUI within 10 years a felony, while keeping first- and second-offense penalties the same, and that the committee substitute also adds escalating fines for under-21 DUI offenses and aligns interlock requirements. Supporters argued the change is needed to protect families and respond to repeat impaired driving, citing a fatal case involving a young victim and a repeat offender with a high blood alcohol level and prior DUI convictions. Members asked about treatment, sentencing, and drafting details. The sponsor explained that the existing mandatory substance-abuse treatment requirement for fourth-or-greater offenses would apply to third-or-greater offenses under the substitute, and that a 120-day minimum remains in place. Questions were also raised about removing redundant statutory language and about whether felony treatment could sometimes result in less actual jail time than a misdemeanor; the sponsor and prosecutor said such cases are rare and that the bill gives prosecutors and juries more tools. Representative Blanton supported the bill but noted it does not address fentanyl, and the sponsor said he has a separate bill for that issue. Opposition testimony came from Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, who said he supported tougher DUI enforcement but opposed felonyizing the third offense. He argued that the current system already imposes mandatory jail and treatment, that felony cases often resolve through plea bargains with parole eligibility that may not increase actual time served, and that the better approach would be stronger mandatory counseling, longer license suspensions, and ignition interlock requirements rather than felony status. After discussion, the committee adopted the committee substitute and passed HB 220 favorably by a 19-0 vote. The committee then began House Bill 136, which would require the Department of Corrections to compile and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on corrections and parole outcomes, including time served and supervision data. The sponsor and a witness from the Georgia Center for Opportunity said the bill is intended to improve transparency and give lawmakers better data for policy decisions. Members voiced support for better post-release data and asked whether DOC could implement the reporting; the witness said DOC had not expressed concerns and already submits some reports. Discussion on HB 136 was underway when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• ac> therapy from a class B misdemeanor to a therapy from a class B misdemeanor to a class<00:10:09.520
• :11.200><c> eachc> class A misdemeanor and making each class A misdemeanor and making each unlicensed
• which is a class B prostitution with which is a class B misdemeanor. misdemeanor. misdemeanor.
• ><c> Ac> massage is liable for a class A massage is liable for a class A misdemeanor.<00:14:47.520>
• c> truec><00:14:48.680><c> thatc> misdemeanor.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and approval of the February 5, 2026 journal. The House clerk then delivered messages that the House had passed House Bills 103, 188, 189, 258, 276, and 419 and requested concurrence. The chamber also received second-reading reports for Senate Bills 2, 4, 71, 136, and 183, which were sent to the Rules Committee, and later committee reports that posted SB 2, SB 4, and SB 71 for Monday, February 9, and SB 136 and SB 183 for Tuesday, February 10. The Committee on Committees also referred several bills to standing committees, including SB 155, 118, 153, 158, 160, 72, 98, and 145. The main floor action was passage of Senate Bill 132, relating to massage therapy. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help local governments investigate businesses posing as massage parlors and to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed practice, including raising the penalty for certain violations from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and treating each unlicensed session as a separate offense. Supporters said it would aid efforts to combat human trafficking and preserve local zoning and licensing authority. Several senators voiced concerns that the bill could be too broad and might unintentionally affect trafficking victims or impose harsh penalties for unlicensed massage without injury or fraud, but they still voted yes. SB 132 passed 32-0. The Senate also adopted Senate Committee Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 18 and then passed the bill 32-0. SB 18 updates Kentucky’s podiatry laws, formally recognizes podiatric assistants and residents, gives the Board of Podiatry authority to license and regulate them, allows podiatrists to supervise physician assistants with board approval, limits supervision to four assistants, and requires new podiatrists starting in 2027 to complete at least two years of residency training. The sponsor said the measure modernizes oversight and improves access to foot and ankle care, especially for patients with diabetes. After the floor work, the Senate recessed for meetings of the Rules Committee and Committee on Committees, and later received the committee reports noted above.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill establishes it as a Class C, a Class A misdemeanor. Yes, if it violate...
• And I'm confused on why it is now that we're going to make this a Class C, Class A misdemeanor...
• Senator Miles: I'm confused on why it is now that we're going to make this a Class C, Class A misdemeanor
• For Class C misdemeanor? I think your bill says Class A, is what I read here. Class A? On page two.
• That's more than a Class C, punishable by a fine of up to $500, so it's more than a Class C misdemeanor

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• , it would be a nonprotected class, it would be a misdemeanor.<00:28:10.159><c> Butc><00:28:10.320>
• c><00:28:12.480><c> class,c><00:28:12.799><c> itc> worker or other protected class, it worker or
• other protected class, it would<00:28:13.039><c> bec><00:28:13.120><c> ac><00:28:13.279><c> class
• c> would be a class C felony. would be a class C felony.
• on a class C a condition of probation on a class C felony,<00:50:54.240><c> thec><00:50:54.400><c>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee on Education heard testimony on HB 1895, which would add education-worker protections by expanding harassment-related offenses. The Department of Education, HSTA, HGA, and several school employees and principals testified in support, describing increased harassment and threats toward teachers and staff, especially since COVID, and saying the bill would help deter bad actors. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, saying the language was vague and overbroad, could criminalize ordinary parental advocacy or speech, and might not survive constitutional scrutiny. In response to questions, the public defender said existing statutes already cover threatening or assaultive conduct against educational workers, while DOE representatives said the bill was aimed at excessive and repetitive disruptive behavior. No vote or final action was taken in the excerpt. The committee then took up HB 1592, concerning protections for educational workers and sports officials. DOE, the Charter School Commission, HGA, HSTA, school principals, athletic programs, and many individual testifiers supported the bill, with several describing threats, harassment, and aggressive behavior at schools and athletic events. One principal said he had repeatedly involved law enforcement after threats and incidents on campus, and a teacher testified about the need to keep school environments safe and orderly. The Office of the Public Defender again opposed the bill, arguing that current law already enhances penalties for assaults and terroristic threatening against educational workers and sports officials, and that new offenses would have little deterrent effect. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be a separate statute and how to distinguish passionate advocacy from harassment; DOE said the line was crossed when conduct became excessive and repetitive, while the public defender urged clearer drafting and more emphasis on prevention, education, security, and de-escalation. No vote or final action was announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• C misdemeanor unless it is a person's subsequent offense, in which case it becomes a Class B misdemeanor
• Um, On its own, driving with an invalid driver's license, DWLI is a fine only Class C misdemeanor offense
• C to a Class B.
• B to Class C misdemeanor, Texans who cannot afford to restore their licenses but drive will still be
• You know as well as anyone, whenever you have a Class C misdemeanor, it's a fine only offense.

Bills: HB316

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• 25:01.600><c> thec><00:25:01.679><c> misdemeanorc> enforcement to be at the misdemeanor enforcement
• 26:19.200><c> misdemeanor.
• c> atc><00:26:34.880><c> thec><00:26:35.039><c> misdemeanorc> so let's just start at the misdemeanor
• :51.120><c> ac><00:26:51.279><c> misdemeanor.
• c> this a misdemeanor. this a misdemeanor.

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 5:15 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Bill 2802, which would address falsifying residency or enrollment documents to place a child in a different school district. Senator Rhodes explained that the current penalty is a felony with a large fine and possible prison time, but that prosecutors rarely use it; the bill would add a misdemeanor-level penalty to create a more realistic enforcement option. He also proposed an amendment changing language that would have required expulsion of the child, replacing it with language making the child ineligible for enrollment in that district so the child would not have an expulsion on record. The committee adopted that amendment by voice vote. Members then debated the bill’s broader policy effects. Supporters argued the measure is needed because districts have reported problems with parents using false addresses or other fraudulent documents, and they said the bill simply creates a lesser penalty while preserving enforcement. Opponents said the bill punishes parents who are trying to secure a better education for their children, may not increase prosecutions, and could harm families and children who did nothing wrong. One senator compared the issue to other criminalized conduct involving rule violations, while another questioned whether the state should be creating a misdemeanor for conduct that is already a felony. The committee also discussed a proposed amendment to remove the felony component entirely and make the offense only a misdemeanor. That amendment was debated at length, with concerns raised that the broader statute covers more than school enrollment fraud and could affect other forms of false statements to government entities. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final recorded disposition on the bill itself in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Criminal penalties include class D felony for title fraud and a class C felony if the victim is over
• held up um for you know, maybe a misdemeanor,<00:17:56.480><c> maybec><00:17:56.640><c> something<
• /c><00:17:56.799><c> theyc><00:17:57.039><c> gotc><00:17:57.200><c> noc> misdemeanor, maybe something
• and misdemeanor<00:31:45.840><c> crimes.
• c><00:31:46.960><c> Currently,c><00:31:47.919><c> theyc><00:31:48.240><c> havec> misdemeanor

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.360><c> yourc><00:01:55.560><c> barnsc><00:01:55.960><c> yourc><00:01:56.079><c> shedsc><
• :06.880><c> inc><00:02:07.000><c> ac><00:02:07.119><c> couplec><00:02:07.560><c> partsc><00:02
• <00:05:27.360><c> onc><00:05:27.520><c> thec><00:05:27.720><c> Cc><00:05:27.919><c> inc><00:05
• the first offense, Class A misdemeanor for the second offense.
• the first offense, Class A misdemeanor for the second offense.

Keywords: This meeting will take place upon adjournment of the Senate Chambers. There is not an exact time for this meeting therefore a placeholder time for the live stream has been set for 4:00PM est. Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:20 HB 10: 00:00:47 HB 399: 00:03:40, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up two House bills. House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, was presented as a response to squatting. The sponsors said it would create a streamlined process to remove unauthorized occupants from real property, define “squatter” in statute, and keep existing criminal mischief penalties aligned for damage to property. After a motion and second, the bill was approved and reported favorably with the expression that it should pass. The committee then heard House Bill 399, relating to interference with legislative proceedings. The sponsor and the Senate Sergeant at Arms said the bill is intended to protect the General Assembly’s ability to conduct business by penalizing obstructing or impeding legislators or legislative employees and disruptive conduct in legislative spaces, while still allowing protest. They emphasized that the measure would give the legislative branch protections similar to those already available to the executive and judicial branches, and that arrests would be made only at the call of leadership or a committee chair. Members voted to advance House Bill 399 after discussion. One senator explained that while he supported moving the bill forward, he was concerned the language could be broad enough to cover peaceful demonstrations, such as teachers rallying at the Capitol, and said he would need more time before deciding how to vote on the floor. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably with the expression that it should pass, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• 15:12.480><c> consideredc><00:15:12.800><c> ac><00:15:12.959><c> misdemeanor.
• a misdemeanor. that if they<00:15:14.000><c> hadc><00:15:14.160><c> chosec><00:15:14.760><c> to<
• :20.880><c> ac><00:15:21.040><c> classc><00:15:21.199><c> Ac> did choose to prosecute it as a class
• A did choose to prosecute it as a class A misdemeanor.<00:15:22.320><c> Um,c><00:15:22.560><c> but
• ><c> ofc><00:19:40.080><c> fivec><00:19:40.320><c> misdemeanorc><00:19:40.960><c> chargesc> found

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• B misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor and making each unlicensed massage therapy session a separate
• therapy from a class<00:04:59.759><c> Bc><00:05:00.000><c> misdemeanorc><00:05:00.639><c> toc><
• 00:05:00.800><c> ac><00:05:01.040><c> classc><00:05:01.360><c> Ac> class B misdemeanor to a class
• A class B misdemeanor to a class A misdemeanor<00:05:02.479><c> andc><00:05:02.800><c> makingc><
• 00:05:03.199><c> eachc><00:05:03.759><c> unlicensedc> misdemeanor and making each unlicensed misdemeanor

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:01 SB 132 Discussion 00:44 SB 132 Vote 07:10 SB 33 Discussion 08:30 SB 33 Vote 17:24 SB 85 Discussion 18:08 SB 85 Vote 25:58 Adjournment: 26:38, 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 132, which would clarify that state law does not limit local governments’ authority to regulate businesses affiliated with licensed massage therapists. The sponsor and supporting testimony from a police chief and the Kentucky League of Cities said the bill is aimed at helping cities respond to complaints about suspected illegal activity, including possible human trafficking, by expressly allowing local ordinances on zoning, licensing, inspections, advertising, hours, and sanitation. The bill also increases the penalty for practicing massage therapy without a license from a class B to a class A misdemeanor and makes each unlicensed session a separate offense, while preserving existing protections for trafficking victims. The committee then heard Senate Bill 33, which addresses recovery residence centers. Senator Thomas said the bill responds to fraudulent or noncompliant recovery homes operating without proper certification and creating neighborhood problems. The measure would require recovery residences to notify cities when they apply for and receive certification, report certain ownership and contact information, and allow cities to keep a registry so they can identify certified facilities. Testimony from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the bill’s enforcement goals but objected to making addresses public, citing safety concerns for vulnerable residents; the sponsor agreed to remove the public-record language through a floor amendment. The committee passed the bill favorably 8-0. Finally, the committee considered Senate Bill 85, which would allow state retirement benefits to be directed to a special needs trust. The sponsor and co-sponsor said the bill is intended to help state employees provide for a dependent with special needs after the employee’s death without affecting eligibility for waiver or other benefits. A witness from the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences supported the concept and noted the importance of clear language, while Senator McDaniel raised a technical concern about whether the bill could allow benefits to be directed to an unintended beneficiary. The sponsor said the language would be reviewed and clarified if needed. The committee approved the bill 8-0 with favorable expression and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The first two, it reduces two Class C misdemeanors that are in our code to infractions.
• A lot more of it used to be Class C misdemeanors, but about, I want to say, six or seven years ago, they
• on their class C misdemeanors.
• So the goal and hopefully the outcome would be that this is now a class C misdemeanor for driving without
• Do these mostly go to justice courts already, whether they're a Class C or an infraction?

Keywords: 985, all

Transcript Highlights:

• class A the bill of it's a class A um,<00:08:17.560><c> ifc><00:08:17.760><c> youc><00:08:17.880
• ><c> ac><00:09:02.720><c> classc> felony and elevates penalties to a class felony and elevates penalties
• c><00:09:53.120><c> Ac><00:09:53.200><c> misdemeanorc> Changing it from a class A misdemeanor Changing
• it from a class A misdemeanor to<00:09:54.000><c> ac><00:09:54.080><c> classc><00:09:54.440><c>
• <c> fromc><00:09:55.960><c> anc> to a class B felony for fleeing from an to a class B felony for

Keywords: 1191, senate, all