Video & Transcript : 'State Building Code Council' :
Page 193 of 500
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence May 11th, 2026
Joint Committee on Aging and Independence
Transcript Highlights:
- classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
- classification standards and modernizing building code requirements for ALRs, which was the Commission's
- I just want to speak to the building code recommendations.
- And I can't tell you today that I would recommend or not recommend statewide building code changes, because
- We're not going to just focus on building code issues; we want to do our due diligence and do a good
Keywords:
rest home, rest homes, medication administration, medication management, assisted living, long-term care, elder care, older adults, senior care, nursing home, resident care, self-administration, licensed facility, Chapter 111, section 71, Responsible Person, caregiver, direct care staff, care facilities, funding
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Higher Education Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> challenges facing Minnesota State challenges facing Minnesota State Colleges<00:03:15.400><c> and
- </c> Security Officer for Minnesota State Security Officer for Minnesota State Colleges<00:04:50.040>
- </c><00:29:58.360><c> College</c> behalf of Minnesota State College behalf of Minnesota State College
- They're similar to the Ag state special funds that we receive from the state.
- </c> popping up all over the United States. popping up all over the United States.
Committee:
House Higher Education Finance and Policy
Keywords:
higher education, identity verification, enrollment fraud, funding, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, postsecondary education, community college, university, developmental education, remedial education, remediation, corequisite, co-requisite, English composition, college readiness, adult basic education, ABE, student placement, credit-bearing courses, noncredit courses
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/9/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Is there something in the law that you're saying the state violated, that it would—that the state was
- </c><00:36:48.240><c> and</c> of housing across this the state and of housing across this the state and
- Chair, members of the committee, the application goes to the state and the state decides, evaluates the
- They have codes, NAICS codes.
- </c><01:14:09.760><c> at</c> registered with Secretary of State at registered with Secretary of State
Keywords:
bioindustrial facilities, economic development, renewable energy, advanced biofuels, state funding, HF2252, Minnesota bonding, volume cap, private activity bonds, tax-exempt bonds, public facility bonds, public facilities pool, unified pool, bond allocation, municipal finance, bond cap, housing bonds, residential rental projects, manufacturing bonds, enterprise zone bonds
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> affects the entire state. affects the entire state.
- This legislation builds on the rapid response efforts that we've seen across the state that represent
- </c> state of Minnesota. state of Minnesota.
- The Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs is a state agency that advises and informs the state legislature
- state? state?
Bills:
HF4477
Keywords:
Minnesota business recovery loan program, small business loan, zero-interest loan, forgivable loan, business recovery, economic development, small business emergency loan account, Minnesota Initiative Foundations, nonprofit lenders, greater Minnesota, Twin Cities metro, seven-county metropolitan area, immigration enforcement, business interruption, revenue loss, job preservation, business stabilization, state appropriation, forward fund, loan forgiveness
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate State Governmental Affairs Committee Apr 7th, 2026
State Governmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> vote by 400 members of the state vote by 400 members of the state committee.<00:13:59.279><c> Right
- </c> working to represent the state working to represent the state Republican<00:18:18.240><c> platform
- Closed primaries are in 42 states in the United States of America.
- Closed primaries are in 42 states in the United States of America.
- Closed primaries are in 42 states in the United States of America.
Committee:
Senate State Governmental Affairs
Keywords:
PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, primary elections, party registration, party affiliation, open primary, closed primary, runoff election, crossover voting, voter registration, Secretary of State, absentee ballot, polling place signage, election integrity, political party, Democrat, Republican
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- It clarifies state and local authority during a state or local state of emergency.
- It allows the legislature to terminate a state of emergency and city councils to terminate a local state
- of</c><00:14:59.760><c> state.
- </c> the country, but it's just out of state. the country, but it's just out of state.
- </c> transacting business in this state. transacting business in this state.
Bills:
SB2057
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 5, for a series of decision-making agendas and considered a long list of Senate bills. Early measures included SB 2151, which clarifies state and local authority during emergencies and revises the definition of “emergency”; the committee agreed to restore the broader, long-used definition and add a sunset date, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 3055, concerning false impersonation of an employee organization representative, was amended to remove liquidated damages and passed. Several technical or conforming bills also advanced, including SB 3067, SB 3077, SB 3131, SB 3134, SB 3144, SB 3152, SB 3154, and SB 3249, with most passed with technical amendments or unamended; some members noted reservations on SB 3249.
The committee also took up bills affecting public safety, health, and education. SB 3083 was amended to narrow notice requirements for protective orders involving military-affiliated individuals to a designated military security force, and SB 3118 on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children passed as is. SB 3134 modernized emergency medical services statutes, while another SB 3134 item addressed dangerous intoxication and civil protective custody. SB 3262, requiring the Hawaii State Teachers Board to submit nominees to the Board of Education, was amended to include a defective effective date. SB 3315, allowing a one-time medical cannabis purchase while registration is pending, was also amended to a delayed effective date and passed.
A substantial portion of the meeting focused on law enforcement and immigration-related proposals. SB 3322, which restricts facial coverings by law enforcement, requires visible identification, and sets agency policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to remove an affirmative defense, make the penalty a misdemeanor, and incorporate exceptions for undercover work and related preparation; it passed with one no vote. SB 3251, barring certain former ICE and Border Patrol personnel from employment in specified state agencies, was narrowed to apply to those with more than 90 cumulative days of such work during a defined period and passed with reservations. SB 2057, a reconsideration measure limiting use of state personnel and funds to assist federal immigration agents beyond their authority, was further amended to clarify definitions, protect First Amendment activity, and preserve cooperation required by federal law; it then passed without objection. The committee adjourned after adopting each measure considered.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 25th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- I think a good statement here would be that as the state population grows, we should probably, maybe
- for economic development and competitiveness across our state.
- I worked with Representative Benke, Senator Banke now, on manufacturing in our state, trying to help
- promote additional manufacturing across our state.
- from all corners of our state.
Bills:
SB6046
Keywords:
SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans Feb 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans
Transcript Highlights:
- More or less model building around certain populations?
- Senate Bill 6046 creates a state Civil Air Patrol.
- If the State Civil Air Patrol cooperates with a state agency, county, city, town, or federally recognized
- That clear state relationship will allow us to build the trust, planning, and coordination needed so
- So what this proposal does is increase the capability without building a new state program, doesn't increase
Bills:
SB6046
Keywords:
SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 18th, 2026 at 02:07 pm
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- The remainder of the dollars are appropriated to state agency, judicial, and higher education projects
- Some of the state agency projects are for the benefit of local entities.
- Whenever we put the language... to council services, it was just in Navajo Nation.
- It must have been council services.
- So can you tell us about that 3730 UNM Purchase of Clinical Services Building in...
Bills:
SB240
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
Keywords:
capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Taxation and Revenue Feb 18th, 2026 at 08:43 am
House Taxation & Revenue
Transcript Highlights:
- The Fed said, "Look, if you build this building, we'll go ahead and let you take it all up front, the
- Why would they—what in this legislation makes them add jobs or new building in our state rather than
- another state?
- Because, of course, now that I'm going to build, why would I build here when I don't care what?
- Receive a massive boom of corporations saying, 'Okay, I have investments in this state or this state
Bills:
SB240
Committee:
House House Taxation & Revenue
Keywords:
capital outlay, capital projects, severance tax bonds, general fund appropriations, supplemental severance tax bonds, UNM School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, infrastructure, state buildings, courts, schools, higher education, road improvements, water and wastewater, tribal infrastructure, tribal projects, public safety, housing, emergency services, bonding
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- But these states States that have passed similar laws to serve as a precedent for New Mexico do not have
- by the state.
- The state should also require gun dealers... ...liquor stores and cannabis shops, the state should also
- Madam Chair, Representative, every state has a right-to-bear-arms provision in its state constitution
- I'll just refer to the council.
Committee:
House House Judiciary
Keywords:
SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations
Summary:
The committee first heard Senate Bill 38, which would make permanent the New Mexico affordable spay-neuter program funded by fees on registered pet food. The sponsor and supporters said the program helps reduce companion animal overpopulation, shelter intake, and euthanasia, while opponents argued the charge is an unlawful tax, is tied to ongoing litigation, and that required annual reporting has not been done. After public testimony, the committee adopted a due pass motion on SB 38 by a 10-1 vote.
The committee then took up Senate Bill 17, a gun-safety measure that would impose new requirements on firearms dealers and prohibit future sale of certain assault-style and high-capacity weapons. Supporters, including sponsors, gun-violence survivors, public safety advocates, and some local officials, argued the bill would address straw purchasing, trafficking, dealer accountability, and mass-casualty weapons. Opponents, including firearms retailers, ranchers, law enforcement, and gun owners, said the bill would burden lawful businesses, raise constitutional concerns, and do little to stop crime. After extensive testimony and questions about the bill’s legal basis, definitions, and dealer regulations, the committee did not vote and instead rolled the bill for further work on amendments.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 41, as amended, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for second-degree criminal sexual contact of a minor. Support came from the Chamber of Commerce and sexual assault advocacy groups, who said delayed disclosure is common and justice should not expire before survivors are ready to come forward. Committee members asked detailed questions about the bill’s scope, including why certain offenses remained covered and how the criminal statutes are categorized. The committee adopted an amendment to correct drafting issues and then passed SB 41 as amended on a 10-0 vote.
Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 264, an elections safety bill that would strengthen penalties for election interference, create emergency polling-place protocols, and clarify when law enforcement may be present at polling places at the request of election officials. Supporters said it was needed to protect voters from intimidation, while an opponent argued it could put law enforcement at risk and restrict their ability to vote. The sponsor and Secretary of State explained that the bill was aimed at preventing ordered deployment of armed personnel to polling places, not barring officers or service members from voting. The discussion was still underway when the transcript ended.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Many states have that. Utah... Many states have that.
- Doctors are leaving the state.
- And what that tells me is we have more malpractice in this state than other states.
- states.
- states.
Committee:
Senate House Judiciary
Keywords:
SB38, pet food, registered pet food, registration fee, fees, sunset repeal, repeal of repeal, revenue, state fee, business regulation, animal feed, pet food registration, New Mexico, gun control, firearm safety, dealer regulation, illegal trade, background checks, sexual crimes, statute of limitations
Summary:
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard extensive testimony on House Bill 99, a proposed reform of the Medical Malpractice Act. Representative Chandler said the bill is intended to address physician shortages, rising malpractice premiums, and litigation pressures by changing punitive damages rules, including a higher standard of proof, a requirement that punitive damages not be pleaded in the initial complaint, and limits tied to the type of provider. Supporters, including physicians, business leaders, and some patients, said the bill would help retain doctors, improve access to care, and create more predictable liability exposure. Several supporters also said current malpractice conditions are driving doctors out of the state and harming rural access to services.
Opponents argued the bill would reduce patient recovery, create unequal treatment based on insurance status through the bill-versus-paid provision, and raise constitutional concerns involving equal protection, collateral source rules, and separation of powers. They also criticized the bill for not addressing other drivers of malpractice, such as hospital practices, prior authorization, staffing, and background checks for out-of-state doctors. Some witnesses urged amendments to protect the Patient Compensation Fund, ensure future medical expenses are covered, require minimum surcharge settings, and improve oversight of providers entering the state.
Committee members questioned the sponsor and witnesses about whether the bill would actually lower premiums, whether it would improve access to care, and how it would affect hospitals, independent providers, and the Patient Compensation Fund. The sponsor said the bill was based on negotiations and comparisons with other states, and that it should help premiums over time. Members raised concerns about the fund’s solvency, the role of hospitals in the fund, and whether some provisions would survive legal challenge. No final vote was taken in the portion of the meeting provided; the chair indicated amendments would be discussed later and the committee would continue the hearing the next day.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/16/2026 - Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Military Affairs and Border Security
Transcript Highlights:
- We're a big military state.
- States.
- Because it starts with one state, and then it's multiplied by another state.
- And if it takes year after year and state after state, that's what it takes. Thank you.
- the state of Arizona.
Committee:
Senate Military Affairs and Border Security
Keywords:
National Guard, active duty, combat, Arizona, declaration of war, state law, military service, property tax, exemptions, veterans, disabilities, widows and widowers, Arizona Revised Statutes, immigration enforcement, local law enforcement, federal cooperation, law enforcement training, public safety, military affairs, funding
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Feb 11th, 2026
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It is endorsed by the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments.
- of 16 states with 15 states objecting to that rule, yet those 15 states would now be bound by a rule
- for those. person to move state to state.
- So yes, there are costs that arise when you move state to state.
- And so we have no idea what the cost to the state and the taxpayer is to get into a council or a compact
Keywords:
dentist, dental hygienist, dentistry, dental hygiene, licensure compact, interstate compact, professional licensing, license portability, health workforce, workforce shortage, mobility, compact privilege, state licensing board, public health, public safety, military spouse, telehealth dentistry, reciprocity, Title 59, occupational licensing
Summary:
The Senate convened, established a quorum, and opened with prayer and several introductions, including the nurse of the day and student guests. The chamber then took up Senate Bill 540, a Department of Defense-request compact bill creating a dental/dental hygienist licensure compact. The author and supporters said it would improve reciprocity and help military spouses and workforce needs without lowering Oklahoma standards, while several senators raised concerns about sovereignty, rulemaking authority, potential enforcement actions, and possible costs. After debate, the bill passed 35-12.
The Senate next considered House Bill 1085, which would standardize and adjust the fee structure for the service contract industry. An amendment changing dates was adopted, and the bill passed 44-3. The chamber then heard House Bill 1484, a fentanyl education bill requiring instruction for students in grades 6-12 on the dangers and consequences of fentanyl exposure. The author described it as a response to rising fentanyl deaths and a tribute to a young victim; the bill was said to apply to school districts and, by understanding, private schools as well. It passed 47-9 and then passed as an emergency measure.
Before adjournment, senators also introduced visiting students and family members affected by fentanyl, and members made announcements about an appropriations subcommittee meeting and a Farm Bureau of Women lunch. The Senate then adopted a motion to adjourn until Thursday, February 12th at 9:30 a.m.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/09/2026 - House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Transcript Highlights:
- We're building a rescue ship right here. We're building search... my heart.
- We're building a rescue ship right here. We're building search.
- So we as a state are not helpless.
- And secondly, why do you think it's ambiguous that this is—I don't know—the state? ...the state?
- If I have sovereignty in my home, then the state has sovereignty in the state.
Committee:
House Public Safety & Law Enforcement
Keywords:
manslaughter, suicide encouragement, assisted suicide, online harassment, social media, text messaging, directed communication, minor suicide, youth suicide prevention, criminal liability for speech, online bullying, free speech, homicide, class 2 felony, Cade's Law, Arizona criminal law, sovereignty, border security, health crisis, drug cartels
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2026 at 08:00 am
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- For the record, I'm Ed Orcutt, state representative from the 20th District.
- So this is a state-owned game farm managed by a state agency for the purposes of public... ...I would
- So this is a state-owned game farm managed by a state agency for the purposes of public engagement and
- We have too many farms that are closing in our state.
- Our competitiveness as a state has slid too far. Our competitiveness as a state has slid too far.
Committee:
House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Keywords:
relocation, wildlife, game farm, agriculture, environmental impact, animal welfare, force-feeding, birds, humane treatment, sea lion, predation control, salmon preservation, fishing industry, voluntary donations, derelict vessels, marine environment, coastal management, environmental protection, maritime economy, farmers
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 27th, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- system code... ...using a health care procedure coding system code that's not reasonably appropriate
- WCA believes in building an economy in Washington State where everyone can thrive, and this bill would
- WCA believes in a building an economy in Washington state where everyone can thrive, and this bill would
- If you look across the 33 states that have passed it, again, like I said... ...way to build a mousetrap
- And so I think for Washington State, at least having watched this across several other states, this is
Committee:
House Consumer Protection & Business
Keywords:
small loans, consumer protection, financial regulation, lending limits, credit access, animal testing, alternatives, ethical research, animal welfare, scientific methods, infrastructure, protection, safety, security, state regulations, public safety, insurance fraud, law enforcement, crime, penalties
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Instead of two buildings, we'll have everything in one building.
- Two buildings will have everything in one building.
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- It was federal legislation; it wasn't state or at our level.
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The committee first heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-27 public safety budget, which totals about $8.2 billion within a $117.4 billion overall state budget. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget outlined funding and reductions across the public safety silo, including the Department of Corrections, Juvenile Justice, FDLE, Legal Affairs, the courts, and related entities. Agency heads then presented their requests, with FDLE seeking funding for fentanyl enforcement, career offender registry staffing, alert system upgrades, alcohol testing equipment, officer mental health, criminal alien detection, and statutory staffing needs; DJJ requesting money for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential contract rate increases, a new Broward detention center, and facility maintenance; and DOC requesting major funding for correctional officer pay increases, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications and security technology, offender information system modernization, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members discussed staffing shortages, prison conditions, immigration enforcement, public records burdens, mental health and substance use treatment, and the need for continued investment in corrections. A member of the public also testified about poor conditions in some prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and maintenance issues.
The committee then considered and passed CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, which would clarify that a person may not resist a law enforcement officer with violence when the officer is performing official duties and would increase penalties in cases involving violence against officers. The bill sponsor described the case of Officer Jason Rayner and said the measure was intended to prevent defendants from using claims about unlawful detention or arrest to justify violence. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after support was noted from several law enforcement and municipal groups.
Next, the committee passed CS/SB 54, which addresses use of substances affecting cognitive function. An amendment narrowed the medical-records language to records relevant to investigations of violent offenders and clarified privacy protections. The bill was then reported favorably. The committee also passed CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from survivors and advocates emphasized the danger victims face when trying to leave abusive situations. Finally, the committee passed CS/SB 298, the public-records companion bill, which extends confidentiality protections for participants in the Address Confidentiality Program to dating violence victims as well. All three bills were reported favorably, and the committee adjourned after no further business.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Jan 14th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- States. Mr. Chair.
- Instead of two buildings, we'll have everything in one building.
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- And the State Guard's been provided, our State Guard, National Guard has been doing a heck of a good
- It was federal legislation; it wasn't state or at our level.
Keywords:
cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, public records, open government, sunshine law, victims of dating violence, domestic violence, address confidentiality program, confidential address, voter registration, voting records, elections, supervisor of elections, Department of State, Attorney General, privacy
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice heard a presentation on the Governor’s fiscal year 2026-2027 public safety budget, which totals $117.4 billion overall and includes $8.2 billion for the public safety silo. Caitlin Dawkins of the Governor’s Office outlined proposed funding and reductions across FDLE, DJJ, DOC, and related justice agencies. Agency heads then presented major budget requests: FDLE sought funding for fentanyl enforcement, a career offender registry unit, a missing persons alert system upgrade, alcohol testing modernization, officer wellness, criminal intelligence, and illegal immigration-related intelligence work; DJJ requested funds for the Florida Scholars Academy, uniforms, residential services, a new Broward detention center, and facility repairs; and DOC requested major increases for officer pay, 500 additional FTE, facility construction and maintenance, communications technology, inmate health care, pharmaceuticals, and food service. Members questioned FDLE about the scope of immigration-related enforcement and public records burdens, and DOC about staffing, inmate health care, substance use treatment, prison capacity, and whether prison beds were being used for immigration detainees. A public commenter also urged attention to basic conditions in prisons, including clothing, food, medical care, and facility maintenance.
The committee then considered several bills. CS/SB 156, the Jason Rayner Act, was presented as a response to the killing of Daytona Beach Officer Jason Rayner and would clarify that a person may not use violence against an officer performing official duties, while also increasing penalties related to manslaughter involving law enforcement. An amendment conforming the bill’s language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably after debate and a roll call vote. CS/SB 54, dealing with substances affecting cognitive function and law enforcement access to certain medical records, also received an amendment clarifying that only records relevant to an investigation of a violent offender may be furnished; the amended bill was then reported favorably.
The committee next heard CS/SB 296, the Haven Act, which would direct a study of a secure web-based alert system for domestic violence victims so they can contact 911 without alerting an abuser, and would expand the Address Confidentiality Program to include dating violence victims. Testimony from advocates and survivors strongly supported the measure, and the bill was reported favorably. Its companion, CS/SB 298, a public records exemption for victims of domestic and dating violence in the Address Confidentiality Program, was also reported favorably. The meeting concluded after the committee approved all four bills and adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have plans in place with the state water plan and state flood plan that I... ...identify as those
- When we've looked at the state water plan, only 7% of the water needs identified in the state water plan
- It's 90% of our state water plan.
- We keep hearing about the state water plan, and I am for the state water plan.
- I am for state water planning.
Committee:
Senate Finance
Keywords:
alcohol, taxation, reporting requirements, sales, distribution, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer, constitutional amendment, water fund, Texas water supply, state revenue, infrastructure, HJR 7, Texas Legislature, quorum, majority quorum, two-thirds quorum, legislative procedure