Video & Transcript Research : 'Government Code Section 22.002'
Page 199 of 500
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- And that's reflected in sections two through N of the bill.
- And that's reflected in sections two through N of the bill.
- And that's reflected in sections two through N of the bill.
- And that's reflected in sections two through N of the bill.
- <01:03:43.599>
two and that's reflected in sections two and that's reflected in sections two
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - 04/08/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, I'm happy to do a section-by-section walk-through, if that would be helpful.
- happy to do a section-by-section happy to do a section-by-section walk-through,<00:03:51.800>
- I can do a section-by-section walk-through if you so desire. >> Yeah, no, Madam Chair.
- Senator Dibble, do you know, is there a code that you're not going to pay if there's a code?
- and section three, etc. and section three, etc.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- This is the as-amended section one. Section one defines retaliation.
- section one defines retaliation<00:01:14.240>
section <00:01:14.520>two <00:01:15.080> <00:01:15.600>- > paragraph
a retaliation section two paragraph a retaliation section two paragraph - occurred section occurred section two<00:01:39.119>
paragraph <00:01:39.920>C <00:01 - Nikki Oliver director of government Nikki Oliver director of government relations<00:26:50.240><
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2072, an act amending Section 36-4-1-4-0-0-0-2-7-7-7-3, Article 7.3, amending Sections 41-
- They're here today learning how government works for them and for their community.
- They're here today learning how government works for them and for their community.
- Under section 13-45-2101, repealing section 13-45-2101, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act
- House Bill 272: an act repealing section 13-8, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to holidays.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- uh one section in in in the bill section uh one section in in in the bill um<00:42:12.319>
because - For these reasons, we ask you to delete section 18 and section 22. Mahalo.
- We ask you to delete section 18 and section 22. Mahalo. Thank you.
- But again, we'll be picking out those two sections, the solar section and the film section, and having
- and the film section and having section and the film section and having further<01:42:58.199>
discussions
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Joint Administrative Procedures Committee Mar 31st, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- But continuing to look at that, I think, is the agency's responsibility as a steward of government power
- And I agree with you that we're talking about lawful or unlawful, but you're also looking at a section
- This is Rule 60G-1.001, Florida Administrative Code, and Ken, can you please go ahead and present the
- And that acquisition process is also governed by a set of rules and statutes that pertain to the Board
- There are two specific rules, one in section F, one in section G, that refer to various rules associated
Summary:
The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion.
The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection.
Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- They're given a code name. You sign a confidentiality agreement.
- So it really, again, boils down to the local government.
- The onus is really on those local government officials.
- If the government encroaches on your ability to use your property the way that you see fit, the government
- So you're referring to Section C, affected property owner.
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several guest and staff introductions. The chamber then took up returning messages from the House and acted on multiple bills, with votes recorded on each. Senate Bill 628 on transportation facility designations was concurred in as amended and passed 31-4 after discussion about naming roads for deceased individuals and an exception for President Trump. The House amendment to the Live Local affordable housing package, CS/CS/HB 1389, was also concurred in and passed 35-0; Senator Claudio explained it as the fourth iteration of the Live Local Act, including new provisions allowing certain affordable housing on qualifying religious property, extending some timelines, and removing accessory dwelling unit language. CS/CS/HB 1451 on utility services was concurred in and passed 30-6 after questions about phasing out surcharges and reporting requirements. The chamber also substituted CS/CS/HB 1279 for SB 7038 and adopted an education amendment package before passing the bill 36-1, while several other measures were temporarily postponed.
The Senate then considered CS/CS/SB 484 on data centers and concurred in the House amendment 383-957, passing the bill 31-6. Senator Avila said the amendment strengthened ratepayer protections, required a PSC tariff filing, and directed an OPAGA study on large-scale data centers. Several senators pressed concerns about the removal of the Senate’s nondisclosure agreement prohibition, the possibility of delayed public awareness of data center projects, and whether costs could be shifted to other ratepayers; Avila responded that the amendment preserved local land-use authority and that ratepayer costs could not be borne by the general body of ratepayers. Debate reflected a split between senators who supported the bill as a needed regulatory framework and those who objected to the transparency changes and the loss of the Senate’s original NDA language.
Later, the Senate took up land use and development regulations, substituting CS/CS/CS/HB 399 for SB 208. An amendment by Senator Jones to remove language affecting a Fontainebleau Hotel water park project in Miami Beach failed 17-20 after debate over local control and preemption. Senator McLean’s amendments then added a sunset date and other changes, and Senator Claudio’s amendment preserved Miami-Dade’s urban development boundary supermajority protections and related planning provisions. The chamber then began extended debate on Senator Martin’s amendment creating a process for property owners to challenge rural boundary designations and seek compensation or removal from the designation without going to court; supporters framed it as a property-rights and due-process measure, while opponents argued it would undermine local planning, impose costs on taxpayers, and weaken voter-approved rural boundaries in Orange and Seminole counties. The transcript ends amid that debate, with no final vote shown on the rural boundary amendment in the excerpt provided.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Sunset Advisory Commission Jan 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- uh, Senator Middleton, and this modification would exempt the lobby compensation thresholds and government
- code 305.005 from inflation adjustment and revert them to the thresholds in statute.
- This recommendation amends Section 254.042 of the Texas Election Code to limit the late filing penalty
- recommendations that guide our decisions to improve the efficiency and accountability of Texas government
- Our purpose here isn't to serve ourselves or make choices that simply accommodate government processes
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Uh, for example, Texas Labor Code Section 410 allows.
- Uh, there's nothing currently I'm aware of in the labor code that allows an administrative law judge
- Uh, so there's sort of a standing issue that's not addressed by the labor code.
- The other concern I have is there's nothing in the labor code that allows an administrative law judge
- If it's any other matter, judicial review under Labor Code Chapter 410 is substantial evidence review
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 49 (3-18-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Childhood Education Governance and Childhood Education Governance and Outcomes<00:08:31.240>
Task< - governed by this chapter. governed by this chapter.
- code and so<00:57:20.640>
forth. - It's put a strain on businesses, churches, schools, local governments, city governments.
- It's put a strain on businesses, churches, schools, local governments, city governments.
Summary:
The House convened with 98 members present, declared a quorum, approved the prior journal, and received Senate concurrence requests on Senate Bills 263, 281, and 324. The chamber then moved through second readings and committee reports on a range of measures, including education, agriculture, banking and insurance, judiciary, licensing, and task force resolutions. Among the reported bills were measures on KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, a residential safe room rebate program, dual credit scholarships, impeding a first responder, motor vehicles, tallow-based cosmetic products, animal health emergencies, mortgage loan income limits, deferred deposit fees, child protection, Attorney General operations, corrections operations, school leadership, school transportation, advanced mathematics coursework, and task forces on charitable gaming and early childhood education governance.
The House passed House Bill 642, a Teachers' Retirement System housekeeping bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1. The sponsor said the bill updates survivor benefit documentation, raises the daily earnings limit for retired members returning to work from $170 to $200, removes an unused early-return provision, reinstates a pension waiver program, clarifies benefit tier calculations using an earlier participation date in another state system, and allows a parent member to manage payments for a disabled child without a court order. Members asked about substitute teaching limits, retirement penalties, budget impact, and a removed provision involving index funds; the sponsor said he would follow up on the day limits and stated he did not believe the bill would add to unfunded liability. The bill passed 96-0.
The House also passed House Bill 780 on recording commissioner’s deeds, after adopting a floor amendment that removed fines and penalties. The bill allows a city to petition circuit court if a deed is not recorded within 30 business days, and the court may compel filing and award costs and attorney’s fees. Members discussed whether the bill effectively created a lawsuit-based enforcement mechanism rather than a fine, and supporters said it would help local governments identify responsible property owners and address code enforcement and public safety issues. The bill passed 96-0. House Bill 541, concerning peace officers, also passed after a committee substitute; the sponsor said it cleans up Kentucky Law Enforcement Council procedures, strengthens certification standards, clarifies revocation language, and reflects input from law enforcement groups. It passed 95-0.
House Bill 195, the Kentucky Urban Youth Agriculture Initiative, passed after a committee substitute and floor amendment. The substitute added Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension alongside UK Cooperative Extension, and the floor amendment changed the pilot’s implementation date to January 1, 2027 and adjusted the program’s term timing. Supporters said the bill would expand urban agriculture education, connect youth to food systems and career pathways, and help students in urban counties learn practical agricultural skills; it passed 97-0. The House then took up House Bill 794 on financial exploitation, which expands protections to all adults age 65 and older, adds felony penalties for knowingly, wantonly, or recklessly exploiting those adults, allows the attorney general to seek extradition from another state, and requires investment advisers to complete three hours of continuing education on financial exploitation. Members cited real-world scam experiences and urged stronger penalties, but the bill passed 96-0.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- identified several sections identified several sections um<01:37:28.680>
in <01:37:28.800> - governed by 106B 26 through 34. governed by 106B 26 through 34.
- that phrase out of that penalty section. that phrase out of that penalty section.
- One good thing that this amendment does is that it affects both codes of law: the code of law that was
- <04:12:10.640>
of state police entities and the code of state police entities and the code
Summary:
House Transportation opened public hearings on three Senate bills and discussed a fourth scheduling issue. On SB 499, which would change Traffic Safety Commission reporting requirements, the sponsor’s representative said the bill would require annual aggregated data on the causes of traffic collisions in New Hampshire and recommendations to address them. Members asked about the added Trauma Medical Review Committee seat, and a representative explained that it is a longstanding state board of emergency and trauma professionals; the bill had already been amended and passed unanimously earlier in the process.
On SB 500, concerning restroom access for certain commercial motor vehicle operators, the sponsor and trucking-industry supporters said the measure arose from concerns raised by female truck drivers and was intended to require larger commercial facilities with available public or employee restrooms to allow truck drivers to use them when there are no public safety concerns. Supporters from the New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said driver shortages make it important to recruit and retain women, and that lack of bathroom access is a significant barrier. Committee members asked about the scope of the problem and whether the issue affected male and female drivers differently.
The committee then heard SB 559, which would reduce the minimum allowable speed limit on locally controlled roads. Supporters, including bicyclists and the Bike-Walk Alliance, testified that lower speeds improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, citing personal crash experiences and national guidance supporting lower urban speed limits where warranted by traffic or engineering studies. They emphasized the bill would not mandate lower limits statewide but would give towns local discretion. Members questioned whether the group would support 15 mph limits and how congestion and travel-time concerns were weighed. A Department of Transportation official testified neutrally, saying the agency had no formal position but had concerns about public perception and possible spillover to unnumbered state roads. The chair also noted an earlier scheduling problem that prevented immediate executive action on a bill until later in the day.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-03 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Because a local government should be able to have home rule and rule their local governments by a majority
- Because a local government should be able to have home rule and rule their local governments by a majority
- Section 4 preempts the governance of a regional utility authority created after January 1, 2023.
- To the federal government.
- That is fear-based government.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, a moment of silence for former member Chester Clem, the Pledge of Allegiance, and quorum confirmation. Members then adopted the special order report for the day and approved a Rules and Ethics Committee report amending House Rule 15.3 to allow fundraising under certain circumstances during extended or special sessions.
The chamber then took up several bills. HB 1405 on a statewide project for missing persons with special needs passed unanimously. CS/CS/CS/SB 290, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services bill, passed 94-10 after debate focused on conservation land surplus procedures and agricultural use of state lands. CS/CS/CS/HB 905, the “Fire Act” on foreign influence, foreign gifts, critical infrastructure, sister city agreements, and related restrictions, passed 80-20 after the House adopted an amendment adding a prohibition on certain surrogacy contracts involving citizens or residents of foreign countries of concern. CS/CS/HB 1197, dealing with information technology procurement and contracting, passed 109-0. HB 1103 on local administration of vessel restrictions passed unanimously.
The House also debated CS/CS/CS/HB 399 on land use and development regulations. Supporters said it would limit development fees, standardize compatibility rules, allow manufactured homes in RV parks, and lower voting thresholds for comprehensive plan changes to address housing affordability; opponents argued it would preempt local control, weaken voter-approved urban boundary protections, and risk conservation lands. An amendment to preserve Orange County’s boundary rules failed, while a technical amendment on manufactured homes passed. The bill then passed 71-38. The House also passed several local bills, including measures for the Pace Fire Rescue District, Avalon Beach/Mulat Fire Protection District, East Point Water and Sewer District, Fellsmere Water Control District, and Headwaters Water Control District, with votes ranging from 83-27 to unanimous approval. The transcript also included farewell remarks from Representative Angie Nixon before the House returned to remaining business.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 26, 2025 - 11:30 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- We have Doug Bell from the business law section of the Florida Bar, waiving in support.
- Mike Jorgensen, elder law section of the Florida Bar, waving in support. Thank you from the bar.
- You know, we struck out the section where it says Medicare at 120% and Medicaid at 170%.
- I see bar code number 750357, and Rep. Oliver, you are recognized to explain the amendment.
- We don't believe the federal government always follows through.
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and considered a large agenda of bills, mostly in the criminal justice, courts, civil procedure, and family/consumer protection areas. Early measures included CS/HB 1161 on removing altered sexual depictions posted without consent, HB 403 modernizing LLC law to allow protected series LLCs, CS/HB 97 on service of process in protection proceedings for vulnerable adults, and HB 813 as the state courts package addressing duty judges, arbitrator compensation, and notarization by judges. All of those bills were reported favorably, with HB 403 and HB 813 amended. The committee also heard and advanced CS/HB 947 on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, which drew substantial opposition from insurers, business groups, and defense-oriented witnesses, while the sponsor argued it would let juries hear all relevant evidence; it passed 19-3.
Members also approved CS/CS/HB 615 allowing electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices by email, after an amendment requiring opt-in language and written notice to update an email address; tenant advocates still raised concerns about eviction-related notices and receipt verification. HB 663 increased penalties for using tracking devices or apps to commit dangerous crimes and passed unanimously. CS/HB 385 made technical changes to the Florida Trust Code and passed unanimously after a conforming amendment. CS/HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, increased penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and was supported by law enforcement and animal welfare groups; it passed unanimously.
Later in the meeting, the committee approved HB 513 on electronic transmittal of court orders after the sponsor withdrew an amendment that would have changed the deadline from six hours to six business hours, following concerns that the delay could be too long for urgent orders. CS/HB 1099 gave law enforcement discretion in arrests involving individuals with significant medical conditions in facilities and passed unanimously. HB 653 added aggravating factors for capital felonies involving assassinations or attempted assassinations of heads of state; it drew opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed 20-2. CS/HB 59 expanded wrongful incarceration compensation by extending the filing deadline, removing the clean-hands bar, and allowing exonerees to choose between civil suit and the state claims process; it passed unanimously. PCS/HB 777 increased penalties for in-person luring or enticing of children and barred certain age-based defenses, passing unanimously. Finally, CS/HB 437 increased penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices; two amendments softened the bill by clarifying juvenile treatment and giving judges limited discretion to avoid automatic revocation of pretrial release, and the bill passed 21-1 before the meeting adjourned.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Agriculture (02/17/2026)
Environment and Agriculture
Transcript Highlights:
- does not work for the government. does not work for the government.
- section um D page three line one. section um D page three line one.
- , code, code, fire department. >> Right.
- and the fire code has a uh has fire code and the fire code has a uh has a<02:10:12.239>
set <02 - >> It's a code that USGS used.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not weaken the Florida Building Code. It does not eliminate local oversight.
- These professionals would be selected and approved by the local government.
- Local governments retain control and continue to approve or deny all applications.
- I wasn't planning to debate, but I do come from local government, and a local government where we worked
- Electrical changes, code changes—there's a lot to this. We ask you to vote no.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- And governance matters.
- Under client investment objectives, that maps roughly to the fund mission and the policy governance section
- Under investment performance objective, that maps directly to the policy governance section of the previous
- Under investment performance objective, that maps directly to the policy governance section of the previous
- The asset allocation section maps directly to the asset allocation section.
Summary:
The committee met to approve prior minutes and receive updates on the Legacy Fund transparency website and fund performance. Staff reported the website procurement was in contract negotiations, with a planned go-live around November 1, and that the site would provide downloadable, more transparent information on fund holdings, allocations, history, and legislative appropriations while protecting confidential data. The investment office then reviewed performance through January 2026, describing strong returns relative to benchmarks, noting real estate and fixed income as weaker areas, and explaining that the fund’s diversification and internal management had helped offset market volatility, including recent geopolitical impacts.
Members also discussed the in-state investment program, especially the Bank of North Dakota’s CD-match allocation. Several members questioned whether the program had been static for years and whether the uncommitted balance should remain parked there if it was not being used. The committee voted to pause further transfers into the program until the Bank provides a report and the committee can consider possible statutory changes; the motion also requested a cost-benefit analysis from RVK, and it passed by roll call vote.
In the afternoon, RVK presented its review of the investment policy statement as it relates to the in-state investment program. The consultant said it found no major policy impediments, and that implementers and stakeholders generally felt the program was proceeding as intended. RVK emphasized best practices such as third-party due diligence, competitive risk-adjusted returns, diversification, pacing, and exit strategies, while cautioning that required lower-return investments or spending commitments can create pressure on the fund’s long-term real value. The consultant also raised ancillary concerns about state-level concentration risk, the need to distinguish between public and commercial infrastructure, and the lack of a central repository for all state funding commitments to the same projects.
AR
Transcript Highlights:
- The rule is amending Arkansas Code part 60 to formalize special language.
- Under this rule, the entire section of Section 127 was changed in response to Act 265 of 2025, where
- Under this rule, the entire section of Section 127 was changed in response to Act 265 of 2025, where
- Section 109 is the one we've changed in several other previous sections about the mailing address and
- That's all that changes in this section. Thank you for the description.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Water Topics Overview Committee Jun 10th, 2026
Water Topics Overview Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- And we have a QR code here, too.
- I'll start with regional governance and finance.
- They reviewed all of their governance documents, over 150 governance documents.
- They reviewed Century Code. They reviewed the history of the governance for the three systems.
- So those were created in century code in 61.35.
Summary:
The Water Topics Overview Committee met to review several interim studies and receive updates from the Department of Water Resources. The committee approved the March 26, 2026 minutes, observed a moment of silence for the late Representative Conmy, and welcomed Representative Hansen to the committee. Staff then reported that the watershed management study and the stormwater/wastewater study had both satisfied the presentation requirements in their study directives, with no further required testimony unless members wanted additional information.
The department’s main presentation focused on major water projects and agency operations. Reese Haas and staff updated members on the NAWS project, the Southwest Pipeline Project, Devils Lake outlet operations, low-head dam safety work, floodplain management repository implementation, data center water use, and the 2027 Water Development Plan. Members asked detailed questions about NAWS funding sources, remaining project costs, capacity concerns for All Seasons and other users, and whether current construction is being designed for future demand. The department said NAWS remains on track for substantial completion by October, that remaining NAWS funding will come from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, and that current construction is designed for ultimate capacity while some future components will be adjusted for increased demand.
A large portion of the meeting was devoted to the department’s cash management, Resources Trust Fund revenues, carryover balances, and the State Water Commission’s cost-share program. The department reported $340.6 million in carryover remaining, explained that much of it is already obligated to long-term projects, and noted that oil price forecasts and stripper-well exemptions will affect future revenues. Members raised concerns about large carryovers, affordability for local sponsors, and whether the state should continue obligating money multiple bienniums ahead. The department said it is working with the commission on a revised prioritization framework, including high/moderate/low project categories and a two-tier pre-construction/construction approach, to better manage obligations and affordability.
The committee also reviewed Deloitte’s finalized studies on regional governance/finance and cost-share policy. Deloitte presented options for Southwest, NAWS, and Red River governance, with stakeholders generally favoring keeping NAWS largely as is, using the current Southwest model with improvements, and pursuing a more structured governance option for Red River. On cost share, the department said Deloitte’s recommended package would cover projected needs through the 2030s, but would require policy changes such as lower percentages for some project types, a 25% replacement-project rate with a cap, and possible bonding or delayed reimbursement strategies. No votes were taken on these policy questions, and the chair indicated the committee would continue the discussion at future basin meetings and the September Water Topics meeting.
NV
Nevada 2025 Regular Session
Assembly Committee on Ways and Means May 30th, 2025 at 08:00 am
Ways and Means
Transcript Highlights:
- That is what the section of the bill is referencing.
- As Caesars Entertainment, we abide by a code of commitment which governs the conduct of our business,
- If Section 5...
- If Section 5 of this bill is not removed, all state and local government agencies currently using the
- New code in North Las Vegas requires two-car garages.
Bills:
AB568, SB90, SB133, SB147, SB229, SB233, SB240, SB245, SB280, SB378, SB393, SB417, SB434, SB494, SB495
Keywords:
higher education, Nevada System of Higher Education, operational expenses, instructional expenses, public funding, education funding, teacher grants, classroom supplies, instructional support, specialized personnel, civics education, Nevada Center for Civic Engagement, funding, youth programs, civic involvement, Southern Nevada, Clark County, Las Vegas Valley, regional planning, economic resiliency
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- The bill lays out what the timeframes are under Section 4.
- of the Alcohol and Beverage Code, Section 4904, 4905, 4906, and 4906.5 of the Penal Code, and Chapter
- 71 of the Penal Code.
- The Texas Government Code 501 inmate welfare subchapter B addresses mental health conditions.
- What is wrong with the penal code that you already have in place?
Keywords:
mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay
Summary:
The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business.
A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending.
The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending.
Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.