Transcript Highlights:

• That if we do it through existing resources and available processes and don't use the computer process
• c><00:35:37.760><c> don't</c><00:35:38.599><c> use</c><00:35:39.599><c> the</c><00:35:39.920><c> computer
• </c> processes and don't use the computer processes and don't use the computer process,<00:35:42.480>
• time with families and children like they are, you know, hoping to do, um, rather than sitting at a computer
• Like they are, you know, hoping to do, um, rather than sitting at a computer screen, you know, and not

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• science and a large number of people who made their fortunes in data analysis and computer work.
• </c> least two former professors of computer least two former professors of computer science<00:41:45.359
• their fortunes in in data analysis their their fortunes in in data analysis and<00:41:52.400><c> computer
• So that's what we we and computer work.
• I suspect since these are all computer nerds, they'll be perfectly happy working on Zoom or some other

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Customers can drop in, use computers in our computer lab to work on their résumé, search or apply for
• Customers can drop in, use computers in our computer lab to work on their résumé, search or apply for
• So it's sort of getting everyone to just a baseline of digital literacy and being able to use a computer
• > and</c><01:09:50.159><c> learn</c><01:09:50.799><c> software</c><01:09:51.440><c> programs</c> computer
• and learn software programs computer and learn software programs learn<01:09:52.120><c> new</c><01:09

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• able to identify so much of the waste fraud in the federal level is that they get inside of the computers
• able to identify so much of the waste fraud in the federal level is that they get inside of the computers
• I'm glad, Glenn, the thing is unless you get inside of those computers with proper technology like a
• </c><00:26:58.080><c> with</c><00:26:58.400><c> proper</c> inside of those computers with proper inside
• of those computers with proper technology<00:26:59.200><c> like</c><00:26:59.360><c> a</c><00:26:59.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> relating to crimes and offenses. relating to crimes and offenses.
• Interstate flight to another crime.
• </c> avoid prosecution or some other crime. avoid prosecution or some other crime.
• </c> deal with these types of crimes. deal with these types of crimes.
• committed in the county where the crimes were committed would dictate whether the crime of absconding

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• which is limiting the attorney general's discretion and how and when to investigate and prosecute crimes
• which is limiting the attorney general's discretion and how and when to investigate and prosecute crimes
• which is limiting the attorney general's discretion and how and when to investigate and prosecute crimes
• we have a duty to investigate exculpatory evidence that would tend to show a person didn't commit a crime
• Show a person didn't commit a crime.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is already a crime to commit fraud.
• </c> contracts and crimes. it. contracts and crimes. it.
• That's Now, they have committed a crime.
• That is not a crime.
• So what's a crime if that makes sense.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• enter our correctional system have experienced significant trauma long before they ever committed a crime
• The compensation fund funds efforts in our county attorney's office to provide compensation to crime
• The compensation fund funds efforts in our county attorney's office to provide compensation to crime
• So if a victim of a crime, the minute they call, the RMS system flags them and it starts automatically
• This funding helps Phoenix PD continue to modernize its crime victim notification and law enforcement

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on March 25 for what was described as its last regular meeting, with a possible special meeting the following week. The committee first took up Senate Bill 1112, adopting a Livingston strike-everything amendment that appropriates $1 million from the special services fund in fiscal year 2027 to the Department of Corrections for holistic, studio-based rehabilitative programming and requires a report on spending, self-harm, discipline, and recidivism by June 30, 2028. Supporters from Art of Our Soul testified that the trauma-informed art and music therapy program has reduced disciplinary violations, self-harm, and mental health watches, and members described it as a rehabilitation effort with documented benefits. The bill, as amended, received a due pass recommendation by a 16-2 vote. The committee then considered Senate Bill 1776, which would expand AHCCCS coverage for traditional healing services to include urban Indian organizations. AHCCCS testified neutrally but said the change would require a waiver amendment, would not qualify for 100% federal match, and would carry an estimated $1.3 million general fund impact. The sponsor argued the bill would align Arizona with federal policy and correct an omission of urban Indian organizations from the existing waiver. After discussion about costs and whether the bill should proceed with a committee of the whole amendment, the committee gave SB 1776 a do pass recommendation by a 9-6-2-1 vote, with several members expressing concern about AHCCCS growth and the funding source. Senate Bill 1537, which would rename the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund as the Public Safety De-escalation and Life Safety Fund and repeal its advisory commission, failed. Testimony explained that the commission has not met in years and that the bill was largely a cleanup measure, but the Arizona Police Association opposed the change and some members wanted the commission reformed rather than repealed. The committee voted it down 6-9, with members split over whether the fund should remain tied to its current structure. The committee next adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1584 that shifted a $1 million appropriation for Department of Corrections recruitment and training from the general fund to the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund. Supporters said DOC remains understaffed and that the training/recruitment program has worked elsewhere; some members questioned whether the fund could legally be used for that purpose, but the amendment passed and the bill received a do pass recommendation by a 10-5-2-2 vote. Finally, Senate Bill 1673, which funds the law enforcement crime victim notification system, was amended to reduce the appropriation from $5 million general fund to about $2.595 million from the victim compensation fund. Testimony from the Arizona Sheriffs Association, victim notification vendors, and Phoenix officials emphasized the program’s importance, while others argued the amendment would raid victim compensation resources. The amendment and the bill as amended both passed, and the committee adjourned after noting the next calendar had not yet been posted.

Transcript Highlights:

• The crimes they committed were so heinous.
• And let me tell you, and this is the point I wanted to make today as a victim of crime.
• But 10 years is not unreasonable for these heinous crimes.
• It lets everyone out except capital cases and sex crimes involving children.
• The victims of the crime are the only reason that... crime is the only reason that section is adjusted

Bills: HB202, HB42, HB146, HB492, HB285, HB7, HB454, HB42, HB7

Keywords: law enforcement, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, bail reform, cash deposit, judicial discretion, criminal justice, Alabama law, youthful offender, capital murder, public safety, victims' rights, juvenile offenders, delinquent acts, juvenile court, nonfelony offenses, water safety offenses, illegal immigration

Transcript Highlights:

• control, which isn't a statutory crime, that could open the door for some additional consequences or
• And so they have enough tools in their tool belt to charge people with all sorts of crimes.
• They don't need this sorts of crimes.
• </c><01:57:42.960><c> or</c> because they engaged in a sex crime or because they engaged in a sex crime
• </c> the person who committed the crime the person who committed the crime because<02:19:44.479><c> there

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He then said that if a crime is committed in the state, law enforcement investigates the crime, and this
• </c> this bill does then I mean so if a crime this bill does then I mean so if a crime is<00:24:46.960
• Um this provides that there is crime.
• We had legal process to be there and process the crime scene.
• We were not allowed into the crime scene.

Bills: HF3405, HF3413, HF3769, HF3768, HF3771, HF3465

Keywords: Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, BCA, Use of Force Investigations Unit, federal agents, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, Customs and Border Protection, CBP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, officer-involved death, use of force, law enforcement accountability, police oversight, independent investigation, criminal sexual conduct, sexual assault, peace officers

Transcript Highlights:

• Even for crimes, right?
• , but to then become victims of crime, specifically sexual exploitation.
• , but to then become victims of crime, specifically sexual exploitation.
• Several other states have set a minimum age of 14 years old regardless of the crime charged before a
• </c><01:30:31.080><c> I</c> served 27 years in prison for a crime I served 27 years in prison for a crime

Bills: SB709, SB2089, SB2090, SB2108, SB2211, SB2250, SB2325, SB2803, SB2866, SB3245

Keywords: mental health, crisis intervention, assisted community treatment, treatment orders, law enforcement training, public safety, court-ordered treatment, Medicaid, healthcare access, unlicensed professionals, supervised services, workforce development, mental health equity, child custody, evaluations, licensed counselors, family court, juvenile justice, waiver of jurisdiction, transfer to adult court

Summary: The committee heard SB 709 SD2, which would require the Department of Health to respond to reports involving persons with severe mental illness, assess eligibility for assisted community treatment, and coordinate treatment when appropriate. Testimony from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health supported the measure, with DOH saying it generally supported the bill but had comments on one section it viewed as unnecessary. The Department of Law Enforcement later explained that the bill would shift certification and standards for crisis intervention officer training from DOH to DLE, while still involving DOH in the training process. Opposition came from the Hawaii Disability Rights Center and an individual testifier, both of whom argued the bill expands state authority over people with mental illness and could worsen forced treatment practices. The Disability Rights Center also raised procedural concerns, saying the bill was effectively moved from a prior administration measure that had not been heard this session, and questioned whether the bill’s changes to assisted community treatment, blood tests, urinalysis, and living arrangements went beyond current law. The individual testifier argued the bill would further entrench harmful psychiatric drugging and urged the committee to defer it. Committee members questioned the administration about the bill’s process, the role of the Attorney General in treatment-over-objection proceedings, and the practical effects of moving CIT certification to DLE. The Attorney General’s office said the bill was intended to fill a gap by allowing it to assist with treatment proceedings, while public defenders would continue to represent respondents and due process protections would remain in place. DLE and DOH said the change would better align certification with law enforcement training needs, improve speed in crisis response, and still keep DOH involved; members also discussed whether WAM counted as a hearing and whether the bill should more explicitly preserve DOH’s role. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a crime.
• Then you get to the prosecutor and he's, you know, got to show he's tough on crime.
• Then you get to the prosecutor and he's, you know, got to show he's tough on crime.
• That's the crime. She sees one in a public bathroom, like that's the crime.
• Public bathroom, like that's the crime.

Summary: The committee heard two related RS proposals dealing with restroom, changing room, and shower access based on biological sex. RS 33092, presented by Representative Razor, would add criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex designated government-owned or public facilities, with exceptions for emergencies, law enforcement, medical aid, maintenance, single-user facilities, and similar circumstances. Members questioned how enforcement would work, who would investigate, how biological sex would be determined, and whether the bill would burden law enforcement or punish accidental entry. Supporters argued it was needed to protect privacy and safety, while opponents said existing assault and indecent exposure laws already address harmful conduct and that the bill could criminalize being in the wrong room. The committee voted to introduce RS 33092 on a 10-3 roll call. The committee then heard RS 33183 from Representative Hill, which would require public buildings and accommodations to maintain separate facilities by biological sex and create a private right of action and civil penalties for violations. Hill said the bill was intended to protect women and girls in public restrooms, locker rooms, and showers, and cited constituent complaints and prior policy efforts. Members pressed him on how the bill would be enforced, whether it applied to private facilities, why it used civil rather than criminal remedies, and whether it would generate lawsuits and costs for businesses and government. Supporters said it would deter violations and complement criminal laws, while opponents argued it would punish mere presence in a space rather than assault or harassment. The committee voted to introduce RS 33183 by voice vote. At the end of the meeting, the committee also voted to hold House Bill 510 and RS 33245 subject to the call of the chair because the sponsor was unavailable, with the chair noting those measures would be revisited later. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, as far as your first question, you said, what will make them not commit crimes or something?
• But again, it was not important enough before they committed the crime the first time.
• Elliott and anyone else that may have the same question, voting didn't deter you from committing a crime
• of your community again, and that in itself keeps you from, can help to keep you from committing crimes
• And you will ask yourself, why doesn't an individual commit crimes that first 24 months while they're

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.
• Bill 272, which relates to the investigations and prosecutions that are handled by the Financial Crimes
• much become the gold standard for Texas law enforcement across the state for prosecuting credit card crimes
• Fight this type of crime. Excellent.
• of larceny and robbery actually increased, and those crimes were against those dispensaries.

Bills: HB46, HB272, HB551, HB1661, HB2820, HB3181, HB4145, HB4157, HB46, HB272

Keywords: low-THC cannabis, dispensing organization, Texas Compassionate-Use Program, medical use, patient access, registration, healthcare, legislation, credit card fraud, debit card fraud, prosecution, illegal possession, state law, political contributions, address privacy, Texas Ethics Commission, election transparency, campaign finance, election supplies, ballots

Transcript Highlights:

• the islands to take charge of their safety and to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to crime
• </c><00:20:37.679><c> prevention</c><00:20:38.679><c> their</c> when it comes to crime prevention their
• when it comes to crime prevention their work<00:20:39.159><c> has</c><00:20:39.400><c> also</c><00:20
• to protect themselves in a time when to protect themselves in a time when violent<00:20:51.840><c> crime
• is on the rise these violent crime is on the rise these leaders<00:20:54.440><c> understood</c><00:20

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet more than two-thirds of these crimes go unreported. A silence...
• Their bravery fuels our collective resolve to work tirelessly to combat this crime.
• Many times what happens is that less than 5% of sexual assault victims report the crime.
• He was tough on crime, and he was there.
• The man who committed the crime was a multiple convicted violent felon, truly an evil person.

Bills: SJR36

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber received a House message announcing passage of H.C.R. 54, and then took up a series of recognitions and resolutions honoring visiting groups, including Texas Society of CPAs Advocacy Day, the Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Student Advisory Council, Dimmit County officials, the Doctor of the Day, and Leadership Frisco. Senators also recognized the Senate’s memorial and ceremonial guests throughout the day. The main floor business centered on two commemorative resolutions. Senate Resolution 15 marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the start of Texas Holocaust Remembrance Week. Senators King, Menendez, Bettencourt, Perry, Hughes, Hinojosa, Campbell, Hall, Cook, Paxton, West, Parker, and others spoke in support, emphasizing Holocaust education, opposition to anti-Semitism and denial, remembrance of victims and survivors, and the importance of teaching students to stand up against hatred. The resolution was adopted, and the names of all senators and the lieutenant governor were added. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 17 designating January 28 as Sexual Assault Survivors Day. Senator Parker described the prevalence and underreporting of sexual assault, the impact on survivors, and the need for prevention, support services, and stronger responses; Senator Cook spoke as a survivor and emergency room nurse and highlighted rape-kit backlogs and the need for victim support. The chamber then adopted Senate Resolution 14 honoring Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy Jesus Jesse Vargas, who was killed in the line of duty, with Senators Middleton and Huffman urging action against violent offenders and stronger protections for law enforcement. Several additional resolutions were adopted, including SRs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12, and SR 54 granting permission for the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days was approved by roll call, 31 ayes and 0 nays. The Senate later adjourned until 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2025, in memory of Deputy Vargas and Sergeant Mark Allen Butler, whom Senator Kolkhorst also honored in remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• A leader of an organization is convicted of a terrorist crime or terrorism in a court.
• I mean, certainly they could... ...a terrorist crime or of terrorism.
• Yes, you're describing serious crimes... Thank you, Mr. President.
• not been convicted of any of those serious crimes.
• But if they haven't been convicted of that alleged crime, how is this appropriate?

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions before taking up a special order calendar of bills. Early measures included a claims bill for relief to L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which passed 34-0 after substitution from the House version, and a claims bill for the estate of Mark Legata, which passed 35-0 after the amount was reduced in the substitute. The chamber then approved CS for CS for SB 42 on child protective investigations and specific medical diagnoses, requiring investigators to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse; the sponsor described it as a fix for cases where medical evidence is overlooked, and it passed 34-0. A bill on autism education for teachers was also substituted with the House version, amended to replace the Senate language, and passed 35-0 after supportive remarks from members. The Senate next passed a land-use bill, SB 218, adjusting hurricane-related development restrictions so they continue in storm-damaged counties but expire in unaffected counties in 2026, with debate focused on local control and recovery needs; it passed 36-0. The chamber then approved several other measures with little or no opposition: a probate bill modernizing curators of estates (36-0), a Blue Ribbon Projects bill creating a framework for large planned developments with conservation set-asides, which drew extensive debate over local control, growth management, and the bill’s breadth before being temporarily postponed, a state lotteries update (36-0), a diploma requirements bill allowing Special Olympics participation to substitute for PE and clarifying marching band credit (36-0), and a naturopathic medicine licensure/regulation bill that reestablishes a licensing framework and board, which passed 33-3. The Justice Administrative Commission bill was amended to broaden membership to include a judge or senior judge and passed 37-0. The Senate also passed a public records exemption for certain local administrators and their families (31-5), a clinical laboratory personnel bill easing staffing requirements by aligning more closely with federal CLIA standards (37-0), a dry needling bill clarifying occupational therapists may perform the practice (37-0), a financial disclosures bill revising gift/honoraria reporting and restoring a percentage-based reporting option via amendment (36-0), and a child welfare bill expanding when parental drug abuse can be treated as harm or neglect and allowing earlier court intervention and services (37-0). Later, the chamber took up a bill on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and terrorist organizations. The sponsor said it would prevent enforcement of foreign or religious law over the Constitution, create a due-process process for domestic terrorist designations, and bar public funds from supporting terrorism. Senators raised questions about the lack of a time limit on conduct used for designation and whether conviction is required; an amendment was then offered to remove specific references to Sharia law and the bill’s findings, with the sponsor of the amendment arguing the language stigmatized Muslim constituents and singled out Islam. The transcript cuts off during that amendment debate, so no final action on the bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of those persons may be convicted of gun crimes.
• </c> persons may be convicted of gun crimes. persons may be convicted of gun crimes.
• ,</c><00:21:06.640><c> drug</c> in addressing interstate crime, drug in addressing interstate crime,
• These prosecutions involve child sexual abuse material crimes, drug crimes, and violent crimes.
• </c> overall capacity to fight crime. overall capacity to fight crime.

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, that's obviously a very serious crime and it happens frequently.
• be on the books that had to do with, like, let's say, internet crimes.
• You know, 20-plus years ago, we had no idea we even had internet crimes or AI, stuff like that.
• Untreated mental illness does lead to deterioration in carceral settings regardless of crime.
• They're committing crimes. But wherever they enter our system, we want to care for them.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with testimony split between supporters who framed the measures as targeted fixes and opponents who warned about overcriminalization and unintended consequences. SB 701, by Senator Wahab, drew support from law enforcement and local government groups, who said state law lacks a tool to address the conduct at issue; the ACLU opposed it as duplicative of existing law, while public defenders said they may withdraw opposition after amendments. Because there was no quorum at that point, the bill was held open without a vote. SB 834, by Senator DeRazzo, was presented as a technical cleanup bill to improve California’s automatic record clearance system by preventing outdated “pending” charges from blocking relief, requiring local court records to match DOJ records, and creating a way for people to obtain proof of relief. It received broad support from criminal justice reform and defense organizations, with no opposition, and the chair indicated support, but no final action was taken during the hearing. SB 248, by Senator Rubio, would require DOJ to send new gun purchasers educational materials during the waiting period about safe storage, suicide prevention, domestic violence, and related resources; supporters called it common-sense education, while one opponent argued the information is already available. The committee voted the bill out on a due-pass motion to Appropriations, but it remained on call pending one additional vote. Senator Rubio’s SB 19, the Safe Schools and Places of Worship Act, would create a new offense for credible threats against schools or houses of worship even when no specific individual is named. Supporters, including law enforcement and Jewish community advocates, said current law leaves a loophole and that the bill would help prevent panic and resource-draining lockdowns; opponents from civil liberties and youth justice groups argued existing law already covers threats and that the bill would worsen the school-to-prison pipeline. After a motion and second, the committee voted due pass to Appropriations, with the measure also left on call. Later, SB 759 by Senator Archuleta, prompted by the killing of Whittier Officer Keith Boyer, would require a court hearing after a third supervision violation or new offense for people on post-release community supervision; supporters said it adds accountability, while opponents said it removes probation discretion and could increase jail and court burdens. The bill passed due pass to Appropriations and was reported as passing. The committee also heard SB 6 by Senator Ashby, which would schedule xylazine as a controlled substance while preserving veterinary use. Supporters, including veterinarians, law enforcement, and a parent who lost a son to a drug-related death, said the drug is increasingly present in fentanyl mixtures and needs to be controlled; opponents from drug policy and civil liberties groups argued scheduling would criminalize users, hinder research, and repeat failed drug-war policies. After extensive debate, the committee voted the bill out due pass to Appropriations, and it passed. Finally, SB 11, the AI Abuse Protection Act, was introduced to regulate AI-generated voice, image, and video replicas, with supporters emphasizing protection against deepfakes and nonconsensual images; the California Chamber of Commerce opposed unless amended, seeking narrower definitions and limits on consumer warnings. The hearing ended while SB 11 was still under discussion, with no final vote reflected in the transcript.