Transcript Highlights:

• So, let's vote then on...
• um<00:32:41.200> so<00:32:42.159> let's<00:32:42.880> uh<00:32:43.279> vote
• <00:32:43.600> then<00:32:43.919> on So, let's vote then on adoption of the A4.
• Um so our uh remedy vote in person.
• The envelopes are containers containing the voted ballots and need to stay sealed, um, except by court

Bills: HF2354, HF1672, HF2389, HF2870, HF2743, HF1918, HF2551, HF1671

Keywords: medical assistance, fraud prevention, subpoena authority, criminal penalties, consumer protection, medical cannabis, medical marijuana, cannabis, cannabinoids, hemp, marijuana registry, patient registry, visiting patient, Tribal cannabis, Tribal medical cannabis program, Tribal sovereignty, Office of Cannabis Management, designated caregiver, home cultivation, adult-use cannabis

Transcript Highlights:

• And within those, they received a particular rate that was somewhat preferential.
• commercial resort classification, and within those, they received a particular rate that was somewhat preferential

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was an opinion from the Supreme Court basically that a state's witness was offered preferential treatment
• It was an opinion from the Supreme Court basically that a state's witness was offered preferential treatment
• It was an opinion from the Supreme Court basically that a state's witness was offered preferential treatment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Clerk one locking the members will vote. will vote. will vote.
• So, if you will voting on before I vote. So, if you will voting on before I vote.
• Whether you vote yes, no, to vote on it. Whether you vote yes, no, to vote on it.
• And I have not heard no vote, one vote. And I have not heard no vote, one vote.
• Yeah, we got a vote. Uh we got a vote. Uh we got a vote.

Bills: HB 200, HB 541, HB 1803, HB 30, HB 175, HB 249, HB 721, HB 851, HB 897, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 1916, HB 5560, HB 3071, HB 5627, HB 5435, HB 3913, HB 2921, HB 2695, HB 2688, HB 3045, HB 3483, HB 3673, HB 4213, HB 4226, HB 783, HB 4373, HB 4735, HB 5155, HB 5057, HB 4984, HB 4944, HB 4813, HB 5339, HB 5196, HB 5033, HB 4853, HB 3486, HB 4211, HB 74, HB 4670, HB 4730, HB 4743, HB 4603, HB 4463, HB 3892, HB 4139, HB 4752, HB 4520, HB 4517, HB 4486, HB 4437, HB 4426, HB 4396, HB 4263, HB 3487, HB 3418, HB 2284, HB 2266, HB 2229, HB 4912, HB 2189, HB 4506, HB 5269, HB 5224, HB 5195, HB 3317, HB 4166, HB 3947, HB 3358, HB 3370, HB 4438, HB 3745, HB 3602, HB 3697, HB 2001, HB 1968, HB 3371, HB 3909, HCR 7, SB 1744, SB 1364, SB 1316, HB 2026, HB 3302, HB 3368, HB 1639, HB 5652, HB 4655, HB 5654, HB 5658, HB 5656, HB 4894, HB 4996, HB 5088, HB 5650, HB 4464, HB 3751, HB 5665, HB 5661, HB 1237, HB 2802, HB 5437, HB 2703, HB 5666, HB 5667, HCR 113, HCR 86, SB 2196, SB 463, SB 856, SB 1245, SB 1169, SB 509, SB 985, SB 305, SB 552, HB 1535, HB 123, HB 1804, HB 426, HB 1773, HB 1871, HB 2035, HB 2492, HB 1411, HB 4753, HB 4666, HB 4529, HB 1499, HB 1610, HB 2028, HB 1506, HB 886, HB 3546, HB 796, HB 223, HB 3556, HB 2448, HB 4638, HB 111, HB 180, HB 1027, HB 1178, HB 610, HB 1277, HB 1615, HB 1620, HB 5342, HB 4885, HB 4751, HB 4530, HB 4488, HB 2149, HB 2071, HB 2282, HB 2248, HB 2243, HB 2522, HB 2310, HB 2513, HB 2300, HB 1902, HB 1813, HB 3719, HB 4284, HB 3743, HB 3778, HB 5153, HB 5147, HB 4877, HB 4850, HB 3261, HB 3005, HB 3033, HB 2849, HB 2967, HB 3531, HB 1768, HB 333, HB 2914, HB 2613, HB 3717, HB 3704, HB 2697, HB 3801, HB 3099, HB 3488, HB 3477, HB 3466, HB 3396, HB 3469, HB 2594, HB 2776, HB 2564, HB 2298, HB 5331, HB 5646, HB 5247, HB 5323, HB 4384, HB 3896, HB 4014, HB 3627, HB 3594, HB 2524, HB 510, HB 561, HB 5111, HB 5446, HB 1181, HB 3963, HB 2785, HB 1661, HB 2460, HB 200, HB 541, HB 1803, HB 30, HB 175, HB 249, HB 721, HB 851, HB 897, HB 1128, HB 1904, HB 1916, HB 5560, HB 3071, HB 5627, HB 5435, HB 3913, HB 2921, HB 2695, HB 2688, HB 3045, HB 3483, HB 3673, HB 4213, HB 4226, HB 783, HB 4373, HB 4735, HB 5155, HB 5057, HB 4984, HB 4944, HB 4813, HB 5339, HB 5196, HB 5033, HB 4853, HB 3486, HB 4211, HB 74, HB 4670, HB 4730, HB 4743, HB 4603, HB 4463, HB 3892, HB 4139, HB 4752, HB 4520, HB 4517, HB 4486, HB 4437, HB 4426, HB 4396, HB 4263, HB 3487, HB 3418, HB 2284, HB 2266, HB 2229, HB 4912, HB 2189, HB 4506, HB 5269, HB 5224, HB 5195, HB 3317, HB 4166, HB 3947, HB 3358, HB 3370, HB 4438, HB 3745, HB 3602, HB 3697, HB 2001, HB 1968, HB 3371, HB 3909, HCR 98, HCR 92, HCR 126, HCR 7

Keywords: juvenile offenders, parole eligibility, youth justice, criminal justice reform, inmate rehabilitation, direct patient care, healthcare, physicians, medical services, insurance regulation, dentist, dental hygienist, interstate practice, licensure, compact privilege, public health, military members, disaster relief, tax rates, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• I vote no.
• I vote aye. May I explain my vote, please? Go ahead.
• I vote no.
• I vote no.
• I vote no.

Bills: SB1067, SB1234, SB1285, SB1295, SB1392, SB1413, SB1436, SB1470, SB1476, SB1489, SB1512, SB1535, SB1540, SB1556, SB1568, SB1569, SB1570, SB1573, SB1585, SB1609, SB1627, SB1634, SB1635, SB1644, SB1647, SB1648, SB1650, SB1653, SB1654, SB1655, SB1656, SB1657, SB1658, SB1661, SB1662, SB1664, SB1666, SB1667, SB1669, SB1709, SB1720, SB1723, SB1725, SB1743, SB1746, SB1748, SB1755, SB1786, SB1820, SB1822, SB1829, SCR1027, SCR1040, SCR1048

Keywords: tax lien, property tax lien, real property tax lien, foreclosure, right of redemption, redeem, excess proceeds, county abatement lien, abatement lien, lien priority, assessment lien, easement, county treasurer, certificate of purchase, tax delinquency, delinquent property taxes, property owner equity, judgment foreclosure, title report, Arizona Revised Statutes

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up a long agenda of election, criminal justice, corrections, and county-government bills. Early election measures included SB 1436, requiring ballot language for certain school override and bond elections to estimate the secondary property tax impact; SB 1568, requiring election systems’ internal clocks to stay within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor; SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting or processing voter registration while assisting confined voters; and SB 1746, requiring voting centers to supplement rather than replace precinct polling places, requiring public offices and schools to provide polling space, and closing schools on primary and general election days for in-service training. SB 1436 and SB 1568 were eventually given do-pass recommendations, SB 1569 also passed committee, and SB 1746 passed despite concerns raised about school safety and access. Some bills were held earlier in the meeting and voted on later after testimony concluded. The committee also heard SB 1295, which would allow the Department of Corrections to release certain seriously ill inmates to contracted medical institutions if they qualify for ALTCS, with an amendment replacing disability language with illness-based criteria; the sponsor described it as a cost-saving measure that could shift care costs to federal programs. SB 1067, the so-called Gila County blight bill, would let counties place abatement costs for rubbish, debris, and dilapidated buildings on property tax bills and liens; county officials testified that it would help recover cleanup costs for blighted properties and heirs’ property, and it passed unanimously. SB 1413 would remove the $100,000 cap on restitution for serious injury or death caused by moving violations and passed after the sponsor said the cap had already been found unconstitutional. SB 1476 would make child neglect a class six felony when a custodian exposes a newborn to dangerous or narcotic drugs or causes fetal alcohol syndrome; supporters framed it as accountability and child protection, while opponents warned it could deter treatment and worsen family separation. The bill passed on a split vote. Later, the committee considered several criminal-justice and public-safety bills. SB 1512 would expand the definition of vulnerable adult and broaden “position of trust and confidence” for theft cases involving seniors and other vulnerable adults; testimony highlighted scams and exploitation of grieving or isolated elders, and the bill passed. SB 1585 would regulate sex-offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraph services through the Sex Offender Management Board, add a surcharge fund and assessment on sexual-offense convictions, and appropriate funds to DPS; supporters said it would create uniform standards, while opponents questioned the need for additional fees, and it passed. SB 1662 would require probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to a defendant’s risk and needs; supporters from the Justice Action Network and criminal-defense advocates said it would improve rehabilitation and public safety, and it passed. The committee also began SB 1664, which would change constable petition-signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima counties, but the transcript cuts off before the full discussion and vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Isell vote... Senator Scott voting no. Senator Woods voting no. Senator Isel voting no.
• Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Pinto votes yes. Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes yes.
• Senator Armeo votes no. Senator Lanier votes yes. Senator Lopez votes no. Senator Lanier votes yes.
• Senator Padilla votes yes. Senator Pinto votes yes. Senator Pope votes yes. Senator Ramos votes no.
• Senator Woods votes... Senator Worth votes yes. Senator Woods votes no. Senator Woods votes no.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• be voting, but we will have a formal meeting upon the Senate.
• It is difficult to get everyone present at the same time to vote on Wednesday.
• It is all of our voting for today. We will now move to the posted agenda. Okay.
• I don't have anyone else that's registered to vote.
• I don't have anyone else that's registered to vote.

Bills: SB500, SB719, SB912, SB1232, SB1467, SB1777, SB1864, SB2023, SB2119, SB2458

Keywords: SB 500, Texas adoption law, Family Code, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, child-placing agency, prospective adoptive parents, adoption records, confidential information, nondisclosure agreement, child history report, health history, social history, educational history, genetic history, termination of parental rights, permanency plan, single source continuum contractor, privacy, redaction

Summary: The committee first took up several pending bills and reported them favorably: SB 968, SB 636 as substituted, SB 1137, and SB 1138 as substituted. Each was advanced by roll call vote, and the committee also recommended the approved bills for the local and uncontested calendar. The chair then moved to the posted agenda and heard SB 719, a mental health bed-capacity study bill by Senator Eckhart, with a committee substitute that refined the data collection to distinguish state and non-state beds, child and adult beds, include two point-in-time counts, and capture jail diversion data. Testimony on SB 719 was largely supportive from Integral Care, NAMI Texas, and the Children’s Hospital Association of Texas, all of whom said Texas needs better data on inpatient psychiatric capacity, workforce needs, and future demand. Several witnesses described long waits for beds, especially for forensic restoration, and argued the study would help target future investments. Senator Perry and others noted the state has already made major investments in new beds and urged the bill to account for beds already coming online; the committee ultimately withdrew the substitute and left SB 719 pending after public testimony closed. The committee then heard SB 1864, which would allow small egg producers to sell ungraded eggs more broadly, including to restaurants and retailers, with the substitute increasing the weekly sales threshold and addressing sanitation and labeling. Supporters said grading is about size, not safety, and that the bill would help small farms reach new markets; opponents from the Texas Poultry Federation argued grading and candling help identify cracks and defects that can affect safety and quality. The committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. It also heard SB 1467, requiring DSHS to share death record information with hospitals for record accuracy and quality review, and SB 912, which would modernize continuing education tracking for health licensing agencies; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. Finally, the committee heard SB 2023, which would create an HHSC grant program to help counties pay for indigent burial costs, with county representatives testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• members, and the members of this Texas panel should be voting members just like all the rest of them
• We're not voting it out today, but you did, you did great.
• This preferential option for the poor sustains me in our clinic's work.
• Please vote against House Bill 32. Thank you. I'm sorry, I went over time. That's OK. That's OK.
• I just totally voted down.

Bills: HB15, HB171, HB204

Keywords: flood risk, campground, safety regulations, civil penalty, guest safety, Harris County, flood control, governance, expansion, public health, local governance, environmental management

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, Senator Perry, you're recognized for a vote.
• I saw that vote, 79.
• I do want to understand it before I cast a vote.
• Early voting will start three days later, and voting will not stop on the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
• So this means that once the voting starts, there are the same number of early vote days; it just doesn't

Bills: SB27, SB8, SB15, SB30, SB268, SB568, SB650, SB1405, SB1540, SB1610, SB1637, SB1660, SB2024, SB2217, SB2308, SB2753, SB2878, SB2900, SB2972, SB3059, HB4, HB40, HB46, HB119, HB145, HB493, HB705, HB1545, HB2017, HB2516, HB2885, HB2963, HB2974, HB3642, HB3909, HB5138, HB5246, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SCR12, SCR39, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB507, SB1434, SB1772, SB2016, SB1122, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB209, SB2429, SB1085, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB636, SB2056, SB884, SB1200, SB1845, SB2458, SB801, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB2797, SB2076, SB2876, SB1640, SB1449, SB1181, SB1234, SB2926, SB2841, SB1528, SB1854, SB317, SB1250, SB2082, SB1237, SB2819, SB629, SB2608, SB1602, SB2009, SB867, SB640, SB1698, SB2680, SB913, SB1071, SB1086, SB1087, SB1483, SB1444, SB1553, SB1556, SB1703, SB2133, SB2297, SB2298, SB2622, SB2955, SB2334, SB1367, SB2044, SB2363, SB2565, SB1888, SB3036, SB3057, SB3043, SB3063, SB3035, SB203, SB2688, SB2522, SB2459, SB2655, SB2251, SB1884, SB2928, SB2566, SB2549, SB2553, SB2919, SB1944, SB1232, SB1798, SB2603, SB2607, SB2683, SB1319, SB3045, SB3071, HB796, HB1523, HB5294, HB748, HB3395, HB180, HB3171, HB146, HB5596, HB5694, HB1135, HB3225, HB186, HB1449, HB3793, HB112, HB104, HB3336, HB3520, HB3320, HB5663, HB2399, HB111, HB3483, HB4580, HB3748, HB632, HB4730, HB5690, HB5689, HB3385, HB4359, HB5381, HB123, HB5606, HB1057, HB3664, HCR141, HCR40, HCR59

Keywords: immigration enforcement, ICE agreements, sheriff grants, law enforcement, county jail, federal immigration law, SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks

Transcript Highlights:

• And again, if there's a unanimous vote from everyone in this room and everyone in your counterparts in
• <00:48:41.280> from again, if there's a unanimous vote from again, if there's a unanimous
• vote from everyone<00:48:41.920> in<00:48:42.079> this<00:48:42.319> room<00:48:
• So when you talked about other financial institutions lending at a more preferential rate, I mean, is
• So when you talked about other financial institutions lending at a more preferential rate, I mean, is

Bills: HF331, HF916

Keywords: school supplies, sales tax exemption, use tax, sales and use tax, back-to-school, classroom supplies, education tax relief, tax holiday, retail exemption, Minnesota sales tax, school materials, binders, calculators, notebooks, pencils, backpacks, book bags, local tax revenue, taxable sales base, income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• Bucy voting aye. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• Members, vote aye, vote no. It's a division vote.
• Wu voting "no," Mr. Hunter voting "aye." Have all members voted? Have all members voted?
• Voting now. Have all members voted? Have all members voted?

Bills: SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127, SB906, SB1229, SB855, SB703, SB1025, SB888, SB1119, SB1080, SB929, SB1355, SB2231, SB1877, SB1998, SB552, SB17, SB1569, SB2420, HB2697, HB3801, HB3488, HB3477, HB3466, HB3469, HB2594, HB2564, HB2298, HB5331, HB5646, HB5247, HB5323, HB4384, HB3896, HB4014, HB3627, HB3594, HB2524, HB510, HB561, HB 1181, HB3963, HB5111, HB2785, HB1661, HB200, HB1803, HB249, HB721, HB851, HB 1128, HB1904, HB30, HB1916, HB541, HB5560, HB3071, HB5627, HB5435, HB2688, HB3045, HB3483, HB4213, HB4226, HB783, HB175, HB4735, HB5155, HB5057, HB4813, HB5339, HB5196, HB5033, HB3486, HB4211, HB74, HB4730, HB4743, HB4463, HB4139, HB4752, HB4486, HB4437, HB4426, HB4396, HB4263, HB3487, HB3418, HB2266, HB2229, HB2189, HB5224, HB5195, HB3947, HB3358, HB3370, HB3745, HB3697, HB2001, HB1968, HB3371, HB3909, HB4944, HB2284, HB4506, HB3317, HB4166, HB3913, HB1768, HB4603, HB2494, HB3099, HJR138, HB133, HB3832, HB1988, HCR34, HB3421, HB3892, HB5138, HJR161, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HCR76, HCR127

Keywords: foreign ownership, real property, national security, criminal penalties, civil penalties, personal information, higher education, privacy protection, governing board, institutional security, software applications, mobile devices, age verification, parental consent, data protection, app store regulation, HJR 161, Texas constitutional amendment, voting rights, non-citizen voting

Transcript Highlights:

• Has anything I said affected your vote for me? No.
• It begins to give preferential treatment to that particular race or that particular gender, for example
• It begins to give preferential treatment to that particular race or that particular gender, for example

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, may I explain my vote?
• With that, I vote... With that, I vote aye. Representative Lina Nahara? Aye. Representative Mathis?
• Madam Chair, may I explain my vote? Please. I'm going to vote aye on the bill, right?
• So with that, I vote aye.
• With that, I vote aye. Okay. Probably in this House today. With that, I vote aye.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 2433, which would require insurers offering Medicare supplement policies to people 65 and older to also offer them to Medicare beneficiaries under 65 with ALS or end-stage renal disease, with enrollment periods and premium protections tied to 65-year-old rates. Supporters, including dialysis and ALS advocates, said the bill would help a small population facing high out-of-pocket costs and could improve access to transplants and care; opponents argued it would shift costs onto older seniors and raise Medigap premiums. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 12-0 vote. The committee also heard House Bill 2593, appropriating $1.5 million to the University of Arizona for the Arizona Perinatal Psychiatry Access Line. The sponsor and physicians testified that the line helps obstetric and pediatric providers quickly consult on perinatal depression, postpartum psychosis, suicidality, and other mental health crises, improving outcomes for mothers, children, and families and reducing costly emergency and crisis care. The bill received a do pass recommendation on a 10-1 vote. House Concurrent Resolution 2013, proclaiming June 2026 as Celebrate Life Month, drew emotional testimony from a young woman with spina bifida and another speaker supporting the sanctity of life. Some members objected that the state should focus on practical supports such as paid leave, child care, and health care access, while others supported the resolution as a statement of human dignity. The resolution passed the committee 7-5. The committee then approved House Bill 4010, creating a Board of Genetic Counselors and licensure standards, after testimony from genetic counselors and a patient advocate about the need for qualified counseling and better access; it passed 11-1. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2196, which would require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse non-affiliated pharmacies at least their acquisition cost and pay a dispensing fee, and establish an appeals process. Independent pharmacists and their coalition said PBM practices are driving closures and unfairly favor affiliated pharmacies, while PBM and employer representatives warned of major cost increases and said the bill would interfere with private contracts; the bill passed 11-1. The committee also adopted a strike-everything amendment to House Bill 2182 requiring insurers and health plans to report claims denial and prior authorization data to DIFI, and then gave the amended bill a 12-0 do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee approved House Bill 2189, directing the Board of Nursing to update rules for licensed health aides and collect annual data, with the sponsor and board staff saying it would help implement routine ventilator care in the home; it passed 12-0. The committee then began hearing House Bill 2404, a strike-everything amendment on inter-facility transports for behavioral health patients, but the transcript cuts off before action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I need to change my vote. I was looking for these amendments. Sure. Dixon vote change?
• Is there a vote on number one? There was.
• Not voting? Stephanie? Aye. Zbur? Not voting? Stephanie? Aye. Zbur?
• Is there a vote change? AB 1466? Oh, yes. Yes. Dixon vote change on AB 1466, not voting to no.
• Not voting to no? Not voting to no. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• reason, I'm a I vote here today. reason, I'm a I vote here today.
• Chairman, explain my I vote. >> Mr. Chairman, explain my I vote.
• Uh, at this point, uh, with six yes votes, one no vote, Senate Bill 122 passes and will be reported with
• , at this point, uh with six yes votes, one<00:52:26.640> no<00:52:26.880> vote,<00:52:
• Would you like to record any votes? votes? votes? >> Uh,<00:57:45.920> yes.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 122, which would allow certain defendants who are caretakers of dependent children to ask a sentencing court to consider parenting classes and family counseling as part of an alternative sentence, alongside existing options like probation and treatment programs. Representative Nick Wilson, the House sponsor, said the bill was aimed at helping families affected by the opioid crisis, especially in Appalachia, and described it as a way to support parents who want to get clean and rebuild family stability. He emphasized that the bill would apply only on a defendant’s motion, would not be automatic, and would exclude violent offenders, domestic violence-related cases, child-victim cases, and cases where probation or similar relief is otherwise prohibited. Committee members raised concerns that the bill could create a two-tiered system of justice or add unnecessary procedure because judges already consider family circumstances through presentence investigations and sentencing discretion. One senator said he would support the bill but worried it privileged defendants with children over those without. Another member argued the bill was unnecessary because judges and prosecutors already have these options available and because it could add another hearing to an already overloaded court system. Supporters responded that the family unit should be given greater weight and that the bill would simply make that consideration more explicit. Judge Julie Ward, joined by Judge Jeremy Maddox, testified against the bill as written. She said judges already receive presentence reports, hear offender statements, and consider caregiving responsibilities, and that family court already addresses children’s needs when custody issues arise. Her main objections were that parenting services are not available in all communities, may cost money, and that the bill would require evidentiary hearings and potentially create equal protection problems by giving preferential treatment to caretakers. She urged the sponsors to work on revised language instead of passing the bill in its current form. Senator Wheeler said he would vote for the bill and noted that a floor amendment would be offered to address access to confidential juvenile “J cases” in presentence reports, since probation and parole do not have that access. He said the amendment was intended to make sure sentencing judges have the information they need. The discussion ended without a final committee vote in the transcript, but the bill remained under consideration with possible amendment and further revision.

Bills: HB146, HB322, HB469, HB1183, HB1481, HB1509, HB1510, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1520, HB1522, HB1524, HB1531, HB1535, HB1548, HB1550, HB1559, HB1573, HB1574, HB1590, HB1593, HB1601, HB1603, HB1615, HB1628, HB1643, HB1644, HB1645, HB1648, HB1663, HB1667, HB1671, HB1678, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1691, HB1692, HB1695, HB1696, HB1697, HB1716, HB1721, HB1724, HB1725, HB1728, HB1730, HB1733, HB1737, HB1738, HB1739, HB1740, HB1741, HB1742, HB1752, HB1753, HB1764, HB1768, HB1769, HB1777, HB1782, HB1790, HB1799, HB1810, HB1823, HB1824, HB1832, HB1839, HB1840, HB1844, HB1845, HB1850, HB1851, HB1858, HB1860, HB1864, HB1870, HB1873, HB1875, HB1877, HB1878, HB1880, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB1898, HB1921, HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB146, HB322, HB469, HB1183, HB1481, HB1509, HB1510, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1520, HB1522, HB1524, HB1531, HB1535, HB1548, HB1550, HB1559, HB1573, HB1574, HB1590, HB1593, HB1601, HB1603, HB1615, HB1628, HB1643, HB1644, HB1645, HB1648, HB1663, HB1667, HB1671, HB1678, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1691, HB1692, HB1695, HB1696, HB1697, HB1716, HB1721, HB1724, HB1725, HB1728, HB1730, HB1733, HB1737, HB1738, HB1739, HB1740, HB1741, HB1742, HB1752, HB1753, HB1764, HB1768, HB1769, HB1777, HB1782, HB1790, HB1799, HB1810, HB1823, HB1824, HB1832, HB1839, HB1840, HB1844, HB1845, HB1850, HB1851, HB1858, HB1860, HB1864, HB1870, HB1873, HB1875, HB1877, HB1878, HB1880, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB1898, HB1921, HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Bills: HB146, HB322, HB469, HB1183, HB1481, HB1509, HB1510, HB1511, HB1514, HB1515, HB1516, HB1520, HB1522, HB1524, HB1531, HB1535, HB1548, HB1550, HB1559, HB1573, HB1574, HB1590, HB1593, HB1601, HB1603, HB1615, HB1628, HB1643, HB1644, HB1645, HB1648, HB1663, HB1667, HB1671, HB1678, HB1679, HB1682, HB1688, HB1691, HB1692, HB1695, HB1696, HB1697, HB1716, HB1721, HB1724, HB1725, HB1728, HB1730, HB1733, HB1737, HB1738, HB1739, HB1740, HB1741, HB1742, HB1752, HB1753, HB1764, HB1768, HB1769, HB1777, HB1782, HB1790, HB1799, HB1810, HB1823, HB1824, HB1832, HB1839, HB1840, HB1844, HB1845, HB1850, HB1851, HB1858, HB1860, HB1864, HB1870, HB1873, HB1875, HB1877, HB1878, HB1880, HB1881, HB1886, HB1888, HB1890, HB1892, HB1893, HB1898, HB1921, HB1934

Keywords: judiciary, Hawaiian language, Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, language access, cultural preservation, voter registration, automatic registration, state agencies, electoral participation, opt-out system, disability, parking, travel placard, accessibility, mobility, retirement, pension, law enforcement, public safety, Hawaii Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• Please vote no. Thank you. Thanks for your testimony. State your name and then give us your vote.
• Earlier, he asked about the vote. I have the vote here.
• voting.
• He voted for him in 2020 as well. voted for him again this election cycle.
• I'm not voting to help you; I'm voting to make it more expensive. From $1.5 million to $4 million.

Bills: SB1798, SB1835, SB1319, SB2942, SB2928, SB784, SB1049

Keywords: higher education, tuition rates, financial support, immigration status, Texas law, SB 1835, resident tuition, nonresident students, scholarship students, public higher education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Education Code Section 54.213, tuition waiver, in-state tuition, out-of-state students, higher education finance, enrollment cap, capacity limit, workforce development area, nonimmigrant visa

Transcript Highlights:

• Before we vote, I just want to make this point.

Bills: SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146, SB143, SB144, SB145, SB152, SB153, SB154, SB162, SB226, SB146

Keywords: SB143, solid waste, garbage collection, trash fees, refuse collection, municipal fees, county fees, fee exemption, veterans benefits, veteran household, disabled veteran, VA benefits, Social Security exemption, low-income households, poverty level, county commission, municipal governing body, Alabama solid waste law, certificate of exception, public health