Transcript Highlights:

• I'm saying, like, your statement earlier, that if people are getting prosecuted by this statute, that
• But I'm saying instead of making the law say that for the prosecution, shouldn't the prosecution, in
• This will not make cases too easy to prosecute.
• Well, the way the law is written, I can't prosecute it. So that's what we've got to do.
• Being prosecuted for any criminal act resulting therefrom. In your view, yes, you're right.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• for coordinated survivor-informed policies to prevent trafficking, support victims and address prosecution
• should, enforcement outcomes and the unintended consequences of prosecutions should be part of that
• The bill would allow the court, upon motion by the prosecution, to issue an order voiding the document
• The bill does not identify a clear gap in existing law that prevents prosecution of serious misconduct
• I have been a prosecutor for just about 33 years now, with 25 of those years prosecuting crimes against

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You could prosecute fewer things. You could make fewer things crimes.
• Ferrell, who testified earlier, to prosecute that crime.
• Because prosecution, as you stated, the bad actors are typically going to be overseas.
• Moore has no chance of prosecuting this at her office, right?
• I don't have anybody to prosecute. Most of these people are offshore.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So a prosecuting attorney can file a motion to certify a juvenile if it's an A or B felony.
• So previously a prosecuting attorney could come in and certify a juvenile in any felony.
• I will say it is an improvement on 888 in regard to the prosecuting attorney stepping down and certifying
• You know, I didn't like 888 in terms of allowing a prosecuting attorney to come in, inject themselves
• Prosecuting attorneys are elected. It makes a very political process. I had an issue with that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the House Journal for the prior day by a 126-0 roll call, and then moved through several points of personal privilege and guest introductions. Members recognized National Fentanyl Awareness Day, honored journalist Ray Hartman with a moment of silence, and welcomed numerous student groups, interns, and other visitors to the chamber. The main floor action centered on conference committee report HB 2637/HB 3155, a large public safety package. Members discussed its size and scope, including juvenile justice changes, mental health provisions, cyberstalking language, drone restrictions, prosecutorial salaries, and sex offender registry issues. The House first approved a motion allowing conferees to exceed the differences, then adopted the conference report 124-13, passed the bill 119-18, and adopted an emergency clause for the drone-related sections 125-15. Supporters said the bill improved earlier legislation, while opponents criticized the bill’s length and constitutionality. The House then passed Senate Bill 834, a consumer protection measure combining mortgage modification rules with protections against predatory residential sale-leaseback transactions, by 139-1. Members said it would help homeowners and small businesses and improve transparency. The chamber also passed Senate Bill 937, a land transfer bill authorizing the governor to dispose of certain state properties, by 137-2-1 after a minor amendment, and Senate Bill 938, which raises recording-related fees from $4 to $6 to fund the land survey program and recorder of deeds offices, by 121-21-2. Finally, the House passed House Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 973, a wholesaler/consumer protection bill that was amended to remove a school property right-of-first-refusal provision and add land bank language, by 110-36. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, noted bills moving to the informal calendar, and adjourned until April 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Health care programs within the state under state law so that it can be prosecuted again under state
• So that means the prosecution is immediate.
• So that means the prosecution is immediate.
• Is there a way to prosecute this criminally, or however we do it, in such a way that we preserve the
• Is there a way to prosecute this criminally, or however we do it, in such a way that we preserve the

Transcript Highlights:

• Quick investigations and thorough engagement with law enforcement partners are essential to prosecute
• We are an investigative arm, and then law enforcement does the final investigation and prosecution.
• coming to DHS, I spent nearly a decade at the Attorney General's office where I investigated and prosecuted
• We need enforcement of Medicaid laws and full prosecution of those who abuse the system for personal
• The problem is that the money goes out the door, and as you said, we can prosecute them on the outside

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's serious, I can also take it to the Attorney General's Office for civil prosecution.
• Right, and I know that generally speaking, the local prosecuting entity, whether it's a DA, a CA, or
• Members, there are two affirmative defenses to prosecution.
• Right, and I know that generally speaking, the local prosecuting entity, whether it's a DA, a CA, or
• a regional entity, The prosecuting attorney would then be able to seize that asset because it was in

Bills: SB2199, SB2200, SB2201, SB2949, SB2332

Keywords: overweight vehicle, vehicle weight limits, hazardous materials, hazmat, cargo tank, fuel transport, trucking, commercial vehicle, Transportation Code, criminal penalty, second-degree felony, loading violation, truck weight, axle weight, gross weight, public safety, commercial carrier, Texas, commercial truck, truck route

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, at this time we're going to call up our third panel from the Special prosecution unit, Jack Choke
• I'm the Executive director and chief prosecutor of the Special prosecution unit, uh, as I mentioned to
• We started out prosecuting the cases that arise out of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• We prosecuted that death penalty case, uh, a few years ago.
• So, uh, that's, that's made prosecution of these cases a little bit more complicated, um, and, and, uh

Transcript Highlights:

• But House Bill 4117 is an overly broad bill that will instead open the door for political prosecutions
• And if it is, and a prosecution happens under this statute, I really don't want to have to say I told
• going to be hurt the most are those whose lives will be forever changed when they are politically prosecuted
• Changed when they are politically prosecuted or charged under this statute. With that, I vote no.
• Speaking to the preacher would be somehow subject to political prosecution.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, welcomed former Senator Limpancrazi, and recognized page Owen Washburn and his family. The chamber then moved through messages and second-reading listings, and the Committee of the Whole considered several House bills. HB 2398, dealing with watercraft operation and peer-to-peer watercraft sharing insurance, received a floor amendment clarifying the types of insurers that may provide primary commercial boat liability coverage and was reported do pass as amended. HB 2477, relating to the Arizona Education Savings Plan, was amended to add investment guardrails, conflict-of-interest protections, an advisory team, limits on land investments, and statutory treatment of the local government investment pool, then reported do pass as amended. The Committee of the Whole also considered HB 2251 on midwifery, which was amended to transfer oversight of licensed midwives from the Department of Health Services to the Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board, add a licensed midwife to the board, separate midwife and naturopathic funds, apply investigative and disciplinary procedures, and make conforming changes; it was reported do pass as amended. HB 2991, concerning minors’ access to technology content and social media, drew extensive debate. A floor amendment revised age-signal and parental-consent procedures, changed default settings language, removed a private right of action, and made other technical changes. Senators Tise, Epstein, and others argued the bill still raised serious First Amendment and censorship concerns, while Senator Bullock defended it as a child-safety measure that did not require uploading ID. The bill was ultimately reported do pass as amended. In third reading, the Senate adopted the Committee of the Whole report, retained HB 2397 on the calendar, and voted on several bills. HB 2104, HB 2105, HB 2763, HB 2786, HB 2771, HB 2782, and HB 4117 passed; HB 2457, HB 2494, and HB 2696 failed. HB 2457 and HB 2494 drew opposition over local control and land-use concerns, while HB 2696, aimed at fuel and gas prices, drew criticism that the Commerce Authority was not the right vehicle and that the issue was driven by federal policy. HB 4117, relating to offenses against public order and religious services, passed after sharp debate over whether it would protect worship or chill protest and free speech, with opponents warning of vague language and potential political prosecutions. The Senate also voted to reconsider its prior action on HB 2311 and HB 2601, requested the House return HB 2995 for reconsideration, and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• The prosecution typically relies on circumstantial evidence to infer this knowledge.
• And by removing that knowing language would be very helpful for prosecution in those particular cases
• they're not trying to... ...when he was there, that because of that wording, they're not trying to prosecute
• But I do agree if we need to clarify this to help with the prosecution of those cases, because I've always
• I don't know that we can prosecute them over there for that.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The burden of proof is still on prosecution.
• The burden of proof is still on the prosecution by making the camera available at a lower standard.
• of those people are actually prosecuted of those people are actually prosecuted and<01:35:26.000
• <01:36:27.920> uh police can't or maybe won't prosecute uh police can't or maybe won't prosecute
• prosecution of a class B misdemeanor. prosecution of a class B misdemeanor. >> Okay?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• has the entire discretion to apply the law how they see fit, leaving the door open for political prosecutions
• “Dangerous because it absolutely leaves the door open for political prosecutions.
• are not—” “Protecting people’s First Amendment rights and making sure people are not politically prosecuted
• The conduct outlined in this bill can already be prosecuted in Arizona.
• The sponsor has been told that the conduct can be prosecuted in Arizona.

Summary: The Senate met in floor session, began with prayer and the Pledge, approved the journal, received communications, and handled a return of Senate Bill 1456 from the House for reconsideration. Members then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars, considering and amending bills on court fees, information technology, environmental quality, agricultural property inspections, property tax notices, veterans services, zoning and electric generation siting, fuel and gas resilience, and disturbing religious services. Several amendments were adopted, including changes to HB 2265 on criminal court fees, HB 2311 on conversational AI disclosures and privacy limits, HB 2986 on environmental quality/fuel resilience, HB 2104 and HB 2105 on agricultural property inspection rules, HB 2406 on veterans services, HB 2494 on electric generation siting and environmental compatibility, HB 2696 on fuel and gas prices, and HB 4117 on interference with religious services. Most of these bills were reported out of committee with do pass recommendations, though members raised concerns on HB 2311 and HB 4117 about privacy, free speech, and prosecutorial discretion. The chamber then took up a long series of third readings and final votes. Bills passed included HB 2015 on single-audit compliance, HB 2041 on child neglect and poverty factors, HB 2048 on AHCCCS prescription drug coverage, HB 2417 on excessive speed, HB 2611 on child welfare, HB 2793 on annexation, HB 2950 on special districts, HB 2995 on family law, HB 4018 on county officers, HB 2404 on mental health services, HB 2279 on limitations of actions, HB 2502 on the state retirement system, HB 2733 and HB 2953 on pharmacy regulation, HB 2979 on credit unions, HB 4042 on parent-child relationship determinations, HB 4010 on health professional regulatory boards, HB 4043 on public schools, HB 4049 on the Attorney General, HB 2265 on court fees, HB 2311 on information technology, and HB 2986 on environmental quality. HB 2601 on state highways and routes failed. Several members explained votes on bills involving fiscal impacts, child welfare, road safety, annexation, and criminal justice concerns. The Senate also adopted a group concurrence motion on several conference committee reports, including HB 2003, HB 2010, HB 2133, and HB 2874, and then voted on those measures. HB 2003 on driver’s license instruction permits, HB 2010 on advertising, HB 2133 on disclosure of sexual material and synthetic depictions, and HB 2874 on campaign committees and termination statements were all advanced after conference committee action, with debate on HB 2133 focusing on First Amendment and content-moderation concerns. The session ended with introduction of a large package of transportation-related appropriations bills and a motion to suspend certain committee notice rules for Appropriations to hear legislation and strike-everything amendments on short notice.

Transcript Highlights:

• And how could that leave a door open for political prosecutions?
• And how could that leave a door open for political prosecutions?
• And how could that leave a door open for political prosecutions?
• For example, Erica Kirk or Stacey Abrams speaking could be prosecuted under this.
• Would they be subject to prosecution under this new law?

Bills: HB2244, HB2364, HB2573, HB2749, HB2862, HB2870, HB4117, HCR2004

Keywords: evictions, judgment satisfaction, tenant rights, landlord obligations, court procedures, abortion-inducing drugs, medical abortion, pharmaceutical regulation, felonies, state law, DUI, ignition interlock, substance abuse treatment, driving privileges, alcohol education, felony conviction, misdemeanor designation, court judgment, criminal justice reform, rehabilitation

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several bills. HB 2749, as amended, would allow certain nonviolent class 4, 5, or 6 felonies to be redesignated as class 1 misdemeanors after five years and after completion of sentence terms, with exclusions for crimes such as cruelty to animals, weapons misconduct, and failure to register as a sex offender. Supporters framed it as a redemption and reintegration measure, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one not voting. HB 2870 would prohibit certain level 2 and level 3 sex offenders from living together in the same single-family dwelling, with exceptions for relatives, community reentry centers, and certain existing supervised facilities. The sponsor and neighborhood residents described a real-life situation in Chandler involving multiple offenders in one house and argued the bill would protect families; opponents warned it could push people into homelessness and undermine supervision. After testimony from residents, housing operators, and a structured-housing provider, the committee approved the bill 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2862, which increases penalties for offenses committed while wearing a mask to conceal identity, drew support from the City of Scottsdale and opposition from the ACLU over First Amendment concerns; it passed 3-2 with two not voting. HB 2364 would create criminal penalties for mailing or delivering abortion-inducing drugs, including felony penalties for providers and a misdemeanor for ordering such drugs by mail. Supporters said it would enforce existing law and protect women; opponents argued it conflicts with Proposition 139 and constitutional protections for abortion access. The committee gave it a 4-3 due pass recommendation. HB 2244, supported by Phoenix Vice Mayor Keisha Hodge Washington, would streamline satisfaction of eviction judgments when tenants have paid and allow sealing of eviction records in some cases; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2573, which removes the 45-day waiting period before some repeat DUI offenders can apply for an ignition interlock restricted license, also passed unanimously 7-0. The committee also considered HB 4117, a strike-everything amendment creating a new offense for interfering with a religious service or worship by obstructing access or engaging in disorderly conduct intended to disrupt the service. Supporters, including ADL and Jewish community representatives, said it would protect worshippers from obstruction and intimidation; opponents argued it was vague, unnecessary, and could chill protest speech. After extensive debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and gave the bill a due pass recommendation. Finally, HCR 2004, a mirror resolution to SCR 1004, would require voter approval for local photo enforcement systems and periodic reauthorization; it was discussed with support from city and league representatives, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 214 by Chairman Birdwell relates to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses regarding
• trying to get at what... to get at, but I think this gives better context to law enforcement and our prosecuting
• Again, that's on law enforcement and prosecution to prove that they know this individual.
• To that offense, and the question is, do they get wrapped up in that prosecution should that event occur
• It should be, in my mind, prosecuted as an act of terrorism.

Bills: HCR40, HB214, HB214

Keywords: HCR 40, House Concurrent Resolution, Operation Lone Star, border security, southern border, Texas border, reimbursement, federal reimbursement, Congress, immigration, migrant crossings, illegal immigration, Texas National Guard, Department of Public Safety, DPS, human smuggling, cartel, fentanyl, border enforcement, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a bill that broadens the criminal venue for prosecution in the county or judicial district where
• It only allows a crime to be prosecuted in an individual court in this case where that person dies.
• in an individual Court in prosecuted in an individual Court in this<00:07:14.280> case<00:07:
• So what this bill does is it seeks to remedy that by allowing the prosecution to occur where either the
• Unfortunately, that presents a problem for the prosecution because the investigating department tends

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• salary commission bill that took the sheriffs and the prosecutors out, they specified that assistant prosecuting
• salary commission bill that took the sheriffs and the prosecutors out, they specified that assist in prosecuting
• Representative Reedy said that the amendment specified that assistant prosecuting attorneys would remain
• He said the intent was to refer to part-time prosecuting attorneys in smaller counties that do not have

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first considered House Bill 3143 by Representative Parker. After a roll call vote, the committee voted 12-0 to do pass the bill. The committee then took up the Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023 and a committee substitute ending in 0.09C. The chair and members explained that the substitute combined several library-related measures with other provisions, including changes to political subdivisions, municipal candidacy language, city-county library boards, dissolution of a public water supply corporation, and a Kansas City liquor-sales issue tied to Chapter 311. Members discussed concerns about mixing unrelated topics into the bill, especially the Kansas City liquor provision and the state preempting local control, while others noted the language cleanup and removal of special carve-outs. Representative Reedy also flagged a salary commission language issue involving assistant prosecuting attorneys, suggesting it could be fixed on the floor. The committee adopted the substitute by voice vote and then voted on House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023. The bill received a do pass recommendation by an 8-4 roll call vote. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• salary commission bill that took the sheriffs and the prosecutors out, they specified that assistant prosecuting
• salary commission bill that took the sheriffs and the prosecutors out, they specified that assist in prosecuting
• Representative Reedy said that the amendment specified that assistant prosecuting attorneys would remain
• He said he believed the intent was to refer to part-time prosecuting attorneys in smaller counties that

Summary: The House Committee on Local Government met in executive session and first approved House Bill 3143, Representative Parker’s bill, on a 12-0 roll call vote. The committee then took up Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023, which had a committee substitute distributed in advance. The sponsor explained that the substitute combined several previously separate library-related provisions, changed the title to political subdivisions, and included a fix aimed at a Kansas City liquor-sales issue involving small bottles and beer sales; members also discussed other changes affecting library districts and county tax provisions. Several members raised concerns that the Kansas City liquor provision and other non-library items were too broad or preempted local control, while others said the language addressed carve-outs and could be improved. Representative Reedy noted a technical issue in the salary commission language and said it likely needed a floor amendment to change “assistant prosecuting attorneys” to “part-time prosecutors,” but did not think the bill should be held up. The committee adopted the substitute and then voted the resulting House Committee Substitute for Senate Substitute No. 2 for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1023 do pass by an 8-4 roll call vote. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In short, the command tightens the loop between detection, defense, and prosecution, turning cyber attacks
• On the prosecution issue we discussed yesterday, who does the prosecuting?
• So they're not going to be directly involved in prosecution; they're going to work with all the different

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I'm here in support of HB 369 relative to misdemeanor sexual assault prosecutions.
• I think my concern is that it seems that these robust trafficking laws are not being used to prosecute
• I think my concern is that it seems that these robust trafficking laws are not being used to prosecute
• Human trafficking prosecution relies heavily on victim input.
• engaging in them prosecuted for engaging in prostitution<01:42:24.880> because<01:42:25.199><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• shared with the prosecutor for months, which means the people involved in the criminal case, both prosecution
• be used to say, hey, you know, there's no, nothing to see here, you know, there's nothing to, to prosecute
• I think it's beneficial to the prosecution, uh, and to the defense for me to be able to review all the
• or neglect, immediately notify a county or district attorney with jurisdiction to investigate or prosecute
• this bill as providing an extra level of protection for both the family, the defense, and for the prosecution

Bills: HB 741, HB 1199, HB 2070, HB 2402, HB 2542, HB 2665, HB 2789, HB 3096, HB 3396, HB 3595, HB 3747, HB 4116, HB 4127

Keywords: child welfare, relative caregiver, monetary assistance, Department of Family and Protective Services, child custody, family law, emergency power, nursing facilities, assisted living, generator requirements, health and safety, emergency generators, power outage, emergency generator, assisted living facilities, power source, child abuse, neglect registry, court findings, Medicaid