Transcript Highlights:

• sexual abuse.
• We have had them, obviously, sexual exploitation, and they continue to sexually exploit them until they
• can no longer sexually exploit them.
• We have had them, obviously, sexual exploitation. and We have had them, obviously, sexual exploitation
• , and they continue to sexually exploit them until they can no longer sexually exploit them.

Summary: The committee held its inaugural meeting and heard opening remarks from the chair and vice chair about the committee’s purpose: studying issues affecting women and children in Louisiana, including health, education, economic opportunity, safety, and criminal justice. After roll call, the committee proceeded with informational presentations rather than taking any formal votes. Members emphasized the committee’s role in gathering testimony and identifying policy solutions. The first major presentation came from the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. The director reviewed 2025 data showing 2,963 identified victims, 15,437 service instances, and trafficking reports in 62 of 64 parishes. She explained Louisiana’s coordinated response system, including screening tools, child advocacy center referrals, and the DCFS hotline option for trafficking reports. She also described familial trafficking, new victim outreach and identification tools, and two priority bills: HB 321, which would create immunity from prostitution offenses for child victims under Safe Harbor principles, and SB 83, which would require school board trafficking policies and expand victim advocacy services to labor trafficking victims and survivors up to age 21. Committee members asked about reporting procedures, school use of the tools, service gaps, and whether the data showed increases due to better identification. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office on online child exploitation and child sexual abuse material. The presenter said the Louisiana ICAC Task Force received 31,203 tips in 2025, made 545 arrests, identified or rescued more than 80 child victims, and executed over 1,500 search warrants. He described rapid tip-to-arrest responses in recent cases, the expansion of partner agencies statewide, and the creation of an Orleans Metro ICAC task force. Members asked about community presentations, the role of social media in exploitation, the use of geolocation, the prosecution of out-of-state offenders, and the need for more analysts and outreach staff. The discussion also covered sadistic online enticement, sextortion, live-streamed abuse, and the need for parents and schools to monitor children’s online activity. At the end of the meeting, the committee began receiving a legislative auditor’s presentation on the treatment and care of incarcerated women, focusing on jail policies, health care, restraint use, and reentry, but the transcript cuts off before that presentation is completed. No committee votes or formal actions were recorded in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• sexual abuse.
• We have had them, obviously, sexual exploitation. and We have had them, obviously, sexual exploitation
• , and they continue to sexually exploit them until they can no longer sexually exploit them.
• *How to Catch a Predator*.
• That predates the laws at hand anyway.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee held its inaugural meeting on March 5, 2026, with opening remarks from Chair Freiberg and Vice Chair Marcelle describing the panel’s purpose as studying issues affecting women and children, including health, education, economic opportunity, safety, and criminal justice. After roll call, the chair noted the meeting was informational only and not requiring a quorum. The committee then heard presentations and asked questions on human trafficking and child exploitation, followed by an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated women. Mary Kate Andrepont of the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention presented 2025 data showing 2,963 victims identified, 15,437 service instances, and 33% of victims remaining in services at least nine months. She said 93% of reported victims were sex trafficking victims, most were under 18, and 62 of 64 parishes had trafficking reports. She explained familial trafficking, described screening and coordinated response procedures, and highlighted new tools and outreach campaigns. She also discussed two priority bills: HB 321 by Rep. LaFleur, which would create immunity from prostitution offenses for child trafficking victims under Safe Harbor principles, and SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, which would require school board trafficking policies and expand victim advocacy services to labor trafficking victims and survivors up to age 21. Committee members asked about reporting procedures, data trends, service gaps, and the reach of the screening tools. Chris Masters of the Attorney General’s office then presented on online child exploitation and child sexual abuse material through the Louisiana ICAC Task Force. He reported 31,203 tips in 2025, 545 arrests, more than 80 children identified or rescued, over 1,500 search warrants, and more than 100 community presentations. He said the task force is expanding statewide, including an Orleans Metro unit, and asked for more analysts and outreach personnel to handle a projected rise in cyber tips. Members asked about community presentations, the scope of the investigations, sex offender social media restrictions, interstate cases, sentencing, and how online enticement and live abuse are prosecuted. The discussion emphasized parental monitoring, school outreach, and coordination with federal partners. The final item introduced an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated females. Legislative Auditor staff said the review, requested by a 2023 resolution, found that Louisiana’s jails and guidance documents had not fully addressed the key laws and standards governing women’s incarceration, including restraint use during pregnancy and childbirth, health care, hygiene, dignity, and reentry. They noted that local jails still house a majority of incarcerated women despite the opening of a new state facility, and that several facilities had confirmed prohibited restraint use or failed to provide required written advisements. The staff said the report included legislative considerations for improving compliance and care.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is clearly about sexual predators. The bill is clearly about repealing a holiday.
• The bill is clearly about sexual predators. The bill is clearly about repealing a holiday.
• And the sponsor clearly said she would support accountability of sexual predators. Senator Epstein.
• We must hold the behavior of sexual predators and all those who abuse young women and minors accountable
• We must hold the behavior of sexual predators and all those who abuse young women and minors accountable

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and proclamations, including a Coolidge centennial proclamation, a Pre-born Day of Rights proclamation, and a tribute to retired public servant Carmen Green Smith. The chamber also welcomed various guests and groups in the gallery, including Arizona Right to Life, Reproductive Freedom for All, a doctor of the day, schoolchildren, and community visitors. A motion to suspend the rules and immediately advance SB 1396 on contraception rights failed by a vote of 12 ayes to 16 nays. The Senate then considered House Concurrent Resolution 2053 honoring Brad Brower, adopted it unanimously, observed a moment of silence, and transmitted the resolution to the House. In Committee of the Whole, members considered HB 2072, HB 2307, and HB 2874. HB 2072, dealing with holidays and the César Chávez Day repeal/renaming debate, drew extensive floor debate over a Miranda amendment to rename the day for farm workers; that amendment failed 12-15, and the bill was ultimately advanced as amended by the committee’s striker/repeal language. HB 2307, concerning dangerous and incompetent defendants and a state facility process, received committee and floor amendments and was advanced as amended. HB 2874, relating to campaign committee termination statements and contributions, also received committee and technical floor amendments and was advanced as amended. On final third readings, HB 2874 passed 18-11 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House. HB 2307 passed 27-2 with one not voting and was transmitted to the House, with supporters emphasizing public safety and the emergency clause. HB 272 passed after a lengthy and contentious debate over whether to repeal or rename the holiday associated with César Chávez and the farm worker movement; supporters of repeal cited allegations against Chávez and the need for accountability, while opponents argued the holiday should preserve recognition of farm workers and the movement’s history. The Senate also adopted the Committee of the Whole report and assigned the bills accordingly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the board is seeking authority to consider any prior discipline involving sexual abuse
• Of sexual misconduct, just in more nonviolent offenses.
• One of our asks, as you're pointing out, is related to sexual offense in relationship to licensure and
• So we want to know the significance of that sexual misconduct, whether, of course, if it was violent
• And if a person's a predator and they can reoffend, that's a public protection issue.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the board is seeking authority to consider any prior discipline involving sexual abuse
• “Of sexual misconduct, just in more nonviolent offenses.
• One of our asks, as you're pointing out, is related to sexual offense in relationship to licensure and
• So we want to know the significance of that sexual misconduct, whether, of course, if it was violent
• And if a person's a predator and they can reoffend, that's a public protection issue.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with chairs emphasizing oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are functioning efficiently. BRN leadership reported major process improvements since the last sunset review, including faster license processing, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, and growth in nursing education enrollment. Members questioned the board extensively about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, online nursing programs and clinical placements, military pathways, the 30-unit LVN-to-RN option, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, and retention of new graduates. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, clinical hour standards, and its role in approving programs and assigning nursing education consultants. Public testimony on the BRN was mixed: nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist groups largely supported the sunset report and especially the proposed APRN-to-RN delegation language, while physician and hospital stakeholders raised concerns about out-of-state NP practice, specialty delegation, ratios, and the need for regulatory parity and clearer standards. Higher education representatives urged reduced duplication in documentation, more flexible clinical placement rules, and better coordination to address bottlenecks in placements and faculty hiring. The committee did not take a vote during the excerpted BRN discussion. The hearing then moved to the Physical Therapy Board of California, where the board’s president began an overview of the board’s mission, structure, vacancies, and public-protection role under the Physical Therapy Practice Act. The transcript excerpt ends before substantive questioning, testimony, or any action on the physical therapy item is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair: We move next to PCS for CS HB 45, Sexual Offenders and Sexual Predators, by Representative Plakon
• Why is sexual recidivism so low? Registrants do not have similar risk profiles.
• Many kids and adults are not even aware they are committing a sexual offense.
• The fact that when you are 16 years old you can have a sexual relationship with Representative Deal:
• You've labeled everyone a sexual offender for a variety of levels of an offense, so you are capturing

Transcript Highlights:

• Content of a sexually exploited child.
• is sexually exploiting that child under Penal Code Section 311.3.
• So let's not excuse this as a sexual deviance. This is child sexual exploitation.
• This is the crime, sexual exploitation of a child.
• This is the crime, sexual exploitation of a child.

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's mainly for sex offenders, but it's also for violent crime offenders registry as well.
• violent crime offenders registry as well.
• And so would that be any person, thank you, would that be any person who's convicted of a violent felony
• that they're required to register under the Mary Rippey violent crime offenders registry?

Bills: SB1226 , SB1456 , SB1462 , SB1463 , SB1980 , SB1479 , SB1608 , SB1923

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: motor vehicle, accident, notification, liability, civil action, gender neutral, SB1456, Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence, sunset extension, sunset law, breath alcohol testing, DUI, DWI, drunk driving, drug testing, chemical testing, field sobriety, roadside screening, blood test, saliva test

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 1226 by Senator Rader, which would add property damage to the state’s leaving-the-scene statute so a driver who damages property and leaves would be treated similarly to a vehicle accident. After brief questions about whether the driver would need to wait for law enforcement or the property owner, the bill advanced unanimously, 6-0. Several sunset-extension bills from Senator Burstrom were then considered. Senate Bill 1456 would extend the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2036 and passed 6-1. Senate Bill 1462 would extend the Oklahoma Organized Retail Crime Task Force to 2036; members questioned whether a task force created in 2023 needed such a long extension, but it still passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1463 would extend the Polygraph Examiners Board to 2036 and passed 8-1, with some members again objecting to the 10-year sunset length. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1980 by Senator Logan, which updates larceny and forgery language to cover gift cards, gift certificates, and redemption information when possessed or used with intent to defraud. Members pressed the author on whether the offense would be a misdemeanor or felony and on the bill’s scope, but the measure passed 7-2. Senate Bill 1479 by Senator Stewart, dealing with release of crime- and collision-scene information by first responders, was amended to strike the title after concerns about scope and private entities; it then passed 6-2. Senate Bill 1608 by Senator Frick, as amended, would make school location and employer information searchable in sex offender and violent offender registries, and it passed 6-2. Finally, Senate Bill 1923 by Senator Murdoch would prohibit inmates from accessing social media, prompted by a constituent’s concerns about inmates contacting victims’ families through contraband cell phones. Members questioned whether the bill was necessary given existing DOC policies and whether it should address tablets as well; an amendment was withdrawn, and the bill passed 7-1. The committee also laid over Senate Bill 1612 and concluded its Public Safety agenda for the week.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the board is seeking authority to consider any prior discipline involving sexual abuse
• Of sexual misconduct, just in more nonviolent offenses.
• One of our asks, as you're pointing out, is related to sexual offense in relationship to licensure and
• So we want to know the significance of that sexual misconduct, whether, of course, if it was violent
• And if a person's a predator and they can reoffend, that's a public protection issue.

Summary: The joint Assembly and Senate Business and Professions sunset oversight hearing focused first on the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN), with opening remarks emphasizing legislative oversight, consumer protection, workforce access, and the need to evaluate whether licensing boards are efficient and effective. BRN leaders reported progress since the last review, including faster licensing timelines, streamlined enforcement, improved consumer satisfaction, expanded nursing program enrollment, and new statewide data collection on faculty. Committee members then questioned the board about nurse practitioner scope and supervision, international licensure, English proficiency, online nursing education and clinical placements, military and veteran pathways, workforce shortages, diversity in nursing, the LVN-to-RN 30-unit option, and the role of the board’s RN executive officer. The board explained California’s tiered APRN system, the NCLEX and national certification requirements, the 500-hour direct patient care clinical requirement, and its use of nursing education consultants and board-approved programs to oversee schools and placements. Members also discussed retention problems, especially for new graduates, and the board said shortages are often driven by burnout, lack of support, and employers’ reduced use of new-grad training programs. Public comment largely centered on proposed BRN sunset issues affecting advanced practice nursing, education oversight, and workforce development. Nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthesiology groups generally supported the BRN sunset report but asked for clearer implementation of AB 890, support for APRN-to-RN delegation authority, streamlined renewals for nurse midwives, and protection of the current population-focus model. The California Medical Association raised concerns about out-of-state nurse practitioners practicing independently without California transition-to-practice requirements, specialty delegation, ratios, and data collection. Higher education representatives from UC, CSU, private nonprofit colleges, and nursing associations urged the board to reduce duplicative documentation, modernize clinical placement rules, improve parity between in-state and out-of-state programs, and address bottlenecks in securing clinical sites. An online nursing school argued that California should create a pathway for distance-learning programs so students can complete clinicals in-state rather than traveling out of state. Several speakers also highlighted the need to expand access for rural and underserved communities, support diverse and nontraditional students, and preserve affordable pathways into nursing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Specifically, the board is seeking authority to consider any prior discipline involving sexual abuse
• One of our asks, as you're pointing out, is related to sexual offense in relationship to licensure and
• We want to know the significance of that sexual misconduct, whether, of course, if it was violent or
• Once they have given, you know, if for a person that has a license and commits a sexual offense, we're
• And if a person's a predator and they can reoffend, that's a public protection issue.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• juvenile justice systems were too lenient, and the press and a few researchers dubbed some kids super predators
• adverse childhood experiences, involvement in the child welfare system, and status as a victim of sexual
• One of the articles here is law enforcement brings folks that are violent criminals, and you say, no,
• Inside Green Hill, instead of guidance, I was sexually abused by a female guard.
• Inside Green Hill, instead of guidance, I was sexually abused by a female guard.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee held a work session on juvenile rehabilitation trends and then a hearing on Senate Bill 6062. The work session featured a national overview from NCSL, DCYF updates on Green Hill, Harbor Heights, and community transition services, and local/community perspectives from Pierce County, Team Child, and Northwest Credible Messengers. The national presentation described broad juvenile justice trends, including limits on extreme sentencing, expanded diversion and due process protections, reduced fines and fees, record clearing, and changes in juvenile court jurisdiction. Committee members asked about juvenile crime trends and overcrowding, and the presenter noted that crime has generally decreased overall since 2020, though some offenses have risen in some places and overcrowding remains an issue in certain states. DCYF reported on its behavior management system, Harbor Heights opening as relief for overcrowding, Green Hill population pressures, and expansion of community transition services. Officials said the behavior management system is intended to improve safety, consistency, and restorative accountability, while Harbor Heights has added programming and family engagement but still faces space, IT, and medical-infrastructure challenges. Green Hill leaders said reduced population has improved stability, programming, and use-of-force outcomes, but overcrowding remains a concern. DCYF also highlighted an ombuds process, family listserv updates, staffing changes, and a proposed budget request for additional JR capacity and staffing. Pierce County described its long-running detention reform work, reduced average daily detention population, and plans for a new juvenile justice center, while Team Child and Northwest Credible Messengers emphasized community-based supports, culturally responsive services, healing-centered engagement, and reentry planning. Senate Bill 6062 was then briefed as a measure revising juvenile sentencing and JR placement rules. The bill would require courts to grant suspended disposition alternatives in eligible cases unless the court finds community supervision would not adequately protect the community, expand eligibility for certain sentencing alternatives, require midpoint review hearings, and set rules for transfers from JR to DOC when facilities exceed 105% of rated bed capacity. The committee also voted to waive the five-day notice rule for hearings on Senate Bills 6319 and 5979, and that motion passed. During public testimony on SB 6062, youth from Green Hill supported the bill and asked for clearer standards around DOC transfers, while DCYF supported efforts to reduce JR population but said the bill needs stronger emergency transfer language to address overcrowding at Green Hill. Committee members and the bill sponsor emphasized rehabilitation, individualized sentencing, and the need to balance community safety with better placement and services for youth.

Transcript Highlights:

• jury expenditures and reimbursement of fees associated with the Baker Act, Marchman Act, and also sexually
• violent predator proceedings and injunctions for protection. $3.1 million... ...sexually violent predator

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved to the conference report on House Bill 501E, the General Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026-27. Budget chairs presented the major spending areas, describing a $114.5 billion overall budget that they said was fiscally responsible and below the prior year’s spending. Highlights included pay increases and retirement adjustments for public safety employees, education funding for K-12, higher education, health and human services, criminal justice, transportation, environmental programs, and agriculture/regulatory agencies. Members then questioned chairs on several items. In education, senators discussed K-12 declining enrollment funding, teacher salary set-asides, private school scholarship spending, mental health funding, preeminence funding for universities, the Hamilton Center at UF, and charter school PICO funding. In health and human services, questions focused on the iBudget waiver waitlist, provider rates, ADAP/HIV funding and the return of Biktarvy to the formulary, KidCare, rural health funding, SNAP-related IT and error reduction efforts, and the IDD managed care program. In criminal justice, senators asked about correctional officer pay, prison staffing and infrastructure, air conditioning in prisons, juvenile justice facilities, law enforcement recruitment, and court system funding. Environmental and transportation questions covered Florida Forever, water quality, state parks, water projects, housing, elections funding, and emergency management. Several specific actions and explanations were given during debate: the budget includes $8.8 million for state attorney competitive area differentials but no funding for public defender CAD requests; assistant state attorneys will start at $70,000 and assistant public defenders at $65,000; the battery disposal issue was described as a temporary study/preemption approach; and the Senate said the budget does not fund Medicaid expansion, preeminence funding, or the SunBucks Summer EBT state share. Senators also noted that some proposals discussed in committee did not make it into the final budget. The transcript ends with debate statements from members praising the budget process and Chair Hooper, while also expressing concerns about public schools, health care access, affordability, and the lack of funding for certain priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are considered apex predators.
• One of these crimes is luring a minor for sexual exploitation by offering or soliciting sexual conduct
• Any offense that involves a sexual offense, harassment involving sexually explicit communications or
• conduct, stalking, commercial sexual exploitation of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, luring
• We're talking about egregious sexual crimes.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Sarah Coles. Members also introduced a number of guests in the gallery, including representatives from the Arizona LEND Program, Friends of the Salt River Wild Horses, and other visitors. The House then received communications from the Governor and moved into Committee of the Whole to consider Calendar One. In Committee of the Whole, members debated SB 1280, a bill concerning Mexican gray wolves and the use of public funds to transport them. An amendment offered by Representative Gutierrez, nicknamed the “Cruella DeVille Act,” was adopted after extended discussion about wolf conservation, ecosystem impacts, and whether the bill would interfere with wildlife recovery efforts. The underlying bill then received a due pass recommendation. The committee also recommended due pass for SB 1418 and SB 1785, and the House later adopted the Committee of the Whole report, placing SB 1280, SB 1418, and SB 1785 on third reading while retaining SB 1200 on the calendar. The House then considered Calendar Two. SB 1053, dealing with concealed carry permit fees, drew debate over whether the fee reduction was revenue-neutral and whether the bill should instead focus on training requirements; it received a due pass recommendation. SB 1259 also received due pass without debate. SB 1372, relating to health care provider recruitment and anesthesia access, was amended and then recommended do pass. SB 1475, which would bar students convicted of certain serious offenses from participating in interscholastic activities, prompted strong debate over student discipline versus second chances, and it too received a due pass recommendation. SB 1478 received a technical floor amendment changing its effective date and was then recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the committee report, sending SB 1053, SB 1259, and SB 1475 to third reading and properly engrossing SB 1372 and SB 1478. On third reading, the House passed SB 1078, SB 1107, SB 1123, and SB 1142. SB 1142, a federal education tax credit bill, generated the most debate, with opponents arguing it would divert resources from public schools and primarily benefit wealthier families, while supporters said it would not affect state revenues and would allow Arizona families to benefit from an existing federal credit. The final vote on SB 1142 was 33 ayes to 26 nays, and the House then adjourned until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Where is the outrage regarding all the U.S. citizens that have been sexually assaulted, raped, extorted
• had been sexually assaulted, raped, extorted, killed.
• city with a thriving gay community or traveling across international borders to escape dangerous, violent
• My support for this bill predates even the current gross abuses we are seeing at the federal level in
• we no longer allow ICE into the local jails that are not sanctuary cities in our state to detain violent

Bills: SB100

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: burglary, aggravated burglary, dwelling, criminal law, property rights, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• offenders or sexual predators, by Senator Martin.
• or predators.
• or predator, but maintain their sexual offense conviction.
• or predator, but maintain their sexual offense conviction.
• This language provided in the bill may inadvertently allow certain sexual offenders and sexual predators

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard and acted on several criminal justice, public records, nuisance, and firearms bills. SB 1168, by Sen. Leak, would create a second-degree felony for aggravated installation or use of a tracking device or application when done in furtherance of a dangerous crime; it passed unanimously. SB 1054, by Sen. Garcia, would increase penalties for tampering with electronic monitoring devices, require immediate revocation of pretrial release for tampering, and bar further pretrial release on the current charges; after testimony raising concerns about unintended consequences and proof issues, it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1198, by Sen. DeSigley, addressing fraudulent use of gift cards, was substantially revised by a delete-all amendment and a technical amendment, then reported favorably with support from retail and industry groups. SB 710, by Sen. Osgood, would create a public records exemption for personal identifying and location information of current and former Crime Stoppers employees, board members, and volunteers; it was reported favorably unanimously. SB 1022, by Sen. Wright, would strengthen nuisance abatement enforcement by raising fines, allowing tax-collector collection and special assessments, and authorizing foreclosure on unpaid liens; it was reported favorably after support from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. SB 716, by Sen. Martin, would impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses by registered sexual offenders or predators and bar early release; after an amendment to tie the penalty to prior convictions rather than registration status, it passed favorably. SB 878, also by Sen. Martin, would extend probation supervision for certain misdemeanor controlled-substance offenses and align them with existing alcohol-related probation rules; it passed unanimously. Finally, SB 952, by Sen. Guglia, would repeal the statute allowing firearm and ammunition sales restrictions during certain declared emergencies; after extensive testimony from gun-rights advocates and debate about local emergency ordinances, it was reported favorably.

Bills: HB3239 , HB4317 , HB4321 , HB4322 , HB3832 , HB3673 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB2956 , HB3960 , HB2471 , HB3338

Committee: House Business

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Bills: HB3239 , HB4317 , HB4321 , HB4322 , HB3832 , HB3673 , HB3783 , HB3800 , HB2956 , HB3960 , HB2471 , HB3338

Committee: House Business

Keywords: veterinary medicine, definitions, animal husbandry, board of veterinary examiners, telemedicine, veterinarian-client relationship, accounting, CPA, licensure, educational requirements, reciprocity, professional conduct, elevator safety, inspections, Department of Labor, safety standards, regulatory compliance, funeral services licensing, funeral director, embalmer

Summary: The committee considered and advanced a series of occupational licensing, workforce, and regulatory bills, often after adopting proposed committee substitutes (PCSs) and, in some cases, live amendments. House Bill 437 updated CPA licensure pathways to align with the 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4321 added a restriction on the Department of Labor retroactively applying new rules to existing structures absent written findings of obvious safety hazards, and passed 6-0-9. House Bill 4322 removed the requirement that a funeral director in charge also hold an embalmer license, with supporters saying it would help rural funeral homes and opponents raising concerns about embalming coverage; it passed 7-1-1. House Bill 3783, a constituent-request bill for career tech/CIB testing changes in the plumbing field, was discussed as a work in progress to clarify experience-hour requirements and passed 8-0-2. House Bill 2956 made cleanup changes related to the Appraisers Board after a federal audit and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 2471 expanded and adjusted the Oklahoma Workforce Commission’s membership and quorum rules and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3239 updated the Veterinary Practice Act and passed 8-0-0. House Bill 3673 allowed journeymen and contractors to renew expired licenses without reexamination if they meet fee, education, and disciplinary requirements, and passed 9-0-0-8. House Bill 3338, a constituent-request bill regulating the pool industry to address bad actors, also passed after adoption of a PCS, with the Attorney General reviewing the issue. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 3960, which would have required larger grocery stores and drugstores to employ more workers relative to self-checkout kiosks in an effort to increase staffing and reduce retail theft. Supporters framed it as a workforce and anti-theft measure, but the bill failed on a 2-6 vote. House Bill 3832 drew substantial discussion about human trafficking in exotic entertainment establishments; the sponsor explained that the bill was intended to require photo identification rather than lower the age threshold, so law enforcement could more quickly identify workers and shut down trafficking operations. Members asked about the practical effect of the proposal and related enforcement concerns, and the bill passed after the sponsor clarified the PCS was still being finalized. The committee then adjourned after the final bill was handled.

Transcript Highlights:

• This morning, we have about 23 bills to consider, addressing issues ranging from sexual assault and deep
• This morning, we have about 23 bills to consider, addressing issues ranging from sexual assault and deep
• It was passed by the House unanimously and relates to sexual assault and other sex offenses.
• courts, making it difficult to assess responses to sexual violence.
• violence, including the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

Bills: HB47 , HB171 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB908 , HB 1024 , HB 1306 , HB1443 , HB1445 , HB1741 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2282 , HB2355 , HB2492 , HB2637 , HB2697 , HB3464 , HB4263 , HB4996 , HB5667

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met with a quorum and heard a long agenda of bills on criminal justice, public safety, mental health, victims’ rights, and related administrative issues. Early bills included HB 47, the omnibus sexual assault survivors bill, which would expand post-assault care, require courts to consider delays for adult survivors, bar sex offenders from rideshare driving, allow lease termination regardless of where an assault occurred, and require more reporting from sexual assault response teams. Testimony was generally supportive, though one witness raised concern that the bill’s reporting requirements could jeopardize county grant funding. HB 171, the Annel Borrego Act, would set a minimum period for court-ordered chemical dependency treatment; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 908 would require missing children reports to be sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children within two hours, and HB 1443 would criminalize possession and promotion of childlike sex dolls; both drew supportive testimony and were left pending. HB 567, changing juvenile board chair selection in Parker County, and HB 4263, a TJJD workforce retention bill, were also heard and left pending after brief discussion and adoption of committee substitutes where applicable. The committee also heard several bills focused on jail and prison safety, court process, and victim protection. HB 2282 would raise the arrest warrant fee from $50 to $75; constables supported it as a cost-recovery measure, while the Texas Fair Defense Project opposed it as a regressive fee that burdens low-income defendants. HB 3464 would increase penalties for correctional employees who bring drugs or alcohol into prisons, with support from Harris County jail officials and a formerly incarcerated advocate who described the dangers of contraband and retaliation. HB 285, “Poncho’s Law,” would add criminal negligence to non-livestock animal cruelty offenses; animal welfare advocates said it would close a loophole that lets pet service businesses avoid accountability, and the bill was left pending. HB 2355 would keep certain Crime Victims Compensation records confidential when held by the Attorney General, and HB 2637 would standardize jury exemption ages and clean up jury disqualification reporting; both were left pending after limited testimony. Mental health and competency-related bills received significant attention. HB 305 would require a pretrial hearing within 14 days after a defendant is restored to competency, aimed at reducing repeated decompensation and the forensic waitlist; NAMI Texas supported it. HB 1741 would tighten procedures for not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity outpatient commitments by requiring a stronger nexus to the receiving county and clearer supervision authority; law enforcement and mental health witnesses said it would improve public safety and treatment success. HB 2492 would make the four-hour family-violence post-bond cooling-off period mandatory rather than discretionary, and HB 1445 would allow a managed assigned counsel director to designate someone to approve certain payments for indigent defense attorneys; both were left pending. HB 1024 would require prompt execution of warrants for parole violators on superintensive supervision, and HB 1306 would extend first-responder-style benefits to death investigation professionals; neither drew opposition in the hearing. The committee also heard a series of public integrity and technology bills. HB 449 would expand the deepfake sexual content statute to include sexually explicit images, with Public Citizen supporting the change as necessary to address a rapidly growing problem. HB 1902 would create a new offense for “jugging,” or following bank or ATM customers to rob them; the Texas Bankers Association supported it. HB 2697 would require sureties to notify prosecutors before surrendering a felony defendant’s bond, and HB 2001 would sharply increase penalties for misuse of public information for financial gain and related coercion, with prosecutors and Texas Rangers describing bid-rigging and public corruption investigations as difficult to prove under current law because of short limitations periods and limited penalties. HB 1866 would grant Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service rangers within Texas park boundaries, and HB 4996 would increase penalties for fraudulent liens filed against public servants. Throughout the hearing, most bills were left pending after testimony, and several committee substitutes were adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• relating to continuing education for barbers and cosmetology on identifying and assisting victims of sexual
• Human trafficking, certain sexual assault offenses, or prostitution-related crimes are not eligible for
• House Bill 2776 builds upon current restrictions to keep offenders convicted of sexually related crimes
• This ensures that predators in this industry face real consequences for their misconduct.
• We can't afford to let predators hide behind a state-issued license.

Bills: HB 1301 , HB2278 , HB2776 , HB2820 , HB3848 , HB3920 , HB4172 , HB4215 , HB4284 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4517 , HB4690 , HB4765 , HB4766 , HB4767 , HB4768 , HB4769 , HB4773 , HB4830 , HB5506

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• relates to continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on identifying existing victims of sexual
• industry and strengthens protections for victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
• Individuals convicted of human trafficking and certain sexual assault offenses in Texas...
• The additional offenses include... ...continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled individual
• We can't afford to let predators hide behind a state-issued license.

Bills: HB 1301 , HB2278 , HB2776 , HB2820 , HB3848 , HB3920 , HB4172 , HB4215 , HB4284 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4517 , HB4690 , HB4765 , HB4766 , HB4767 , HB4768 , HB4769 , HB4773 , HB4830 , HB5506

Committee: House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding