Video & Transcript : 'Legislative Appropriations Request' :
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MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
2026 Legislative Session - Day Forty Eight - Wednesday, April 8 - Morning Session
Missouri House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It does not contain an appropriation. It does not create a blank check.
- It does not contain an appropriation. It carries a zero fiscal note.
- Like the University of Missouri was in support of this legislation.
- And it was a committee request.
- and her legislation has some valid items in it, and I wish her all the best in that.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the prior day’s journal by roll call vote. Members then spent much of the morning introducing guests, including FFA groups from multiple counties, school officials, chamber leaders, veterans advocates, and other visitors. Several members also used personal privilege remarks to congratulate election workers and candidates following the previous day’s election.
The chamber then took up committee reports and several bills. House Committee Substitute for House Bill 3239, dealing with the workforce diploma program for adults seeking a high school diploma, was reconsidered after debate over its cost, eligibility, and relationship to other adult education programs. Supporters argued it offers a second chance and better outcomes than a GED, while opponents raised concerns about cost and diversion of K-12 funds. After motions for the previous question and reconsideration, the House ultimately passed HCS HB 3239. House Bill 1772, aimed at easing and encouraging adoptions and foster care permanency by helping cover legal costs and reduce delays, also passed with broad support.
The House then passed House Bill 2096, which increases state matching funds for regional planning commissions and updates the statewide commission list, and later perfected House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2740, creating a pediatric disease task force in the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to track research, outcomes, and funding with annual reports and a sunset in 2030. Members emphasized the bill’s accountability and its personal importance to the sponsor and others affected by pediatric illness. House Bill 2422, which raises a recording fee from $4 to $5 to support the Department of Agriculture’s land survey program and adds rulemaking authority for related records and maps, was also perfected and printed after debate; an amendment to redirect the fee increase to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund was offered, discussed, and then withdrawn. The House then recessed until 2 p.m.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 25, 2025 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- This would allow a public utility to request recovery... Also known as RNG.
- This would allow a public utility to request recovery of costs for RNG infrastructure in the state of
- Number one, I receive your request, or I receive notification of this construction project.
- We may not submit them within 20 days, but we do submit them when DOT requests them.
- Today I'm going to support this piece of legislation.
Summary:
The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee heard several transportation and infrastructure bills. HB 1239, Energy Infrastructure Investment, would let the Public Service Commission create a mechanism for utilities to recover costs for renewable natural gas infrastructure; supporters said it could diversify energy supply and help agriculture, while members raised concerns about consumer rates and asked whether savings from RIN credits should be passed to customers. The bill drew supportive public testimony and was reported favorably after debate, with members noting the PSC would set costs and that the sponsor was open to further discussion on consumer protections.
The committee then took up HB 313, which exempts Purple Heart recipients from paying Florida tolls. With no questions or opposition, it passed unanimously. The committee also considered HB 567, a broad transportation omnibus/strike-all bill covering EV tax revenue for roads, airport and MPO changes, workforce funding, traffic signal modernization, speed limits, and a pilot to streamline airport permitting. A major amendment added utility right-of-way notice, response, and incentive/penalty provisions, and another amendment authorized local governments to set age and ID rules for e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices after testimony about a fatal crash. The bill was reported favorably after extensive debate and public testimony from transportation and utility stakeholders.
HB 112, dealing with municipal sewer collection systems, would allow cities to use sewer revenues to expand wastewater infrastructure. Sponsors said it was aimed at helping cities like Hollywood reduce septic use and improve water quality; testimony supported the measure as a way to unlock funding for sewer expansion, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also approved HB 7009, preserving public records and meeting exemptions for 911 and public safety radio communications systems and expanding them to next-generation 911. Finally, PCS for HB 1397, a large transportation package addressing airport, seaport, spaceport, and workforce issues, was amended and passed 14-1 after questions about federal testing notifications, removal of certain business preference language, and a provision redirecting some transit funds to highway projects if not timely used.
WV
West Virginia 2026 Regular Session
WV Senate Judiciary Committee in Session Mar 9th, 2026 at 03:12 pm
Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- don't see language... ...appropriate training program, but there's...
- So I think subsection would probably be the most appropriate language there. Yeah.
- So I think subsection would probably be the most appropriate language there. Yeah.
- So what is it that you're envisioning with this legislation, if you could start there?
- Well, I appreciate this legislation. Thank you very much. Thanks for the explanation.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Finance Division III (02/13/2026)
Transcript Highlights:
- That legislate refer for intram study.
- </c> this legislation. this legislation.
- </c> request stops. request stops.
- </c> appropriation of 7.5 million. appropriation of 7.5 million.
- </c> appropriation would be reduced. appropriation would be reduced.
Summary:
The House Finance Division 3 work session opened on February 13, 2026, with the chair outlining the committee’s advisory role and the possible motions available under House Rule 45. The committee then took up House Bill 1569, concerning the Philbrook Center/state hospital campus property, and heard extensive testimony from Commissioner Charlie Arlinghouse. He explained that the property is currently one parcel and state law prevents subdivision unless a separate Senate bill, identified as SB 572, is enacted to fix the legal issue. He said HB 2 directed the sale of the property but did not address subdivision or marketing details, and he characterized the $5 million revenue estimate as speculative. He also said the state would first offer the property to the city or county, which he viewed as the most practical buyer and potential partner for any subdivision work.
Members asked whether the building should be retained for transitional housing or sold, what would happen after July 1, 2026, and whether other vacant state buildings could absorb the current occupants. Arlinghouse said there are no firm plans for the building if it is not sold, and that HHS would remain until a sale occurs. He described the building as not especially historic or attractive and noted plumbing issues, while also acknowledging HHS’s view that it could serve as transitional housing. He said there is no reserve stock of office space, that the state already rents substantial office space in Concord, and that some nearby state buildings are either under renovation or only partially usable. He also said the Executive Council would have to approve any sale and that moving costs are usually not budgeted in advance, leaving the using agency to absorb them.
Several members raised concerns about relying on asset sales to balance the budget, citing past examples where projected real estate revenue did not materialize on schedule. Arlinghouse agreed that one-time revenue should generally be used for one-time expenses, but said the state sometimes has legitimate reasons to sell assets and that such decisions depend on the state’s needs. He estimated the state rents roughly 100,000 square feet of office space in Concord at about $25 per square foot, and said he would provide a more exact figure later. In response to a question about whether the state should include a right of first refusal if the property is later resold, he said that idea had not been considered but could make sense, especially if the buyer is the city or county. No votes were taken during this portion of the work session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> legislation um the legislative proposal legislation um the legislative proposal before<00:21:47.600
- </c><00:36:38.440><c> because</c> on and put it into legislation because on and put it into legislation
- request request um<00:42:57.880><c> must</c><00:42:58.119><c> get</c><00:42:58.319><c> the</c><00:42
- </c> public school with funding requests public school with funding requests within<00:43:18.119><c>
- I want to say thank you for allowing me... 2023 the legislation passed a band on 2023 the legislation
Committee:
Senate Education Policy
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- And we're one of the first in the nation to have that legislation.
- Aggravated violence can online fill out a petition and request protection from the court.
- So the money has already been appropriated.
- So the money has already been appropriated for this process? Is that what you're saying?
- They are the ones who asked the driver to bring the legislation. Yes.
Committee:
House Judiciary
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Mar 18th, 2025
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- must be maintained for a period of one year and must be open to inspection by law enforcement upon request
- And they're required to make facilities and records available for inspection within 24 hours of request
- And they're required to make facilities and records available for inspection within 24 hours of request
- SB 538 is the state court's legislative package.
- It provides a mechanism for the clerks to request their discretionary appropriations through the JAC.
Summary:
The Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum present and first received an implementation update on CS for SB 606, the Boating Safety Act of 2022, from FWC Lieutenant Colonel Robert Roe. He described the livery permit system, safety and insurance requirements, required pre-rental and pre-ride instruction, recordkeeping, overdue-vessel reporting, accident reporting, and penalties for violations. He also reported enforcement results since the permit requirement took effect in January 2023, including 1,428 permits issued, 1,093 liveries operating, three 90-day suspensions, one revocation, and two pending revocations. Members asked whether liveries may require boating safety education even for people exempt under current law; Roe said they may do so as a business decision, but current law does not require it unless the statute is changed. A member noted concern that many accidents involve boaters in the older exempt age group and said the issue may be revisited this session.
The committee then considered SB 878 by Senator Martin, which extends probation for misdemeanor offenders who were using controlled substances when they committed the offense, allowing supervision for up to one year and aligning those cases more closely with existing alcohol-related misdemeanor probation rules. With no appearance forms or debate, the bill was voted favorably.
Next, the committee took up CS for SB 538 by Senator Bradley, the state court system package. The bill updates statutes to reflect current court operations, including duty judge procedures, removal of a location limit for duty hearings, repeal of a cap on arbitrator compensation in court-ordered non-binding arbitration, and an alternative method for judicial authentication when a court seal is unavailable. An amendment shifting certain clerk reimbursement requests through the Justice Administrative Commission was adopted, and the bill was then reported favorably with support waivers from several court-related entities.
Finally, the committee heard SB 472 by Senator Truenow, which provides that inmates who complete classes meeting required curriculum standards may receive credit toward licensure requirements for those classes. Several organizations waived in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, Doctor Vass, you, you do have a request with appropriations for this additional, the, um, mobile
- And, legislative and conservation director, conservation.
- To respond to locate requests is very important.
- And, uh, I'm, I'm the legislative chair for that, uh, for the legislative committee there for Texas Rural
- So we can legislate that. It won't happen.
Bills:
HB206
Committee:
House Energy Resources
Keywords:
HB206, school district bonds, bond election, voter approval, Education Code, Chapter 45, Section 45.003, Section 45.0034, Texas schools, school finance, local tax election, bond referendum, school construction, capital improvements, election frequency, five-year waiting period, district bonds, public school funding
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health Feb 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This particular request is requesting $3 million for 2025-26 and $2.2 million ongoing from our special
- Will Owens, Analyst with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- So, CDPH is requesting state general fund to support.
- This request aims to essentially cut out the legislature.
- To know that and get a request for that.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So we feel like waiting for the courts to resolve the issue would be appropriate. Mr.
- Vice Chair requests to speak. Mr. Chair, we have some of our favorite assessors.
- Seeing none, there are no requests to speak.
- And there are no additional requests to speak. Seeing none, Mr.
- There's no request to speak. We have Joan Murphy. No, all right.
Committee:
House Ways & Means
Keywords:
property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes, property tax, electronic communication, tax assessment, tax correction, real estate, agriculture, tax classification, land use, nonprofit organizations, transaction privilege tax, tax exemption, textbook rental, education, business leasing
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Again, people tend not to get a lawyer until their contested case hearing request.
- Feasible even if you, if you get your, your, um, appropriations request and there's a, there's a, a premium
- Uh, According to whatever appropriations TCEQ gets after the appropriations bill passes, our funding
- It kind of depends on the appropriated amounts. So just point that out.
- Uh, this legislation will promote transparency and municipal waste contracting.
Committee:
House Environmental Regulation
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, Buck... what we wanted to do in the legislation. what we wanted to do in the legislation
- </c> another request or a concern. another request or a concern.
- </c> unfortunately, we can't always legislate unfortunately, we can't always legislate for<00:26:37.400
- </c> requested, there will be a roll call. requested, there will be a roll call.
- </c> we believe that any legislative we believe that any legislative proposals<01:41:53.200><c> which
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
workplace regulations, employee rights, meal breaks, rest breaks, exemptions, medical assistance, data matching, eligibility, reporting, human services, assisted living, health regulations, inspection authority, vulnerable adults, local government, program integrity, high-risk providers, enrollment requirements, fraud prevention, compliance
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (03/17/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> our most local level um that request our most local level um that request could<03:52:49.800><c>
- mandates of this is the appropriate place for this and not on a town voter guide and not requested from
- for 2026, so we're not waiting an entire year and a half for legislation that might be appropriate to
- for 2026, so we're not waiting an entire year and a half for legislation that might be appropriate to
- um that might be for legislation um that might be appropriate<04:22:07.640><c> uh</c><04:22:07.960><
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 695, relating to school districts and medically related grants. The sponsor argued the bill was vague and could undermine existing law, and another member said it would add an unnecessary mandate for school districts. The committee voted to recommend inexpedient to legislate, and the motion passed 18-0.
Next, House Bill 765, which would consolidate school administrative units and make superintendent jobs elected positions, was also recommended inexpedient to legislate. Members said the bill raised too many questions, could duplicate other legislation, and would move away from local control. That motion likewise passed 18-0. House Bill 768, allowing public school districts to contract with approved private schools, drew more debate. Supporters described it as a language cleanup and an expansion of educational opportunity, while opponents raised concerns about the placement of the language and pending Supreme Court cases. The committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass, and then 10-8 to recommend ought to pass as amended, with a minority report noted.
The committee then considered House Bill 446, dealing with parental notice for non-academic surveys. An amendment was offered to make the Youth Risk Behavior Survey opt-in rather than opt-out. Supporters said parents should be informed and should choose whether their children participate, while opponents argued the survey is an important tool for mental health data, grants, and school programming, and that opt-in would reduce participation and data quality. The amendment passed 10-8, and the bill as amended also passed 10-8, with a minority report noted.
Finally, the committee began House Bill 741, which would allow parents to send children to any school district they choose and expand open enrollment. The sponsor described it as broadening choice and keeping public funds in public schools, and an amendment was proposed to restore provisions for children of military personnel. Discussion on the amendment began, but the transcript cuts off before any vote on House Bill 741 or the amendment.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- So, it does have to do with an appropriation passed in 2023, which appropriated funds in 2026 and 2027
- </c><00:47:26.960><c> fund</c> grants and how to appropriately fund grants and how to appropriately fund
- </c><01:09:14.400><c> So</c> that you know request to them. Okay. So that you know request to them.
- Senator Osmo, thank you. that you send us or request, um if it's that you send us or request, um if it's
- </c><01:11:08.560><c> some</c> ask is that I've already requested some ask is that I've already requested
Committee:
Senate Finance
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jul 8th, 2025
Business and Professions
Transcript Highlights:
- When appropriate, I appreciate an aye vote. Thank you. Thank you, Senator.
- We have supported legislation to do that.
- I respectfully request the committee's aye vote for SB 456, and thank you for your time.
- On SB 641 Ashby, the motion is do pass to the Committee on Appropriations. Berman? Aye.
- I'm Legislative Specialist with the Department of Real Estate.
Committee:
House Business and Professions
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 7th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- I request... ...I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Member Stephanie
- I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice
- I rise in support of the Legislative Veterans Caucus.
- I rise in support of the Legislative Veterans Caucus, as well as the Hispanic Legislative Caucus.
Summary:
The Assembly met in session after a quorum call, heard a prayer and pledge, and then moved through a large daily file of bills and resolutions. Early procedural motions were adopted, including re-referrals and a motion to allow the Appropriations Committee to notice SB 73, which passed 46-15. Members also introduced several guests, including young legislators, schoolchildren, a championship girls’ basketball team, realtors, and CASA advocates.
On the floor, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1389, a tribal gaming compact urgency bill for the Yurok Tribe, which passed 55-0 on the urgency and measure. The body then passed a series of bills on topics including trespass enforcement (AB 1632), pest control fees (AB 2380), county investment authority (AB 2080), pupil achievement gap reporting (AB 2149), transit board stipends (AB 1625), e-filing for workplace violence restraining orders (AB 2179), election eligibility restrictions for registered sex offenders (AB 2753), juvenile firearm possession and deferred entry of judgment (AB 2636), court access and First Amendment issues (AB 1544), physician medical record integrity (AB 1637), forced marriage protections (AB 2534), and local authority to restrict under-12 e-bike use in San Mateo County (AB 2595). Most of these measures passed with little or no opposition, with votes ranging from 53-0 to 63-0.
The Assembly also adopted ACR 173, reaffirming California’s sister-state relationship with Jalisco, Mexico, after adding 50 coauthors. Later, it adopted ACR 163 designating May as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month after extensive testimony from the author and multiple caucus members emphasizing the crisis, data gaps, tribal sovereignty, and the need for more resources and action; 64 coauthors were added before the resolution passed by voice vote. The chamber likewise adopted ACR 180 designating Compost Awareness Week and ACR 182 establishing Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, both after coauthor roll calls and voice votes.
The day concluded with urgent action on AB 108, which provides up to $25 million in one-time emergency bridge funding for distressed hospitals facing imminent closure. Members from both parties spoke in support, citing rural access, prior hospital closures, and the need to protect community health care; the bill passed 59-0 and was sent to the Governor immediately. The Assembly then handled consent calendar items, heard an adjournment in memory for labor leader Larry Mazzola Sr., and adjourned until Monday, May 11 at 1 p.m.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- We've taken a look at the legislation.
- I have to move favor at the appropriate time. Okay.
- She actually did it at my request and didn't cause the bill to say by request.
- I'm asking you to stop bad legislation by not voting for this bill.
- We’ll provide information if requested.
Committee:
House Insurance
Summary:
The House Insurance Committee met on April 23 with a quorum present and first deferred HB 1142. The committee then heard HB 1187, which would direct any excess Louisiana Citizens emergency assessment funds, after related debt is paid, toward the Louisiana Fortified Homes Program or future Citizens debt. Representative Sawyer and Commissioner Tim Temple said the bill would likely redirect about $50 million in one-time surplus funds and would help expand a popular roof-mitigation program that has already awarded more than 4,600 fortified roofs. The bill drew support from several witnesses and was reported as amended without objection.
Next, HB 1210, dealing with insurance claim disputes and a pre-suit review process for Louisiana Citizens claims, was discussed. Representative Dana Henry said he was voluntarily deferring the bill and instead pursuing a study resolution after hearing concerns from members and stakeholders. Department and Citizens officials said the proposal was modeled on Florida’s process and could help resolve disputes faster and cheaper, but the bill was ultimately voluntarily deferred after testimony and some opposition cards were noted.
The committee then took up HB 1199, which requires coverage for genetic testing and treatment related to SCN2A-associated disorders. Representative Jordan and the Diedon family gave emotional testimony about their daughter Emily’s diagnosis and the importance of timely genetic testing. The bill was amended to require that testing be ordered by a provider and deemed medically necessary by the health plan, with discussion about whether a neurologist should be involved; members said that issue could be refined later. HB 1199 was reported as amended.
Finally, the committee considered HB 880, the Louisiana Artificial Intelligence Insurance Fairness Act, which would regulate AI use in underwriting, rating, and claims. After a lengthy discussion about state insurance regulation, McCarran-Ferguson, and concerns that the bill could jeopardize federal broadband funding, Representative Jordan voluntarily deferred HB 880, and HB 920 was also deferred. The committee then heard HB 1221, which would limit the policy data collected for the Louisiana Fortified Program Fund. Former Representative Bowler argued the bill was needed to protect policyholder privacy, while the Department of Insurance and Commissioner Temple said the data is needed for surplus-lines premium tax audits, fraud detection, and consumer assistance after disasters. The discussion continued with questions about what data would be visible and how it would be used, but the transcript ends before a final action on HB 1221 is shown.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Olympics, Paralympics and World Cup Soccer May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, when it's appropriate, I'd like to actually respectfully request—I don't know if we can move items
- Chair, when it's appropriate, I'd like to actually respectfully request, I don't know if we can move
- And so a request that Grants, but we need to deal with that.
- And so this is, you know, we're talking to appropriations.
- County Legislative Delegation.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- In that case, an appropriate notice will be posted.
- </c><00:11:29.680><c> notice</c><00:11:30.320><c> will</c> In that case, an appropriate notice will In
- that case, an appropriate notice will be<00:11:31.000><c> posted.
- ><c> Department</c><00:18:53.679><c> of</c> uh requesting the Department of uh requesting the Department
- As legislators, you have inequalities.
Committee:
House Health
Summary:
The Committee on Health met on April 2, 2025, and heard several resolutions focused on student mental health, autism data collection, school heat exposure, and climate change as a public health issue. Testimony on HCR 96/HR 92 supported encouraging the University of Hawaii to evaluate and expand student mental health services; the University of Hawaii testified in support, and a student speaker said expanded services would make students more likely to seek help. The committee also heard HCR 145/HR 139, which urges state agencies to collaborate on planning for Hawaii’s participation in CDC autism prevalence surveillance; supporters included the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and an autism advocate who said Hawaii needs better local representation in the data.
The committee then heard HCR 186/HR 179, requesting a study of heat exposure management in Department of Education and charter schools. The Department of Health and the climate change and health working group supported the measure, citing rising temperatures, heat-related illness risks during outdoor activities, and the value of wet bulb globe temperature standards. Finally, the committee heard HCR 188/HR 182, declaring climate change a public health emergency and calling for statewide coordination on cross-sector solutions. Supporters from the Hawaii Public Health Institute, the climate change and health working group, and a Native Hawaiian physician emphasized climate-related health harms such as heat illness, wildfire impacts, chronic disease, and inequities; one member opposed the measure as politicized and said it could dilute attention from other urgent problems.
In decision-making, the committee adopted recommendations to pass HCR 96/HR 92, HCR 145/HR 139, and HCR 186/HR 179 as is. For HCR 188/HR 182, the committee recommended passage with amendments, specifically a House draft one for technical clarity, consistency, and style. During the vote on the climate emergency resolution, Representatives Elos and Garcia voted no, while the rest of the members present supported the recommendation. The meeting then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's imperative to pass this piece of legislation to solidify the legislative support of the
- I think it's imperative to pass this piece of legislation to solidify the legislative support of the
- That includes legislative investigations.
- And we have to request that information from them as a prosecutor.
- This is the hub for legislative activity, and we have a lot of visitors.
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Keywords:
gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct
Summary:
The Committee on State Affairs took up Senate Bill 14, which would create a confidential department file for law enforcement officers and jailers and limit public access to records involving unsubstantiated misconduct, while preserving access for hiring agencies, TCOLE, and certain criminal justice uses. TCOLE’s Gretchen Grigsby explained the current rollout of law enforcement recordkeeping reforms, including the distinction between the public personnel file and the confidential G-file, and answered questions about when TCOLE would request files during investigations. Senator Perry and other members focused on how the bill would interact with existing personnel-file rules, public transparency, and criminal discovery obligations.
Public testimony was largely opposed. Critics argued the bill was drafted too broadly, could sweep in records beyond misconduct files, and would reduce transparency for the public, journalists, oversight bodies, and families seeking answers in cases such as Uvalde and jail deaths in Tarrant County. Several witnesses said the bill could allow small or single-officer agencies, including elected constables, to shield their own records, and some warned it could chill reporting and oversight. Supporters, including law enforcement representatives, said the bill would protect officers from false or unsubstantiated allegations, align agencies without civil-service protections with those that already have G-files, and preserve confidentiality for records that should not be public. Dallas County prosecutors and Harris County deputies supported the general policy but asked for clarifying amendments, especially to separate language they said could affect the Michael Morton Act and to preserve existing protections through in-camera review or protective orders.
Committee members spent significant time questioning witnesses about how substantiated versus unsubstantiated allegations would be handled, whether body camera footage and case files would remain public, and how the bill would affect discovery in criminal cases. After hearing all registered witnesses, the chair closed public testimony. Senate Bill 14 was left pending, and the committee recessed.