Transcript Highlights:

• We have a federal government that is, you know, provoking energy threats here in Washington, and all.
• And it's, you know, provoking energy threats here in Washington, and on and on.
• And we have a short 60-day session, and that's what all of our energy is going to be spent on.
• trying to assure that the data center kind of explosion that we've seen in terms of growth, but also energy
• borne out by individual consumers, that they're paying their way so that they're not affecting our energy

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: State legislative leaders held a press availability focused on the upcoming session’s priorities, framing the federal government as the main source of pressure on Washington residents’ access to health care, food assistance, housing, and other services. They said the session would center on defending Washingtonians from federal overreach while also addressing affordability, with emphasis on a balanced 2025-27 budget, possible spending cuts, and longer-term tax reform. Leaders also said they expect to pursue measures on housing costs, transportation, child care, preventive health care, and energy/data-center impacts. A major topic was a proposed “millionaire tax” or income tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million. Leaders said the basic mechanics are largely agreed upon between House and Senate sponsors, though a draft is still pending and stakeholder outreach remains ahead. They described the proposal as part of a broader effort to rebalance the tax code, with some revenue potentially used to reduce more regressive taxes such as property taxes or to support credits for working families and small businesses. They also said any major new revenue would likely not arrive in time to solve the current biennial budget gap, though smaller tax changes and loophole closures could contribute. The leaders also discussed the House and Senate response to two citizen initiatives, saying the legislature will not hold hearings on them and that they will instead go to voters if certified. They rejected claims that the state constitution requires hearings or floor votes on such initiatives, and questioned the signature-gathering process described by the Secretary of State’s office. Another issue was a public records exemption bill related to child care providers; leaders said they were not tracking it closely but defended broader privacy and safety concerns for child care businesses and families. The press availability included a lengthy exchange about allegations of fraud and reports of journalists or others knocking on child care doors. Leaders said concerns should be reported to DCYF, the state auditor, or legislative auditors rather than handled by ad hoc visits, and they tied those concerns to broader fears about masked individuals, ICE activity, and public safety. On the budget, they said the rainy day fund is likely to be considered this year, especially if it helps avoid cuts to education, child care, and health care, and noted that federal policy changes could impose significant state implementation costs.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a federal government that is provoking energy threats here in Washington, and on and on.
• We have a federal government that is provoking energy threats here in Washington, and on and on.
• We have a short 60-day session, and that's what all of our energy is going to be spent on.
• trying to assure that the data center kind of explosion that we've seen in terms of growth, but also energy
• borne out by individual consumers, that they're paying their way so that they're not affecting our energy

Summary: State legislative leaders held a press availability to preview a difficult session focused on responding to federal policy changes they said were threatening Washingtonians’ access to health care, food assistance, housing, and energy stability. They said the House and Senate would prioritize affordability, budget balancing, and protecting residents from federal overreach, while also advancing bills on issues such as preventive health care, housing costs, child care, transportation, and energy/data center impacts. A major topic was a proposed state income tax on high earners. Leaders said the basic mechanics were agreed to between the House and Senate prime sponsors, including a 9.9% tax on adjusted gross income over $1 million, though drafting and stakeholder outreach were still ahead. They said any new revenue would not solve the current 2025-27 budget gap in time, so the immediate budget would rely mainly on cuts and transfers, with some discussion of smaller revenue measures and possible use of the rainy day fund. They also said the tax proposal would be paired with reductions in more regressive taxes, though details were not yet set. The press conference also focused heavily on a school face-covering bill and related public safety concerns. Leaders defended the bill as a response to fears about masked individuals, impersonation of law enforcement, and recent ICE activity, citing testimony from law enforcement and advocacy groups. They also discussed a public records exemption bill for child care providers, saying concerns about privacy and safety justified limits on public access and emphasizing existing oversight through DCYF, the state auditor, and legislative audits. On initiatives and other bills, leaders said two initiatives would go to voters rather than receive hearings, and they indicated Senate Bill 5926 was not moving forward in the Senate committee process. No votes were taken during the availability.

Transcript Highlights:

• Mike Ule, Energy Justice Network, in support. Mike Ule, Energy Justice Network, in support.
• </c><00:17:34.160><c> Mike</c><00:17:34.480><c> Ule</c><00:17:35.039><c> Energy</c><00:17:35.520><c>
• Mike Ule Energy Justice in support.
• Mike Ule Energy Justice Network<00:17:36.480><c> in</c><00:17:36.720><c> support.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Health, Human Services, and Agriculture and Environment heard testimony on SR 85, which requests the Department of Health to form a working group on solid waste management, and on SCR 19, which asks the Tax Review Commission to identify ways to implement Hawaii’s long-term care financing program. SR 85 drew broad support from the Department of Health, the Board of Water Supply, environmental groups, and numerous individuals, with one commenter asking that a military representative be added to address possible landfill use of military lands. For SCR 19, testimony came in support from the Executive Office on Aging and another supporter. For SR 85, the chair recommended passage with amendments. The amendments revised landfill-location language, removed certain lines, expanded the report’s scope to include materials management policies, environmental protections, and alternative technologies for waste that cannot be recycled or composted, and changed the working group membership language to include representatives from specified sectors. The committee also agreed to add invited participants such as Zero Waste USA, the reuse and deconstruction industries, a landfill leachate expert, a unit-based pricing expert, and a military representative, and to require the governor or designee to convene the initial meeting. The committee adopted the recommendation by vote, with members voting aye and one member excused. For SCR 19, the chair recommended passage with an amendment adding reference to findings in a 1991 report on financing long-term care. The committee approved the measure with amendments by vote, again with members voting aye and one member excused. The joint session then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Transportation and Energy Committee Report.
• Seeing none, the motion is the adoption of the Transportation and Energy Committee report.
• </c> of the Transportation and Energy of the Transportation and Energy Committee<03:27:04.200><c> report
• through the Energy Outreach uh Colorado, through the Energy Outreach uh Colorado, which<03:28:57.800>
• </c> energy costs for income-qualified energy costs for income-qualified households<03:30:12.000><c>

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And to see that energy in tomorrow, we're going to do one in this region. Next slide, please.
• And to see that energy in tomorrow, we're going to do one in this region. Just humbling.
• And so you can kind of feel the energy of it starting to really come together.
• And so you can kind of feel the energy of it starting to really come together.
• There's been this buildup of activity, I think, The energy of it is really starting to come together.

Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including ambassador outreach, the statewide celebration schedule, the Liberty Bell tour, and related public events. Treasurer Ellsworth reported nearly 2,000 ambassadors across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, and described recent branded events around the state, including service projects, food festivals, and community celebrations. Director Gallimore added that the state’s “Our American Story” booth had strong participation, Idaho’s Fourth of July event was accepted as an America’s Block Party, and the Great American State Fair and other statewide activations were underway. Secretary McGrane outlined plans for the main Capitol celebration in Boise, including a pancake feed, parade, concert, vendors, public television coverage, and the use of an interactive website map showing Celebration Fund projects statewide. Committee members asked about tribal participation, sponsor involvement, event timing, and logistics such as the Liberty Bell transport vehicle, water, and performer accommodations. McGrane said the vehicle was being built by Kendall Ford and that the team was coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office and risk management on transport and insurance issues. The committee debated additional funding needs for the Capitol celebration. McGrane requested $10,000 more to cover unanticipated costs such as paramedics, RVs/green rooms for performers, water, and performer compensation. After discussion about existing expenditures and the original budget, the committee approved a motion to provide an additional $10,000 in spending authority for those specific purposes, with any unspent funds to return to the committee. Members also discussed contingency planning for bad weather and agreed to revisit that issue at the next meeting, which was scheduled for June 24.

Transcript Highlights:

• And to see that energy in tomorrow, we're going to do one in this region. Next slide, please.
• And to see that energy in tomorrow, we're going to do one in this region. Just humbling.
• And so you can kind of feel the energy of it starting to really come together.
• And so you can kind of feel the energy of it starting to really come together.
• There's been this buildup of activity, I think, The energy of it is starting to really come together.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee received updates on Idaho’s America 250 preparations, including financial status, ambassador outreach, the Capitol celebration, the Liberty Bell tour, and related statewide events. LSO staff reported about $54,967.53 remaining for America 250 purposes and $17,500 pending disbursement in celebration fund grants. Treasurer Ellsworth described broad ambassador participation across cities, counties, businesses, schools, and veterans groups, along with numerous recent local events branded for America 250. Director Gallimore also reported that the Freedom Truck was on display, the Great American State Fair was underway, and the Liberty Bell had shipped from South Carolina and would be secured nightly as it tours the state. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on planning the July 4 Capitol celebration in Boise. Secretary McGrane outlined the parade, pancake feed, concert, vendors, live broadcast by Idaho Public Television, and the role of partners such as the Veterans Entrepreneurs Association, Just Serve, Duck Club, and Boise Family RV. Committee members asked about event timing, sponsorships, tribal participation, and the vehicle transporting the Liberty Bell. McGrane requested additional spending authority for unanticipated costs, including green rooms/trailers for performers, Ada County paramedics, water for attendees, and performer compensation. After discussion about costs and fiscal oversight, the committee approved a motion to grant an additional $10,000 in spending authority for the America 250 Capitol celebration, specifically for paramedics, trailers for performers, water, and performer compensation. Members also discussed contingency planning for inclement weather, with general agreement that the committee should revisit the issue at a later meeting and aim to preserve some form of celebration even if the outdoor event must be adjusted. The committee then set its next meeting for June 24 and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, HB 4152 repeals the transaction privilege and use tax exemptions on the sales of solar energy
• retroactively to tax year 2026 the following individual and corporate income tax credits for renewable energy
• production, residential solar energy devices, for renewable energy production, residential solar energy
• When we’re talking about renewable energy or residential, not residential, but pollution control equipment
• When we’re talking about renewable energy or residential, not residential, but pollution control equipment

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy
• Coordination, appropriating additional monies to the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy Coordination
• 2027, authorizing additional full-time equivalent positions for the Office of Species, Minerals, and Energy
• Coordination, appropriating additional monies to the Office of Species Minerals and Energy Coordination
• 2027, authorizing additional full-time equivalent positions for the Office of Species Minerals and Energy

Summary: The House began with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members also received communications including the designation of a substitute legislator and committee reports on pending and temporary administrative rules, with several rules approved and some recommended for rejection or exception. The Speaker outlined the day’s plan, noting the chamber would work through orders of business, suspend rules for selected bills, and likely finish for the day before returning the following week. A major floor debate centered on Senate Bill 1397, which would bring certain private sewer districts under Public Utilities Commission oversight for rates and related matters. Supporters argued the bill would protect private property owners in large private sewer districts from monopoly-like control, lack of recourse, and arbitrary rate or hookup decisions. Opponents argued sewer districts are already heavily regulated through DEQ and other requirements, that costs vary by system, and that the bill would expand government and create accountability problems. After debate, the House voted 18-51 with one pair recorded, and the bill failed to pass. The House then passed House Bill 952, the Secretary of State enhancement budget, which included funding for a voter pamphlet on constitutional amendments and initiatives and a 2% ongoing general fund reduction. It also passed Senate Bill 1426, the Idaho Transportation Department enhancement budget, and Senate Bill 1427, the Department of Lands enhancement budget. The chamber also introduced and referred several new bills, including measures on child care, taxation, abatement districts, homestead property tax relief, education, homeowners associations, and appropriations for Fish and Game, species/minerals/energy coordination, and corrections. Later, after recess, the House received additional Senate messages, introduced Senate bills on public health, stable coins, behavioral health, and water resources, and adjourned until Monday, March 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all know, Louisiana has impressive supplies of onshore and offshore energy resources that have
• But in addition to that, we have a history of emerging industries for renewable energy.
• We know that wind energy here in Louisiana, because I was involved in both the vessels that we...
• We need to invest in all forms of energy to maintain an all-of-the-above strategy.
• Thank you very much for all of y'all in renewable energy. Thank you so much. Rep.

Bills: HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR184 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , HR165 , HR166 , HR168 , HR169 , HR170 , HR171 , HR172 , HR173 , HR174 , HR175 , HR176 , HR177 , HR178 , HCR65 , HCR66 , HCR67 , HCR68 , HCR69 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR73 , HCR74 , SCR34 , SB34 , SB43 , SB52 , SB56 , SB165 , SB173 , SB189 , SB190 , SB260 , SB322 , SB345 , SB374 , SB387 , SB401 , SB448 , SB449 , SB455 , SB487 , SB496 , SB502 , SB505 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB55 , HB385 , HB394 , HB396 , HB406 , HB608 , HB622 , HB676 , HB772 , HB897 , HB1030 , HB1035 , HB1038 , HB1045 , HB1049 , HB1056 , HB1058 , HB1059 , HB1092 , HB1100 , HB1117 , HB1160 , HB1161 , HB1162 , HB1177 , HB1180 , HB1189 , HB1216 , HB1239 , HB1240 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB977 , HB181 , HB31 , HB664 , HB9 , HB192 , HB225 , HB306 , HB310 , HB366 , HB635 , HB911 , HB1230 , HB1236 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1003 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1234

Keywords: neighborhood, crime prevention, security districts, law enforcement, community safety, funding, Counseling Day, mental health, Louisiana Counseling Association, community support, mental wellness, Louisiana State University, athletics, NAIA, sports achievements, recognition, success, competition, education, higher education

Summary: The House opened with a prayer, pledge, quorum call, and several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Junior League Day, Renewable Energy Day, Wholesalers Day, and Sin Law Day. Members also introduced and adopted a number of commemorative resolutions, including condolences, recognitions of schools and community figures, and resolutions related to LSU, ALS Awareness Month, and local festivals. Several Senate and House measures were referred or laid over, and the chamber announced upcoming scheduling changes for House and Senate bills. The most extensive debate centered on House Bill 385, which would require certain TOPS scholarship recipients to repay one semester of aid if they fail to meet academic requirements, subject to listed exemptions and an option to avoid repayment by entering certain high-demand career and technical programs. Opponents questioned the bill’s impact on students, its possible constitutional issues, administrative costs, lack of a fiscal note and implementation details, and whether it would worsen brain drain or convert a merit scholarship into a loan. The motion to recommit the bill to Appropriations failed 34-16, but after continued questioning and criticism, the author later moved to return the bill to the calendar, and that was agreed to. The House then passed House Bill 55, which restricts public disclosure of juror information, after adopting an amendment clarifying that juror interviews are still allowed if jurors choose to participate. The chamber also passed House Bill 394 extending the conditional parole programming period from nine months to 24 months, House Bill 396 making autopsy photographs admissible in criminal proceedings, House Bill 406 directing the Department of Education to study whether it should supervise interscholastic high school athletics, House Bill 622 aligning state criminal history record handling with federal requirements, and House Bill 676 creating the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or body brokering, with amendments clarifying lawful marketing arrangements. House Bill 1030, concerning reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for certain mental health-related services, was taken up with amendments and then temporarily returned to the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• issues, um we worked through energy issues, um we worked through extensively<00:23:00.240><c> on</c>
• households with their energy bills. supporting our state employees by supporting our state employees
• bills for Maryland families lower energy bills for Maryland families in<00:26:23.080><c> fiscal</c><
• </c><00:26:28.640><c> programs</c> specifically for home energy programs specifically for home energy
• </c> their energy bills. their energy bills.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 16, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so California has set major goals around climate, clean air, equity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• And so California has set major goals around climate, clean air, equity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• This is an equity issue, and it deserves to be treated as one.

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from the transportation sector, while reaffirming commitments to fix-it-first, economic prosperity, equity
• infrastructure, promoting projects that reduce vehicle miles traveled, strengthening our commitment to equity
• for transportation projects to reduce climate impacts while improving public health, safety, and equity

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• LGBT Tech is a national nonprofit working at the intersection of technology, digital equity, privacy,
• think, a range here of the lived experiences, from one's own personal self to community to the tech equity
• experiences, you know, from one's own personal self to community to, you know, really appreciate the tech equity

Committee: House Privacy and Consumer Protection

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• they don't get down to the granular level that we need to draw districts with to achieve population equity
• they don't get down to the granular level that we need to draw districts with to achieve population equity
• But because of what I said earlier with that population equity that has to happen with congressional

Summary: The Select Committee on Congressional Redistricting met to consider HB 1D, which would establish Florida’s congressional districts using the governor’s proposed map, EOG PCRP 26. Representative Persons-Mulicka briefly introduced the bill, and Jason Jazeel and Jason Pareda of the governor’s office presented the legal rationale and map details. Jazeel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is not prohibited, that the governor’s position is to draw districts without considering race, and that federal equal-protection principles should control over state race-based redistricting provisions. Pareda said he drew the map alone using 2020 census data and census blocks, while also considering population growth estimates, traditional redistricting criteria, and county/city boundaries where feasible. Pareda described the map as race-neutral and said it keeps 48 counties whole, 382 cities whole, and has a boundary-analysis score of about 85.7%. He walked through regional changes, including major revisions in South Florida, adjustments in Central Florida, and changes in the Tampa Bay area, explaining that population shifts and the need for exact congressional population equality drove many of the district configurations. Members questioned the timing of the special session, the use of 2020 census data versus newer population estimates, the role of the legislature versus the governor, the legal basis for mid-decade redistricting, and whether the map complies with the Voting Rights Act and Fair Districts amendments. Motions to place witnesses under oath and to extend the committee meeting by 30 minutes both failed. During public testimony, every speaker who was heard opposed the map. Commenters argued that the proposal was a partisan power grab, would reduce Democratic and minority representation, and violated the Florida Constitution and voting rights protections. Several speakers criticized the short notice and lack of public input, while others said the map would confuse voters or split communities. The chair repeatedly reminded attendees to maintain decorum and limited each speaker to about one minute.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill is about stability, equity, and better outcomes for children and families.
• This bill is about stability, equity, and better outcomes for children and families.
• This bill is about stability, equity, and better outcomes for children and families.

Committee: House Human Services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One being from Senator Pearl about how the funds in the member equity would be invested, understanding
• The other is Health Trust asked that they be able to take out of the member equity fund any time the
• Um, and I wrote back and said I would perfectly be happy with them being able to take out of that equity

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• could be—you can't say that you want to protect them if you're not fostering a space of inclusion and equity
• A space of inclusion and equity for them to have realistic conversations because this is not going to
• So since the Supreme Court recently ruled that you cannot block diversity, equity, and inclusion programs

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• violence, protesting for the recognition of minority and cultural studies that add to the diversity, equity
• participants will be subject to a uniform rate structure, preventing preferential treatment and promoting equity
• participants will be subject to a uniform rate structure preventing preferential treatment and promoting equity

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would it be Sorry, Kathy Mitchell, uh, equity action, uh, testifying upon uh on behalf of equity action
• which is where the presumption is, um, oh, and my name is Kathy Mitchell, and I'm here on behalf of equity

Committee: House Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with an organization called Equity Action.
• I'm with an organization called Equity Action.
• I am here to oppose the bill, sorry, Chairman, and my organization is Equity Action.

Bills: SB552 , SB1099 , SB1124 , SB1208 , SB1372 , SB1506 , SB1667 , SB1804 , SB1806 , SB1870 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2180 , SB2405 , SB2569 , SB2570 , SB1646

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: community supervision, criminal justice, illegal alien, deferred adjudication, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, SB 1099, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense

Summary: The committee heard a series of criminal justice bills, beginning with SB 1870 and SB 1727, both of which were adopted as committee substitutes and reported favorably to the full Senate. SB 1870 would bar local governments from adopting policies that decriminalize controlled substances or direct officials not to enforce state drug laws, with civil penalties enforced by the Attorney General for violations. SB 1727 was described as a technical change to make the draft a formal Legislative Council version of a TDCJ-related assault bill; both bills were also sent to the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up SB 2405, the major Sunset bill for TDCJ, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. Senator Parker explained that the bill continues and modernizes those agencies, requires a 10-year facilities and staffing plan, expands rehabilitation and reentry programming, improves parole-board consistency and training, and codifies various cleanup and inspector general recommendations. Sunset staff and agency witnesses discussed the bill’s data-sharing, program coordination, and projected savings from reducing delays in parole-voted programming; public witnesses generally supported the post-secondary education and reentry provisions, while some urged stronger statutory direction for Windham and more reform to medically recommended intensive supervision. The bill was left pending. SB 1804, SB 1099, SB 2569, and SB 2570 were also heard. SB 1804 would allow restitution for tattoo removal for human trafficking survivors and remove the age restriction so adult survivors can qualify; it was reported favorably and sent to the local calendar. SB 1099 would increase penalties for certain felony offenses when committed by a person determined to be unlawfully present in the country; immigration and civil rights witnesses opposed it as overbroad and difficult to administer, but it was reported favorably. SB 2569 would modernize unmanned aircraft reporting by requiring law enforcement agencies to post reports on public websites; it passed unanimously and was sent to the local calendar. SB 2570 would create a defense to prosecution for peace officers and correctional guards using less-lethal force weapons within the scope of their training; law enforcement witnesses supported it, civil rights and prosecutor witnesses raised concerns that it was too broad and could weaken existing use-of-force standards, and the bill was left pending for further work.