Transcript Highlights:

• And Representative John Gillette, LD 30, representing Mojave County, La Paz County, and a small portion
• of Maricopa County.
• In 2018, I was working in Pinal County, volunteering to help find voters in Pinal County, and it was.
• In 2024, I believe Pima County had an issue and I believe Coconino County had an issue.
• In 2024, I believe Pima County had an issue and I believe Coconino County had an issue.

Committee: House House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee convened with roll call, member and staff introductions, and a review of amendment deadlines and decorum rules. Members also suspended the committee rule on late-distributed amendments to allow consideration of a Kolodin amendment. The chair then moved to the agenda bills, beginning with HCM 2001, a memorial urging Congress and the President to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization and asking Arizona agencies to monitor related organizations. Testimony on HCM 2001 was sharply divided, with supporters arguing the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are linked to terrorism and Sharia law, and opponents calling the memorial discriminatory, unsupported by evidence, and an attack on Muslim civil rights organizations and free speech. The committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2001 out of committee. The committee then heard HCM 2002, which urges a federal review of CAIR for possible foreign terrorist organization designation and supports related congressional action. Testimony again split along similar lines: opponents, including CAIR representatives, a veteran, and community members, said the measure was scapegoating, lacked legal basis, and would stigmatize Muslim communities; supporters cited the Holy Land Foundation case, FBI concerns, and alleged ties between CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. After debate, the committee voted 4-3 to pass HCM 2002 out of committee. Following a brief recess, the committee took up HB 2009, which would prohibit committees primarily organized to influence constitutional amendments from accepting foreign national contributions and require disclosure of out-of-state funding. The sponsor said the bill was intended to improve transparency and keep constitutional initiatives focused on Arizona voters; members discussed whether the measure should apply to all ballot initiatives and how donor verification would work. HB 2009 was also approved 4-3. The committee then began HCR 2001, a proposed constitutional amendment on election procedures, including citizenship requirements for voting, limits on foreign contributions to candidate and ballot measure campaigns, government-issued ID requirements, and changes to early voting and mail ballot rules. The committee adopted a late amendment after procedural discussion, and the sponsor described the resolution as a broad election-security reform modeled on Florida. Members raised concerns that the proposal could reduce access, increase lines, and create confusion for mail voters, while the sponsor argued it would improve security and voter confidence. The transcript cuts off during this bill’s discussion, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So 32 providers, and we have 33 counties.
• I presume there's probably more than one Provider under Bernal Hill County.
• Are there some counties that are vacant, Senator?
• Let's give Taos County. Taos.
• It is time for us to visit the board itself and the authorizing language.

Committee: Senate Senate Health & Public Affairs

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There's one county in Idaho, Butte County, that does not have access to any Medicare Advantage plans.
• There are several counties where they only have one Medicare Advantage plan.
• And the supplements are in every county in Idaho.
• We've presented in federal court as to whether we have the authority or not.
• CMS. presented in federal court as to whether we have the authority or not.

Summary: The committee began by removing Senate Bill 1374 from the agenda at the chair’s request, citing the need for more time to meet with stakeholders and clarify the bill. The committee then took up House Joint Memorial 16, introduced by Representative Ben Furman, which expresses support for the Idaho Department of Insurance and asks the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify rules affecting Medicare Advantage marketing and commissions. Representative Furman and Insurance Director Dean Cameron described problems in the Medicare Advantage market, including carriers withdrawing plans, limiting access to applications, and later refusing to pay commissions after enrollment periods. They said these practices have reduced consumer choice, especially in rural counties, and have made it harder for seniors to enroll through local agents. Cameron said the department issued a bulletin and cease-and-desist orders, some carriers sued, and the issue is now in federal court; he also noted that CMS and about 26 other states recognize the problem and are working on possible rule changes. Senator Wintrow thanked Director Cameron for his work on behalf of seniors. Representative Furman closed by asking for support for the memorial, and the committee moved House Joint Memorial 16 to the Senate floor with a do pass recommendation. The motion passed without opposition, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our first author would be Assembly Member Alex Lee. I see you here; please come forward.
• This approach came from negotiations with cities and counties, who raised concerns about the potential
• so, this bill acknowledges that the descending schedule of axle weights in current law, that the author
• And I'm just looking to see if we have an author present. Oh, yes, we do.
• The driver fled to California, where the authorities later arrested him.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• County.
• I presume there's probably more than one provider in Bernalillo County.
• Are there some counties that are vacant?
• Let's use Taos County as an example.
• Community Against Violence serves seven counties and over 27,000 square miles.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Of El Dorado County. This was established in 1976.
• Amy Carter, the Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools. Dr.
• We're going to be. county's 176 year history in the first LGBT county-wide electoral in all of the counties
• In 2024, she became the first openly LGBTQ person elected county supervisor in Santa Cruz County history
• and expand services to care for the more than 260,000 county residents.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:09:02.480><c> and</c> agreements appoints authorizes and agreements appoints authorizes and empowers
• </c> credit are just and reasonable authorize credit are just and reasonable authorize the<00:20:11.520
• in support in infrastructure Authority in support in person Good morning.
• Gyama Mur, Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority.
• </c><01:27:33.320><c> of</c> um the office of the mayor County of um the office of the mayor County of

Committee: House Energy & Environmental Protection

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several energy and environmental bills. On HB 974, which would authorize state step-in agreements for certain power purchase agreements and create a trust fund/reserve mechanism, the Attorney General’s office raised concern that the state should not incur liability beyond the trust fund. The Division of Consumer Advocacy said it had comments but did not take a position, while the Public Utilities Commission, Ameresco, Hawaiian Electric, and other industry groups supported the measure, saying it would help developers secure financing for renewable projects and improve reliability. Hawaiian Electric said the bill would not use state funds and that its proposed reserve account would be held in trust and returned to customers if unused. Committee members questioned whether the reserve would raise customer costs; Hawaiian Electric said the amount would be small and would be offset by avoiding higher financing costs, while Consumer Advocacy suggested the language should be strengthened to ensure unused funds are fully returned. The committee then heard HB 338, which would clarify that premium interest-rate adjustments for non-fossil fuel generation are just and reasonable and allow the PUC to include them in rates. DCCA and the State Energy Office supported the bill, and the PUC also supported it. Hawaiian Electric opposed unless amended, arguing the PUC already has discretion and warning the bill could weaken competitive procurement by encouraging higher bids tied to the utility’s credit rating. DCCA said the concern was that developers might not seek the best financing if premium rates are recoverable, but said Hawaiian Electric’s suggested amendment requiring clear and convincing evidence of unavoidable financing-cost increases would help. Members also asked about refinancing and whether developers could later lower debt costs after locking in a premium rate; DCCA said that ability exists and suggested a time limit or review mechanism. For HB 337, which would direct the PUC to establish standards requiring utilities to remove certain fossil-fuel costs from the rate base when adding renewable resources, the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Hawaii Clean Power Alliance, and the State Energy Office supported the measure. Hawaiian Electric opposed it, saying it misunderstood utility cost recovery and could threaten grid reliability because fossil plants provide ancillary services such as voltage regulation and balancing, not just energy. Hawaiian Electric pointed to its integrated grid plan and recent fossil-unit retirements as evidence of ongoing transition, and asked the committee to defer the bill and leave oversight to the PUC. The committee also heard HB 879 on cesspool conversions, which would raise the maximum grant from $20,000 to $30,000 and add DOH positions; DHHL, DOH, environmental groups, Hawaii Realtors, and others supported it, while DOH discussed staffing needs and the practical effect of the higher grant cap. The committee also began HB 379 on requiring denitrification capacity for certain wastewater systems near shorelines or groundwater, with DLNR testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Nemes: I'm Senator Nemes from District 38, Bullitt County and Southern Jefferson County.
• </c><00:06:04.880><c> and</c> nemas from District 38 bullet County and nemas from District 38 bullet
• County and Southern<00:06:05.479><c> Jefferson</c> Southern Jefferson Southern Jefferson County<00:06
• We can have fewer; you can't have any more than that unless authorized by the General Assembly.
• We can have fewer; you can't have any more than that unless authorized by the General Assembly.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:17 SB 129 Discussion 00:46 SB 129 Vote 04:27 SB 178 Discussion 05:48 SB 178 Vote 07:57 SB 151 Discussion 09:01 SB 151 Vote 11:24 SB 201 Discussion 15:17 SB 201 Vote 21:48, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor met and first took up SB 129, with a committee substitute adopted before testimony. The bill would allow certain qualified third-party entities in Louisville Metro, including public bodies and long-standing nonprofits, to purchase certificates of delinquency on vacant and abandoned residential properties after 90 days, with the goal of returning blighted property to productive use and back on the tax rolls. Several members supported the measure as a tool for housing and economic development, while Senator Boswell and Chair Willer noted concerns about protecting vulnerable property owners, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities. SB 129 was approved by the committee with favorable expression. The committee then heard SB 178, which updates statutes related to the Education and Labor Cabinet by moving the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s Division of Program Policy into statute, renaming Business and Apprenticeship to Industry and Apprenticeship, and making related organizational changes. Testimony from cabinet staff said the changes reflect work already being done and that a floor amendment would be needed for one additional correction. The bill was advanced unanimously with favorable expression. Next, the committee considered SB 151, which would bar state tax dollars from being used to pay persons not legally present in the United States. The sponsor argued the bill was needed to prevent Kentucky funds from going to undocumented workers on state job sites, while Senator Wheeler questioned what the bill would change beyond existing law and how such payments would occur through contracts or appropriations. Senator Yates said he was not opposed to the premise but wanted more time to review the bill’s mechanics, and Senator Thomas voted no for the same reason. Despite those concerns, SB 151 passed with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard SB 2011, a workers’ compensation bill that would delay newly appointed administrative law judges from taking office until Senate confirmation, extend current ALJ terms through June 1 of next year, and allow retention votes for board members to improve stability and attract more applicants. The sponsor said the bill addresses a loophole that can discourage qualified candidates from applying because they may have to leave private practice before confirmation. After a question about whether the bill would affect salaries, the sponsor explained compensation is set by statute and caseload need is separately reviewed. The bill received favorable expression and the meeting concluded with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 110, authorizing counties to establish revolving fund accounts.
• House Bill 110, authorizing counties to establish revolving fund accounts.
• </c><00:56:13.680><c> New</c> the authority of ICE. New the authority of ICE.
• </c> county, and control your local budgets. county, and control your local budgets.
• </c> counties enter into these contracts. counties enter into these contracts.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I chaired the Pinellas County party for four years. And so we talk about loyalty.
• I got elected as chairman of Lee County, so two counties south of where you were a chairman for a few
• You had a party chair in Lee County and help local people get elected.
• I’ve represented Manatee and Charlotte County, which I love. I love Sarasota County.
• I’ve represented Manatee and Charlotte County, which I love. I love Sarasota County.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then devoted most of the first part of the meeting to a farewell-style recognition of Senator Joe Gruters. Senators from both parties offered extended remarks praising his loyalty, political instincts, family involvement, and work as a legislator and as incoming Republican National Committee chair. Gruters responded with remarks about his background, including overcoming a childhood speech impediment, his service in the Legislature, and major policy efforts he highlighted such as alimony reform and the undergrounding of utilities. A ceremonial gift was presented to him recognizing his work on a 2019 public-safety/immigration bill, and the Senate adopted a motion to spread his remarks upon the journal before recessing briefly. After the recess, the Senate returned to regular business. No committee reports, governor’s messages, House messages, or reconsideration matters were reported. The chamber then moved to third reading and temporarily postponed CS/CS/CS/SB 354, relating to blue ribbon projects. The next bill, CS/CS/SB 1758, relating to public assistance, was taken up, and Senator Gaetz explained that it contained five reforms to the public assistance system previously discussed by the Senate. Debate was about to continue when the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> corner of Rockingham County and beyond. corner of Rockingham County and beyond.
• </c> County who passed away on June 5th. County who passed away on June 5th.
• </c><02:15:35.599><c> or</c> without congressional authorization or without congressional authorization
• </c><02:20:07.920><c> From</c> leadership in Armstrong County. From leadership in Armstrong County.
• ><c> several</c><06:31:11.520><c> important</c> were the author of several important were the author

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I ask unanimous consent that all bills on second reading be read by number and author only
• The bill clearly states that human judgment remains the final authority. AI supports learning.
• Is that human authority?
• If a teacher writes an IEP for a student using AI and just hits send, is that human authority?
• Is that human authority?

Summary: The Senate convened with 33 members present and one excused absence, then proceeded through prayer, the pledge, and approval of the prior journal. Members also received communications, including notice of a temporary substitute senator and a governor’s letter withdrawing a reappointment to the Idaho Human Rights Commission, which was referred back to State Affairs. The chamber then considered several gubernatorial appointments. The Senate adopted committee reports and confirmed Brian Skigliano and Leighton Lining to the Idaho Commission on Human Rights, Gregory Donica and Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and later Salvador Cruz’s appointment was also taken up in the sequence of business. Senators highlighted each nominee’s background and qualifications, and the reports were adopted without recorded opposition. The Senate also adopted Senate Joint Memorial 108, which urges federal action to protect Idaho livestock owners from adverse grazing-permit consequences when filing depredation claims; Senate Joint Memorial 106 was sent back to committee after a correction was noted. On legislation, Senate Bill 1227 passed after debate over a framework for generative AI in education. Supporters said it would preserve human judgment, local control, and parent transparency while helping schools prepare for AI; opponents raised concerns about vague definitions, implementation, and possible overreach. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1226, expanding DNA sample collection to include misdemeanor sexual battery and misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, with supporters citing public safety and victim accountability and one senator noting budget concerns. Finally, Senate Bill 1225 as amended passed, codifying university presidential search procedures and changing public disclosure rules so only the sole finalist’s name is released, with a minimum 10-day public vetting period. The Senate adjourned after miscellaneous announcements and set its next meeting for the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• So none of these rules have been repealed in some way that's not authorized by Chapter 120.
• And it's a principle of Chapter 120 that you need specific statutory authority for a rule.
• And that's actually where we have this ...specific statutory authority for a rule.
• The rule is, therefore, an invalid exercise of delegated authority pursuant to Chapter 120.
• The rule is, therefore, an invalid exercise of delegated authority pursuant to Chapter 120.

Summary: The Joint Administrative Procedures Committee reviewed several agency rules and objections under Chapter 120. First, the committee revisited prior objections to Agency for Health Care Administration rules containing sunset provisions. AHCA’s general counsel said the agency amended 26 of the objected rules but declined to amend five others, arguing sunset provisions are lawful, are not themselves rules, and were consistent with a 2019 gubernatorial directive. Committee members questioned that position, especially for licensing and certificate-of-need rules, and urged the agency to consider legislative changes; no formal action was taken on that item during the discussion. The committee then considered an objection to Department of Management Services Rule 60G-1.001 defining the Governor’s Mansion grounds. Committee staff argued the rule is vague and improperly refers to future land acquisitions without updating the rule since 1998. DMS defended the rule as a general definition tied to publicly recorded property and a master lease, but said it would not object if the Legislature chose to codify the definition in statute. After discussion, the committee voted to file the objection. Members also received informational updates from the Department of Environmental Protection on the Solaris state lands inventory system, and from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on its response to the Tampa Bay Downs unadopted-rule litigation, in which the commission said it has stopped relying on the prior tax interpretation and will not promulgate a rule on that issue. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation said it would remove an unsupported cigar wholesale dealer permit reference, repeal an obsolete excise-tax deduction rule, and amend penalty guidelines and an affirmation in its alcohol, beverage, and tobacco rules. Finally, the Division of Administrative Hearings’ interim director discussed case-processing times, possible changes to ALJ status, and whether the Florida Rules of Evidence should apply in administrative proceedings, emphasizing the need to weigh costs, independence, and impacts on pro se litigants. The chair noted this was likely the committee’s final meeting of the year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Counties and cities are structural idea.
• The Constitution's full county line.
• I think to the issue of local authority.
• </c><00:46:50.160><c> can</c> and I'm I'm wondering if the author can and I'm I'm wondering if the author
• c> is</c><01:06:18.720><c> consistent</c> local government authority is consistent local government authority

Bills: HF3351

Committee: House Elections Finance and Government Operations

Keywords: firearms, guns, gun control, gun safety, local control, home rule, preemption, municipal regulation, county regulation, city ordinances, zoning, firearm dealers, gun dealers, ammunition, carry permits, permit to carry, pistols, Saturday night special, metal-penetrating bullets, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• days to turn that back to the clerk of the county subdivision.
• With that, HCR 30 authorized us to get a consultant. Well, consultants cost money.
• It authorized the legislature, if you're not familiar, if you don't remember, it authorized the legislature
• And it also gives reapportion authority. in FY26, and it also gives reapportion authority to carry any
• This does not apply to counties.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Raymond Munoz, and I am an ESE student that attends in Palm Beach County.
• Robert Stewart, representing Hillsborough County Public Schools, waives in support.
• &nbsp; 457 ROBERT STEWART REPRESENTING&nbsp; HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS&nbsp; 458 >> Rep.
• Back in Lake County, the chairman of Lake-Sumter State College Board of Trustees, Brett Jones, a good
• Orange County Public Schools. Marquise McMiller appears for information. Do you wish to testify?

Committee: House Education & Employment Committee

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and began by welcoming students and coaches participating in the inaugural Sunshine State Debate. Members then heard and voted on a series of education-related bills, with most measures receiving favorable reports by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The first bill, HB 1081, created a Cybersecurity Internship Clearance Readiness Program in the Department of Commerce for NCACE-designated universities and Florida College System institutions; a friendly amendment expanded access to private schools, and the bill passed 19-0. HB 1201 updated Florida’s epilepsy/seizure plan law to clarify protections for charter school students, require acceptance of physician-submitted plans, extend training validity to five years, and expand training to regular bus drivers; epilepsy advocates supported it, and it passed 19-0. HB 851 required annual autism-specific professional learning opportunities for teachers and school-based administrators, and it also passed 19-0. HB 615, dealing with IEPs, required quicker parent notice when services are missed, faster access to service logs, individualized parent orientation, and standardized district service logs; parents and advocates testified strongly in support, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 1503 added technology-related competencies to education courses and directed the Department of Education to develop computer science certification coverage; it passed 19-0. HB 371 required public schools to display portraits of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in common areas and passed 19-0 after testimony both for and against. HB 731 revised extracurricular eligibility rules and allowed local policies for compensating coaches and activity sponsors; an amendment broadened manual requirements and clarified fee actions, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also took up HB 173, a parental rights bill that drew the most extensive debate and public testimony. The bill would require parental consent for many medical decisions for minors, give parents access to medical records, and expand parental review/opt-in rights for certain school surveys and biofeedback devices. Supporters argued it restores parental authority, improves safety, and prevents children from being cut out of important medical decisions; opponents warned it would remove confidential access to STI treatment, crisis mental health care, and other services for minors in unsafe or abusive homes. Members raised questions about abuse exceptions, emergency care, and how the bill would affect routine treatment and time-sensitive care. The bill was not voted on in the portion provided, and debate continued through multiple rounds of sponsor responses and member comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have statutory and funding authority to serve different age groups through different programs, but
• We do that through family reconciliation services, a program authorized by the legislature, which allows
• So although RDA is unable to track county juvenile, we do take referrals from county juvenile, as well
• I have the honor of representing the 33rd Legislative District in South King County.
• In South King County, when I think about homeless youth, it's pretty heartbreaking.

Bills: SB5911 , SB5940 , SB5942 , SB5957

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability, family services, state department, child welfare, homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability

Transcript Highlights:

• Page 2, lines 18 through 20, states, 'of the county in the jurisdiction.'
• So I think if we could return the possibility of Cole County being in there, that would be great.
• Does that put us under the auspices of federal authority, or are we simply accepting aid, which I think
• Charles County. We also have seen this Gun shows that are out in St. Charles County.
• We were discussing the circuit court of Cole County.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The House Committee on Crime and Public Safety met in executive session and first took up House Bill 3105, which drew the most discussion. The committee adopted a House committee substitute and two amendments: one replacing references to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission with the Director of Public Safety, and another changing venue language to Cole County. Members debated the bill’s effect on cooperation with federal law enforcement, Second Amendment rights, and local control, with supporters saying it would protect law-abiding citizens and allow public safety agencies to work with federal partners, while opponents argued it was unnecessary, politically motivated, or could weaken local authority. The committee then voted the substitute do pass by 11 ayes to 6 noes. The committee also voted House Bill 1740 do pass without discussion. House Bill 3186, relating to sex offenders, received one present vote from Representative Anderson, who cited possible constitutional concerns, but it still passed 15-0-1. House Joint Resolution 124 also passed, 12-4-1. The committee then combined House Bills 3068 and 3049 into a single committee substitute on sex offender registry matters and approved it unanimously, 17-0. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 2868, which would expand DNA swabbing requirements for certain felony offenses. An amendment added several felony categories, including controlled substance offenses, forgery, fraud, auto theft, felony DWI, and felony evading arrest, while removing check forgery language after member concerns. Representative Seitz said the change addressed his concerns and referenced a recent local officer shooting as a reason for support. The committee adopted the substitute and voted the bill do pass unanimously, 17-0, then adjourned the executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, state law requires county jails to verify an inmate's veteran status through the Veterans
• The bill requires county sheriffs to investigate and verify the veteran status of each inmate during
• Veterans County... service officer and the court the inmate was involved with prior to incarceration
• a Veterans County service officer or a peer service coordinator.
• At this time, the chair lays out Senate Bill 2545 and recognizes its author.

Bills: SB2007 , SB2104 , SB2543 , SB2545 , SB2926 , SB2938

Committee: Senate Veteran Affairs

Keywords: military status, vehicle registration, veterans, Texas transportation, state records, discrimination, employment rights, spouses of service members, labor code, SB 2543, Texas veterans cemeteries, state veterans cemetery, Texas Veterans Commission, Veterans Land Board, Natural Resources Code, veterans land fund, veterans housing assistance fund, veterans burial, burial eligibility, cemetery location

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of the localities within that county.
• County.
• And this is... the state authorizes it, but it's ultimately a municipal option.
• The state authorizes it, but it is ultimately a municipal option.
• And we at the state level authorize that based on their volunteer service.

Committee: Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development met on March 31, 2026, with a quorum present and noted that the Legislature was in budget negotiations and approaching a scheduled break. The committee took up several housing-related bills, with most being reported to Finance after discussion. The first bill, S.3742A, would require information to be provided in new and renewal leases for certain housing accommodations, and it was reported without opposition. S.4659B, the Rental Emergency Stabilization for Tenants Act, generated the longest debate; supporters said it would give local governments outside New York City a more flexible way to determine a housing emergency and opt into rent stabilization, while opponents argued it lacked a clear vacancy-rate standard, could discourage development, and would benefit higher-income tenants. The bill was ultimately reported, with some negative votes and one or more votes without recommendation. The committee then discussed S.8168, which would create a deconstruction and salvage framework for building materials, including local options, technical assistance, grants, and related code updates. Supporters said it could reduce landfill use, lower disposal costs, and encourage reuse markets, while opponents questioned costs, market demand, and whether the program would raise housing and demolition expenses. The bill was reported, again with some negative or without-recommendation votes. S.8595, dealing with how certain valuations and amounts due are calculated in foreclosure actions, was also reported. S.8672, the Employer-Assisted Housing Matching Grant Act, would provide a state match for employer housing assistance for certain nonprofit human services employers; members raised concerns about scope, possible double-dipping, and whether the program should be expanded to other workers, but the bill was reported with some negative and without-recommendation votes. The final bill, S.94A, made a minor amendment to the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program regarding priority applicants and unit inspections, and it was reported as well. Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly emphasized that several proposals were optional for local governments or employers rather than mandates, and many of the exchanges focused on affordability, housing supply, local control, and the fiscal effects of the bills. No floor votes were taken; the committee’s actions were limited to reporting the bills to Finance, with some reported favorably and others reported with negative or without-recommendation votes.