Transcript Highlights:

• I guess with the troopers, actually the troopers probably not, either.
• I guess with the troopers, actually the troopers probably not, either.
• This bill, look at line 3.22, is where they suspicion of committing a... troopers, actually the troopers

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• ...current salaries that are offered for the folks that are able to do this job.
• When I think about the salary that's allowed for people to serve in the legislature, I think it's very
• Instead of waiting every month to get paid, you would just get the total of your salary up front, or
• So just yesterday, I received a letter from the State Troopers Association.
• And so instead, the troopers have to come to us at the legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Salaries were, or what they were doing.
• Entry where, you know, we've seen the amount of the salary but no other details on how this money was
• Amended by, and the salary is set by the administrative judges.
• What's your salary? $485,000, sir. What do you think the county judge's salary is? I do not know.
• Who's paying your salary? Paying my salary? Yes, sir. Harris County. The county is paying you? Yes.

Bills: HB2065 , HB2462 , HB2621 , HB3187 , HB3539 , HB3563 , HB3726 , HB4164 , HB4207 , HB4368 , HB4706 , HB4916 , HB4950 , HB4967 , HB5177 , HB4429 , HB5597

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: commercial vehicles, parking regulations, residential areas, local governance, land use, traffic safety, high occupancy vehicle lane, pregnant operators, transportation, parental rights, motor vehicle regulations, live video feed, state agency, transparency, public safety, regional transportation, mobility program, sales tax, public infrastructure, local government

Transcript Highlights:

• But 413 total troopers? Yeah, troopers. Okay, thank you.
• it's 413 but 400 either I was hoping you did but well this session I believe it's 413 but 413 total troopers
• yeah troopers okay thank you know we've consistently added and added and added and added to DPS over
• where you take an individual in your county jail who you've already employed and you're paying a salary

Bills: SB37 , SJR84 , SJR87 , SJR27 , SB8 , SB10 , SB227 , SB261 , SB15 , SB12 , SB25 , SB57 , SB127 , SB293 , SB441 , SB3059 , SB512 , SB241 , SB1718 , SB140 , SB2055 , SB2075 , SB2018 , SB1534 , SB1567 , SB785 , SB1233 , SB1580 , SB1663 , SB413 , SB447 , SB519 , SB467 , SB1579 , SB1191 , SB1021 , SB1838 , SB2807 , SB2835 , SB546 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2035 , SB2024 , SB1032 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1302 , SB401 , SB1596 , SB1281 , SB1242 , SB1343 , SB310 , SB1346 , SB2753 , SB2703 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SB2177 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB961 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1610 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1362 , SCR9 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB2166 , SB2148 , SB535 , SB777 , SB827 , SB1141 , SB1330 , SB1352 , SB1664 , SB1862 , SB1936 , SB1453 , SB1448 , SB1398 , SB2137 , SB2111 , SB53 , SB226 , SB1677 , SB1723 , SB1839 , SB36 , SB38 , SB815 , SB1856 , SB552 , SB646 , SB37 , SJR84 , SJR87 , SJR27 , SB8 , SB10 , SB227 , SB261 , SB15 , SB12 , SB25 , SB57 , SB127 , SB293 , SB441 , SB3059 , SB512 , SB241 , SB1718 , SB140 , SB2055 , SB2075 , SB2018 , SB1534 , SB1567 , SB785 , SB1233 , SB1580 , SB1663 , SB413 , SB447 , SB519 , SB467 , SB1579 , SB1191 , SB1021 , SB1838 , SB2807 , SB2835 , SB546 , SB2121 , SB2167 , SB2035 , SB2024 , SB1032 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1302 , SB401 , SB1596 , SB1281 , SB1242 , SB1343 , SB310 , SB1346 , SB2753 , SB2703 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SB2177 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2972 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB961 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1610 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1362 , SCR9 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB300 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323

Keywords: higher education, curriculum review, governing board, faculty council, ombudsman, tax exemption, property tax, homestead, fire damage, constitutional amendment, bail reform, criminal justice, felony offenses, public safety, judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, immigration enforcement, ICE agreements

Summary: The House convened, established a quorum, heard an invocation and pledges, and approved several routine motions, including excuses for absent members, permission for committees to meet while the House was in session, and postponements of some bills. The chamber also received a Senate message listing measures passed by the Senate and adopted a memorial resolution honoring the 21 victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, with remarks entered into the House Journal after a moment of silence. The House then took up a long third-reading calendar and passed a series of Senate bills on topics including criminal justice and corrections sunset provisions (SB 2405, 2406, 2407), election equipment testing (SB 2166), electric grid reliability and attack-preparedness exercises (SB 2148), firefighter collective bargaining (SB 777), DFPS and foster care procedures (SB 1141 and SB 1398), Medicare durable medical equipment billing (SB 1330), property tax administration (SB 1453), probate cleanup and record transfers (SB 1448 and SB 1839), mental health filing procedures (SB 53), school residency for children in safety placements (SB 226), diabetes-related amputation study (SB 1677), rapid DNA analysis (SB 1723), utility rate transparency and capacity cost recovery (SB 1664 and SB 1856), community supervision eligibility (SB 552 postponed), and other measures. Several bills passed with broad support, while others drew notable opposition and narrower margins, including SB 777, SB 2137, SB 2111, SB 1677, SB 1936, SB 1453, and SB 38. Two bills drew especially extensive debate. SB 2148, dealing with electricity supply chain reliability and tabletop exercises for critical facilities, was discussed as a grid-security measure aimed at coordinating utilities, law enforcement, ERCOT, and the PUC in the event of physical attacks; it passed unanimously. SB 1936, changing how LSD is measured for criminal prosecution from dosage-based to weight-based calculations, prompted extended discussion about lab consistency, carrier mediums, and fairness in charging, with supporters saying it would help crime labs and law enforcement and opponents warning it could distort penalties depending on the medium used; it passed 108-26. The House also passed SB 36, creating a Homeland Security Division within DPS, after questions about overlap with TDEM and the cost of adding personnel. Late in the day, the House debated SB 38 on eviction procedures, with supporters saying it targeted squatters and streamlined removal of unauthorized occupants, and opponents arguing it would make evictions too easy and worsen homelessness; it passed 85-44. The chamber also began debate on SB 37, a major higher-education governance bill that would expand governing-board oversight of curriculum, hiring, and faculty senates; members raised concerns about academic freedom, faculty governance, and the impact on humanities programs, and debate was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• you for being here, and I think we're all grieving with Flagstaff across the state for the fallen troopers
• you for being here and I think we're all grieving with Flagstaff across the state for the fallen troopers

Committee: House House Rural Economic Development Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee began with short video presentations highlighting historic sites in Prescott, including the Arizona Pioneer Home and the Charlotte Hall Museum/First Territorial Governor’s Mansion, with members discussing the value of showcasing district landmarks and rural history. The committee then took up HB 2804, a bill to create a state rural development and housing tax credit tied to the federal low-income housing tax credit for projects in counties under 800,000 population. Supporters, including the Flagstaff mayor and several affordable-housing developers, said the bill would help finance rural and workforce housing, especially for seniors, veterans, and low-income residents, while opponents from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club argued the program is inefficient, hard to police, and benefits intermediaries more than residents. Members debated the policy at length, but the bill was ultimately passed on a 7-0 vote with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2388, which would appropriate unspecified funds to the Arizona Commerce Authority to study the economic benefits of small modular reactors and data centers for the state and local governments. The sponsor described it as a study bill to gather information on a topic already drawing significant attention, and a representative from the Libre Initiative supported it as a way to assess workforce and economic opportunities. Members discussed possible amendments, including adding data on utility-rate impacts and other costs, and the sponsor said she was open to that conversation. The bill passed on a 6-1 vote, with one member opposed and others expressing support contingent on possible amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• about prescriptive methods of roof-to-wall connections than he ever wanted, but he's been a real trooper
• about prescriptive methods of roof-to-wall connections than he ever wanted, but he's been a real trooper

Committee: House Commerce Committee

Summary: The committee took up eight bills and memorials and reported each favorably. It first passed HM 4063, a memorial urging Congress to lay the groundwork for a federal sovereign wealth fund. Sponsor Rep. Anderson described it as a long-term economic security measure, while several members questioned how such a fund would be structured, governed, and balanced against paying down debt. Ranking member Hunschofsky and Rep. Spencer raised concerns about transparency, market disruption, and the lack of specific parameters. The memorial passed on a recorded vote. The committee then approved CS/HB 139, allowing pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, with SMG testifying in support as a modernization and pro-business change. It also adopted an amendment and passed HB 1157, which tightens reemployment assistance requirements by adding work-search, interview, identity, immigration, and availability checks; the amendment added protection for missed interviews due to emergencies and removed an email reporting requirement. The Florida AFL-CIO and Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy opposed the bill, arguing Florida’s unemployment system is already overly restrictive and that the proposal would further limit access to benefits, while supporters said it would ensure claimants are actively seeking work and verify eligibility. Members also passed CS/HB 497 to create nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans for farmers and ranchers, with support from Americans for Prosperity, the Florida Hospital Association, and the Farm Bureau; CS/HB 729 to authorize veterinary professional associates to perform limited duties under veterinarian supervision, with testimony from veterinarians and advocates citing access and workforce shortages; and HB 311, a right-to-repair bill for motorized wheelchairs, which drew strong support from disability advocates who described long repair delays, high costs, and the impact on independence and health. Rep. Tramont praised the wheelchair repair bill during debate, and the committee voted it favorably. Finally, the committee passed CS/HB 1549, an Office of Financial Regulation agency bill intended to help regulate financial institutions more efficiently, and CS/HB 715, which allows licensed roofing contractors to perform roof-to-wall connections during reroof or repair projects and extends the emergency cancellation window to 180 days after a declared emergency. HB 715 was amended to require a contract notice advising property owners to verify insurance coverage before signing when the work is tied to an insurance claim. Roofing industry groups and home inspection representatives supported the measure as a way to reduce costs and improve wind mitigation. At the end of the meeting, the chair announced the agenda was complete and the committee rose.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a current trooper in Miami, Florida. I've got 41 years of experience in. Yes, it is a problem.
• As I read it, the judge always has discretion just like I do as a as a trooper.

Transcript Highlights:

• We had to finally wait for them to pull over to the right as we passed, and the trooper was half tempted
• The trooper was half tempted to call the plate in and have a citation issued to the gal, but we were
• And I've talked to a couple of you who remember that, who remember the governor and the state troopers

Transcript Highlights:

• Engrossed House Bill 5457, to allow partial credits for time of disability service in the CPRB for troopers
• This bill gives half-time years of service for partial duty and non-duty disabled troopers in the State
• Of service for partial duty and non-duty disabled troopers in the State Police retirement system.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, journal approval, and numerous guest introductions, including students, community leaders, food bank representatives, and visitors connected to Hunger Free West Virginia Day. A resolution recognizing March 10, 2026, as Hunger Free West Virginia Day was adopted, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 on the Southern West Virginia water crisis was referred to the Rules Committee. The chamber also heard remarks highlighting Hunger Free West Virginia’s work and a West Virginia company, Unigen, developing pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state. The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed several measures, including Senate Bill 467 on enforcement of Purple Heart parking spaces, Senate Bill 712 on cattle guards on certain public roads, and Senate Bill 781, a supplemental appropriation measure that was also made effective from passage. The chamber then adopted and passed Senate Bill 844, a large supplemental appropriation to the Department of Human Services, and Senate Bill 87, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Commerce, both effective from passage. Other third-reading bills passed included the Blue Envelope Program for drivers with autism, dementia, or intellectual and developmental disabilities; coverage for scalp cooling systems during chemotherapy; expansion of sex-offender registration to include solicitation of a minor and non-consensual disclosure of private images; child safety reporting requirements for school personnel; age-verification requirements for websites hosting harmful sexual material; free Gold Star parent vehicle registration; online training and updated standards for sanitarians; sheriff hiring authority; organ donor registration through voter registration; a Cold Case Task Force; abandoned vehicle title procedures; nutrition continuing education for physicians; special plate rules; gift card fraud offenses; protections for athletic officials; in-year school personnel movement; administrative services powers; pharmacy benefit manager regulation; vape shop regulation; reduced parole supervision fees; disability service credit for certain troopers; property valuation reporting changes; and quarterly Hope Scholarship payments. The Senate also advanced a large number of House bills and committee substitutes on second reading, including supplemental appropriations and measures on mental health examinations, dog registration rules, juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, military interpersonal violence, kinship care subsidies, a statewide prevention plan, contraband smuggling into federal prisons, forestry equipment levy treatment, and Commerce Department rules for microgrid districts and high-impact data centers. Several committee amendments were adopted, and many bills were advanced to third reading without objection. No executive communications were reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what a trooper, and thank you to the Speaker for allowing me to come speak today.
• then lastly, to help keep us even more safe, I have got Nicholas Westbrook from the Arizona State Troopers
• then lastly, to help keep us even more safe, I have got Nicholas Westbrook from the Arizona State Troopers

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, post 16 is fully operational with state police troopers on the system.
• fully operational um with<00:09:47.360><c> state</c><00:09:47.680><c> police</c><00:09:48.000><c> troopers
• </c><00:09:48.399><c> on</c><00:09:48.640><c> the</c> with state police troopers on the with state police
• troopers on the system.<00:09:49.680><c> Post</c><00:09:50.160><c> three</c><00:09:51.040><c> uh</c>
• Those are in the hands and in the cars of all troopers today.

Summary: The committee received an update from Kentucky State Police on the SERVE radio system project, with David Barker and consultant Brandon Marshall explaining progress across multiple phases. They reported that Mayfield PD fire/EMS and Graves County Sheriff are fully operational on the system, Phase 2 is 77% complete with 48 existing sites finished and 13 new sites pending acquisition, and Phase 3A remains funded but not yet complete. They also said router upgrades are complete, radio dispatch positions and mobile/portable rollout are complete, and microwave replacement is nearly finished, with one remaining site delayed by weather. A major part of the discussion focused on why the project has taken so long and why equipment is being purchased before some sites are built. KSP said the project began as a radio system upgrade but expanded as they discovered additional infrastructure needs, including routers and microwave links that were not in the original scope. They explained that equipment must be purchased in advance to match versions and preserve warranty coverage, and that older existing tower sites are being refurbished rather than replaced to make use of existing public-safety infrastructure. They also said all expenditures are tracked in inventory and accounting records and that the project remains transparent. Members pressed for a master plan and timeline, with Representative Smith arguing the project needs clearer structure and fewer layers of decision-making. KSP acknowledged the need for a timeline, said they had plans but not a full timeline earlier, and stated that if the remaining funding is approved they expect to complete the remaining existing sites and 25 new sites by June 30, 2027. They said 56 new-build sites remain, identified as the yellow-dot sites on the maps, and that some sites may be able to use existing Demar/National Guard tower locations. The committee did not take a vote on the project during this portion of the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.
• Troopers and House security personnel are present to ensure everyone's safety.

Transcript Highlights:

• c> compensation increases for highway compensation increases for highway patrol<01:52:06.639><c> troopers
• That's</c><01:52:07.360><c> level</c><01:52:07.679><c> one,</c><01:52:08.000><c> two,</c> patrol troopers
• That's level one, two, patrol troopers. That's level one, two, and<01:52:08.480><c> three.
• 19.199><c> and</c> these, but um plow drivers, nurses, and these, but um plow drivers, nurses, and troopers
• one, twos, and threes were troopers one, twos, and threes were added<03:48:21.920><c> into</c><03:48

Transcript Highlights:

• The Troopers Association has an interest in helping as well as on the funding side, Mr.
• The Troopers Association has an interest in helping as well as on the funding side, Mr.
• appropriation for the DVS operating budget comes from the DVS account, and from that we hire and pay for salaries
• We do get a separate driver and vehicle appropriation, and we assign our accounts and our salaries appropriately

Committee: Senate Transportation

Transcript Highlights:

• delegation to honor the life and the service of Corporal Timothy O'Conor Jr., a Pennsylvania State Trooper
• He was part of the brotherhood and sisterhood of troopers who run toward danger so that others can live
• ><06:03:58.798><c> and</c><06:03:58.958><c> a</c><06:03:59.200><c> proud</c> a Pennsylvania state trooper
• and a proud a Pennsylvania state trooper and a proud member<06:03:59.760><c> of</c><06:03:59.920><c>
• </c> brotherhood and sisterhood of troopers brotherhood and sisterhood of troopers who<06:04:12.718><

Transcript Highlights:

• to my good colleague's question about how do we, it's a standardized type questionnaire that the trooper
• would, um, currently a trooper can go through a certified officer with our Highway Patrol.
• would um currently a that the trooper would um currently a trooper<01:10:12.400><c> can</c><01:10:12.560
• ><c> go</c><01:10:12.719><c> through</c><01:10:12.960><c> a</c><01:10:13.199><c> certified</c> trooper
• can go through a certified trooper can go through a certified officer<01:10:14.320><c> with</c><01:10

Transcript Highlights:

• Before you is a bill that will help to move forward the wages for their 300 ISP troopers.

Committee: House Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was requested by the Minnesota State Patrol and will address concerns State Patrol troopers

Transcript Highlights:

• There's some regular state troopers even that are also active—ATF. >> ATF. Yeah, exactly.
• um, actually ICE is reimbursing departments and paying overtime up to 25% of an officer's annual salary
• If you think the bill is worth amending and you work with the trooper, get the amendment and bring it
• I think the law debate will have to continue. >> I think the trooper has places to go. >> Okay.
• Once talking, they... >> I think the trooper has places to go. >> Okay. >> Once talking, they... >> Yeah

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And I did check with the troopers in the FOP.
• The troopers don't like it because if they have two plates, they have a better chance, if they're sitting

Committee: House Government Efficiency