Transcript Highlights:

• at the proper time. >> Well, bring it forward, and at the proper time... um um a<03:37:27.440> felony
• for<03:37:28.280> somebody<03:37:28.960> coming<03:37:29.320> into a felony
• , for somebody coming into a felony, for somebody coming into Mississippi<03:37:30.520> and<03
• ,<03:42:55.760> it that's not a violent act or a felony, it that's not a violent act or a
• felony, it it<03:42:56.280> provides<03:42:56.840> a<03:42:56.920> way<03:42:57.160

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 10 February, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, received an invocation from Dr. Denise Pope, and led the pledge of allegiance. The body then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles. Several guests were introduced, including the doctor of the day, student pages, Carthage Christian Academy, Mississippi Valley State University visitors, the University of Southern Mississippi’s DuBard School and related programs, and members of the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists. The Senate took up Senate Bill 2896, which revises the Department of Public Safety salary schedule for MHP and MBN officers. Senator Hopson explained it as the vehicle for possible pay raises for troopers, NBI, and MBN officers, and the chamber adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill by morning roll call. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 2917, a recurring appropriations cleanup measure; its main change would allow Mississippi Valley State University to use previously designated dormitory funds for repair and renovation instead. A reverse repealer amendment was adopted before final passage by morning roll call. Senate Bill 2825, the Mississippi Health Care Industry Zone Act, was then considered. Senator Harkins said the bill extends the repealer for the health care industry zone incentive program to 2028 and noted the program has generated significant investment and jobs statewide. An amendment requested by the Mississippi Development Authority was adopted to revise eligibility language, including replacing a CON requirement with a requirement that a hospital have at least 25 acute care beds and deleting a section under current law. The bill then passed by morning roll call. Finally, the Senate considered Senate Bill 2894 on local improvement projects and the return of unexpended funds and earned interest. Senator Harkins explained that the bill would require older local improvement project funds to be returned if projects were not moving forward, require reporting to DFA and the Legislative Budget Office, allow audits, and permit limited extensions, while also withholding a portion of other state distributions for noncompliance. Senators raised concerns about projects that are already obligated or delayed by workforce and engineering constraints, and Harkins said the bill would be refined with a reverse repealer to work with LBO and avoid disrupting active projects. The bill was discussed but not finally disposed of in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• under current law, it is classified as a level three offense and typically involves driving at high speed
• If it is battery, it would be a misdemeanor, but if it is on or by an inmate, it is elevated to a felony
• This program provides eligibility for up to 150 participants who committed a felony or a first-degree
• include adult trafficking, a child, or a mentally incapacitated person, and extends the current life felony
• In the definition of that, the bill maintains a life felony for a person under the age of 18 convicted

Bills: SCR46, SB31, SB39, SB227, SB330, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB482, SB500, SB506, SB512, SB527, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB647, SB648, SB659, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB816, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB1020, SB1055, SB1065, SB1137, SB1169, SB1181, SB1283, SB1383, SB1395, SB1410, SB1433, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1666, SB1718, SB1727, SB1756, SB1757, SB1845, SB1924, SB1964, SB1972, SB2018, SB2031, SB2075, SB2076, SB2080, SB2111, SB2117, SB2154, SB2161, SB2173, SB2206, SB2225, SB2253, SB2268, SB2314, SB2322, SB2351, SB2371, SB2476, SB2533, SB2540, SB2570, SB2589, SB2623, SB2658, SB2660, SB2692, SB2693, SB2717, SB2722, SB2753, SB2779, SB2877, SB2880, SB2900, SB2920, SB3031, HJR4, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SJR3, SJR18, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB584, SB1085, SB1490, SB2314, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB1137, SB636, SB2056, SB1558, SB884, SB227, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB1055, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB1721, SB2268, SB2366, SB1013, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB2371, SB2383, SB646, SB1169, SB1754, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1756, SB2119, SB527, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, HJR4, HB135, HB 1109, SCR30, SCR3, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, HCR35, HCR64, SB227, SB401, SB512, SB527, SB648, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1756, SB1924, SB1964, SB2018, SB2031, SB2111, SB2117, SB2206, SB2570, SB2658, SB2692, SB2900, SB3031, SB407, SB1395, SB1433, SB1718, SB2322, SB2877, SR453, SR461, SJR86, SB3060, SB3061, HB18, HB26, HB36, HB37, HB48, HB 126, HB150, HB252, HB503, HB517, HB581, HB742, HB754, HB972, HB 1024, HB 1041, HB 1089, HB1442, HB1562, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1696, HB1718, HB1732, HB1741, HB2103, HB2216, HB2733, HB2884, HB2986, HB3700, SB1888, SJR86, SB3060, SB3061, HB18, HB26, HB36, HB37, HB48, HB 126, HB150, HB252, HB503, HB517, HB581, HB742, HB754, HB972, HB 1024, HB 1041, HB 1089, HB1442, HB1562, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1696, HB1718, HB1732, HB1741, HB2103, HB2216, HB2733, HB2884, HB2986, HB3700, SB1888

Keywords: Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability

Transcript Highlights:

• increases which saves the state money, increases security,<00:37:11.280> increases<00:37:11.840> speed
• <00:37:12.400> and<00:37:12.560> delivery security, increases speed and delivery security
• , increases speed and delivery of<00:37:13.400> what<00:37:13.560> it<00:37:13.640>
• That's a felony. False and fraudulent returns, that's a felony.
• That's a felony. False and fraudulent returns, that's a felony.

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• waiting to get on the range, you would sit outside the range and you'd be filling your magazines or speed
• <00:22:45.760> loaders<00:22:46.200> maybe your magazines or or speed loaders maybe
• your magazines or or speed loaders maybe back<00:22:46.679> in<00:22:46.840> those<00:
• up RSAs to see what the baseline is of what's a violation, what crosses it into a misdemeanor or a felony
• what crosses it into a misdemeanor or uh what crosses it into a misdemeanor or a<00:28:42.480> felony

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on HB 153, a bill intended to improve law enforcement response to animal cruelty cases. The bill’s sponsor explained that the proposal would require one sheriff or deputy and one state trooper in each county to receive specific training in animal cruelty laws so they could serve as knowledgeable resources. The sponsor described real-world examples where agencies were unclear about jurisdiction, veterinary involvement, and response protocols, arguing that better training was needed because animal cruelty cases can require quick action and many towns do not have animal control officers. Jerry Sorenson, a retired UNH professor and longtime animal cruelty instructor, described the existing training structure at Police Standards and Training. He said recruits receive a required two-hour introductory block at the academy, while additional animal cruelty materials and a more comprehensive online resource library are available through the Benchmark system for certified officers. He noted that the older two-day in-service course he taught was more detailed and guided, but the current online materials are more of a self-study resource and are not mandated for in-service officers. He also said the committee could track usage through Benchmark analytics. Kurt Arenberg of the Humane Society of the United States and Rob Johnson of the Farm Bureau both supported the goal of ensuring a trained law enforcement contact is available statewide, but they questioned whether assigning one trained officer per county would be the best way to achieve it. They emphasized the need for a real-time response and for officers to know where to find help and guidance, rather than expecting one person per county to handle all cases. Vincent Greco of State Police said the agency is willing to help and has handled animal cruelty matters, but he said one trooper per county would not realistically meet the goal given coverage demands and vacancy rates; he suggested broader access to resources and training may be more effective. Representative Freeman asked how cases are handled now and was told State Police responses generally follow standard criminal investigation steps, with assistance from animal control, veterinarians, and other resources when available. No vote or final action was taken during the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're moving rapidly to help the speed of change. of development and technology in that workforce for
• I'll say the answer to that is yes and for in part for Efficiency and speed yes, and some of the more
• Nobody says we have to get a driver's license and drive, but we have to know the speed.
• These are felonies. As I understand it, again, I'm...
• And we've had many successful felony prosecution investigations based upon their cooperation.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:34:04.639> under of self-defense, which is a felony under of self-defense, which is a
• felony under the<01:34:05.040> existing<01:34:05.440> code.
• Senate Bill 366, Senator Wald Striker, Motor Vehicles Intelligence Speed Assistance System Pilot Program
• As amended, this bill establishes the intelligence speed assistant system pilot program to be administered
• committee amendment. this bill establishes the intelligence this bill establishes the intelligence speed

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, journalized the prayer, and recognized Read Across America Day with a special resolution congratulating the Maryland State Education Association on the program’s 28th anniversary. Senators also welcomed several guests and student groups, including Eleanor Roosevelt High School students, Maryland Federation of Republican Women members for Red Scarf Day, medical shadows from Johns Hopkins, a student page prospect, and a group from Matthew Henson Elementary School. The chamber then took up multiple Finance Committee consent calendars and individual local alcohol-related bills, all of which were reported favorably, adopted without objection, and ordered printed for third reading. Measures included changes to alcohol license fee refunds for uniformed service members, Anne Arundel County license classifications and compensation for liquor board officials, a Baltimore City racetrack license extension, a Cecil County license quota change, and new or expanded licenses for golf courses, sports venues, and barber shop/beauty salon establishments. The Senate also advanced bills on social work licensing, a rural readiness economic development program, a Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission extension, peer-to-peer car sharing insurance rules, telematics-based auto insurance disclosures and appeals, and veteran status notation on public profiles. Several bills were amended before being advanced, generally with technical or clarifying changes and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 18 would create a provisional social work license; Senate Bill 351 would regulate insurer use of vehicle telematics data; Senate Bill 395 would revise insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing; and Senate Bill 197 would alter comprehensive plan elements in land use law. Senate Bill 439, protecting fire and rescue public safety employees from adverse action based on medical cannabis certification, also moved forward without amendment. One measure, Senate Bill 69, which would make permanent the nonprofit navigator position in the Department of Commerce, was discussed at length after a member raised concerns about oversight of nonprofit grant funding. On request, the bill was special ordered to the next day for further consideration. All other bills discussed in the transcript were advanced to third reading by unanimous or near-unanimous voice action, with no recorded roll-call votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:15:07.880> a Grant funds have been convicted of a Grant funds have been convicted of a felony
• 00:15:09.759> in<00:15:09.880> the<00:15:10.079> last<00:15:10.320> 10 felony
• Financial crime in the last 10 felony Financial crime in the last 10 years<00:15:12.120> it<00
• The training around how agencies kind of get up to speed on that is not anything that is required in
• on that uh that is not anything speed on that uh that is not anything that<01:19:02.560> is<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it is compensated in the same manner as felony cases, which is on second-to-last sentence of
• I was a former felony prosecutor. I indicted hundreds and hundreds of cases.
• I want you to indict him for first degree felony. End of story. Please deliberate on it."
• He had no priors, no record, not even a speeding ticket.
• In that, you result in a felony prosecution period, okay?

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance requirements, the owner shall face significant criminal penalties, up to and including felony
• This trespass will now be classified as a third-degree felony.
• So it's possible that you could be convicted for a felony in that situation, but it's also possible..
• . ...possible that you could be convicted for a felony in that situation, but it's also possible that
• This will just help kind of speed the process up.

Summary: The committee first took up SB 1272 on guardianship, which would limit a guardian’s ability to isolate an adult ward from family and require notice to family or other named persons about major events such as a ward’s death or medical relocation. Senator Jones said the bill was intended to curb abuse by bad actors while not affecting good-faith guardians. Fortuna Smuggler and Phyllis Smith spoke in support, describing the need for family notification and closure. The bill passed unanimously, 8-0, and was reported favorably. The committee then considered CS/SB 1284 on wrongful death for an unborn child. Senator Graal explained that the bill would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow parents to recover economic and non-economic damages for the death of an unborn child. An amendment was adopted to define “unborn child” as a member of the species Homo sapiens carried in the womb and to state that the act does not authorize a wrongful death action against the mother or a health care provider acting within the applicable standard of care. The amendment drew questions about abortion, medical emergencies, and whether fathers could sue; the sponsor said the bill was not intended to create claims against mothers or lawful medical care. Public testimony was sharply divided, with supporters arguing it gives families parity and accountability, and opponents warning it could be used to target abortion care, increase malpractice pressure, and worsen physician shortages. The committee approved the bill as amended by a 6-4 vote. Finally, the committee heard a strike-all amendment to SB 1288 on parental rights. The amendment would strengthen parental consent requirements for minors’ medical care, with exceptions for emergencies, court orders, certain legal categories of minors, and other existing statutory exceptions. It also would require parental consent for treatment related to STD screening, give parents more control over school or health surveys, and address use of biofeedback devices. Supporters said the measure restores parents’ authority and protects children from inappropriate questioning or treatment, while opponents argued it could block needed care for minors in unsafe homes, reduce access to STI treatment and mental health services, and create unintended consequences. The amendment was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• point to mismanagement and, in some cases, crimes, PG&E pled to 84 counts of manslaughter and one felony
• And specifically, she cites PG&E being found criminally liable for 84 felonies, SoCal Edison’s equipment
• type of a system creates predictability, in theory, lower cost, reduces the litigation friction, and speeds
• Which is what the plaintiff's attorneys are offering to the victims and speeding up making victims whole
• stay saved to buy a home of our own if everything costs more, especially the utility rates from the felonious

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy held a hearing on the California Earthquake Authority’s SB 254 report and possible reforms to California’s utility wildfire recovery system. The chair framed the discussion around the Palisades and Eaton fires, the high and growing wildfire-related costs on utility bills, and the need to weigh tradeoffs among survivors, ratepayers, utilities, insurers, and taxpayers. The chair emphasized that the SB 254 report is an inventory of policy pathways rather than recommendations, and that the Legislature’s role is to evaluate the options publicly. The first panel featured wildfire survivors William Abrams and Joy Chen, who described severe ongoing displacement, housing insecurity, delayed compensation, and frustration with what they characterized as opaque and unfair compensation structures. They argued for greater transparency, clearer accountability for utilities, stronger oversight of wildfire mitigation spending, and incentives tied to safety performance. They also urged faster survivor payments, but only if they are full, fair, and not financed by shifting more costs to taxpayers or ratepayers. Committee members asked about gaps in the SB 254 report, the meaning of “full” compensation, and how a fast-pay facility might work. The second panel included the California Earthquake Authority, RAND, PG&E, LADWP, Consumer Attorneys of California, and the Public Advocates Office. Tom Welsh of CEA explained the report’s process and the current wildfire fund structure, including that utilities remain liable, the fund reimburses eligible claims, and prudency reviews can require reimbursement to the fund. RAND’s Lloyd Dixon outlined how roughly $38 billion has been paid to survivors, insurers, and public entities since 2017, and noted substantial litigation costs and cost-shifting among stakeholders. Utility representatives supported reforms that preserve financial stability and reduce risk, while consumer and public-interest advocates opposed shifting more costs to ratepayers and stressed accountability, audits, and safety-linked recovery. No votes or formal actions were taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're not talking about violent criminals, and they could not speak To what the quote unquote felonies
• A couple of weeks ago, I was driving beyond the speed limit on my way to Santa Fe.
• I talked to her for some time after I dealt with my speeding issue, and I asked her.
• This child in particular managed to rack up 25 felony charges and 24 misdemeanor charges between the
• jail call right now Talking about how he was going to beat the case is the same one that had 24 felonies

Transcript Highlights:

• images produced by autom dat speed images produced by autom dat speed enforcement<00:14:00.320><
• <00:14:27.800> enforcement<00:14:28.440> special speed enforcement special speed enforcement
• <00:16:13.680> law maintaining our Tre our speeding law maintaining our Tre our speeding law
• Act 112, I believe, last year expanded that to the speeding cameras, um, and so we're in the process
• can stop people they can issue speeding can stop people they can issue speeding tickets<00:21:52.440

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees heard testimony on House Bill 1064, which would implement recommendations from the Fire Safety Research Institute’s Maui wildfire report, clarify the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriate funds. Testimony was generally supportive from DLNR, the Climate Advisory Team, the State Fire Council, Hawaiʻi Electric, the Attorney General’s office, the Honu Fire Department, AARP, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council, and others. Governor Green’s office said it supported the bill but wanted the office of the State Fire Marshal placed under the Department of Defense rather than the governor’s office, citing constitutional and administrative concerns. Members also questioned the State Fire Council about the selection process for the fire marshal and about defensible space and wildfire resilience in different communities. After discussion, the committees deferred decision-making on HB 1064 to Friday, March 14, at 3:00 p.m. in Room 225 for the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, with the same recommendation from the other committee. The hearing then moved to House Bill 697, which would expand who may review automated speed enforcement images. HDOT supported the bill but said it would prefer funding from the Highway Special Fund or the automated speed enforcement special fund rather than general revenues. Opposition testimony from the ACLU raised privacy concerns, argued the bill blurs the line between law enforcement and infrastructure management, and said DOT staff lack the mandate and expertise for the task. Judiciary said it would need additional capacity to process citations and hearings, and noted the program’s likely workload and costs were still uncertain. The committees then took up House Bill 277 on vehicular pursuit policy. The Attorney General and the Law Enforcement Standards Board urged the committees to defer the bill and let the board develop policy first, while Hawaii County Police opposed the measure as unnecessary, confusing, and too restrictive of officer discretion. Honolulu Police Department and the Policing Project supported the bill, arguing that clearer statewide standards and transparency are needed because pursuits can cause serious injuries or deaths and existing policies are inconsistent or not public. The Policing Project said the bill could be improved with amendments on serious crimes, but supported legislative action to set statewide standards while still involving the board. No final vote or action on HB 277 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's I know that now we have the online application and, you know, that's to help speed processees
• The crime was sheltering rating and I'm very minor from a first-degree misdemeanor to a 3rd degree felony

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> That the officer, uh, in the past it's been the officer suspects that they've committed a felony.
• But in this particular bill, you actually added that. >> Yes, sir. >> They commit a felony or a misdemeanor
• >> That the officer, uh, in the past it's been the officer suspects that they've committed a felony.
• >> That the officer, uh, in the past it's been the officer suspects that they've committed a felony.
• uh uh >> That the officer, uh, in the past it's been the officer suspects that they've committed a felony

Bills: HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114, HB1, HB198, HB11, HB32, HB33, HB34, HB56, HB68, HB72, HB101, HB102, HB110, HB154, HB166, HB168, HB274, SB114

Keywords: DUI, driving under the influence, ignition interlock, interlock device, driver license suspension, restricted license, motor vehicle, alcohol offense, first offense, repeat offender, blood alcohol concentration, BAC, license revocation, Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency, ALEA, public safety, traffic safety, chemical dependency, substance abuse, court referral program

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:15:43.199> impressed<00:15:43.519> with<00:15:43.680> the<00:15:43.920> speed
• <00:15:44.160> that<00:15:44.320> you We're impressed with the speed that you We're
• impressed with the speed that you all<00:15:44.720> are<00:15:44.880> moving<00:15:45.120
• then<01:08:16.880> it's<01:08:17.120> expuned<01:08:18.319> or<01:08:18.560> felony
• <01:08:18.960> level then it's expuned or felony level then it's expuned or felony level conduct

Bills: HF962, HF3541, HF2936, HF3762, HF2879

Keywords: Capitol security, public safety, emergency management, state buildings, law enforcement, corrections, legislative approval, rule-making, financial impact, jail regulations, expungement, firearm eligibility, criminal records, organized retail crime, retail theft, supply chain theft, theft enterprise, organized theft, cargo theft, shoplifting

Transcript Highlights:

• It defines electric bicycles in place of low-speed electric bicycle.
• a second offense, and a class B felony for a third offense.
• as a second first offense classy felony as a second offense<02:43:13.960> and<02:43:14.200>
• > a<02:43:14.479> class<02:43:14.760> B<02:43:15.200> felony<02:43:16.200>
• > for<02:43:16.560> a<02:43:16.800> third offense and a class B felony for a third

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee met on February 12 at 2 p.m. and heard several measures related to corrections, re-entry, law enforcement, retirement benefits, and gun violence prevention. On HB 10002, which would extend the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission coordinator’s term and clarify unannounced inspection authority, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said it had no objection to the term length or to 24/7 unannounced access. The commission’s chair, Commissioner Mark Patterson, asked for a longer term, saying the commission needs more time and stability to manage reform efforts after years without staff during COVID. Community Alliance on Prisons and Carolyn Eaton also supported a longer term, with both suggesting six years would better insulate the position from politics. The chair noted he had asked Chair Bot for background on the prior committee’s changes and said that could be discussed during decision-making. The committee then heard HB 67, which would require DCR to help inmates obtain civil identification documents such as IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards as soon as practicable, including for people in furlough or community placement programs. DCR said it supported the bill and described ongoing work with the city and county on ID machines and with agencies on certificates and Social Security cards. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the Office of Public Defense all supported the measure, emphasizing that identification is essential for housing, employment, and successful re-entry and noting the disproportionate impact of incarceration on Native Hawaiians. On HB 1183, which would classify certain law enforcement administrators and Department of Law Enforcement employees as Class A members for retirement purposes, the Department of Human Resources Development, the Employees’ Retirement System, and the Department of Law Enforcement all supported the bill. DHRD said it would help recruitment and retention, ERS said it had technical amendments to suggest, and DLE said the change would help with succession planning and allow the governor to appoint the most qualified leader. The committee also heard HB 1045, an emergency appropriation bill to cover payroll fringe benefits for Department of Law Enforcement personnel after salary funding had been shifted to other departments; Budget and Finance and DLE explained the need for the supplemental funding, and no opposition was noted. Finally, the committee took up HB 664, which would create an Office of Gun Violence Prevention, a grant program, a resource bank, and a special fund. The Attorney General recommended adding standards for grant awards and warned of overlap with the existing Gun Violence and Violent Crimes Commission, suggesting consolidation and repeal of the older commission to avoid duplication. Supporters included the Brady Campaign, Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action Hawaii, a physician, and an Army veteran, who argued the office would centralize data, coordinate prevention efforts, and help secure outside funding. Testimony was mixed, with the chair noting 37 supporters, nine opponents, and three commenters, but no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Makes it a second-degree felony to shoot into an occupied autonomous vehicle, makes it a third-degree
• felony to willfully deface or damage an autonomous vehicle, and requires the Florida Greenways and Trails
• As a member of the Florida Transportation Research Institute increases the maximum allowable speed on

Transcript Highlights:

• Current law provides that a person commits a third-degree felony offense of driving on a license suspended
• The bill also enhances the penalties to a first-degree felony for DUI with death or vehicular homicide
• tell you, being a Black woman, I kind of switch vehicles so I'm not getting stopped as much for speeding

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 2417, excessive speed; speed submitting device. HB 2414, appropriation; major and such.
• HB 2417, excessive speed; speed submitting device.
• HB 2749, felony consent complex and designation. HB 2751, Arizona competes fund repeal.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and welcomed several guest groups, including the City of Maricopa Youth Council, students from Alpha School in Scottsdale, Brianna Andrew, and students from Gilbert Edu-Prize. The chamber also adopted a proposed amendment to Senate Rule 7A and then adopted the rules of the 57th Legislature, and the President announced a temporary committee appointment for Senator Shamp and a request to adjourn after Wednesday’s session until Monday, March 16. The floor then considered a long list of bills, with several third-reading votes. Measures that passed included SB 1654 on elections funding, SB 1711 on school safety-related information, SB 1743 on campaign contribution address disclosure, SB 1747 on access technology content, SB 1284 on moving violations, SB 1336 on State Land Department issues, SB 1365 on property tax exemptions for veterans, SB 1655 on juror summons/poll worker service, SB 1662 on probation, SB 1803 on Department of Veterans’ Services claims assistance, SB 1494, SB 1497 on school insurance, SB 1503 on pension benefit plans, SB 1584 on Department of Corrections recruitment, SB 1632 on DES, SB 1723 on bail, SB 1206 on insurance claims, and SB 1827 on aviation. Several bills failed, including SCR 1047 on marijuana establishment licenses, SB 1134 on political signs before reconsideration, SB 1544 on probation, and SB 1585 on sex offender monitoring. SB 1134 was later reconsidered and passed. Many of these votes featured debate over elections administration, privacy, health care access, veterans’ benefits, probation, and public safety. The Senate then resolved into the Committee of the Whole for Calendar One and later Calendar Two. In Committee of the Whole, members adopted amendments and recommended do pass on SB 1009, SB 1050, SB 1054, SB 1071, SB 1086, SB 1317, SB 1461, and SB 1672, with discussion focusing on school training standards, veterans’ park passes, local measures, Arizona Rangers oversight, AHCCCS provider reimbursement, reentry programming, allied health workforce development, and anti-psychotic drug authorization. On Calendar Two, the committee also advanced SB 1173, SB 1234, SB 1295, SB 1611, and SCR 1022 after amendments and extended debate, especially on AHCCCS fraud, juvenile court proceedings, inmate medical release, and the American Indian Health Program. The Committee of the Whole report was adopted, the bills were properly assigned, and committee announcements were made for the next day’s meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
• Well, we appreciate, first of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
• First of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
• Well, we appreciate, first of all, your speed, but your written testimony.
• Is it a state jail felony? Is that what that is? We are fixing that.

Bills: HB311, SB447, SB505, SB2217, SB2753

Keywords: voter registration, electronic, Texas election law, Signature verification, DPS, internet application, Texas Election Code, signature verification, online application, data security, electronic application, Department of Public Safety, information security, electronic voter registration, voting technology, voter access, state election laws, digital signature, election irregularities, audit

Summary: The committee heard several election-related bills. SB 447 would let the City of Mission in Hidalgo County permanently move its municipal elections from May to the uniform November election date if it chooses. The bill was described as permissive and intended to increase turnout and reduce costs. Mission’s mayor testified in support, saying voters had already approved the change by a wide margin in a charter amendment election. The bill was left pending after no objection. SB 2217 focused on standardizing election data reporting and reconciliation across counties to improve transparency and comparability. Testimony was generally supportive of the goal, but Dr. Laura Presley and others flagged technical issues, including a discrepancy between a three-ballot mismatch threshold in existing law and a 1% threshold in part of the bill, plus a definition issue involving central accumulators. Supporters said consistent auditing and reconciliation would help election integrity, while the bill was also left pending. The committee then took up SB 2753, a major proposal to create a continuous in-person voting period that would combine early voting and Election Day into one uninterrupted process, with precinct consolidation and other changes. Supporters said it could simplify administration, reduce equipment changes, and improve security by using one set of machines. Opponents and neutral witnesses raised concerns about cost, staffing, ballot security, reporting changes, weekend voting, and whether the bill was ready for implementation; several urged a pilot or study instead. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. SB 505 would create a process for election workers, candidates, party officials, and measure proponents or opponents to request explanations of election irregularities, with escalation to the Secretary of State for audit or enforcement if responses were unsatisfactory. Supporters said it would provide a way to resolve irregularities and restore confidence, while opponents argued it was too broad, lacked guardrails against abuse, and could be used by partisan actors to pressure counties. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 311 would expand Texas’s online voter registration system to first-time registrants and others, with supporters citing efficiency, lower costs, and broader access, and opponents raising concerns about signature verification and implementation details. Testimony was cut short because of the session deadline, and the bill had not been disposed of in the excerpt.