Video & Transcript : '911 surcharge' :
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TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs May 28th, 2026
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- There is nowhere in the state that you can call 911 and not receive a response.
- showing up to respond to a 911 call.
- Showing up to respond to a 911 call. That makes sense.
- When they call 911, it doesn't go to dispatchers; they don't have people.
- From the legislative intent, understanding that those are your primary 911 responders.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Public Safety Committee Mar 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- At a minimum, these incidents Swatting and the misuse of the 911 system.
- In practice, many of my clients charged with repeatedly making 911 calls are experiencing serious mental
- Paranoia and delusions often drive repeated calls to 911, resulting in multiple charges, currently as
- Proponents of this legislation highlight the waste of resources caused by swatting or false 911 calls
- Proponents of this legislation highlight the waste of resources caused by swatting or false 911 calls
Summary:
The committee heard several public safety and privacy bills, with extensive testimony on each. AB 1872 by Assembly Member Ta would make repeat swatting a wobbler and require offenders to compensate victims for property damage. Supporters, including civil liberties, sheriff, and district attorney representatives, said swatting is a serious and growing threat to first responders, schools, and public officials. Opponents argued existing law already covers false emergency reports and warned the bill could worsen penalties for people with mental illness. The committee approved the bill on a do pass motion to Appropriations.
AB 1727, also by Assembly Member Ta, would make it a misdemeanor to transfer or sell a person’s genetic data without consent. Supporters framed the bill as a needed privacy protection in light of advances in genetic technology and AI, citing examples such as HeLa cells and concerns about unauthorized DNA collection. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, said civil penalties already exist under current law and objected to creating a new carceral offense for nonviolent conduct. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee.
The committee then took up AB 1782 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would lower the threshold for retaining certain offenders with mental health disorders in state hospital custody and broaden the conduct considered in dangerousness determinations. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent release case and would help prevent dangerous releases; opponents, including disability rights and public defender groups, said it would weaken due process and expand involuntary confinement. The chair recommended a no vote, and the bill remained on call after a split roll. AB 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, which removes the notarization requirement for trespass authorization letters, passed as amended despite opposition from homelessness advocates and public defenders who said it could increase arrests of unhoused people; supporters said it would reduce bureaucracy and help property owners and police respond to trespassing. The committee also heard AB 1968 by Assembly Member Gallagher, which would add conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses eligible for heightened juvenile court handling; supporters cited a foiled school attack in Tehama County, while opponents warned of overbroad punishment and racial disparities. The bill was discussed but not yet voted on in the portion provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Existing law already makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly make a false emergency report or to misuse the 911
- In practice, many of my clients charged with repeatedly making 911 calls are experiencing serious mental
- Paranoia and delusions often drive repeated calls to 911, resulting in multiple charges, currently as
- Proponents of this legislation highlight the waste of resources caused by swatting or false 911 calls
- Proponents of this legislation highlight the waste of resources caused by swatting or false 911 calls
Committee:
House Public Safety
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- When copper theft affects communication networks, it not only disrupts 911 service, but can also impact
- Fortunately, we were able to shift our 911 over to another PSAP, but our businesses that survive off
- Our 911 facility backs up the city of Corpus. We back up Texas DPS.
- And to get a 911 system and knock it out is a real serious problem. Every second counts.
- We've got you listed at the Bear County Metro 911 Network and Operation Game Thief. That's fine.
Bills:
HB1455 , HB1777 , HB2101 , HB2136 , HB2609 , HB3142 , HB3552 , HB3846 , HB4155 , HB4514 , HB4879 , HB4995 , HB5014 , HB5139 , HB5228 , HB5436 , HCR40
Keywords:
mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation
Summary:
The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending.
The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending.
Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- , the Supreme Court considered a constitutional amendment which was on the ballot to establish a surcharge
- It held that the term "surcharge on investment real property" was unconstitutionally vague because voters
- It held that the term "surcharge on investment real property" was unconstitutionally vague because voters
- It held that the term "surcharge on investment real property" was unconstitutionally vague because voters
- It held that the term "surcharge on investment real property" was unconstitutionally vague because voters
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes.
The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony.
Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 911 is a suspense file candidate. Senator Becker has waived presentation.
- Any individuals present wishing to testify in support of SB 911?
- Any individuals wishing to testify in opposition to SB 911?
- SB 911 will move to the suspense file. SB 973 is a suspense file candidate.
Committee:
Senate Appropriations
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Appropriations met to consider a large suspense-file agenda, noting that 122 measures met suspense criteria and that several bills listed in the daily file were postponed to the following week. The Department of Finance did not attend because it had no comments on the bills. After establishing a quorum, the committee proceeded through the agenda, with most authors waiving presentation and public testimony limited to fiscal issues.
Most measures were moved to the suspense file without objection after brief or no testimony. A number of bills drew support or opposition from outside groups on fiscal grounds, including SB 951, SB 947, SB 954, SB 1031, SB 1291, and SB 1368. Testimony highlighted concerns such as ongoing state or departmental costs, General Fund impacts, broadband and compliance burdens for small mutual water companies, and implementation costs for education, health, and transportation-related proposals. Supporters of some bills argued they would save money over time, such as SB 1067 on early math remediation and SB 1089 on obesity treatment and CalRx partnerships.
The committee also heard an author presentation on SB 1089 by Senator Richardson, who said the bill would reduce CalPERS and broader health costs by expanding access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible public employees and directing CalRx to pursue production or acquisition of a GLP-1 medication. No committee questions were raised on that measure, and it too was sent to suspense. The hearing concluded with all items heard being moved to the suspense file and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- SB 296 directs the Division of Telecommunications to work with Enhanced 911 and NextGen 911 providers
- SB 296 directs the Division of Telecommunications to work with Enhanced 911 and NextGen 911 providers
Committee:
Senate Rules
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Rules met with a quorum present and heard a long agenda of bills, beginning with CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would create an enforcement mechanism for party-affiliation qualification requirements and allow challenges by qualified candidates or political parties. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer; the sponsor and local law enforcement supporters emphasized the Raynor case, while criminal defense lawyers objected to deleting existing force-limit language and to the mandatory life penalty. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably.
The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills extending or preserving public records exemptions, including CS/SB 7014 on social media platform investigations, SB 7016 on small business loan program records, CS/SB 7012 on Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles investigations, CS/SB 7000 on emergency shelter recipient information, CS/SB 7002 on Department of Military Affairs records, SB 7004 on conviction integrity unit reinvestigation materials, SB 7006 on Florida Public Service Commission records and meetings, and SB 7008 on Florida Gaming Control Commission records and meetings. Other measures reported favorably included SB 624 allowing optional faith-based activities in batterers’ intervention programs, HB 167 protecting former phosphate mining lands from certain strict-liability claims, CS/SB 48 on accessory dwelling units and housing supply, SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure, SB 292 creating a records exemption for appellate court clerks and families, CS/SB 296 expanding domestic violence safety tools and address confidentiality protections, CS/SB 298 as the public-records companion, SB 386 on farm equipment lemon-law style protections, and SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses.
Several bills drew supportive testimony from local governments, advocacy groups, industry groups, and affected families, with some opposition on SB 156 and SB 290. For CS/SB 48, the committee adopted two amendments before reporting the bill favorably. SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was temporarily postponed after the chair allowed public testimony but no final action was taken. At the end of the meeting, senators recorded their votes on selected bills, and the committee adjourned.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- rules for rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel while ensuring that sales tax, fees, and surcharges
Committee:
Senate Finance and Tax
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- And I will shock you, perhaps, with the truth that is the reality of 911 response times.
- Charles Stedman Spanagel, in the county where I was at the time prosecutor, had had like 112 911 dispatches
- Mom immediately dialed 911, but they weren't there in time. Do you know what happened next?
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- Calling from calling 911 basically, right? Yes, sir. And you didn't really... Right? Yes, sir.
- And I can't see anybody doing this at least without going and at least saying calling 911 at some point
- But saying calling 911 at some point.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, controlled substances, unlawful distribution, marijuana, violent offense, sentencing guidelines, criminal justice, DUI, driving under the influence, drunk driving, fatal crash, vehicular homicide, child support, survivor benefits, orphaned child, guardian death
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Jul 17th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So our taxpaying citizens in Gallup have been paying a surcharge on their bills every month since 2011
- We Dial 911. We want somebody to show up.
- If 911 can work, sharing information can work.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/4/26
Human Services Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:05:31.759><c> and</c> there is an alternative to 911 and there is an alternative to 911 and partnering
- Since 2023, 3,500 calls have been diverted from 911 to the mental health crisis team.
- </c> mental health crisis response from 911. mental health crisis response from 911.
- Um, and that's where we get involved through a 911 call.
- So, that's a lot of through a 911 call.
Committee:
House Human Services Finance and Policy
Keywords:
pediatric care, hospital discharge, home care, healthcare accessibility, nursing services, family support, mental health, crisis services, Dakota County, mobile crisis response, public safety, treatment services, rehabilitation, behavioral health fund, client eligibility, home and community-based services, case management, waiver services, county services, disability advocacy
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill directs the Department of Telecommunications to work with enhanced and next-generation 911
- hearing the stories of victims of domestic violence who tell us what happened when they tried to dial 911
- hearing the stories of victims of domestic violence who tell us what happened when they tried to dial 911
- figure out what we can do so that people who are in a domestic violence situation don't have to call 911
- In a domestic violence situation, don't have to call 911, don't have to escalate the crisis, but have
Summary:
The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests, including a Challenger Learning Center representative, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, local officials, students, and school board members. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster. After routine business, the chamber took up a special order calendar of bills.
The main floor debate centered on CS/SB 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers and other personnel. The bill clarifies resistance to officers, changes language from “lawful performance of a legal duty” to “performance of official duties,” and adds mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Several amendments were offered and withdrawn. Senators debated the bill’s impact on self-defense, excessive force, prosecutorial discretion, and proportionality of sentencing, with supporters framing it as a needed fix to honor Officer Jason Rayner and opponents warning it removed civilian protections and imposed overly rigid penalties. The bill passed 31-4.
The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing enforcement tools; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, narrowing statutory ambiguity affecting co-op operations; SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and families; CS/SB 296 and SB 298 on domestic violence and dating violence, including a feasibility study for a secure alert platform and related public records protections; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure; SB 386 creating farm equipment warranty protections; and a series of Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions for emergency shelter information, the Department of Military Affairs, conviction integrity unit records, PSC and gaming commission proceedings, DHSMV investigatory records, social media platform investigations, and small business loan program financial records. Most bills passed with little or no opposition, and the chamber also adopted a motion to immediately certify all passed bills to the House. The Senate adjourned after announcements, including notice of upcoming executive appointments and State of Black Florida Week events.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-29 (9:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill directs the Department of Telecommunications to work with enhanced and next-generation 911
- hearing the stories of victims of domestic violence who tell us what happened when they tried to dial 911
- hearing the stories of victims of domestic violence who tell us what happened when they tried to dial 911
- figure out what we can do so that people who are in a domestic violence situation don't have to call 911
- In a domestic violence situation, [people] don't have to call 911, don't have to escalate the crisis,
Summary:
The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions recognizing guests and visiting groups, including Challenger Learning Center representatives, the Florida Dental Hygienists Association, local officials, students, and members of the Florida School Board Association. Senators also noted President Albritton’s recovery and offered remarks honoring the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster.
The main floor debate centered on Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, which revises criminal penalties involving law enforcement officers and other personnel. Sponsor Senator Leek said the bill responds to the Officer Jason Rainer case by clarifying resistance to officers, shifting fault determinations to the courts, changing “lawful performance” to “official duties,” and imposing mandatory life imprisonment for manslaughter of a law enforcement officer. Senators Rouson and Bracy Davis offered amendments that were withdrawn. Senators Pizzo, Berman, Smith, Polsky, and others questioned the bill’s effect on self-defense, off-duty conduct, prosecutorial discretion, and the removal of language limiting unlawful force by officers. Supporters argued the bill corrects confusion and honors Officer Rainer; opponents said it removes civilian protections and imposes disproportionate mandatory sentencing. The bill passed 31-4.
The Senate then passed SB 168 on public nuisances, expanding nuisance law to include gambling establishments and increasing penalties; SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, narrowing statutory ambiguity while preserving consumer protections; SB 292 creating a public records exemption for appellate court clerks and their families; SB 296 and SB 298 addressing domestic violence and dating violence, including a feasibility study for a secure alert system and expanded address confidentiality protections; SB 364 modernizing CPA licensure pathways; SB 386 creating protections for farm equipment purchasers; and several Open Government Sunset Review bills preserving or extending public records and meeting exemptions (SB 7000, 7002, 7006, 7008, 7012, 7014, and 7016). Most of these bills passed with little or no opposition, though some sunset-review measures drew a few dissenting votes.
At the end of the session, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and the motion was adopted. The Senate also heard announcements about upcoming executive appointments, State of Black Florida Week events, and a motion to adjourn until the next meeting on February 4.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, but also, um, in this bill, it wouldn't exclude documents like um 911 call logs and audio.
- public in the personnel file is not going to include all of these other things that I've mentioned 911
- Uh, going over a few of the things that were said, it was said that things like 911 calls, body camera
- materials that are pertinent to, and it says it in the bill to the officer or the license holder, not 911
- that have been mentioned today that are more departmental, departmental wide, like body worn camera, 911
Bills:
SB 15
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (05/21/2025)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- think that this will provide the relief that's needed to ensure that when you pick up the phone, dial 911
- think that this will provide the relief that's needed to ensure that when you pick up the phone, dial 911
- /c><00:14:57.760><c> the</c><00:14:57.920><c> phone,</c><00:14:58.320><c> dial</c><00:14:58.639><c> 911
- ,</c><00:14:59.440><c> someone</c> you pick up the phone, dial 911, someone you pick up the phone, dial
- 911, someone shows<00:15:00.000><c> up.
Committee:
Senate Health and Human Services
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- community paramedic is, I want you to take off your hat and not think about community paramedic as a 911
- Budgets are taxed, call volumes are going up, and we took a deep dive into why people were calling 911
- The trickle-down effect being unnecessary 911 calls, unnecessary hospitalizations, patient satisfaction
- We provide 911 emergency services, too. But we do go into other areas.
- We don't run 911 community paramedics.
Committee:
House Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Human Services Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- alternative to providing rescue seizure medications, staff who are unable to give the medications call 911
- request that the seizure action plan be modified by his doctor for day program staff to be able to call 911
- alternative to providing rescue seizure medications, staff who are unable to give the medications, call 911
- emergency medical treatment for personal treatment for personal. unable to give the medications, call 911
- when he had seizures despite for day program staff to be able to call 911 when he had seizures despite
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Human Services heard a long agenda of bills focused largely on child welfare, foster care, child care, CalWORKs, mandated reporting, and public benefits. Early items included AB 890, which would ease county transfer rules for nonminor dependents in extended foster care; AB 461, which would replace punitive truancy-related penalties with supportive services for families; and AB 753, which would create an interim associate teacher pathway to help address the child care workforce shortage. Testimony on these bills emphasized barriers faced by foster youth, low-income families, and child care providers, and members expressed support for the general policy direction.
The committee also heard AB 926 on foster care visitation, AB 563 on early childhood planning and reporting, AB 601 on standardized mandated reporter training, AB 1074 on CalWORKs reunification aid, AB 822 extending the Commission on the State of Hate, AB 970 creating a Los Angeles County mandated reporter pilot, AB 1161 protecting public benefits during disasters, AB 1172 allowing trained staff to administer emergency seizure medication in community care settings, and AB 363 expanding CalWORKs student supports and work-study. Witnesses generally supported these measures as ways to reduce trauma, improve reunification, modernize reporting and training, and expand access to services. County welfare and child welfare groups, advocacy organizations, and providers largely testified in support, while some bills drew concerns from county representatives about implementation or needed amendments.
Several bills were voted out of committee, often unanimously and sometimes as amended, including AB 926, AB 563, AB 601, AB 1074, AB 822, AB 970, AB 1161, and AB 1172; AB 1172 was reported on call. The committee also took up consent items and later voted on subcommittee-held bills AB 461, AB 753, and AB 890, leaving them on call. At the end of the hearing, the committee heard AB 1211, which would protect CalFresh benefits from federal cuts and require a feasibility study on increasing benefits and eligibility; testimony stressed rising food insecurity and the economic importance of food assistance, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement - 05/05/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- 16, you will see a number of appropriations related to the setting up of the probation officer and 911
- </c> probation officer and 911 probation officer and 911 telecommunicator<00:03:12.239><c> sub</c><00
- Um, this is the probation 911 operators establishment plan.
- retirement plan administration by 911 retirement plan administration by PAR.
- </c> officers and fit the categories of 911 officers and fit the categories of 911 communicator.<00:36
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
03/23/2026 - Senate Federalism and Family Law
Senate Federalism and Family Law Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- bill would potentially conflict with existing statute, as mentioned by the previous testifier, ARS 13-911
- And I think we have to fix that in the other statute, because right now under ARS 13-911 there are all
- The court's not legally authorized by statute under ARS 13-911.
- And I think we have to fix that in the other statute, because right now under ARS 13-911 there are all
- The court's not legally authorized by statute under ARS 13-911.
Summary:
The committee first heard HB 2793, which would let cities and towns expedite annexations when 100% of the affected property owners request it, and would modernize notice requirements by allowing electronic newspaper publication and a single on-site notice for small single-parcel annexations. Buckeye supported the bill as a way to streamline uncontested annexations and reduce delay and cost, while a senator raised concerns based on a recent contentious Tucson annexation and the speed of public notice. The committee voted 4-3 to give HB 2793 a do pass recommendation.
Members then considered HB 2041, which would prohibit a parent, guardian, or custodian from being found to have abused or neglected a child solely because poverty prevented them from providing supervision, clothing, food, shelter, or medical care. Child welfare advocates supported the bill as a step toward decriminalizing poverty, while another witness argued it did not go far enough because it still allowed investigations based on poverty. Several members said they supported the concept but wanted further changes, and the bill passed 4-3. The committee also approved HB 2239, creating a child care grant program and infrastructure fund at DES to expand access in underserved areas; testimony from child care providers and parents emphasized shortages, workforce challenges, and the need for facilities, and the committee adopted an amendment adding tax credit language and eligible applicants before passing the bill 6-0 with one not voting.
HB 2321, requiring DCS to place a credit freeze on a child’s credit report when the child enters care, passed 7-0 without testimony. HB 2371, allowing consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration and adding an amendment on therapeutic interventions and expert testimony in parenting cases, drew concerns about using AI for binding family-law decisions and about the amendment’s relevance; it passed 4-3. HB 2594, strengthening protections for participants in the address confidentiality program in family-law matters and sealing related voter records, received strong support from a witness describing repeated attempts by an ex-partner to obtain a protected address and passed 7-0 after amendment. HB 2661, requiring DCS to inform parents under investigation that they may delegate temporary guardianship and, as amended, limiting additional documentation requirements, passed 4-3 despite concerns that it gave too much discretion to parents accused of abuse or neglect.