Transcript Highlights:

• certification for firefighters, publishing information about fire incidents, conducting fire and life safety
• The State Fire Marshal's Office has a broad responsibility to ensure fire and life safety for Washington
• certification for firefighters, publishing information about fire incidents, conducting fire and life safety
• The State Fire Marshal's Office has a broad responsibility to ensure fire and life safety for Washington
• Deputy State Fire Marshals inspect child care facilities. ...ensure fire and life safety for Washington

Bills: HB2352, HB2237, HB2249, HB2475, HB2408, HB2435, HB2309, HB2244, HB2281

Keywords: conflict of interest, transparency, state employees, municipal officers, ethics, fire safety, state fire marshals, regulation, public safety, emergency services, HB 2249, Washington Technology Solutions, WaTech, civil service, classified service, exempt employees, state employment, state personnel, network security, cybersecurity

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills and took executive action on three measures. House Bill 2249 would remove a civil service exemption for Washington Technology Solutions employees who perform network and system security duties, bringing them under state civil service law; the prime sponsor and a Washington Federation of State Employees representative said the bill would resolve an unintended statutory discrepancy and allow affected workers to organize. House Bill 2475 would direct the Office of Equity to develop statewide language-access guidelines for state agencies and address shortages of qualified interpreters and translators; supporters from the Latino Community Fund, WFSE, and the Office of Equity said it would improve access to public services, especially for limited-English-proficiency residents and rural or lesser-diffusion languages. House Bill 2237 would tie deputy state fire marshal salaries to comparable local firefighting agencies and require a report on whether the State Fire Marshal’s Office should become independent of the State Patrol; supporters said the office is underpaid and faces recruitment and retention problems. House Bill 2408 would remove obsolete statutory provisions, including expired salary and leave language and references to the abolished Department of Personnel; OFM supported it as a cleanup bill. In executive session, the committee adopted amendments and reported out House Bill 2281, House Bill 2309, and House Bill 2244 with do-pass recommendations. For HB 2281, the committee adopted an amendment narrowing consultation requirements and adding a three-year statute of limitations, but rejected an amendment that would have removed the bill’s cause of action; the bill then passed on a 4-3 vote, with some members citing support for tribal cultural and religious protections and others raising stakeholder concerns. HB 2309 passed without amendment, and HB 2244 passed after adopting two amendments restoring existing exemptions related to certain donor records at colleges and libraries and motor vehicle driver case records at the Department of Licensing. The committee also heard testimony on HB 2352, which would lower the ownership threshold for state ethics conflict rules from 10% to 1% to match municipal standards; the prime sponsor argued it would restore stronger ethics protections and public trust.

Bills: HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145, HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate

Bills: HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145, HB66, HB79, HB95, HB145

Keywords: elder abuse, financial exploitation, inheritance, joint tenancy, conviction effects, off-label, pharmacists, medical treatment, state board of pharmacy, employment protection, HVAC, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, warranty transfer, manufacturer warranty, consumer protection, home sale, residential real property, real estate

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs will now come to order.
• Thank you for the progress and the safety you're providing for Texans and Americans alike.
• Basically, to keep it to the two-minute mark, it all boils down to public safety.
• Public safety is always our top priority for every event we plan.
• Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to safety for all Texans.

Bills: HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023, SB 36

Keywords: employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense, registration, public safety, violent offenses, criminal database, Department of Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill protects the safety of the autism community, strengthens public trust, and provides officers
• Security guard companies are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
• Sir, speaking on behalf of the Texas Department of Public Safety, we have 17 polygraph examiners.
• So in the Department of Public Safety specifically...
• Which creates the Family Violence Registration Program under the Department of Public Safety.

Bills: SB 36, HB 1065, HB2929, HB2956, HB3009, HB3420, HB3626, HB3649, HB4956, HB4993, HB5293, HB5308, HB5528, HCR118, SB36, HB4023

Keywords: transportation, regional authorities, mobility, infrastructure, sales tax, employee classification, private security, misclassification, workforce regulations, Texas Workforce Commission, autism, peace officers, training program, law enforcement, intervention, communication, developmental disability, family violence, central database, criminal offense

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I don't I don't see the safety in Now, I don't I don't see the safety in Now, I don't I don't see
• the safety in that.
• deposited into an imported seafood deposited into an imported seafood deposited into an imported seafood safety
• That's the fund that you're safety fund. That's the fund that you're safety fund.

Bills: HJR 4, HJR 6, HB 195, HB 13, HB 143, HB 135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• While it still escapes us in many ways, may truth be told, yet we strive for public. public safety and
• They found greater safety across the Rio Grande in Mexico.
• to the licensing and employment of peace officers, for the Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety
• Committee on Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Veterans Affairs.
• of civilian weapons, for the Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence. ...of Homeland Security, Public Safety

Bills: HJR4, HJR6, HB195, HB 13, HB143, HB135

Keywords: occupation tax, securities, financial regulation, tax exemption, legislative amendment, capital gains tax, realized gains, unrealized gains, investment income, asset sale, capital assets, wealth tax, estate tax, trust tax, tax limitation, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, property tax, sales tax

Transcript Highlights:

• after a troubling incident involving a constituent. of mine and Valverde County who face serious safety
• I want to say jurors safety shouldn't depend on what kind of trial you're called for.
• As we all know, ensuring the safety of our courts is crucial to maintaining the integrity of our justice
• This provision is in response to increasing concern. regarding the safety in our courthouses particularly
• also provide better protection for law enforcement personnel who work tirelessly to ensure public safety

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• They help with public safety.
• They're good for personal safety when we're talking about mental health.
• They address what's called a safety plan. They ask you if you have a firearm, and I do.
• Public safety. Protecting children.
• I'm asking the Texas Legislature to pass Trey's law this session as an urgent matter of public safety

Bills: HB170, HB865, HB748, HJR112, HB 1110, HB1495, HB786, HB 1130, HB170

Keywords: civil liability, self-defense, force, deadly force, legal immunity, attorney's fees, criminal justice, firearms, liability, veterans, gun ownership, immunity, firearm hold agreement, sexual abuse, nondisclosure, confidentiality, public policy, Trey's Law, parental rights, child upbringing

Transcript Highlights:

• and it addressed the release practices for habitual and violent offenders. to better protect the safety
• Secondly it adds new information that will be included in the public safety report system.
• The committee substitute to Senate Bill 9, empower... prosecutors to preserve pursue public safety in
• Court case management systems be part of the public safety report system. Yes. At no cost to them.
• If true, this practice raises the serious public safety concerns as it allows defendants to be released

Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40, SJR1, SB9, SB40, SR62, SR92, SR95, SR108, SR110, SR111, SR113, SR114, SR117, SR120, SB314, SB314

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, El Paso, economic development

Bills: HF72, HF66, HF69, HF73

Keywords: campaign finance, state funding, political activity, nonprofits, government transparency, HF66, Minnesota second-degree murder, unintentional murder, protective order, order for protection, harassment restraining order, domestic violence, victim protection, cross-jurisdictional orders, out-of-state restraining order, tribal court order, Canadian protective order, public safety, criminal law, homicide

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm opposed to the bill, one, for safety reasons.
• concurrent resolution number 96 by Representative Adams, urges and requests the Department of Public Safety
• and Corrections, Office of Representative Adams, urges and requests the Department of Public Safety

Bills: HCR96, SB431

Keywords: roundabout, traffic safety, public education, driving rules, Louisiana Department of Transportation, SB 431, Act 768, towing, tow truck companies, storage fees, nonconsensual towing, private property towing, vehicle release, impound, vehicle storage, gate fees, consumer protection, Louisiana State Police, Public Service Commission, stored vehicles

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 431 by Senator Foil. The bill, as amended in the House, would apply only to non-consensual private-property tows and require towing companies to have someone available on weekends to release vehicles within 90 minutes of a call if they want to charge storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Senator Foil said the measure was intended to help vehicle owners retrieve cars and belongings sooner, while not forcing companies to stay open; Lieutenant John Nelson of Louisiana State Police explained that payment would still occur at the yard and that the bill did not change the fee structure. Amy Seals of Riverside Towing opposed the bill, citing safety concerns, burdens on office staff, and fairness issues because it would not cover police-initiated tows; she suggested limiting weekend release hours to daytime. Despite her concerns, the committee moved SB 431 favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 96 by Representative Adams, which urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, to provide educational materials on proper roundabout use. Adams said the resolution was meant to help drivers in smaller parishes and elsewhere who struggle with roundabouts. Several members supported the idea, noting confusion about roundabout navigation in their areas, and one member asked whether driver education already covers the topic. The resolution was moved favorably without objection. Before adjourning, the chair recognized a new DOTD staff member and a visitor from the Florida Women’s Republican group. Representative Spells then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was based on a cost study that we did with Mission Critical Partners, which is a leading public safety
• It preserves the flexibility for the providers near schools while prioritizing our children's safety.
• While prioritizing our children's safety.
• these structures are placed near the schools, where our children spend so much of their day, that safety
• HB 536, I believe, strikes a balance between our infrastructure growth and school safety.

Bills: HB220, HB259, HB463, HB536, HB750, HB830, HB950

Keywords: child exploitation, online reporting, platforms, cyber crime, PROTECT Act, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, emergency services, telephone charge, wireless service, reporting requirements, communications district, wireless communication, school safety, community permits

Transcript Highlights:

• schools post clear information online about gluten-free and allergen-free meals, including menus, safety
• post clear, centralized information about gluten-free and allergy-free meals, including menus, food safety
• The celiac community grows up navigating a world that is not designed with their safety in mind.

Bills: H5012, S2927

Keywords: student nutrition, food allergies, celiac disease, gluten-free meals, allergen-free meals, medically restricted diets, school meals, college dining, K-12 education, higher education, disability access, accessibility services, food service, nutrition information, website disclosure, school website, meal accommodations, special diets, Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71

Bills: SB2057

Keywords: immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, detainer, ICE, federal immigration authorities, 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 U.S.C. 1373, 8 U.S.C. 1644, deportation, undocumented immigrants, noncitizen, migrant rights, local police cooperation, law enforcement cooperation, hold request, judicial warrant, probable cause, civil immigration enforcement, county police, state police

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on Thursday, March 5, for a series of decision-making agendas and considered a long list of Senate bills. Early measures included SB 2151, which clarifies state and local authority during emergencies and revises the definition of “emergency”; the committee agreed to restore the broader, long-used definition and add a sunset date, then passed the bill with amendments. SB 3055, concerning false impersonation of an employee organization representative, was amended to remove liquidated damages and passed. Several technical or conforming bills also advanced, including SB 3067, SB 3077, SB 3131, SB 3134, SB 3144, SB 3152, SB 3154, and SB 3249, with most passed with technical amendments or unamended; some members noted reservations on SB 3249. The committee also took up bills affecting public safety, health, and education. SB 3083 was amended to narrow notice requirements for protective orders involving military-affiliated individuals to a designated military security force, and SB 3118 on the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children passed as is. SB 3134 modernized emergency medical services statutes, while another SB 3134 item addressed dangerous intoxication and civil protective custody. SB 3262, requiring the Hawaii State Teachers Board to submit nominees to the Board of Education, was amended to include a defective effective date. SB 3315, allowing a one-time medical cannabis purchase while registration is pending, was also amended to a delayed effective date and passed. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on law enforcement and immigration-related proposals. SB 3322, which restricts facial coverings by law enforcement, requires visible identification, and sets agency policies on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, was amended to remove an affirmative defense, make the penalty a misdemeanor, and incorporate exceptions for undercover work and related preparation; it passed with one no vote. SB 3251, barring certain former ICE and Border Patrol personnel from employment in specified state agencies, was narrowed to apply to those with more than 90 cumulative days of such work during a defined period and passed with reservations. SB 2057, a reconsideration measure limiting use of state personnel and funds to assist federal immigration agents beyond their authority, was further amended to clarify definitions, protect First Amendment activity, and preserve cooperation required by federal law; it then passed without objection. The committee adjourned after adopting each measure considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1160 addresses a concern we have about public safety as it relates to drones flying over
• things fly over our entertainment areas when we have NASCAR events, and it becomes kind of a public safety
• issue and a safety hazard for our fans as well as our participants.
• issue and a safety hazard for our fans as well as our participants.
• If you do get convicted of it as a class one misdemeanor, so it's just more of a public safety thing

Bills: SB1049, SB1053, SB1058, SB1093, SB1160, SB1211

Keywords: spousal maintenance, court guidelines, self-sufficiency, financial support, marriage dissolution, concealed carry, gun permits, firearms training, public safety, criminal history checks, local recognition, firearms, merchant codes, financial privacy, Second Amendment, data protection, riot, planning, racketeering, criminal conspiracy

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets

Transcript Highlights:

• Safety in the operating room must be equitable.
• It is the essential step toward setting a clear statewide standard for safety.
• Thank you. ...clear statewide standard for safety for hospitals, both large and small, who are waiting
• Additionally, under Joint Commission environmental care, life and safety standards, we're required to
• and efficacy. ...like dietary supplements, mushrooms, and herbs, which have a poor record of safety

Bills: S0162, S0254, S0688, S0794, S1110, S1574

Keywords: surgical smoke, health standards, hospital safety, patient protection, medical regulations, nursing education, licensure, remedial courses, temporary license, graduate nursing preceptorship, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, background screening, support coordination services, developmental disabilities, Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome, public hearings, orthotics, prosthetics, healthcare, Medicaid

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services met with a quorum present and took up several health-related bills. CS/SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics was heard first. The bill would require coverage for medically necessary orthotics and prosthetics without lifetime or continuous-use caps, direct AHCA to seek federal approval and update contracts, and require annual reporting. Testimony from a child using prosthetic “gymnastics blades,” his mother, and another young person with a prosthetic leg emphasized the high cost of activity-specific devices and the impact on children’s mobility, sports participation, and quality of life. Senators voiced strong support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then approved SB 1574, “Maddie’s Law,” which adds newborn screening for biliary atresia using the existing blood specimen collected at birth. The sponsor and the child’s father described the condition as time-sensitive and potentially fatal without early detection, and argued the screening could prevent transplants and save money. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 794 on background screening for employees of residential facilities and day training programs for people with developmental disabilities, plus a review of waiver support coordination quality, training, and access issues. Parents and a support coordinator testified that strong support coordination is essential for families and that the bill would help standardize expectations and improve services. An amendment aligning the bill with the House companion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Members next heard SB 162, which requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. Supporters, including nurses and the Florida Nurses Association, described surgical smoke as a workplace hazard with toxic chemicals and potential cancer risks; hospital representatives said they support the intent but argued existing federal and state standards already regulate the issue and the bill is too prescriptive. A late-filed amendment clarifying the smoke must be “effectively captured and filtered” was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 254, a major nursing education bill that tightens oversight of low-performing nursing programs, creates a temporary provisional license and preceptorship pathway for graduates awaiting NCLEX results, requires remediation for delayed testing, and increases transparency by posting passage rates. Nursing groups supported stronger standards, while private nursing schools warned the bill could reduce capacity and discourage program directors; the amended bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 688, which would reestablish licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors in Florida, create a board of naturopathic medicine, set licensure and renewal requirements, and define the scope of practice while excluding most prescription authority. Supporters said it would expand health care choices and allow naturopathic doctors to practice openly, while opponents from the medical community warned the bill could authorize diagnosis and treatment without sufficient training and rely on unproven therapies. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned after members thanked staff for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a high school student doing research on AI safety legislation, I bring the voice of youth and AI safety
• Across numerous conversations at school... ...of youth and AI safety researchers.
• And based on my engagement with peers, AI safety researchers, and recently with Representative Callan
• And if we're regulating the safety of the car, this would be the way that this bill works.
• It would regulate the safety of the car as a whole, and not the tires or the seats or the seatbelts or

Bills: SB6046

Keywords: SB 6046, Civil Air Patrol, Washington Military Department, Washington Division of Civil Air Patrol, volunteer air patrol, search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet training, communications support, cyber security, emergency response, governor call-up, active state service, federally chartered Civil Air Patrol, Washington Wing, Title 38 RCW, military department, tribal cooperation, public safety aviation, aerospace cadets