Transcript Highlights:

• It specifies that Medal Examiners Commission appointments remain on the Commission until the appointee
• It gives the Medical Examiners Commission authority to appoint the district medical examiners and establishes
• Representative Skidmore: So, other than resigning and becoming unqualified, why would the governor appoint
• This answer may seem general, but it's the truth because they want to appoint somebody different.
• In addition to being recently appointed to the Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board by

Transcript Highlights:

• with Senator Limon for four years on this critical issue to advance transparency in statewide appointments
• value of providing visibility both to the makeup of these statewide boards and commissions and the appointment
• That is why this year we are expanding on past efforts, including legislative appointments, further strengthening
• This year, we are expanding on past efforts, including legislative appointments, further strengthening
• The governor and legislature collectively appoint leaders to more than 580 boards and commissions, filling

Summary: The Assembly Governmental Organizations Committee met on June 25, 2025, with a quorum present and several members substituting for absent colleagues. The committee first approved a consent calendar of several Senate bills, sending them to Appropriations on a due-pass recommendation. Members then heard SB 702 by Senator Limon, which would expand transparency reporting for statewide and legislative appointments to boards and commissions. The sponsor and supporters from HOPE and other advocacy and civil rights organizations argued the bill would improve accountability, representation, and public trust; committee members broadly praised the effort and many asked to be added as coauthors. SB 702 passed the committee on a unanimous roll call, with members voting aye and the bill sent to the Assembly Judiciary Committee. The committee then heard SB 388 by Senator Padilla, which would establish a California Latino Commission to study and advocate on issues affecting Latino Californians, including education, housing, health, economic mobility, and related disparities. Senator Padilla and supporters cited data on poverty, educational attainment, climate and health impacts, housing overcrowding, and the Latina pay gap, while members emphasized the bill’s importance amid current attacks on immigrant communities and the need to address homeownership and generational wealth. SB 388 also received strong support and was approved on a 20-1 vote, with one no vote from Assembly Member Sanchez, and was sent to Appropriations. After the final roll calls and opening the roll for absent members, the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm not going to offer an amendment, but I'm curious why you have the governor appointing all 14 members
• :25:57.120> have<00:25:57.440> the<00:25:57.560> governor<00:25:57.920> appointing
• <00:25:58.320> all why you have the governor appointing all why you have the governor appointing
• . appointment. appointment.
• <00:26:57.600> as you know legislative appointments as you know legislative appointments as

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Accordingly, we will need tellers, and the chair now appoints as tellers Senator Cummings of Rutland
• <00:04:17.440> as<00:04:17.759> tellers the chair now appoints as tellers the chair
• <00:45:16.640> to Jana won her race and was appointed to Jana won her race and was appointed
• John was then appointed to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
• John was then appointed to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, reporting: out of the four court-appointed sessions that we had with a court-appointed therapist.
• .. ...reporting: out of the four court-appointed sessions that we had with a court-appointed therapist
• He also unilaterally canceled those appointments, and I paid 100 percent of the bill with a 50 percent
• Under this bill, parents can bring a civil action when a court-appointed evaluator, therapist, or other
• Like so many families... appointed professionals accountable when they violate the ethical standards

Bills: SB1285, SB1289, SB1326, SB1328, SB1329, SB1330, SB1392, SB1402, SB1425, SCR1013, SCR1014

Keywords: sentencing, correctional facilities, multiple sentences, death penalty, aggravating circumstances, juvenile offenses, class 2 felony, foreign donations, election administration, certification, Arizona Revised Statutes, transparency, public disclosure, victims' rights, attorney fees, government accountability, right to counsel, legal representation, parents' rights, family law

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then took up several election, family court, and criminal justice bills. SB 1425, the “big bill,” would move Arizona’s 2026 primary election date earlier and adjust related election administration timelines; the chair’s amendment moved the primary to July 21 and removed the shortened curing/ID deadlines. County officials testified in support, explaining the timing changes and the need to align dates, and the committee adopted the amendment and gave the bill a do-pass recommendation. SB 1289, dealing with certifications for entities providing money or resources for election administration and foreign funding disclosures, also received a do-pass recommendation after testimony from supporters arguing it would block foreign influence in election administration and ballot issue spending. The committee later heard SCR 1013, a related resolution that would more directly prohibit foreign-source money for election administration and ballot measures; the sponsor and supporters said it was similar to SB 1289 but broader, and testimony focused on foreign money flowing through nonprofit networks. The committee then considered SB 1326, which would allow courts to award attorney fees and costs to victims when a party violates or worsens a victim’s rights. A victim’s attorney testified that the bill would provide needed accountability and guidance, while opponents argued the term “exacerbates” was vague and that existing remedies already exist. The committee approved SB 1326 on a 4-3 vote. SB 1402, requiring courts to impose a fee on certain probationers to cover electronic monitoring costs, drew support from the sponsor and advocates who said offenders should pay for monitoring, and opposition from defense attorneys who warned it could burden indigent probationers and divert money from treatment; it also received a 4-3 do-pass recommendation. The most extensive debate was on SB 1330, which would allow a parent in certain custody cases to request a jury trial on parenting time or legal decision-making. Supporters, including several parents, described costly and traumatic family court experiences and argued a jury would provide a neutral check on judges and court-appointed professionals. County and court representatives opposed the bill, saying family cases require specialized judicial expertise, jury trials would delay urgent matters, increase costs, and risk confidentiality. Despite those concerns, the committee adopted the bill on a 4-3 vote. The committee also approved SB 1328, which declares state policy favoring parental rights and a child’s equal access to both co-parents, after adopting an amendment adding legislative intent language. Finally, SB 1329, which would let parents sue court-appointed professionals who deviate from professional ethics or standards in custody matters, passed 4-3 after testimony from parents and advocates who said court appointees lack accountability, while opponents said existing malpractice and licensing remedies already address misconduct.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 48 also enhances the qualifications to become an appointed...
• No mayor should be appointing the chiefs...
• They should have the capability to hire and to appoint whoever that chief may be.
• I said that a mayor should not be appointing the top brass of a police... be appointing the top brass
• These people are being appointed. So now let me ask you this: that's eroding the...

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the recommendation to the committee will be to consent to the appointment.
• The recommendation to the committee will be to consent to the appointment.
• Senator Awa. consent to the to the appointment. consent to the to the appointment.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up Governor’s Message 684, which concerned the confirmation of Stephanie R. Schar as circuit court judge for the Circuit Court of the Fifth Circuit, Kauaʻi, for a 10-year term. The chair noted the item was for decision-making only and recommended consent to the appointment. No questions or concerns were raised during discussion. A roll call vote was taken, and the measure was adopted unanimously by the members present. Senator San Buenaventura was excused. Following adoption, the chair congratulated Judge Schar and noted the nomination would move to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• On the disagreement to House Bill 368 by Representative Freeman, the Speaker appoints Representatives
• On the disagreement to House Bill 776 by Representative Bourriaque, the Speaker appoints Representatives
• , two people appointed by the speaker, and the rest of the system presidents will be ex officio, and
• The House just changed in House Education to members that are going to be appointed from the Louisiana
• It allows for doctors to be appointed, creates an executive director in statute, and makes...

Bills: SCR12, HB1259, HB221, HB509, HCR117, HCR58, SCR29, SCR33, SB295, SB312, SB326, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR32, HCR5, HCR95, HB75, HB198, HB244, HB302, HB325, HB623, HB719, HB749, HB755, HB761, HB797, HB823, HB1028, HB1049, HB1194, HB1199, HB1201, HB1222, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB73, HB140, HB166, HB181, HB211, HB223, HB226, HB271, HB308, HB337, HB399, HB410, HB487, HB690, HB712, HB730, HB750, HB759, HB762, HB775, HB906, HB966, HB968, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1062, HB1081, HB1086, HB1098, HB1107, HB1112, HB1203, HB1215, HB1220, HB1242, HB1252, HB1256, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB283, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB449, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB441, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, HB1259, mask penalty, masked felony, face covering, conceal identity, evade identification, sentencing enhancement, enhanced penalty, felony sentencing, crime deterrence, public safety, Louisiana criminal law, R.S. 14:313.2, R.S. 14:313, R.S. 14:329.7

Summary: The Senate convened with 26 members present, heard a prayer from Dr. Steve Horn, and recited the pledge. The chamber then handled messages from the House, including concurrence in SCR 83 and appointment of conference committee members on several disagreements. A number of Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, mostly creating study task forces or commending individuals and organizations, including resolutions on energy infrastructure, breast pump access, insurance coverage for auto repairs, biomarker testing, higher education funding, public-private partnership contracting, and various commendations. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, while others were returned to the calendar or concurred in by recorded vote, including SCR 29 and SCR 33 with House amendments. The Senate also considered House and Senate bills and resolutions returned from the House, with many measures adopted or concurred in. Notable actions included concurrence in HCR 117 on homeowner insurance claims processes, adoption of HCR 5 on special red drum harvest permits, and passage of bills on TOPS Tech eligibility (HB 325), vapor product permitting (HB 623), ABLE/Tuition Trust administration (HB 749), design services contracting (HB 755), rare cancer advisory board composition (HB 761), non-emergency medical transportation reimbursement (HB 1028), public meeting notices (HB 1049), healthy food retail financing (HB 1194), genetic testing coverage for SCN2A disorders (HB 1199), grocery initiative grants (HB 1222, which failed), and a constitutional amendment on retirement debt repayment order (HB 27). The chamber also adopted HCR 95, creating a joint rule requiring a fiscal review of certain tax measures for sales and use tax uniformity. Several measures drew extended debate. HB 181, which would allow the legislative auditor access to Medicaid and SNAP-related tax information for eligibility verification and fraud review, prompted concerns about privacy and scope but ultimately passed 26-8. HB 1220 on the State Board of Medical Examiners generated amendment discussion about board composition and transparency, including live video broadcasting of meetings, but was returned to the calendar before final action. HB 1018, creating a temporary local moratorium on certain alcohol permits in one Shreveport district, passed after discussion about broader policy solutions. The Senate then recessed for lunch at 2 p.m. after completing the subject-to-call list for the morning session.

Transcript Highlights:

• but I'd like to have in these economic districts either a state representative or a state senator appointed
• by the President or the House Speaker or jointly appointed... ...appointed by the President or the House
• Speaker or jointly appointed, so that we have some involvement in that conversation that's going on,
• would read: The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall jointly appoint
• the president or the House Speaker or jointly appointed so that we have some involvement in that conversation

Bills: HR175, HCR81, SB105, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB522

Keywords: TOPS, education funding, workforce development, postsecondary education, Louisiana Works, tech training, declining enrollment, public schools, school districts, Louisiana Department of Education, state superintendent, school closures, budget cuts, teacher layoffs, school consolidation, education policy, enrollment decline, birth rates, migration, private schools

Summary: The House Education Committee met on May 6 and began with a presentation from LSU leadership, including LSU System President Wade Roos and Chancellor Jim Dalton. They outlined LSU’s goals of building an “elite” flagship university while maintaining accessibility through transfer pathways from regional campuses, increasing research expenditures toward top-tier status, and keeping more Louisiana students in-state for college and jobs. Members responded positively, praising LSU’s leadership, workforce focus, and efforts to retain the state’s best and brightest students. The committee then considered several bills. SB 105, by Sen. Kathy, would reinstitute a TOPS Tech-related benefit for veterans using existing TOPS Tech funds, with no new money added; it was reported favorably. SB 374 would create a uniform framework for college economic development districts, allowing other institutions to establish districts with local government approval; Rep. Tarver offered and the committee adopted an amendment adding a legislator to each district board, and the bill was reported with amendments. SB 304 would let Louisiana institutions choose from a Board of Regents-approved list of accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, while preserving specialized accreditation; it was reported favorably. The committee also took up SB 522, which would allow vocational and technical charter schools to apply directly to BESE as Type 2 charters when supported by the State Board of Commerce and Industry. Rep. Taylor objected that the bill should apply equally to public schools and charter schools, but the committee ultimately voted 9-1 to report the bill favorably. SB 290, a cleanup bill on student exit codes and school accountability data, was reported favorably. H.R. 175, which would have asked for a study of TOPS Tech, was voluntarily deferred by the author. Finally, H.C.R. 81, by Rep. Freiberg, requested a Department of Education study on options for public school systems facing declining enrollment, including funding, staffing, closures, and consolidation. Caroline Romer of the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools supported the study, and Rep. Taylor asked whether charter schools should be included in the review. The resolution was reported favorably. The meeting ended with several members recognizing visiting mayors and other guests before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have purchased vans to transport veterans to their medical appointments.
• It again enhances veterans' access to medical appointments in a timely manner.
• We have purchased vans to transport veterans to their medical appointments.
• It again enhances veterans to access medical appointments in a timely manner.
• The remainder are appointed by the Governor, the Speaker, and the Senate President.

Summary: The Committee on Military Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security met to consider SB 96, which originally proposed a new veterans dental care program but was amended to expand the existing Veterans Dental Care Grant Program. The amendment raised eligibility from 300% to 400% of the federal poverty level and added a recurring $500,000 general revenue appropriation. Members discussed whether expanding eligibility without guaranteed additional funding could dilute services for veterans already being served, while supporters argued it would help veterans currently turned away for dental care. The committee adopted the amendment and then reported CS/SB 96 favorably by roll call vote, with Chair Wright voting no. The committee also approved two committee bills continuing public records exemptions: SPB 7000, covering the address and telephone number of people staying in public emergency shelters during storms or catastrophic events, and SPB 7002, covering certain Department of Military Affairs records stored in or transmitted through Department of Defense systems or related to military cyber operations. Both were moved as committee bills without objection and were favorably reported. Members then received presentations from Dr. Pia Woodley of the Florida Veterans Foundation and Joe Marino of Veterans Florida. Dr. Woodley outlined the foundation’s dental initiatives, emergency assistance, transportation support, benefits guide distribution, new programs for state veterans’ homes and community grants, and recent audits with no findings. Marino described Veterans Florida’s SkillBridge, entrepreneur, and workforce programs, including outreach and federal partnerships, and noted legislative priorities to allow stipends for training at UF IFAS AGVets facilities and to rename a program in statute for clarity. The meeting concluded with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• In person or online, or they had an appointment offered 15% of the time for primary care and 6% of the
• The secret shopper that six calls is too many calls to make to try to schedule an appointment.
• Does that mean that they didn't get an appointment or not?
• I will just say for the last, now going on four years, I get an appointment and I have another appointment
• Smith, can we get you an appointment in such and such a time, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• , medical or mental health appointments, medical or mental health appointments, visits,<00:14:37.200
• If a member of the school personnel is transporting a student offsite to a medical appointment unrelated
• driving students to medical appointments without<00:16:08.240> the<00:16:08.400> parents'<
• He was appointed by He used to travel.
• So may she rest in peace as well. when I got appointed chairman of the when I got appointed chairman

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislature, the Senate, gets to appoint one person. The House gets to appoint one person.
• I believe everybody else is appointed. ...one person.
• I believe everybody else is appointed by the governor.
• And I can go by governed by a board appointed by the governor and legislature.
• Tony, on this point, I've been appointed to the Newark, NARUC, NASEO subcommittee on behalf of...

Keywords: 1064, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to know, I'm going to contact the President Pro Tem and try and get Senator Pinto (member_13464) appointed
• But we will do a letter once I get word. back that that senator you are appointed. We will do...
• And just kind of as an update, it's taking longer than we thought it would to get the senator appointed
• And let's say you just wanted to follow up appointment with the cardiologist.
• Representative Torres-Velezquez, big congratulations on your appointment to this office.

Transcript Highlights:

• One member will be appointed by the governor and three members appointed by the Senate.
• It may sound like it's a lot, but it's actually not because it covers multiple appointments.
• So there's an evaluation appointment and then there's a casting appointment. there's a fitting appointment
• Not for an appointment scene, as with a physician.
• So we get paid for a device not for each appointment all of the incurred at one time.

Bills: HB2646, HB3941, HB5153, HB5155, HB5394, HB 1106, HB426, HB4529, HB3984, HB4273, HB 1097, HB3940, HB1941, HB4377, HB3153

Keywords: child care, task force, high-quality care, affordability, prekindergarten partnerships, foster care, transitional living, Medicaid reform, youth assistance, independent living, services for youth, employment training, educational support, mental health services, health care, public health, child health program, reimbursement, local health entities, maternal health

Transcript Highlights:

• Current state law is silent on the issue of how the presiding judge appoints and assigns workers in the
• list must be submitted to the presiding judge and alternate a presiding judge, and that each shall appoint
• The bill would also add... ...emphasizing that the presiding judge and alternate judge shall each appoint
• ... ...the same number of clerks to the extent possible, giving the total number of clerks to be appointed
• when we can't get a registration form at a saying, is there anything else I need to do at this appointment

Bills: SB108, SB318, SB507, SB511, SB533, SB1026, SB1386, SB1433, SB1434, SB1596

Keywords: elections, Election Code, poll workers, election clerks, presiding judge, alternate presiding judge, polling place, central counting station, county chair, political party, gubernatorial election, vote counting, election administration, Texas elections, precinct officials, ballot counting, county election officials, election integrity, election fraud, Attorney General

Transcript Highlights:

• I hereby appoint the honorable Randy Fine to act as Speaker pro tempore on this day.
• The Speaker pro tempore: The Chair announces the Speaker's appointment, pursuant to section 313 of the
• The Speaker pro tempore: The Chair announces the Speaker's appointment, pursuant to section 803-A of
• Education Foundation, authorizing statute 20 U.S.C. 4703, I am pleased to recommend the following appointment

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, November 13, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is a re-appointment? I'm role. So this is a re-appointment?
• I'm in strong support of Jason Watts, um, being appointed chairman.
• I'm in strong support of Jason Watts, um, being appointed chairman.
• We are in strong support of Tracy Lester Smith's appointment.
• We are in strong support of Tracy Lester Smith's appointment.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard multiple governor’s messages for confirmation to the Agribusiness Development Corporation board and one appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. For GM 606, David Ige Hinazumi was supported by ADC and DBEDT, with testimony highlighting his private-sector experience, technology background, and ability to help with risk management and finances. He told senators he had attended board meetings since 2018, saw ADC as a state business arm for agriculture, and supported expanding land, facilities, and even aquaculture if resources allowed. Senators asked about ADC’s role relative to the Department of Agriculture, and he said the department’s strength is research/regulatory work while ADC should focus on business development, support, and facilities for farmers and aquaculture businesses. For GM 607, Jason Watts was strongly supported by ADC leadership, DBEDT, and many agricultural and community groups, with one opposing testimony from Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters praised his governance, accountability, transparency, and frequent communication with the agency. In questioning, Watts said ADC’s top priority should be increasing land holdings, and he discussed ADC’s role in water systems, including preserving agricultural water sources and inventorying systems statewide. He also said ADC could potentially help small farmers comply with environmental permitting through a broader, regional approach if authorized by the Legislature. The committee also heard from Joshua Uyehara for GM 682, who was supported by ADC, county officials, and farm groups. He said his priorities would be accelerating ADC projects, expanding capacity, and possibly using ADC as a center of expertise for water systems and for helping farmers with environmental requirements; he also said biofuel crops and food production can be complementary, though food should be prioritized when water is constrained. The committee then considered GM 513, Tracy Lester Smith’s appointment to the Aloha Stadium Authority. The stadium authority and DBEDT supported her, citing her experience in NASCAR, boxing, and Bellator MMA as useful for marketing, attracting events, and commercializing the stadium. Smith said she was eager to serve and would bring experience from both the landlord and tenant perspectives, helping the board think about venue operations, sponsorships, and event attraction. Senators asked about improving public perception and execution, and she emphasized accountability, timelines, and building a venue that can draw major sports and entertainment events. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have appointed Delegates Phillips and Buckel.
• We have appointed Delegates Mireku-North and McComas. All right.
• We have appointed Delegates Phillips and Buckel.
• We have appointed Delegates Mireku-North and McComas.
• We have appointed Delegates Phillips and Buckel.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with an invocation, confirmed a quorum, and welcomed several guests and groups, including Maryland Library Association members, Stephen Decatur High School’s boys soccer team, Clarksburg High School’s girls flag football team, NAMI representatives, Baltimore Promise, local soil conservation district representatives, and a 911 center leader. The chamber also journalized the invocation and prepared for the Governor’s upcoming State of the State address by exchanging messages with the House and appointing Senate members to escort the Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The body then took up a series of Finance Committee bills, most of them receiving favorable reports and being ordered to third reading without objection. Measures discussed included SB 14 on small business health insurance SHOP enrollment effective dates; SB 22 on Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations; SB 134 on Medicare supplement policy enrollment periods; SB 139 on third-party administrator enforcement; SB 199 on the Individuals with Disabilities and Service-Disabled Veterans Voting Fund; SB 205 codifying federal mental health parity requirements; SB 216 on unemployment insurance confidentiality; SB 43 on the Maryland Community Investment Venture Fund; SB 46 on state veterans cemeteries interment provisions; and SB 226 on the Maryland Heritage Area Authority. Several bills had brief amendments or procedural issues. SB 22 received a technical amendment changing “Attorney General” to “Office of the Attorney General.” SB 199 received an amendment adding a co-sponsor, and SB 46 was briefly set to lie over under the rule after a senator requested time to review a technical clarification. The chamber also received House Bill 1, which was referred to committee, and SB 624 was reassigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Most committee reports were adopted unanimously or without objection, and the Senate repeatedly congratulated the honored school teams and library advocates.

Transcript Highlights:

• Clearly defined, and it shows how that appointment must be made.
• So you can be licensed, but not appointed.
• And then you’re appointed in one of those three fashions.
• They’re appointed here and they’re working way over there.
• “Why would an agency appoint 45 reserve officers?

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.