Transcript Highlights:

• Sean Foster, who is waiving in support, and Barney Bishop is also waiving in support.
• Barney Bishop is waving in support.
• in support, Florida Smart Justice Alliance.
• But I appreciate your support on this bill. Thank you.
• Clerk Tara Green is waiving in support. Clerk Doug Corvette is waiving in support.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we strongly support that effort as well.
• range of high-quality supportive services.
• Thanks for the support.
• Also, thank you for all you do to support our veterans.
• We are being supported by Duke Cannon, Support for the Troops, Minnesota Power. is having us be their

Transcript Highlights:

• I ask for your support. I'd be happy to respond to any questions.
• I ask for your support. I'd be happy to respond to any questions.
• I ask for your support. I'd be happy to respond to any questions.
• <00:25:44.720> earplug their exposure for their combat earplug their exposure for their combat
• I have not always exclusively supported I have not always exclusively supported Republican<00:26

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• as your testifier said, combat as your testifier said, combat misinformation<00:50:30.559> and
• <00:50:49.280> misinformation said he wants to combat misinformation said he wants to combat
• And so, um, I appreciate you bringing this, um, and I'm happy to support it moving forward.
• And so, um, I appreciate you bringing this, um, and I'm happy to support it moving forward.
• And so, um, I appreciate you bringing this, um, and I'm happy to support it moving forward.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 5.
• We support the use of THC for medical purposes. We do not support it for recreational purposes.
• That's why I support a ban.
• This alone explains their support for a ban.
• I pray that you have the wisdom to support Texas hemp farmers and support regulation and reject a ban

Summary: The House Committee on Public Health heard House Bill 5, a proposal to ban THC products outside the Texas Compassionate Use Program while allowing non-intoxicating CBD and CBG products under tighter regulation. Chair Van Deaver gave a lengthy background on the 2018 federal Farm Bill and Texas’s 2019 hemp law, arguing that the lack of guardrails allowed a large, unregulated THC market to develop. HB 5 would impose licensing fees, product registration, testing and inspection requirements, and restrictions intended to keep products away from children. Invited witnesses from law enforcement strongly supported the bill. Steve Dye of the Texas Police Chiefs Association and Brian Hawthorne of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas argued that THC consumables are widely mislabeled, often far more potent than advertised, and linked to youth access, impaired driving, and organized crime. Both said regulation would be ineffective and would amount to legalization, while a ban would be easier for officers to enforce. They also emphasized support for the Texas Compassionate Use Program and said medical THC should remain available. Dr. Peter Stout of the Texas Association of Crime Lab Directors and Alice Amelot of Texas DPS testified as resource witnesses about forensic testing. They said current lab resources are already stretched thin, that quantitative testing for THC and related cannabinoids is expensive and time-consuming, and that a ban would simplify enforcement because labs could focus on presence/absence testing rather than concentration. Amelot said DPS labs are neutral on the bill but explained that mislabeled products and inaccurate certificates of analysis are common. Committee members asked about traffic safety, impairment, youth use, and the costs of enforcement and lab testing; witnesses repeatedly said the bill would reduce complexity for law enforcement but that any approach would still require more resources for labs.

Transcript Highlights:

• My son lost his top support. The only thing I ask you is please help.
• Thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of House Bill 1795.
• I respectfully urge you to support this legislation.
• Again, I urge you to support House Bill 1795.
• I ask you to support the bill. Members, are there any questions?

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My view is that facts don't support that allegation. Take, for instance, NewsGuard.
• So the Twitter file support is over-counted by nearly 22 million. tweets.
• And while there's no evidence to support collusion between the Biden administration and big tech, the
• Senators take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies
• , but the most impressive big tech support ever was under the Senate.

Keywords: censorship, First Amendment, social media, misinformation, free speech, government regulation, Big Tech, public discourse

Summary: The meeting primarily focused on the implications of government involvement in censorship, particularly regarding social media platforms and compliance with misinformation standards. senators and witnesses discussed growing concerns over the influence of large tech companies, like Facebook and Google, in shaping public discourse and suppressing dissenting views. A significant part of the meeting included testimonies from various experts emphasizing the dangers of the 'censorship industrial complex'—a term used to describe the collaborative efforts between government entities and private organizations to control information flow. This collaboration is viewed as a violation of First Amendment rights, with calls for urgent legislative action to restore free speech protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:21:46.240> So<00:21:46.400> if us to combat those fraud concerns.
• So if us to combat those fraud concerns.
• And so I'm going to be supportive of this bill.
• >> and are they supportive of the measure?
• >> and are they supportive of the measure?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first considered Senate Bill 17, a cleanup bill updating Kentucky CASA statutes. The sponsor and witnesses said the bill would reduce the required board size from 15 to 12 to better fit rural and regional programs, remove the ban on certain CHFS employees serving as CASA volunteers while preserving DCBS independence, and update statutory references from the National CASA Association to the Kentucky CASA Network and current national standards language. Members expressed support for the program’s child advocacy role. A committee substitute and title amendment were adopted, and SB 17 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably. The committee then heard Senate Bill 34, which would authorize transfer-on-death deeds for a primary residence or primary vehicle. The sponsor and Uniform Law Commission witnesses said the measure is intended to let owners name a beneficiary to receive property at death without probate, while retaining full ownership and revocation rights during life. They said the bill is designed to be simple, affordable, and protective of creditors, Medicaid recovery, and surviving spouse rights, and that it has been adopted in 30 states. Questions focused on how the deed would interact with wills, revocation, and possible fraud or family disputes; witnesses said a will would not revoke a TOD deed, only a recorded revocation or later deed would, and that challenges to capacity could be brought within two years. The county clerk association requested a future floor amendment on details, and title companies and bankers were described as neutral. SB 34 passed 8-0 and was reported favorably, with some members noting they would want to review the forthcoming amendment before final floor consideration.

Transcript Highlights:

• Several members express their support and suggest amendments to improve the bill's effectiveness.
• The results are tallied, and the majority support the bill.
• And I would respectfully ask that you support the resolution to remove a leader of the...
• Thank you for your support, and I move passage.
• support beginning.

Bills: HJR99, HB1399, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HCR35, SB14, HB 12, HB1522, HB422, HB675, HB204, HB748, HB912, HJR99, HB1399, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HCR35, HCR123, HCR124, HR57, HR87, HR111, HR228, HR230, HR322, HR624, HR625, HR626, HR627, HR628, HR630, HR631, HR634, HR635, HR636, HR637, HR638, HR639, HR640, HR645, HR646, HR648, HR649, HR651, HR652, HR653, HR654, HR664, HR665, HR668, HR675, HR676, HR678, HR679, HR680, HR683, HR686, HR688, HR689, HR694, HR695, HR697, HR698, HR699, HR472, HR622, HR632, HR633, HR643, HR655, HR657, HR660, HR661, HR662, HR663, HR667, HR670, HR674, HR681, HR682, HR696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• I TOTALLY SUPPORT THE IDEA OF ADDING THE FAITH-BASED SECTION TO IT.
• I ENCOURAGE EVERY MEMBER OF THIS COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT SENATE BILL 894.
• OF THIS BILL BECAUSE WE DO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS LIBERTIES.
• FAITH BASED ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN IN SUPPORT OF OUR AMERICAN SOCIETY.
• FLORIDA FAMILY VOICE ARE IN STRONG SUPPORT OF SB 894 WHICH IS A STRAIGHTFORWARD AND URGENT CORRECTION

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Otherwise, we appreciate your support today. Thank you. Thank you.
• Any additional folks wish to express support in the room? Any witnesses in opposition?
• This is a fantastic bill supported by our firefighters. The costs are negligible.
• Any witnesses in support? Witnesses in opposition? Good.
• Here with me to support this bill is Sandra Barrero from SEIU California. Thank you.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We support the use of THC. For medical purposes, we do not support it for recreational purposes.
• That's why I support a ban.
• ...combat this problem?
• And lastly, many that support The bill’s supporters are saying TEACUP is the better option for Texans
• I fully support regulating.

Bills: HB5

Keywords: hemp, cannabinoids, regulation, occupational licenses, consumable products, marketing, criminal offenses, labeling requirements, health and safety, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:18.000> Fast as they came back from combat. Fast as they came back from combat.
• I retired from the Army in the summer of '24 after 30 years in multiple combat deployments.
• I have no problem in supporting your request for continued funding in this area.
• support our veterans. support our veterans.
• <00:21:46.240> your have no problem in supporting your have no problem in supporting your

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met on Military Kids Day and first heard an update from USA Cares, a nonprofit that provides emergency financial assistance and follow-up support to military and veteran families. Representatives said the organization helps families facing housing, vehicle, and utility crises, as well as transition challenges, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and related risks. They reported that the state’s prior $2 million appropriation was nearly all directed to direct aid, with about 97% used for family assistance and 364 families served in the past 18 months, including more than 500 dependents. They also described a new post-assistance mental health survey and referral effort with the University of Louisville, and said they are requesting another $2 million over the next two-year budget cycle. Members asked about referral sources, the impact of possible VA benefit changes, substance abuse, and whether USA Cares can connect clients to treatment. USA Cares said the VA is its most steady referral source, with referrals also coming from homeless crisis lines, HUD-VASH, KDVA, and local resources. They said they already consider reductions in benefits when reviewing applications and that they do make warm handoffs to VA counselors and other professionals, while expanding a follow-up mental health assessment program to better identify substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide risk. The committee then took up Senate Resolution 103, which recognizes and honors military children on Military Kids Day and commemorates the event’s history and growth. The resolution notes the event began in 2017, was inspired by a military spouse’s suggestion, and has grown from roughly 20-40 participants to about 250. Members and the sponsor spoke about the resilience and leadership of military kids and the importance of the event. The resolution was adopted, and Senator Jimmy Higdon was recognized with a service coin in appreciation of his leadership in creating Military Kids Day.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a meaningful step forward in helping survivors move on from their past experiences and combating
• This progress is important to combat the stigma associated with victimization. Mr.
• Not On Our Watch supports Senate Bill 958 because we have seen time and time again that survivors are
• We support Senate Bill 958, and I'll answer any questions. Members, are there any questions?
• I'm here today on behalf of the Texas Probation Association in support of Senate Bill 663.

Bills: SB663, SB958

Keywords: community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 958, Texas Government Code, nondisclosure, order of nondisclosure, criminal history record information, trafficking of persons, human trafficking, compelling prostitution, survivor rights, record sealing, expunction, deferred adjudication, prostitution, controlled substances, theft

Transcript Highlights:

• I proudly support it, and I proudly support this rule. I yield back.
• Support this legislation.
• Support this legislation.
• Support this legislation.
• Support this legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• world, the Massachusetts Senate unequivocally condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and recommits to combating
• the global rise of anti-Semitism. ...anti-Semitism, recommits to combating the global rise of anti-Semitism
• , and recognizes the importance of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s efforts to combat

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then adopted a resolution recognizing the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The resolution condemned antisemitism, noted the historical significance of Auschwitz and the Holocaust, and directed copies to be sent to the Consulate General of Israel, the New England Holocaust Memorial Committee, and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation. The chamber then took up several bills and committee reports. It passed to be enacted House No. 4663, authorizing the town of Milford Select Board to appoint a highway surveyor, and sent it to the Governor. The Senate also ordered to a third reading a bill establishing a sick leave bank for Shannon Manning, a Trial Court employee. In addition, the Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 on a report concerning legislation to protect access to justice and referred the matter to the Committee on Judiciary. It also ordered House No. 4805, amending the town charter of Plainville, to a third reading, and suspended Joint Rule 12 on several House petitions so they could be referred to the appropriate committees. The Senate adopted an order to meet again the following Thursday at 11 a.m. in formal session, then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So then me, non-combat Marine.
• Peer-to-peer support. Put simply, it's what we do.
• support the work that the VA does to provide life-saving care?
• And we need to continue the peer support.
• , yet much remains to strengthen support to veterans.

Keywords: veteran services, homelessness, unemployment, VA funding, mental health, congressional oversight, testimonies, American Legion, Dole Act, suicide prevention

Summary: This meeting focused on veteran services, emphasizing the urgent need to address the alarming rate of unemployment and homelessness among veterans. Numerous testimonies were presented detailing the impact of mass furloughs and cutbacks at the VA on personnel, notably veterans who were serving as employees. Various representatives expressed deep concern over how these firings could drastically affect the quality of care available to those who have served the nation. There was a strong call for Congress to bolster funding for existing programs aimed at alleviating veteran homelessness and improving overall care quality, especially in mental health services.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:41.040> And processes to combat this threat. And processes to combat this threat.
• , acquisition, implementation, support, and<00:17:57.120> maintenance<00:17:58.320> of<
• <00:20:14.880> in advocate for federal support in advocate for federal support in developing
• Legislative support in funding, oversight, and partnership will be crucial to ensure Minnesota State
• processes, especially and how we combat processes, especially and how we combat enrollment<01:12

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Less than 100 were in support.
• Less than 100 were in support.
• Less than 100 were in support.
• Less than 100 were in support.
• support this bill.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This initiative represents a significant advancement in Minnesota's ongoing efforts to combat fraud and
• The support for Crime Victim Services is critical.
• And many of your colleagues who support this program.
• I've truly appreciated this committee's support for the Department of Corrections this year and in the
• Thank you again for your partnership and your ongoing support for Minnesota State. Thank you.