Transcript Highlights:

• It's really a very serious offense.
• And then when you look to how the offense is committed, a person commits the offense without the other
• It's an age-restricted offense.
• In the same vein, if I've got juvenile offenders, I may look to prosecuting that offense as the offense
• That's a second-degree felony offense.

Bills: HB33 , HB45 , HB48 , HB1261 , HB1465 , HB1778 , HB2596 , HB5238 , SB2969 , HB45 , HB48

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 48, oilfield theft, organized theft, petroleum products, oil and gas equipment, DPS, Department of Public Safety, Texas, Railroad Commission, criminal justice, energy resources, theft prevention, organized crime, border region, El Paso, law enforcement task force, asset recovery, pipeline theft, drilling equipment, equipment theft

Transcript Highlights:

• I should note that today we have a sexually violent predator case going in Kamau County.
• Executive Director Choda: I should note that today we have a sexually violent predator case going in
• a historic case in that it will be the first female sexually violent predator in Texas and possibly
• We're talking about the state crimes that are committed on state offenses.
• We're talking about the state crimes that are committed on state offenses.

Bills: SB 1

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It provides that for a first offense, the offender shall be imprisoned for not less than one year, no
• It provides that for a first offense, the offender shall be imprisoned for not less than one year, no
• to six years for a second or subsequent offense when a child 13 years of age or younger is present.
• When I was six years old in Liberia, I watched my dad violently beat my mom.
• We're changing the present law name of the offense from intentional transmission of HIV to intentional

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• WE MUST TAKE BOLD ACTION TO REDUCE VIOLENT CRIME AND END GUN VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES.
• YOU WILL WE FIND A MORE DANGEROUS INDIVIDUAL IN THE AVERAGE PRISON AND THAT PRISON WILL GET MORE VIOLENT
• FELONIES AND MISDEMEANORS, WE FILED BILLS TO ENHANCE PENALTIES WITHOUT KNOWING WHAT THE LEVEL OF OFFENSES
• EVERYTHING ELSE, YOUR KIDS GOT A DRUG HABIT, CRIME OF OPPORTUNITY, THERE ARE SOME VIOLENT CRIMES THAT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• social workers, so that they do know how to protect themselves, how to recognize the signs, because violent
• individuals generally give signs before they are violent?
• And there are what's called lesser included offenses. Would you agree with me there? Yes, I agree.
• And so a lesser included offense may be something that doesn't fulfill all of the elements and has a

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• THE REASON BEHIND THAT IS WE HAVE OBVIOUSLY STUDENTS WHO ARE ARRESTED FOR VIOLENT CRIMES OFF CAMPUS.
• AND THAT IS UP TO THE THREAT MANAGEMENT TEAM AT THE SCHOOL BECAUSE ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN REPORTED A VIOLENT
• WHAT IS THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT OF OFFENSE?
• BECAUSE IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A SCHOOL SHOOTING IS THAT YOUR RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND I DON'T KNOW IF OFFENSE

Transcript Highlights:

• taking that into consideration, our population floats between 90-95% of it are felons, including both violent
• and non-violent felons.
• And then my other question is, what kinds of offenses are they being jailed for?
• What kinds of offenses are they in jail for? Everything. Everything? Everything.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Almost all sex offenses, about 95%, are...
• Almost all sex offenses, about 95%, are perpetrated by people without past convictions.
• Most sex offenses are not social, it's not geographic, and don't involve strangers.
• Those with past sexual offenses are subject to being listed on the public registry.
• be, to be violent or be, you know, disruptive in a way that's disruptive to the child.

Bills: S0212 , S0218 , S0442 , S0460 , S0532 , S0554 , S0644 , S0686 , S0692 , S1054 , S1106 , S1128 , S1134 , S1138 , S1338 , S1434 , S1506 , S1620 , S1748

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual offender, sexual predator, sex offender registry, child protection, residency restriction, loitering, proximity restriction, public swimming pool, school safety, child care facility, day care center, park, playground, conditional release, probation, community control, warrantless arrest, background check, registry screening, minor victims

Summary: The committee first considered SB 1434 on infill redevelopment. A late-filed strike-all amendment narrowed eligibility criteria, including environmental and adjacency requirements, density and intensity limits, and exclusions for certain lands and military areas. The amendment was adopted without opposition, and the bill then passed favorably on an 8-0 vote, with testimony both for and against from advocacy groups. Members then heard several bills related to criminal justice, land use, and local government operations. SB 212 on sexual offenders and sexual predators was amended to add public swimming pools and related restricted-location provisions; the committee heard extensive opposition testimony arguing the bill lacked empirical support and could worsen homelessness and burden families, while supporters said it would reduce temptation and improve safety. The amended bill passed 8-1. SB 686 on agricultural enclaves also received a strike-all amendment clarifying development allowances near interstates and protected-area non-preemption; after opposition from a county Republican committee and support from housing and business groups, it passed 10-0. SB 554 updating nonprofit corporation law, SB 1338 on charitable giving and endowment restrictions, SB 532 on court fee retention by clerks, and SB 218 on land use regulations after hurricanes all passed favorably, each with little or no opposition. The committee also approved SB 692 on cybersecurity standards and liability after debate over whether the bill created enough compliance incentives and whether its liability presumption should apply retroactively; supporters said it would encourage adoption of cybersecurity frameworks, while opponents warned it could weaken local standards and create litigation issues. The bill passed 9-2. SB 1138 on qualified contractors was amended to preserve local government authority while allowing licensed professionals to conduct limited pre-application reviews, and it passed 11-0. Finally, SJR 1104 on religious expression in public schools passed 8-3 after extensive public testimony and debate, with supporters saying it would enshrine existing protections in the Constitution and opponents warning it would favor majority religions and increase bullying and litigation. The committee then took up SB 1106 on requiring state agencies and instructional materials to use “Judea and Samaria” instead of “West Bank,” with the sponsor arguing it reflected historical truth and opponents saying it erased Palestinian identity and inserted the state into an international naming dispute; the transcript ends during public testimony on that bill before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• novo appeal process when a prosecutor appeals the amount of bond for a repeat offender or for an offense
• Additionally, the House amended the offense of terroristic threat to only be a bond if it's charged as
• So what the House did was they amended the offenses eligible for the denial of bail, just slightly, but
• The House also adjusted the joint resolution to state that a... ...a person under one of these offenses
• .to reasonably ensure the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim of the alleged offense

Bills: SJR 5 , SJR 27 , SB 4 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 9 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 23 , SB 27 , SB 30 , SB 40 , SB 57 , SB 66 , SB 140 , SB 268 , SB 293 , SB 331 , SB 413 , SB 437 , SB 447 , SB 457 , SB 467 , SB 506 , SB 510 , SB 512 , SB 568 , SB 571 , SB 650 , SB 710 , SB 763 , SB 785 , SB 800 , SB 850 , SB 863 , SB 865 , SB 904 , SB 905 , SB 973 , SB 974 , SB 1191 , SB 1281 , SB 1300 , SB 1362 , SB 1494 , SB 1504 , SB 1522 , SB 1540 , SB 1567 , SB 1579 , SB 1580 , SB 1610 , SB 1660 , SB 1723 , SB 1760 , SB 1838 , SB 1923 , SB 1946 , SB 1957 , SB 1964 , SB 2018 , SB 2024 , SB 2121 , SB 2167 , SB 2217 , SB 2221 , SB 2321 , SB 2337 , SB 2368 , SB 2373 , SB 2407 , SB 2431 , SB 2477 , SB 2587 , SB 2615 , SB 2753 , SB 2807 , SB 2900 , SB 2965 , SB 2972 , SB 2986 , SB 3039 , SB 3047 , SB 3059 , SB 3070 , SB 1 , SB 8 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 21 , SB 30 , SB 37 , SB 260 , SB 268 , SB 331 , SB 379 , SB 441 , SB 447 , SB 457 , SB 509 , SB 650 , SB 763 , SB 1198 , SB 1405 , SB 1506 , SB 1566 , SB 1610 , SB 1637 , SB 1660 , SB 1833 , SB 2018 , SB 2024 , SB 2155 , SB 2217 , SB 2308 , SB 2337 , SB 2601 , SB 2753 , SB 2778 , SB 2878 , SB 2900 , SB 3059 , HB 4 , HB 145 , HB 300 , HB 493 , HB 2011 , HB 2067 , HB 2516 , HB 2525 , HB 2885 , HB 2974 , HB 3071 , HB 3372 , HB 3595 , HB 5138 , HB 5246 , HB 796 , HB 1523 , HB 5294 , HB 748 , HB 3395 , HB 180 , HB 3171 , HB 4690 , HB 146 , HB 5596 , HB 5694 , HB 1135 , HB 3225 , HB 186 , HB 1449 , HB 3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 4233 , HB 1094 , HB 3336 , HB 3520 , HB 3320 , HB 5663 , HB 2731 , HB 2399 , HB 111 , HB 3483 , HB 4580 , HB 3748 , HB 632 , HB 4730 , HB 127 , HB 5690 , HB 5689 , HB 3385 , HB 4359 , HB 5381 , HB 20 , HB 123 , HB 549 , HB 5606 , HB 2594 , HB 1057 , HB 3664 , HCR 141 , HCR 40 , HCR 59 , SJR 36 , SJR 50 , SJR 63 , SCR 12 , SCR 39 , SB 2023 , SB 62 , SB 666 , SB 847 , SB 284 , SB 854 , SB 810 , SB 1505 , SB 583 , SB 507 , SB 1434 , SB 1772 , SB 2016 , SB 1122 , SB 731 , SB 397 , SB 508 , SB 1436 , SB 287 , SB 1882 , SB 393 , SB 1791 , SB 209 , SB 2429 , SB 1085 , SB 1975 , SB 2717 , SB 1262 , SB 636 , SB 2056 , SB 884 , SB 1200 , SB 1845 , SB 2458 , SB 801 , SB 3014 , SB 3013 , SB 758 , SB 2797 , SB 2076 , SB 2876 , SB 1640 , SB 1449 , SB 1181 , SB 1234 , SB 2926 , SB 2841 , SB 1528 , SB 1854 , SB 317 , SB 1250 , SB 2082 , SB 1237 , SB 2819 , SB 629 , SB 2608 , SB 1602 , SB 2009 , SB 867 , SB 640 , SB 1698 , SB 2680 , SB 913 , SB 1071 , SB 1086 , SB 1087 , SB 1483 , SB 1444 , SB 1553 , SB 1556 , SB 1703 , SB 2133 , SB 2297 , SB 2298 , SB 2622 , SB 2955 , SB 2334 , SB 1367 , SB 2044 , SB 2363 , SB 2565 , SB 1888 , SB 3036 , SB 3057 , SB 3043 , SB 3063 , SB 3035 , SB 203 , SB 2688 , SB 2522 , SB 2459 , SB 2655 , SB 2251 , SB 1884 , SB 2928 , SB 2566 , SB 2549 , SB 2553 , SB 2919 , SB 1944 , SB 1232 , SB 1798 , SB 2603 , SB 2607 , SB 2683 , SB 1319 , SB 3045 , SB 3071 , HB 20 , HB 127 , HB 549 , HB 1094 , HB 2594 , HB 2731 , HB 4233 , HB 4690 , SR 625 , HCR 167 , SJR 5 , SB 4 , SB 6 , SB 9 , SB 23 , SB 40 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 30 , SB 268 , SB 331 , SB 447 , SB 457 , SB 568 , SB 650 , SB 763 , SB 1540 , SB 1610 , SB 1660 , SB 2018 , SB 2024 , SB 2217 , SB 2337 , SB 2753 , SB 2900 , SB 2972 , SB 3059 , HB 4 , HB 145 , HB 493 , HB 2067 , HB 2516 , HB 2885 , HB 2974 , HB 3071 , HB 3372 , HB 3556 , HB 3595 , HB 5138

Keywords: bail, felony offenses, criminal justice reform, public safety, constitutional amendment, judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, property tax, homestead exemption, school funding, state aid, electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service

Summary: The meeting centered around the discussions of several key bills, notably HB4233, which aims to align Texas's money transmission licensing and auditing requirements with federal regulations. Senator Parker led the discussion, emphasizing the need for consumer protections around cryptocurrency kiosks that have become targets for fraud, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as seniors. The meeting also saw lively debates on HB20, designed to reintegrate technical education into high schools, addressing skills shortages in the workforce. The bills were well received, with strong bipartisan support evident in the votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an issue out there when you're talking about sex offenses under Chapter 510.
• >> Uh, off the top of my head, I would say they would be charged with two offenses.
• </c><00:20:48.640><c> because</c> they liable for two offenses because they liable for two offenses because
• </c> they would be charged with two offenses. they would be charged with two offenses.
• </c> would be two two offenses. would be two two offenses.

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , a nonviolent drug offense, they're eligible for consideration under the law. >> Mhm.
• , a nonviolent drug offense, they're eligible for consideration under the law. >> Mhm.
• , a nonviolent drug offense, they're eligible for consideration under the law. >> Mhm.
• if they're convicted of a drug offense, a nonviolent drug offense, they're eligible for consideration
• You know, a lot of offenses carry 30 years and only carry eight years now.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• misdemeanor cannabis offenses.
• We feel that's inappropriate. level offenses for cannabis uh first of level offenses for cannabis uh
• It says remove misdemeanor and violation-level offenses.
• and a fine of up to $300 for any subsequent offense.
• </c> individual commits an additional offense individual commits an additional offense classified<05:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fenel to The Possession offense fenel to The Possession offense thresholds<01:12:40.840><c> for<
• This measure defines and prohibits the offense of torture. First up, Mr.
• than we have to continuous... continuing offense um the case on this continuing offense um the case
• than we have to continuous offenses than we have to continuous torture of children.
• DUI committed an offense of such a nature where there could be further police contact.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committees heard HB 756 HD1, a measure on flavored tobacco products. Supporters included the Attorney General, Department of Health, Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities, youth advocates, public health groups, and Kaiser Permanente. They argued flavored tobacco and menthol are used to attract and addict young people, cited rising youth and young adult vaping rates, and pointed to public health harms and evidence from other states that flavor restrictions reduced e-cigarette sales. The Attorney General requested oral amendments to correct a statutory reference, repeal a county preemption provision so counties could enact stricter flavor bans, and restore appropriations, positions, and the original effective date. Opponents, including retail and wholesale businesses, argued the bill would hurt small businesses and state tax revenue, push sales to the black market, and remove a harm-reduction option for adult smokers; they urged stronger enforcement instead of a ban. After testimony, the committees took up amendments and recommendations. The chair proposed correcting the statutory citation to HRS 26-38, adopting a Department of Health amendment on disposal of electronic smoking devices and e-liquids as hazardous waste, and noting the appropriations, FTE, and effective date in the committee report. Members then voted to pass HB 756 HD1 with amendments in both committees, with the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee recording one member as supporting with reservations. The transcript then moved to HB 806, relating to fireworks, which would appropriate funds for the Department of Law Enforcement to conduct sting operations on Oʻahu to enforce fireworks laws. The Department of Law Enforcement and Honolulu Police Department supported the bill, saying undercover enforcement is costly and additional funding is needed. A community testifier also supported stronger enforcement, citing illegal aerial fireworks, noise, and impacts on pets and kupuna. No final vote on HB 806 was shown in the excerpt. The Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs committee also heard HB 438, which would create a Due Process in Immigration Proceedings Program to provide legal representation in immigration court for income-qualified individuals. Support came from civil rights, legal aid, ACLU, and law school clinic representatives, who said counsel is needed to ensure due process and fair access to justice, especially because immigration proceedings can lead to deportation and family separation. Opposition testifiers argued taxpayer-funded counsel for people in immigration proceedings is inappropriate, unlawful, or unfair to citizens and legal residents. One law school representative suggested a technical amendment to broaden language about training and education. The excerpt ends before a final vote on HB 438 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the second degree, the second offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree, and the third offense
• , a second offense as a misdemeanor of the first degree, and for the third offense is a felony of the
• The first offense penalty to a misdemeanor of the first degree, second offense penalty to a felony of
• It increases it from the current $500 to $2,500 for first offense, $5,000 for second offense, $7,500
• for third and subsequent offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I find it offensive, not as a delegate, but as a private citizen.
• I find it offensive, not as a delegate, but as a private citizen. So here we are.
• given the most common patrol rifle and police service, the AR-15, because they might have to confront violent

Keywords: June 29, 2026 - Special Session 1, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sections 6 through 17 are strengthening existing offenses in our election code.
• Or in addition to any other offense provided by law, you could do something. You could do.
• And then Section 16 also creates a new offense of intentionally obstructing access to a polling place
• Section 16 also creates a new offense of intentionally obstructing access to a polling place.
• Violent crime rates have increased.

Bills: SB264 , SB261

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• cross these aisles, tear down every wall of division, every barrier of pride, and every spirit of offense
• And adds manslaughter when committed against a law enforcement officer to the list of offenses for which
• Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 156, a bill to be entitled an act relating to criminal offenses
• Again, do not violently resist a police officer. You fight that in the court?
• But you have it as a level 9 offense, and here's my concern: What are other levels?'

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Given the offenses that we have in Arizona right now that mandate sex crimes are so lengthy, so draconian
• stakeholder meetings, but again, we oppose adding more definitions to already very lengthy criminal offenses
• By amending A2, we ensure that if an unborn child dies as the result of a felony, like a violent assault
• House Bill 264 creates a new category of traffic offense in Arizona law, specifically addressing harm
• House Bill 264 creates a new category of traffic offense in Arizona law, specifically addressing harm

Bills: HB2043 , HB2045 , HB2046 , HB2048 , HB2064 , HB2074 , HB2126 , HB2133 , HB2144

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform

Transcript Highlights:

• they they uh uh um uh man first offense they they uh uh um uh man first offense they they uh uh um uh
• man the student the second offense the the student the second offense the the student the second offense
• the parents believe the third offense the parents believe the third offense the parents assess with
• I can promise you that child is violent I can promise you that child is violent I can promise you that
• child was is not just violent cuz you child was is not just violent cuz you child was is not just violent

Bills: HB 9 , HB 22 , HB 908 , HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• And now Brenda's daughter, a victim of a violent crime, is afraid to testify against her abuser because
• If a defendant is answering for a violent crime...
• If a defendant is answering for a violent crime and is taken in the middle of their court proceedings
• There may also be some room to work together for any person who commits a serious violent crime in our
• It helps ensure violent criminals are prosecuted and punished.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first handled several routine matters, including adoption of a birthday resolution honoring Caroline San Martino Moran and suspension of Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition involving the City of Waltham and the Veterans Memorial Rink. It also advanced two local bills: one authorizing DCAMM to release a sewer line easement in West Roxbury, and another relative to the town administrator of Carlisle. Both bills were amended by Ways and Means and ordered to third reading or engrossed as amended. The chamber also passed a memorial-marker bill for fallen law enforcement officers in Milton and Canton. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 5305, the “Protect Act,” which was presented as a measure to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, restrict ICE access in courthouses and other sensitive locations, strengthen notice and language-access protections for detainees and workers, and expedite U and T visa certifications. Supporters, including members of the Black and Latino Caucus and other legislators, argued the bill would protect due process, encourage victims and witnesses to come forward, preserve public trust, and keep local police focused on criminal matters. They cited courthouse arrests, fear in immigrant communities, and the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal authority. Several amendments were offered and voted on during consideration of H.5305. An amendment to strike Section 4 was rejected, as were amendments seeking to alter the courthouse enforcement provisions and to recognize immigration judge warrants. Other amendments were adopted, including one clarifying sheriff-related provisions, one expanding language around release dates, one adding protections related to school settings, and one expediting U visa certification for family members aging out. A roll call was taken on the bill and on multiple amendments, with the House ultimately adopting the amendments described and continuing consideration of the bill as amended.