Transcript Highlights:

• We all agree that victims deserve restitution and meaningful accountability.
• Yeah, this bill addresses victim restitution. Those are completely different subjects.
• It directly addresses victim restitution. This bill addresses victim restitution.
• It directly addresses victim restitution.
• I think people realize that restitution is not just about the victim.

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It's important to note that the victim does not have to request the MOAP.
• words, if the person who is charged is a victim of human trafficking.
• So even if a traffic victim becomes a traffic Even if a traffic victim becomes a trafficker, you are
• victims.
• The other trafficking victims.

Bills: SB1099 , SB1896 , SB1980 , SB127 , SB614 , SB955 , SB1278 , SB1372 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2580 , SB2595 , SB2798

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Keywords: SB 1099, illegal alien, undocumented immigrant, unauthorized immigrant, immigration status, felony sentencing enhancement, criminal penalty increase, Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, affirmative finding, judgment finding, deportation, public safety, immigration enforcement, sentencing reform, felony offense, first-degree felony, minimum sentence, Criminal Justice, Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate bills, generally receiving sponsor explanations and, in most cases, no public testimony. SB 2595 would create a Class B misdemeanor for harassing, threatening, or intimidating someone while intentionally concealing identity with a mask, with broad affirmative defenses for legitimate mask use; SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers and add related presumptions and interference protections; and SB 1896 would require magistrates to issue emergency protective orders in certain family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and aggravated cases, with law enforcement required to provide needed information. All three were left pending. The committee also heard SB 955, which increases trafficking of persons from a second-degree to a first-degree felony when the victim was recruited from a correctional facility, and SB 614, which would let the Texas Forensic Science Commission refer dismissed complaints to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs when they reference a prior FSC report; both were left pending. Members then heard several forensic and criminal procedure bills. SB 1372 would resolve a discovery/access conflict involving the DPS crime lab portal by limiting portal access to defense attorneys rather than defendants directly, prompting questions from members about access for pro se defendants; DPS’s chief crime lab witness testified neutrally. SB 1936 would change the LSD “abuse unit” definition for unmarked/unperforated paper from a square-measurement method to a 10-milligram weight standard, and SB 1937 would require a subject matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence to help identify viable testing and conserve resources. SB 2580 would lower the population threshold for sheriff’s departments to independently use tracking equipment and access certain communications from 3.3 million to 500,000, expanding the authority beyond Harris County; it was described as a public safety and emergency response measure and left pending. The committee also considered SB 2798, which would extend the statute of limitations for certain financial crimes from three years to seven years, with testimony from a Montgomery County assistant district attorney supporting the change because fraud is often discovered late. SB 1099 would increase penalties for felony offenses committed by undocumented or unauthorized aliens, but drew strong opposition from the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued immigration is a federal matter and that the bill would create difficult and potentially unfair status determinations for local courts; members raised concerns about the lack of an expert-testimony requirement. SB 1278 would create an affirmative defense to prostitution prosecution for trafficking victims compelled by their traffickers to commit the conduct, and testimony from advocates and a member’s personal account emphasized the coercive, traumatic nature of trafficking; members discussed whether the defense should be narrower or framed as mitigation, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 127 would extend the statute of limitations for failure to report or conceal child abuse, with members discussing mandatory reporting duties and the need to allow more time for delayed discovery of cover-ups; it too was left pending before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am bringing forward a victim restitution audit.
• There are victim restitution orders, restitution fines, fees, interest, and then there is a separate
• And victims can and do receive compensation before restitution is imposed.
• The restitution orders generally go directly to victims.
• The money from restitution fines is deposited in the state restitution fund, which supports the victim

Committee: Senate Joint Legislative Audit

Summary: The committee began with a status report from the State Auditor on staffing and audit capacity, noting 14 audit supervisors, 14 audits in progress, several audits scheduled for release, and a planned high-risk review of state financial reporting. The committee then approved a consent calendar covering six audit requests, including topics such as kindergarten oral health assessments, prison infrastructure management, Los Angeles fires prevention and response, community college financial aid and enrollment, wildfire management at Chino Hills State Park, and the Chiquita Canyon landfill. The first major item was Assembly Member Gonzalez’s request for an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. Supporters described long-running fiscal mismanagement, a projected $60 million deficit, layoffs, concerns about contracting practices, foundation donations, and weak governance. District representatives said they were already working with Riverside County Office of Education and FICMAT, had adopted a fiscal stabilization plan, and were making cuts to restore solvency. The State Auditor said the proposed audit would examine the district’s financial condition over 10 years, ELOP spending, partnership agreements, foundation funds, and contracting practices. After extensive discussion and public comment, the motion to approve the audit failed because it did not receive the required votes. The committee next approved Senator Wahab’s request for an audit of East Bay transit agency administrative oversight. The senator argued that the Bay Area’s fragmented transit system creates duplication and wastes resources, while agency representatives and transit advocates said the agencies already face extensive oversight and are actively coordinating through existing regional efforts. The State Auditor outlined objectives focused on agency autonomy, coordination, ridership, finances, and the potential effects of consolidation. After debate and public comment, the audit was approved. Finally, Senator Archuleta introduced a request to audit excessive unrestricted reserves at selected California Community College districts and Calbright College, arguing that reserve balances have grown substantially and may be diverting funds from student services and instruction. He said the audit would examine why districts are holding large reserves and whether those funds are being used effectively for students.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am bringing forward a victim restitution audit.
• There are victim restitution orders, restitution fines, fees, interest, and then there is a separate
• , and victims can and do receive compensation before restitution is imposed. and victims can and do receive
• The restitution orders generally go directly to victims.
• The money from restitution fines is deposited in the state restitution fund, which supports the victim

Summary: The committee heard several audit requests and related testimony. The first major item was an audit of Coachella Valley Unified School District’s contract and fiscal management. The author and supporters described long-standing fiscal mismanagement, large budget shortfalls, layoffs, contracting concerns, and questions about the district’s foundation and use of public funds. District representatives and the Riverside County Office of Education said the district is already under fiscal oversight, has a stabilization plan, and is working to reduce deficits and improve student outcomes. After extensive debate and public comment, the motion to approve the audit was put on call because the committee did not have the required votes from both houses at that moment. The committee then approved an audit of East Bay transit agencies in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Senator Wahab argued the region’s many overlapping transit agencies create fragmentation, duplication, and inefficiency, especially amid a fiscal cliff and possible future tax increases. Transit agencies and labor representatives opposed the audit, saying the agencies already undergo multiple audits, serve distinct local needs, and are implementing regional coordination efforts. After testimony from agency leaders and public commenters, the committee voted to approve the audit. The next item was an audit of California Community Colleges’ unrestricted reserves. Senator Archuleta and supporting faculty representatives said reserves have grown substantially and may be diverting resources from student services, instruction, and workforce programs. They argued there is little oversight when reserves become too high. The Chancellor’s Office and Calbright College were invited to respond, and the audit objectives focused on reserve growth, reasons for high balances, oversight by the Chancellor’s Office, and effects on students and staff. The transcript cuts off during the Chancellor’s Office response, so the final committee action on this item is not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:04:52.000><c> for</c> started um doing out restitution for started um doing out restitution for
• That must be claimed restitution.
• We then determine if defendants have funds to pay victims. Defendants have funds to pay victims.
• </c><00:09:50.560><c> Um,</c> what that true restitution is. Um, what that true restitution is.
• </c> getting full restitution. getting full restitution.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> are</c> um victim restitution sections that are um victim restitution sections that are in<00:00
• </c><00:14:16.959><c> restitution</c> Friday about the uh victim restitution Friday about the uh victim
• Um, any other questions about the proposal on victim restitution?
• as</c> dealing with victim restitution as a as dealing with victim restitution as a as amended<00:25
• restitution. fraud victim fraud victim restitution.<00:54:39.440><c> It's</c><00:54:39.599><c> a</c>

Transcript Highlights:

• Restitution can be made to individual victims.
• And we are finding that it happens in a particular set of victims in Minnesota.
• </c><00:13:45.680><c> in</c> the particular set of victims in the particular set of victims in Minnesota
• </c> recourse um for any kind of restitution recourse um for any kind of restitution so<00:15:48.880>
• Restitution can be made to individual victims, as well as returning 50% of those fines, etc., to the

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and I urge you to consider establishing a consumer fraud restitution fund to support fraud victims
• fund to support fraud victims.
• victim fraud.
• victim fraud.
• victims the victims of assure you um the victims the victims of these<01:38:37.400><c> scams</c><01:38

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• Our Supreme Court's already said that restitution or non-payment of restitution is not something that
• So there is a mechanism for allowing restitution, which is a mandatory right that victims have now under
• Thank you. uh make restitution in this manner and uh make restitution in this manner and that's<00:18
• is actually requesting the victim is actually requesting the restitution<00:20:12.880><c> and</c><00
• It doesn't apply to the victim.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Bills: HB34 , HM7 , HM8 , HM17 , HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM25

Keywords: HB34, school nurse, school nurses, nurse licensure, licensure, charter school, charter schools, school district, public education, Department of Health, Public Education Department, registered nurse, RN, mentorship, evaluation, competency, teacher salary parity, minimum salary, level one license, level two license

Bills: HM3 , HM11 , HM14 , HM15 , HM21 , HM25 , HB9 , SB2 , SB19

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Restitution to compensate a victim generally must be ordered where the victim suffers personal injury
• and input from the victim.
• you've identified in the bill, and that restitution goes directly to benefit the victim.
• , not for victims specifically.
• you've identified in the bill and that restitution goes directly to benefit the victim.

Summary: On January 20, 2026, the committee held public hearings on House Bill 2102, House Bill 2161, and House Bill 2332. HB 2102 would sharply limit legal financial obligations by prohibiting courts from imposing costs unless specifically authorized by statute, repealing many fees and interest on restitution, and making eliminated debts unenforceable and satisfied. The sponsor and supporters argued that LFOs are harmful, inconsistently applied, and create uncollectable debt that burdens indigent defendants and hinders reentry. Opponents, including local government and collections representatives, warned the bill would shift costs to cities and counties, reduce accountability tools, and could cost local jurisdictions millions. No vote was taken. HB 2161 would expand the Attorney General’s authority to issue civil investigative demands for possible violations involving civil rights, labor standards, jail standards, immigration-related restrictions, and police use-of-force laws. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office, labor groups, and civil rights advocates said the bill would make investigations faster and more effective, especially in wage theft and discrimination cases, while not changing substantive enforcement authority. Opponents from law enforcement, cities, and business groups argued the bill was overbroad, lacked sufficient standards, and could create due process, confidentiality, and separation-of-powers concerns. Members asked about safeguards, and staff and the AGO described court challenge procedures and internal review standards. No action was taken. HB 2332 would regulate automated license plate readers used by state and local agencies, generally limiting use to specified law enforcement, parking, toll, and transportation purposes, restricting sharing and retention, and prohibiting uses tied to immigration enforcement or protected health care. The sponsor and privacy, immigrant-rights, and reproductive-rights advocates said the bill was needed to prevent misuse of sensitive location data and to close loopholes that could allow out-of-state or federal access. Law enforcement, cities, vendors, and some business and campus representatives supported privacy guardrails but said the 72-hour retention limit, warrant requirements, and other restrictions were too strict and could hinder investigations, victim recovery, and parking enforcement. The hearing ended with testimony still underway and no vote or final action reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:35:18.040><c> dollars</c> saying 50% of any restitution dollars saying 50% of any restitution
• </c><00:40:26.760><c> of</c><00:40:27.079><c> people</c> victims um these are victims of people victims
• or young people who are are uh victims or young people who are victims<00:42:51.680><c> too</c><00:42
• </c><00:53:58.079><c> then</c> were recovered would those victims then were recovered would those victims
• </c><00:54:22.359><c> in</c> gone so ideally those are the victims in gone so ideally those are the victims

Committee: Senate Finance

Bills: HB2170 , HB2417 , HB2418 , HB2771 , HB2772 , HB4018 , HCR2059

Committees: Senate Public Safety , Senate Senate Public Safety Committee of Reference

Keywords: procurement, foreign adversary, China, state contracts, information technology, security, speeding, speed limit, traffic enforcement, driver safety, speed inhibiting device, appropriation, law enforcement, task forces, funding, criminal justice, community supervision, rehabilitation, supervision fee, victim compensation

Transcript Highlights:

• shifts the burden of restitution collection to victims.
• ><c> Lessons</c> Victim Restitution Matters: Four Lessons Victim Restitution Matters: Four Lessons from
• We restitution collection to victims.
• court-ordered victims to receive court-ordered restitution?
• Senator Um Toro asked about victim restitution.

Bills: SB2041

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committees heard SB 2041, which would repeal the Land Court, transfer its functions to the Bureau of Conveyances, and create a working group to recommend implementation. DLNR and Judiciary stood on their written testimony, while Realtors supported the bill and one testifier raised concerns about the loss of judicial authority, title disputes, adverse possession, and possible effects on Kuleana lands. Members questioned whether property could be deregistered and what the legal consequences would be, and the Bureau of Conveyances said deregistration is already available but burdensome. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, and the measure was adopted by both committees. The Judiciary Committee then heard SB 2247, which restricts certain governor-appointed, Senate-confirmed executive branch employees from participating in campaign fundraising. The State Ethics Commission and Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill as a way to curb pay-to-play concerns and the appearance of undue influence, and several advocacy and civic groups also testified in support, with one person opposing. The committee agreed to amend the bill so the restrictions apply only after confirmation and continue until the person leaves the covered position. The committee voted to pass SB 2247 with amendments. Finally, the Judiciary Committee heard SB 2143, which would make the Attorney General the interim Chief Election Officer if that office becomes vacant until the Elections Commission appoints a replacement. Supporters argued the bill would provide continuity, prevent delays in certifying election results, and protect election integrity; opponents argued it would politicize the office, create a conflict of interest, and was unnecessary because current law already provides a process for filling vacancies. Testimony was extensive and sharply divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript provided does not include a final vote or action on SB 2143.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate File 447 creates a state-level consumer fraud restitution fund to help scam and fraud victims
• When there are victims associated with such a case, they receive that restitution directly.
• The order by the court is for restitution, let's say, to the Woodbury dental situation, to the victims
• Uh, however, um, those restitution programs originate between a criminal and the victim. Thank you.
• Uh, however, um, those restitution programs originate between a criminal and the victim.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual torture are capital offenses when the victim
• </c> the victim is less than 12 years of age. the victim is less than 12 years of age.
• Of course, it's up to the prosecutor, who'll be working with the victim and the family to see what is
• Of course, it's up to the prosecutor, who'll be working with the victim and the family to see what is
• Of course, it's up to the prosecutor, who'll be working with the victim and the family to see what is

Bills: HB41 , HB149 , SB230 , SB87 , SB169 , SB238 , SB233 , HB72 , HB41 , HB149 , SB230 , SB87 , SB169 , SB238 , SB233 , HB72

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual offenses, penalties, rape, sodomy, criminal justice, Judicial Branch, Alabama State Bar, legal profession, commissioners, government agency, campaign finance, security measures, candidates, elected officials, legislative protection, civil procedure, statute of limitations, real estate appraisers, legal complaints, appraisal board

Transcript Highlights:

• speak to the parole hearing, to answer questions, to make a comment or statement, but it also gives victims
• This would just give them the ability to attend as well as the victims virtually. Okay. All right.

Bills: SB210 , SB225 , HB280 , HB287 , HB94 , HB88 , SB157 , HB7 , HB8 , HB42

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• sometimes courts will waive fines and court costs. courts will waive fines and court costs in favor of restitution
• to ensure that the money that the court still has goes to the victim.
• part of this is that it also makes sure in some cases that... also makes sure in some cases that victims
• get restitution.
• So, and we can only get restitution housing back from them at $20.

Bills: SB210 , SB225 , HB280 , HB287 , HB94 , HB88 , SB157 , HB7 , HB8 , HB42

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, blood tests, DUI, law enforcement, traffic offenses, chemical analysis, public nuisance, event liability, local government, community health, legal action, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation, accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Restitution to compensate a victim generally must be ordered where the victim suffers personal injury
• and input from the victim.
• you've identified in the bill, and that restitution goes directly to benefit the victim.
• I believe this piece of the bill that addresses restitution relates to restitution for insurance companies
• , not for victims specifically.

Bills: HB2161 , HB2332 , HB2102

Committee: House Civil Rights & Judiciary

Keywords: attorney general, legal authority, state powers, judiciary, civil rights, driver privacy, data protection, personal information, surveillance, consumer rights, legal obligations, financial responsibility, debt management, consumer protection, court systems