Transcript Highlights:

• The petty misdemeanor offense is not enough.
• within five years make a first offense within five years of<00:51:21.839><c> felony.
• second offense would misdemeanor and the second offense would be<00:51:27.359><c> the</c><00:51:27.599
• ><c> and</c> makes it it enumerates the offense and makes it it enumerates the offense and list<00:51
• So this would codify an offense for that.

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation heard several vehicle and traffic safety measures. HB 2347, which would require the director of transportation to adopt rules allowing mobile vehicle safety inspections, drew support from DOT and individual testifiers who said it would add convenience and efficiency for passenger vehicle owners. Committee members questioned how home or driveway inspections would handle safety standards such as headlight checks and whether added convenience would come with higher costs; DOT also said it would follow up on inspection fees and audit procedures. HB 182, which would exempt motorcycles and passenger cars from safety inspections, received opposition from DOT, the Hawaii Police Department, and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Customer Services, with Grassroot Institute in support. HB 2022, which would equalize county and state annual vehicle registration fees, was opposed by the Hawaii Transportation Association because it would raise costs that would likely be passed on to consumers. The committee also took testimony on HB 1708, which would make operating a vehicle under the influence at a high intoxication level a class C felony and add probation requirements. Prosecutors, police, DOT, and the Honolulu customer services department supported the bill, while the Public Defender’s Office opposed it, arguing that it would increase court workload, require more defense resources, and create collateral consequences, including possible immigration impacts. Several witnesses and members discussed a proposed HD1 that would change the bill to a graduated penalty structure, making a first offense a misdemeanor and a second offense a felony, while also addressing deferred pleas and DUI deferrals. The Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office supported the bill’s intent but warned that Oahu lacks a reliable electronic or telephonic warrant system, which could lead to more refusals and additional court impacts. HB 2086, which would amend negligent injury in the first degree to include injuries negligently inflicted by intoxicated drivers, received support from DOT, county prosecutors, police, and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office. Honolulu’s prosecutor supported the bill but recommended against the attached HD1, saying the current drafting better preserves negligent injury as a lesser included offense and avoids blending it with a separate statutory scheme. HB 2154, which would create a framework for intelligent speed assist technology and require a report to the legislature, was supported by DOT, county police, Smart Start LLC, AAA Hawaii, and others, with the Alliance for Automobile Innovation offering comments and proposed amendments. A testifier described the bill as a way to prevent repeat speeding by limiting vehicles from accelerating beyond the speed limit. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• A broader view is needed to encapsulate the scope of a trafficker's criminal enterprise.
• The offense is classified as a first-degree felony. degree felony.
• Senate Bill 957 relates to the creation of the criminal offense of continuous aggravated promotion of
• Senate Bill 957 relates to the creation of the criminal offense of continuous aggravated promotion of
• House Bill 2000 to Criminal Justice. House Bill 3093 to Local Government.

Bills: SJR85 , SCR29 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SB23 , SB39 , SB209 , SB227 , SB240 , SB330 , SB527 , SB584 , SB618 , SB619 , SB636 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB825 , SB826 , SB843 , SB844 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB912 , SB957 , SB1013 , SB1020 , SB1065 , SB1143 , SB1152 , SB1164 , SB1183 , SB1257 , SB1299 , SB1325 , SB1349 , SB1413 , SB1455 , SB1539 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1583 , SB1624 , SB1642 , SB1643 , SB1667 , SB1717 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1734 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1784 , SB1789 , SB1832 , SB1868 , SB1870 , SB1883 , SB1896 , SB1920 , SB1924 , SB1963 , SB2010 , SB2018 , SB2024 , SB2037 , SB2052 , SB2073 , SB2111 , SB2161 , SB2196 , SB2207 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2322 , SB2323 , SB2332 , SB2349 , SB2371 , SB2533 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2626 , SB2692 , SB2705 , SB2717 , SB2774 , SB2788 , SB2877 , SB2920 , SB2 , SB260 , SB1786 , SB1 , HJR4 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR85 , SJR84 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR38 , SCR42 , SCR29 , SCR4 , SCR18 , SCR43 , SCR46 , SB2023 , SB825 , SB2010 , SB1870 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1539 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB957 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1349 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB618 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB826 , SB1257 , SB870 , SB529 , SB209 , SB1883 , SB2024 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1860 , SB2037 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB1963 , SB1643 , SB1299 , SB841 , SB668 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB2431 , SB1490 , SB1868 , SB2314 , SB434 , SB2046 , SB1667 , SB1727 , SB2127 , SB1975 , SB1760 , SB1734 , SB1335 , SB2246 , SB2439 , SB1624 , SB1244 , SB1468 , SB2717 , SB1612 , SB1262 , SB604 , SB2395 , SB1832 , SB1745 , SB1746 , SB2207 , SB1784 , SB1524 , SB528 , SB437 , SB269 , SB1137 , SB968 , SB636 , SB747 , SB1325 , SB1789 , SB1455 , SB2056 , SB1940 , SB2052 , SB1579 , SB2068 , SB3034 , SB844 , SB1920 , SB1558 , SB1236 , SB1044 , SB884 , SB463 , SB227 , SB240 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2216 , SB2681 , SB1717 , SB2141 , SB2323 , SB2200 , SB2332 , SB2199 , SB1642 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB1138 , SB2626 , SB2458 , SB1864 , SB2201 , SB1862 , SB1583 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB1898 , SB2662 , SB2161 , SB2964 , SB2881 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2743 , SB2533 , SB1413 , SB2073 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB2774 , SB2702 , SB2629 , SB2443 , SB2349 , SB2167 , SB2145 , SB2121 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB438 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB1495 , SB2705 , SB2366 , SB1422 , SB1369 , SB1013 , SB682 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB1896 , SB1164 , SB1020 , SB663 , SB2371 , SB1152 , SB2196 , SB2383 , SB2581 , SB2798 , SB330 , SB646 , SB843 , SB1998 , SB1418 , SB2788 , SB1169 , SB2873 , SB1754 , SB1534 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1143 , SB1756 , SB912 , SB2119 , SB2032 , SB527 , SB1580 , SB1952 , SB2601 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1183 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB39 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB23 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR48 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and this is the Committee on the Administration of Criminal Justice
• And Madam Chair, I'll also submit that I spoke to the Louisiana Criminal Defense Attorneys Association
• Members, HB 55 creates a new article in the Code of Criminal Procedure. Thank you so much.
• The violation is a new criminal offense and not a revocation.
• However, I find our biggest violations are new criminal conduct, not reporting to the officer.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several criminal justice bills related to evidence, juror privacy, probation, and sex offender supervision. HB 95, by Rep. Lecombe, updates an older statute to allow electronic access to videotaped forensic interviews of protected persons for prosecutors, defense counsel, courts, and other authorized persons; it was reported favorably. HB 55, by Rep. Villio, prohibits public disclosure of juror identifying information such as names, addresses, and contact information; after testimony from District Attorney Tony Clayton about juror harassment and intimidation, the committee adopted a small amendment removing outdated language and reported the bill favorably with amendments. HB 125, by Rep. Horton, revises supervised release for certain sex offenders to address jurisdiction and notification issues, especially when violations occur outside Louisiana; after testimony from DOC and probation and parole officials and a witness describing victim-protection monitoring, it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 158, also by Rep. Horton, increases the maximum custodial treatment period for technical probation violations from 90 to 180 days, but witnesses raised concerns that the language was too broad and could impose extra jail time beyond treatment; the author agreed to work on clarifying language before floor debate, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 169, by Rep. Horton, makes probationers or parolees responsible for extradition costs if they are able to pay, and it was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 133, by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and treatment requirements for battery of a school teacher and related offenses. A large amendment package was adopted to add aggravated battery and second-degree battery involving students or school employees, define terms, require counseling and evaluations in certain juvenile cases, and adjust juvenile disposition provisions. Teachers and supporters testified about assaults in schools and the need to protect educators, while district attorneys warned that some of the amended language—especially the shift to “serious bodily injury” and some definitional changes—could make prosecutions harder or create unintended constitutional issues. Rep. Newell agreed to continue working with prosecutors to tighten the language before the bill reaches the floor, and HB 133 was reported favorably as amended. Later, the committee heard HB 821 by Rep. McFarland, which moves the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement; the change was described as largely administrative and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 399 by Rep. Zerang, which extends the terminally ill/incapacitated inmate release window from 60 to 120 days. Secretary Gary Westcott and DOC officials explained that the program is tightly vetted, applies to inmates who are truly at end of life, and includes victim notification and maximum supervision; supporters, including medical and faith-based witnesses, emphasized dignity, hospice care, and the practical need for more time to complete release planning. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 296 by Rep. Knox repeals the inactive Reentry Advisory Council and the Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act, and HB 168 by Rep. Freiburg creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees within six months of release; both were presented as public-safety and reentry measures, with strong support from reentry advocates, business groups, and faith-based organizations, and both were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what you're telling us as the Chair of the Criminal Justice Committee...
• Senate Bill 3031, relating to the punishment for the offense of aggravated assault.
• Senate Bill 3031, relating to the punishment for the offense of aggravated assault.
• Substitute Senate Bill 1924, relating to the enforcement of certain criminal offenses on school property
• complaint with the district attorney if a citation has already been issued for an alleged offense.

Bills: SCR46 , SB31 , SB39 , SB227 , SB330 , SB401 , SB407 , SB467 , SB482 , SB500 , SB506 , SB512 , SB527 , SB584 , SB619 , SB636 , SB646 , SB647 , SB648 , SB659 , SB663 , SB715 , SB732 , SB758 , SB801 , SB816 , SB847 , SB870 , SB884 , SB1020 , SB1055 , SB1065 , SB1137 , SB1169 , SB1181 , SB1283 , SB1383 , SB1395 , SB1410 , SB1433 , SB1490 , SB1558 , SB1574 , SB1626 , SB1666 , SB1718 , SB1727 , SB1756 , SB1757 , SB1845 , SB1924 , SB1964 , SB1972 , SB2018 , SB2031 , SB2075 , SB2076 , SB2080 , SB2111 , SB2117 , SB2154 , SB2161 , SB2173 , SB2206 , SB2225 , SB2253 , SB2268 , SB2314 , SB2322 , SB2351 , SB2371 , SB2476 , SB2533 , SB2540 , SB2570 , SB2589 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB2660 , SB2692 , SB2693 , SB2717 , SB2722 , SB2753 , SB2779 , SB2877 , SB2880 , SB2900 , SB2920 , SB3031 , HJR4 , SB5 , SB260 , SB1786 , SJR3 , SJR18 , SB1 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SJR84 , SJR59 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SCR46 , SCR48 , SCR19 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB1502 , SB507 , SB1026 , SB1433 , SB1434 , SB1376 , SB1585 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1163 , SB619 , SB1122 , SB732 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB261 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB529 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1999 , SB511 , SB2309 , SB510 , SB1924 , SB2253 , SB2018 , SB2206 , SB584 , SB1085 , SB1490 , SB2314 , SB2046 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB1524 , SB1137 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB1558 , SB884 , SB227 , SB517 , SB1200 , SB1410 , SB1626 , SB1845 , SB1863 , SB2681 , SB2200 , SB2199 , SB1757 , SB2050 , SB2458 , SB2201 , SB1055 , SB2660 , SB2662 , SB1065 , SB801 , SB2533 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB648 , SB647 , SB512 , SB1721 , SB2268 , SB2366 , SB1013 , SB2692 , SB2570 , SB2797 , SB2111 , SB2371 , SB2383 , SB646 , SB1169 , SB1754 , SB1718 , SB2779 , SB2004 , SB1756 , SB2119 , SB527 , SB2322 , SB2448 , SB1777 , SB1283 , SB407 , SB2392 , SB2076 , SB2786 , SB3031 , SB2877 , SB2876 , SB2284 , SB2225 , SB1540 , SB2920 , SB2929 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB2742 , SB2595 , SB2217 , SB2117 , SB715 , SB2330 , SB1964 , SB1383 , SB500 , SB1640 , SB2001 , SB2080 , SB2722 , SB506 , SB2514 , SB2623 , SB2658 , SB1574 , SB2900 , SB2753 , SB2398 , SB401 , SB1241 , SB2927 , SB2173 , SB2538 , SB898 , SB467 , SB1449 , SB2529 , SB1531 , SB2846 , SB2476 , SB2031 , SB986 , SB1181 , SB2075 , SB2154 , SB2864 , SB31 , SB2880 , SB1359 , SB2386 , SB771 , SB2844 , SB2550 , SB1351 , SB1423 , SB1931 , SB2245 , SB2589 , SB2707 , SB2807 , SB2351 , SB410 , SB659 , SB816 , SB2776 , SB2693 , SB2580 , SB1980 , SB1886 , SB1234 , SB739 , SB482 , SB456 , SB127 , SB1666 , SB2843 , SB2801 , SB800 , SB2055 , SB784 , SB2986 , SB735 , SB1012 , SB324 , SB2926 , SB2938 , SB2007 , SB2138 , SB1242 , HJR4 , HB135 , HB 1109 , SCR30 , SCR3 , SB2615 , SB1049 , SB2310 , SB1224 , SB2972 , SB1568 , SB2841 , SB2885 , SB3016 , SB2858 , SB2610 , SB2139 , SB1856 , SB2035 , SB2308 , SB2306 , SB2041 , SB1528 , SB1681 , SB1141 , SB2401 , SB2530 , SB2375 , SB547 , SB1266 , SB1373 , SB1467 , SB2069 , SB2269 , SB2480 , SB2544 , SB672 , SB904 , SB2695 , SB2891 , SB2422 , SB2543 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB2539 , SB2532 , SB2925 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB2203 , SB457 , SB2357 , HCR35 , HCR64

Transcript Highlights:

• They work with criminal legal system partners to improve response protocols.
• They<00:26:54.840><c> work</c><00:26:55.080><c> with</c><00:26:55.240><c> criminal</c><00:26:55.600><
• c> legal</c><00:26:55.880><c> system</c> They work with criminal legal system They work with criminal
• is eligible for automatic offense is eligible for automatic expungement.<00:29:09.640><c> And,</c><00
• The more substantive changes are to give notice to a victim when an offense is eligible for automatic

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• We are creating a new offense of intentionally obstructing the polling place.
• We are seeing a much more sophisticated criminal.
• That's why we believe the criminal penalties are necessary.
• Madam Chair, if we were to make criminal regulations that aren't followed, there would be a lot of criminal
• This is already criminal. And I haven't heard any justification.

Bills: HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard SB 264, which would create state criminal and civil penalties for election interference, including stationing armed personnel at polling places or drop boxes, changing voter qualifications or election procedures contrary to state law, and obstructing or intimidating voters, poll workers, or election administrators. The sponsor and Secretary of State staff said the bill was a response to concerns about possible federal interference in New Mexico elections and was modeled largely on existing federal law, while also adding emergency-related provisions for counties affected by disasters. Support came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and the Center for Public Policy; there was no opposition testimony. After questions about enforcement, federal conflict, and the role of local law enforcement, the committee passed SB 264 on a due-pass motion. The committee then took up SB 261, a related bill revising firearm restrictions at polling places. The sponsor said the bill would remove most exemptions that had allowed firearms in or around polling locations, while preserving limited exceptions for election administrators to request law enforcement assistance and for certain rural or co-located law enforcement offices. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the Center for Public Policy, argued that firearms at polls can intimidate voters and poll workers and that the bill would create clearer, safer rules. Opponents, including representatives of a rifle and pistol club, a county sheriff’s office, and the New Mexico Business Coalition, argued that concealed carry holders and officers should not be treated as threats, that the bill could create confusion or criminalize lawful conduct, and that law enforcement needs to remain armed to respond to emergencies and protect polling sites. Committee members debated constitutional tailoring, rural enforcement issues, and how the bill would interact with the earlier election-interference bill. The committee ultimately passed the Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 261 on a due-pass vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 221, which would add a new crime and racketeering predicate for theft and misappropriation of petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. The sponsor, the Attorney General’s office, and industry and law enforcement witnesses said oilfield theft has become more organized and dangerous, causing environmental damage, safety hazards, lost production, and revenue losses, and that existing laws are not sufficient to address the conduct. An opponent questioned whether the conduct was already illegal and argued that the bill singled out one industry and could overcriminalize conduct already covered by other laws and regulations. After discussion about proportionality and whether the bill was necessary, the committee voted on the Judiciary Committee substitute and the motion failed on a tie vote, so SB 221 did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• First, committee amendments remove the criminal penalties that would apply to peace officers who establish
• Senate Bill 73 would extend the criminal penalty from Senate Bill 851 against hiring or arranging for
• Existing law requires the sheriff to investigate public offenses which have been committed.
• This is bordering on offensive.
• This creates very real issues when elections officials are suspected of criminal activities.

Summary: The Assembly Standing Committee on Public Safety heard one item, Senate Bill 73 by Senator Cervantes, and took up committee and Elections Committee amendments. The bill was described as strengthening protections against interference in elections by extending restrictions to military personnel at polling places, protecting the chain of custody of voted ballots, and limiting law enforcement access to voting machines and voter rosters without a court order. The chair explained that the committee amendments would remove certain criminal penalties for peace officers, restore a uniform requirement for some polling-place personnel, and clarify the effect of objections by the Secretary of State or Attorney General. The author and supporters, including API Force and CHIRLA, argued the bill was needed to respond to threats of intimidation and election interference, citing concerns about armed personnel at polling places and the Riverside County sheriff’s seizure of ballots. Supporters said the measure would protect voters, especially immigrant communities and in-person voters, and preserve confidence in election administration. Opposition from the California State Sheriffs’ Association and CALA argued the bill was vague, could hinder lawful criminal investigations, and improperly restrict law enforcement and federal election oversight. After closing remarks, the committee voted to pass SB 73 as amended to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. The vote was 6-1, with one member not voting. The chair and another member recommended an aye, while one member voted no.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> my esteemed colleagues of Criminal my esteemed colleagues of Criminal Justice<00:03:34.319><c> and
• Compare that to an aggravated DWI, as mentioned earlier, is their criminal behavior that is their criminal
• , and then that goes up to $1,000 for the second offense.
• So I'm trying to just group exactly what it is for the first offense and for subsequent offenses.
• So a violation, $750 fine, and revoked for 90 days on the first offense?

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Members House Bill 493 will ensure that those convicted of serious felony offenses aren't eligible to
• It raises the offense for these serious crimes to reflect what they are.
• offenses and increasing criminal penalties.
• offense.
• offenses.

Bills: HB223

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard several House bills, with most measures left pending after testimony and later taken up in a batch of votes. Early in the meeting, HB 5624 on liability protections for motocross/off-road vehicle tracks, HB 223 on requiring competitive procurement for municipal lobbying contracts, HB 3709 on post-election audit procedures, and HB 5081 on protecting personal information of judicial officers and court staff were all discussed and left pending after testimony. Witnesses on HB 223 supported greater transparency in municipal lobbying contracts. HB 3709 drew sharp opposition from an election integrity advocate who argued the bill would reduce precinct-level granularity and make it harder to detect ballot errors, while a Secretary of State resource witness said the bill would simplify and standardize the audit process by location. HB 5081 received strong support from court administration and a district judge who described prior threats and an attack tied to publicly available personal information. The committee also heard HB 3546 on allowing school districts to move elections to November, HB 493 on barring certain felony offenders from serving as poll watchers, HB 5115 on increasing penalties for election fraud and related conduct, HB 4081 on trade secret filing procedures, HB 3909 on limiting restrictions on wireless devices at polling places, HB 2702 on limiting gubernatorial closure authority for certain veterans organizations during pandemics, HB 119 on foreign adversary lobbying, and HB 5138 on the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes. Several of these bills were explained with committee substitutes and then left pending before final action. Testimony on HB 493 and HB 5115 came from an election integrity advocate who supported both bills, saying the poll watcher restriction was appropriately narrowed and that the election fraud bill would help address invalid votes and refusal to count valid votes. Later, the committee took up pending business and voted out a large number of bills, generally along party lines or with broad support. HB 186 on minors’ social media use, HB 229, HB 2885, HB 3909 as substituted, HB 4285, HB 1661, HB 2820, HB 3181, HB 4157, HB 223, HB 521, HB 640, HB 1234, HB 2253, HB 2294, HB 3053, HB 3697 as substituted, HB 4281, HB 4463, HB 4995, HB 5081 as substituted, HB 5624 as substituted, HB 119 as substituted, HB 3225, HB 5138 as substituted, HB 5115, HB 481 as substituted, HB 3546, HB 493, and HB 4145 were reported favorably to the full Senate, with several also placed on the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted committee substitutes for multiple bills, including HB 3909, HB 5081, HB 5624, HB 119, HB 5138, and HB 481. At the end, the chair noted another committee meeting would likely be needed before deadlines, possibly on a weekend, and recessed the committee subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Administrative and criminal codes as they exist today.
• back for a technical offense.
• Randy committed his sex offense over 25 years ago.
• So those guys... to commit a new offense.
• another sexual offense.

Bills: HB240 , HB2097 , HB2731 , HB3087 , HB3234 , HB3319 , HB3394 , HB3687 , HB4105 , HB4205 , HB4350 , HB4462 , HB4642 , HB4801 , HB5403 , HB240

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Summary: The subcommittee on county and regional government heard a long agenda of county-related bills, with most measures left pending after testimony. HB 2097, by Rep. Martinez, would let counties that opt in use an independent hearing examiner instead of a civil service commission for certain deputy sheriff discipline appeals; the bill drew support from CLEET’s Robert Leonard, who said it would be fairer and faster, and it was left pending. HB 4642, by Rep. Gonzalez, would require counties that contract with out-of-state jail facilities to include Texas jail-standard protections and oversight; Gonzalez, detainee Jess Hampton, his wife, Texas Jail Project’s Krish Kundu, and TCJS director Brandon Wood all discussed deaths and poor conditions in Louisiana facilities, staffing shortages, and the need for guardrails and data collection. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4350, by Rep. Capriglione, allowing peace officers to request redaction of personal information from online real property records. Supporters said officers face targeted threats and should have protections similar to judges; a title industry witness warned about preserving the integrity of land records. The bill was left pending. HB 3687, by Rep. Harless, would require county fire marshals in counties over 100,000 to meet training and certification standards within set timeframes; Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen supported professionalization, and the bill was left pending. HB 4105 would let very large counties give a local-bid preference for construction and infrastructure contracts, and HB 4205 would require pay parity for similar law enforcement ranks within large counties; both were supported by Harris County officials and constables and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 5403, which would repeal a special rule limiting Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs’ control over commissary funds; the author said it would remove an outdated population bracket, and the bill was left pending. HB 4462 would require large counties to allow elected officials named in civil suits to seek outside counsel and have a role in settlement decisions; supporters argued county attorneys and commissioners court can have conflicts of interest, while questions focused on who qualifies and whether the bill could complicate settlements. The bill was left pending. Finally, HB 240, by Rep. Swanson, would restore a five-member quorum requirement for Harris County tax levies, effectively preventing tax action without all commissioners present and defaulting to the no-new-revenue rate if quorum is not met; urban counties opposed it as a potential budget obstruction, while supporters said it protects taxpayers and representation. That bill was also left pending. The transcript ends as the committee begins HB 3319, which would create a civil service system for constable department employees in large counties, but the discussion is cut off before testimony or action.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so it doesn't necessarily have to do with any kind of a criminal proceeding. Is that correct?
• And so it doesn't necessarily have to do with any kind of a criminal proceeding. Is that correct?
• So this is, I misspoke earlier, this is someone who's going through the criminal justice process.
• And so, but this has some sort of criminal case component in it, is that correct? component in it?
• Thank you for the question, because domestic violence, that would go into their criminal history like

Bills: HB1082 , HB1638 , HB3040 , HB3269 , HB3278 , HB3298 , HB3587 , HB3996 , HB4113 , HB4140 , HB4226 , HB4236 , HB4301 , HB4324 , HB4339 , HB4342 , HB4352 , SB1082

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met with a quorum and took up a long series of House bills, hearing brief author presentations and mostly no opposition. Early measures advanced included HB 3040, HB 414, HB 1638, HB 3298, HB 4113, HB 1082, HB 4301, and HB 3269. These bills addressed topics such as firearm theft penalties, county jail public trust eligibility for funding, child interviews in family law cases, voter registration eligibility for convicted felons, a presumption of joint custody, enforcement of VA loan amendatory-clause protections, and electronic transmission of arrest warrants. The committee also advanced HB 3587 on court-ordered outpatient treatment after several questions about how it relates to mental health and criminal proceedings, HB 4226 on judge disqualification procedures, HB 4324 on district attorney authority to adjust sentences, HB 4339 on notice timing in summary administration, and HB 3278 on Open Meeting Act enforcement through consent orders. HB 3996, requiring the indigent defense system to pay for evidence and experts in capital cases, also passed after a motion to restore title. HB 4236, the Uniform Commercial Receivership Act, and HB 4352, the Uniform Mortgage Modification Act, were likewise advanced. One bill drew more extended discussion: HB 4342, which allows prior instances of domestic violence abuse to be admitted as evidence in court proceedings. Senators questioned why propensity evidence would be allowed in domestic violence cases but not property crimes; the author and chair explained it was intended to give the court a fuller picture in domestic violence matters and noted disclosure requirements. The committee also clarified that the bill’s title had a scrivener’s error. HB 4342 ultimately advanced on a 6-1 vote, while the other measures reported in the transcript passed unanimously or with no recorded opposition. The meeting concluded with the chair noting upcoming Judiciary meetings and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill adds resisting an officer with violence as a qualifying prior offense.
• That's common sense criminal justice reform. That's good public safety.
• That's common sense criminal justice reform. That's good public safety.
• The bill creates a third-degree felony criminal offense for fraudulent entry into a residential property
• The bill creates a third-degree felony criminal offense for fraudulent entry into a residential property

Committee: Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Language as far as defining specific acts, which can be an offense that impedes access to a reproductive
• Senate Bill 364, this conference report relates to the Department of Criminal Justice Services, safer
• So if we're a deferred disposition and the offense could otherwise be sealed after the fact where you
• So by excluding or requiring the Commonwealth's concurrence for offenses that are on the sealing list
• Any violation of any offense for which registration on the sex offender crimes against minor registry

Transcript Highlights:

• PCS for CS for HB 1159 encompasses various changes to current Florida criminal law regarding sexual offenses
• , specifically offenses involving minors, child pornography, and other sexual crimes.
• I don't love increasing the minimum mandatory, just as a criminal defense lawyer.
• I don't love increasing the minimum mandatory, just as a criminal defense lawyer.
• requiring any prior criminal conviction of the group, its leaders, or its members.

Summary: The committee took up a series of bills and reported several of them favorably, often after brief sponsor presentations, supportive public testimony, and unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Early measures included PCS for CSHB 1069 on background screenings for athletic coaches and qualified entities, CS/HB 365 on law enforcement interactions with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, and CS/HB 269 plus its linked public-records bill CS/SB 298 on domestic violence and dating violence. The domestic violence package focused on using NG-911 technology for discreet help-seeking, expanding protections to dating violence victims, and preserving confidentiality for participants in related programs. The committee also approved HB 6507, a claims bill for injuries involving DCF negligence, after limited discussion. Members then considered PCS for CSHB 1159, which increases penalties and updates terminology for sexual offenses involving minors, child sexual abuse material, and related crimes. The bill was amended to replace “child pornography” with “child sexual abuse material” and to address childlike sex dolls, and it passed unanimously. The committee also heard CS/HB 529 on community-based care lead agency and subcontractor liability insurance. That bill would remove a statutory liability-insurance requirement for certain child welfare providers amid an insurance market crisis; it drew extensive debate, with supporters saying it would prevent agencies from shutting down and opponents warning it would reduce accountability and leave children vulnerable. It passed 15-4 as amended. The committee next approved PCS for CSHB 277 on domestic violence and protective injunctions. The bill creates a Pinellas County pilot for electronic monitoring with victim notification, raises the victim relocation allowance, strengthens penalties for repeat injunction violations, and adds protections involving military orders and pets. Testimony was strongly supportive, including from survivors, and the bill passed 18-0 as amended. CS/HB 1009 on government publication of advertisements and public notices also passed, after an amendment requiring notices to remain publicly accessible; newspapers and press groups opposed it, arguing it would fragment access to notices, while the sponsor said it modernizes outdated posting rules. Finally, the committee heard PCS for CSHB 1471 on systems of law and terrorist organizations, which would create a state process for designating domestic terrorist organizations and bar public support for them; the bill drew sharp constitutional objections from civil liberties, press, labor, and advocacy groups over due process, free speech, and viewpoint discrimination concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 1373 by Senator Grove and act relating to criminal procedure. Senator. Senator.
• We've been given recorded jailhouse calls of career criminals talking about using diversion as their
• We're closing a loophole for wealthy, privileged politicians and career criminals alike.
• These are very serious offenses that pose significant risks to public safety.
• Senate Bill 1211 by Senator Gonzalez and an act relating to criminal procedure. Senator.

Transcript Highlights:

• , which are violent offenses.
• And for the number of youth who committed offenses, these offenses, but were not placed in a secure youth
• Orlando Sanchez-Zavala, Justin Ottoman, Francine Byrne from Department of Criminal Justice Services,
• In criminal justice system, the formula has been frequently modified since 2009.
• I'm Director of Criminal Justice Services.

Transcript Highlights:

• class A, class B, and class C offenses.
• So it's basically just defining the offenses on this particular bill. That's it. Okay.
• So what the amendment does is basically just classify the offenses, which is... ...the offenses which
• ... ...sense of criminal enterprise that we just commit crimes without due process.
• It's criminal. It's criminal, but it's not unconstitutional.

Bills: HJR 73 , HB 31 , HB 279 , HB 370 , HB 4768 , HB 513 , HB 875 , HB 982 , HB 1085 , HB 2677 , HB 2874 , HB 5478 , HB 4880 , HB 4798 , HB 4514 , HB 4958 , HB 4508 , HB 3758 , HB 3830 , HB 3744 , HB 3622 , HB 741 , HB 2204 , HB 2860 , HB 4659 , HB 4578 , HB 813 , HB 712 , HB 1551 , HB 2790 , HB 2698 , HB 3365 , HB 3504 , HB 3118 , HB 2959 , HB 1862 , HB 1026 , HB 4401 , HB 4164 , HB 3920 , HB 4737 , HB 4966 , HB 4967 , HB 1958 , HB 4979 , HB 5459 , HB 3862 , HB 1823 , HB 4415 , HB 4893 , HB 2343 , HB 1228 , HB 4337 , HCR 141 , SB 250 , SB 1883 , SB 617 , SB 2411 , SB 2306 , SB 2929 , SB 552 , SCR 27 , HJR 218 , HB 168 , HB 2545 , HB 5436 , HB 4926 , HB 5165 , HB 4811 , HB 4755 , HB 3179 , HB 4310 , HB 4611 , HB 3637 , HB 3153 , HB 2786 , HB 2966 , HB 2159 , HB 5081 , HB 638 , HB 640 , HB 876 , HB 4809 , HB 5308 , HB 4687 , HB 5623 , HB 4412 , HB 3284 , HB 3420 , HB 3449 , HB 4098 , HB 4281 , HB 4120 , HB 4504 , HB 4370 , HB 4421 , HB 1106 , HB 4070 , HB 2370 , HB 2407 , HB 2253 , HB 2273 , HB 2040 , HB 1586 , HB 3788 , HB 3993 , HB 4690 , HB 4696 , HB 2308 , HB 1142 , HB 1533 , HB 1621 , HB 2242 , HB 2012 , HB 2193 , HB 2464 , HB 2348 , HB 2313 , HB 2289 , HB 1942 , HB 2011 , HB 1629 , HB 2993 , HB 3592 , HB 4076 , HB 4623 , HB 4535 , HB 4327 , HB 4520 , HB 3824 , HB 4921 , HB 2494 , HB 3066 , HJR 112 , HB 2695 , HB 3138 , HB 2442 , HB 3863 , HJR 73 , HB 4773 , HB 1091 , HB 5115 , HB 5515 , HB 3372 , HB 5659 , HB 127 , HB 386 , HB 115 , HB 2868 , HB 1249 , HB 4766 , HB 3720 , HB 4656 , HB 4879 , HB 105 , HB 5383 , HB 4621 , HB 5431 , HB 5678 , HB 5534 , HB 4174 , HB 4212 , HB 3954 , HB 3966 , HB 3636 , HB 3918 , HB 1422 , HB 4765 , HB 4732 , HB 4742 , HB 5122 , HB 4518 , HB 5084 , HB 3986 , HB 4045 , HB 4144 , HB 3911 , HB 3976 , HB 4473 , HB 3425 , HB 3641 , HB 3642 , HB 3475 , HB 3509 , HB 3424 , HB 3383 , HB 4744 , HB 4531 , HB 4539 , HB 3159 , HB 5228 , HB 5370 , HB 4359 , HB 4398 , HB 4443 , HB 4466 , HB 3861 , HB 3849 , HB 4240 , HB 4706 , HB 4685 , HB 5354 , HB 5141 , HB 5686 , HB 3629 , HB 3554 , HB 3567 , HB 2015 , HB 3575 , HB 5381 , HB 1431 , HB 3514 , HB 4614 , HB 4546 , HB 4683 , HB 5681 , HB 5673 , HB 5663 , HB 4271 , HB 4350 , HB 4035 , HB 3807 , HB 3812 , HB 3552 , HB 3540 , HB 3715 , HB 3710 , HB 3664 , HB 4196 , HB 4233 , HB 4173 , HB 1998 , HB 3333 , HB 3510 , HB 4222 , HB 2070 , HB 2854 , HB 2347 , HB 113 , HB 983 , HB 4847 , HB 1449 , HB 3833 , HB 5151 , HB 265 , HB 1845 , HB 782 , HB 108 , HB 1960 , HB 158 , HB 1954 , HB 1955 , HB 2512 , HB 605 , HB 2581 , HB 2803 , HB 627 , HB 2667 , HB 1738 , HB 636 , HB 3679 , HB 2638 , HB 2655 , HB 871 , HB 2438 , HB 1107 , HB 1765 , HB 1822 , HB 2153 , HB 4099 , HB 3732 , HB 3171 , HB 3178 , HB 3182 , HB 3749 , HB 2814 , HB 3977 , HB 4204 , HB 4207 , HB 4449 , HB 1820 , HB 1876 , HB 1939 , HB 1347 , HB 2593 , HB 2136 , HB 2132 , HB 2658 , HB 2413 , HB 2757 , HB 2080 , HB 3154 , HB 3063 , HB 3009 , HB 3448 , HB 3006 , HB 2844 , HB 3241 , HB 3680 , HB 3169 , HB 2078 , HB 2507 , HB 4559 , HB 3946 , HB 3460 , HB 3405 , HB 475 , HB 3463 , HB 3441 , HB 3520 , HB 2060 , HB 4731 , HB 4991 , HB 1991 , HB 5596 , HB 2014 , HB 2142 , HB 2673 , HB 2731 , HB 2417 , HB 2399 , HB 2301 , HB 3335 , HB 3234 , HB 3320 , HB 5573 , HB 4848 , HB 4748 , HB 4769 , HB 4795 , HB 2086 , HB 2234 , HB 2203 , HB 4916 , HB 5624 , HB 4505 , HB 139 , HB 5093 , HB 5302 , HB 5402 , HB 5606 , HB 2333 , HB 4630 , HB 4701 , HB 2583 , HB 2983 , HB 4924 , HB 3339 , HB 3793 , HB 3631 , HB 4882 , HB 5509 , HB 5499 , HB 5430 , HB 5561 , HB 5611 , HB 5043 , HB 5064 , HB 3733 , HB 3781 , HB 3219 , HB 32 , HB 4515 , HB 5348 , HB 3902 , HB 4420 , HB 3269 , HB 469 , HB 336 , HB 316 , HB 5396 , HB 993 , HB 1342 , HB 5216 , HB 2046 , HB 2188 , HB 2450 , HB 2813 , HB 2857 , HB 4075 , HB 2911 , HB 4682 , HB 3117 , HB 3253 , HB 3442 , HB 4820 , HB 4336 , HB 5356 , HB 3669 , HB 3428 , HB 5465 , HB 3662 , HB 2590 , HB 2288 , HB 1886 , HB 3458 , HB 5603 , HB 5620 , HB 1489 , HB 4101 , HB 4990 , HB 5685 , HB 4950 , HB 4980 , HB 5684 , HB 3507 , HB 3566 , HB 4487 , HB 4462 , HB 4876 , HB 4915 , HB 4663 , HB 5570 , HB 2929 , HB 5261 , HB 2920 , HB 4642 , HB 4746 , HB 1609 , HB 5403 , HB 5453 , HB 3844 , HB 2336 , HB 1572 , HB 1226 , HB 2806 , HB 2617 , HB 2827 , HB 3948 , HB 3945 , HB 4266 , HB 4542 , HB 3319 , HB 1772 , HB 2496 , HB 1970 , HB 3434 , HB 5545 , HB 5577 , HB 31 , HB 279 , HB 370 , HB 4768 , HB 513 , HB 875 , HB 982 , HB 1085 , HB 2677 , HB 2874 , HB 5478 , HB 4880 , HB 4798 , HB 4514 , HB 4958 , HB 4508 , HB 3758 , HB 3830 , HB 3744 , HB 3622 , HB 741 , HB 2204 , HB 2860 , HB 4659 , HB 4578 , HB 813 , HB 712 , HB 1551 , HB 2790 , HB 2698 , HB 3365 , HB 3504 , HB 3118 , HB 2959 , HB 1862 , HB 1026 , HB 4401 , HB 4164 , HB 3920 , HB 4737 , HB 4966 , HB 4967 , HB 1958 , HB 4979 , HB 5459 , HB 3862 , HB 1823 , HB 4415 , HB 4893 , HB 2343 , HB 1228 , HB 4337 , HCR 76 , HCR 127 , HCR 9 , HCR 40 , HCR 118 , HR 559 , HCR 59 , HCR 135 , HCR 141

Transcript Highlights:

• The penalties for violating the statute would be a $1,000 ticket for a first offense and a $2,500 ticket
• for a second or subsequent offense.
• Uh, these are civil offenses.
• and a $2,500 ticket for a first offense and a $2,500 ticket<00:09:34.240><c> for</c><00:09:34.399><c
• </c> offense. Uh, these are civil offenses. offense. Uh, these are civil offenses.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think we should be putting criminals in with people who are the most vulnerable people in our
• I was convicted of a sex offense when I was 18 and served time in prison.
• Yes, the status quo treats them like a criminal.
• Criminal.
• “I get tired of having the criminals have more and more respect than the victims in our communities.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1795 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2343 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2360 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2525 , HB2605 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1710 , HB1750 , HB1903 , HB1941 , HB1974 , HB1982 , HB1983 , HB2006 , HB2034 , HB2105 , HB2179 , HB2203 , HB2215 , HB2223 , HB2239 , HB2247 , HB2297 , HB2303 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2334 , HB2338 , HB2345 , HB2348 , HB2350 , HB2353 , HB2355 , HB2363 , HB2367 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2418 , HB2420 , HB2428 , HB2441 , HB2462 , HB2464 , HB2467 , HB2495 , HB2505 , HB2534 , HB2539 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2554 , HB2557 , HB2575 , HB2577 , HB2588 , HB2594 , HB2604 , HB2636 , HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House took up several bills on second and third reading, beginning with House Bill 2360 on expanding access to albuterol in public and private schools. A motion to recommit the bill to the House Health Care and Wellness Committee failed on a roll call vote, 38 yeas to 56 nays. Supporters said the bill would help school nurses respond to students in respiratory distress and reflected input from nurses, OSPI, and the Department of Health. Opponents raised concerns about training, drug interactions, follow-up care, costs to districts, and schools making medical decisions without a diagnosis. The bill then passed 60-34. House Bill 2467, clarifying measurement rules for fifth-wheel travel trailers, passed 94-0 after sponsors said it would help Washington dealers and consumers. House Bill 1983, relating to timberland tax treatment when land is sold to DNR, passed 68-26 amid debate over whether it would help forest management or make it easier for DNR to acquire timberland. House Bill 2531, updating ambulance transport fund quality assurance rules to align with federal regulations and preserve matching funds, passed unanimously 94-0. The House also passed Substitute House Bill 1390, which phases out the Community Protection Program for certain developmentally disabled individuals with high-risk histories and transfers participants to other waiver programs. Supporters said the program was overly restrictive, out of compliance with federal law, and had trapped people in long-term confinement-like conditions; opponents argued it would weaken public safety and move dangerous individuals into community settings without adequate safeguards. The bill passed 52-44. House Bill 2367, eliminating a preferential treatment related to the former TransAlta coal plant in Centralia, passed 63-33 after supporters framed it as closing the book on coal and opponents warned about energy reliability, jobs, and an emergency clause. Substitute House Bill 2133, making a property tax exemption for certain senior centers permanent, passed 96-0. Substitute House Bill 2355, establishing labor protections for domestic workers, passed 57-39 after supporters emphasized dignity and long-standing worker abuse concerns, while opponents cited fiscal impacts. The House then passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2534, with a technical amendment, to improve educational stability for children in military families; it passed 96-0. Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1974, creating a land banking framework to support affordable housing, passed 59-37 after an amendment reduced fiscal impact by striking some tax preference sections. House Bill 2223, allowing certain irrigation district board service by farmers with spouses employed by the district, passed 93-3. Substitute House Bill 2239, allowing family burial grounds on private property, passed 96-0 after supporters cited rural needs, cultural traditions, and personal family stories. The session also included a brief congratulatory recognition for Representative David Stuebe after his first bill passed the House.

Bills: HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1795 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2343 , HB2406 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2206 , HB2360 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2525 , HB2605 , HJM4012 , HB1104 , HB1152 , HB1254 , HB1443 , HB1710 , HB1750 , HB1903 , HB1941 , HB1974 , HB1982 , HB1983 , HB2006 , HB2034 , HB2105 , HB2179 , HB2203 , HB2215 , HB2223 , HB2239 , HB2247 , HB2297 , HB2303 , HB2322 , HB2329 , HB2334 , HB2338 , HB2345 , HB2348 , HB2350 , HB2353 , HB2355 , HB2363 , HB2367 , HB2379 , HB2388 , HB2399 , HB2418 , HB2420 , HB2428 , HB2441 , HB2462 , HB2464 , HB2467 , HB2495 , HB2505 , HB2534 , HB2539 , HB2544 , HB2551 , HB2554 , HB2557 , HB2575 , HB2577 , HB2588 , HB2594 , HB2604 , HB2636 , HB2714

Keywords: design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer were offered, and the chamber approved the previous day’s minutes. Members then caucused briefly before moving into second reading and third reading action on several bills, with the day also marking the start of the three-minute debate rule through House of Origin cutoff. The House passed House Bill 2338, which expands the low-income home weatherization program to support community-scale weatherization projects, especially for multifamily housing. It also passed House Bill 2353, raising the threshold for requiring predesign work on public projects from $10 million to $15 million, and Substitute House Bill 2363, a trailer bill allowing music therapy students to practice under supervision while exam scores are pending. Members described these as efficiency measures and consumer or workforce improvements. The chamber also approved Substitute House Bill 2525 to establish the Heritage Orchard Program and a registry at Washington State University to preserve rare and heritage apple varieties, with sponsors emphasizing the importance of Washington’s apple industry and agricultural history. Additional bills passed unanimously included Substitute House Bill 2420 on increasing small works roster thresholds, Substitute House Bill 2428 on preventing unintended lapses in life insurance by allowing third-party designees, House Bill 2604 allowing electronic signatures for transferring salvage vehicles to insurers, and Substitute House Bill 2107 making permanent a pilot requiring Labor and Industries to notify employers of identified job-site hazards within 10 days. Finally, the House adopted Amendment 1517 and passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2247, which updates veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telehealth between required physical visits and requires annual veterinarian oversight for certain animal production, commercial, and breeding operations. All of the listed bills received overwhelming support, with each final passage vote recorded at 94 yeas and 0 nays, except House Bill 2338, which passed 93-1.