Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, I'd just like to address Vision Zero.
• And no, I'm not a zero-sum, you know, we need to get it down to zero deaths. It's about reducing.
• Zero deaths. It's about reducing the amount of deaths.
• But some of those states have signs that say no tolerance.
• tolerance on it, or as close to zero tolerance as you can.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota should have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misuse of taxpayer dollars and theft.
• Minnesota<00:21:45.520><c> should</c><00:21:45.840><c> have</c><00:21:46.000><c> a</c><00:21:46.320><c> zero
• </c><00:21:46.720><c> tolerance</c> Minnesota should have a zero tolerance Minnesota should have a zero
• tolerance policy<00:21:47.679><c> when</c><00:21:47.919><c> it</c><00:21:48.080><c> comes</c><00:21:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• So real quick, and before you do, about the zero tolerance, we did, that was passed, an elimination of
• zero tolerance policies was passed in House Bill 68.
• “House Bill 68, this provision that’s in here just says specifically you can’t have a zero-tolerance
• “And it’s really trying to get at the idea of communicating zero tolerance and communicating that self-defense
• Really, pediatric says zero.

Summary: The committee first took up a combined substitute for House Bills 2115 and 1876, which would encourage cursive instruction and add a future cursive assessment. Members discussed that the substitute removed an immediate fifth-grade test and instead would phase in an assessment later, with no penalty for failure. Some members raised concerns about teacher training, costs, and added demands on elementary classrooms, while supporters said the measure was only a recommendation and could be improved on the floor. The committee adopted the substitute and then passed the House Committee Substitute for both bills on a roll call vote of 13-9, with several members present or absent. The committee then heard House Bill 2776, as amended and substituted, a teacher-certification bill aimed at addressing Missouri’s teacher shortage through a tiered associate certification system for pre-K and elementary grades. Sponsors explained that Tier 1 and Tier 2 certificates would be temporary and nonrenewable, with mentoring, literacy training, and a minimum salary floor, and that Tier 3 would lead to full certification and retirement-system participation. Members questioned the pay differential, the effect on teacher quality, the role of literacy training, and how the bill would treat leaves or incomplete years of service. After adopting an amendment and rolling it into a new substitute, the committee passed the House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2776 by a vote of 12-5 with one present. In open session, the committee heard House Bills 1698 and 2120 together, both anti-bullying measures that would strengthen reporting, parent notification, school-board awareness, and immunity protections for good-faith reporting. The sponsors described the bills as responses to a student bullying case that ended in suicide, and witnesses from the family gave emotional testimony urging immediate reporting and stronger accountability. Committee members raised questions about definitions of bullying, off-campus conduct, mandatory reporting to law enforcement, and the need to avoid sweeping in protected speech or sincerely held religious beliefs. No vote was taken on those bills in the portion provided. The committee then began testimony on House Bills 2230 and 2978, the Hands-on Learning Restoration Act, which would limit screen time and one-to-one device use in K-5 classrooms and emphasize books, paper, pencils, and cursive. Sponsors and supporters argued that heavy reliance on Chromebooks and other devices has harmed literacy, attention, and child development, citing low NAEP scores and research on handwriting and screen exposure. Teachers, physicians, and parents testified in support, while some members noted the bill may be too prescriptive and would need work on implementation, testing, and local flexibility. The hearing continued with additional testimony after the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> tolerance for fraud in our programs. tolerance for fraud in our programs.
• So, I just encourage you, um, I think the public wants zero tolerance.
• tolerance policy.
• </c> wants zero tolerance. wants zero tolerance.
• </c> now, I encourage you to have a zero now, I encourage you to have a zero tolerance<01:03:32.800><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Tolerates it. These are not stories from faraway lands.
• It will work to find the balance between having absolutely zero tolerance for bad actors and allowing
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 527 is favorably reported.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 1580 is favorably reported.
• There being nine ayes and zero nays, Senate Bill 2032 is favorably reported.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• There be six ayes and zero nays.
• There will be five ayes and zero nays.
• There be five ayes and zero nays.
• There be six ayes and zero nays.
• There be four ayes, zero nays.

Bills: SB251, SB608, SB487, SB535, SB761, SB955, SB957, SB958, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120

Keywords: criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield

Transcript Highlights:

• By your vote of 14 aye and zero no, you have voted House Bill 2889 do pass.
• By your vote of 14 aye and zero no, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 3175 do
• By your vote of 16 aye and zero noes, you have voted House Committee substitute for House Bill 3175 do
• So, again, I'm going to stand with the Attorney General, who, again, says she is not going to tolerate
• So, again, I'm going to stand with the Attorney General, who, again, says she is not going to tolerate

Summary: The committee met in executive session and first approved House Bill 2889 by a 14-0 roll call vote. It then took up House Bill 3175, “Mason’s Law,” adopting a House Committee Substitute after discussion of a proposed amendment that was not offered because the sponsor and a member agreed the language needed to be cleaned up. The substitute bill was then advanced both due pass and due pass by consent, with unanimous votes of 14-0 and 16-0 respectively. House Bill 3066, dealing with St. Louis police governance and related budget/oversight issues, drew extended debate. Opponents argued it was an overreach, would sidestep local elected officials, and could burden the city budget; supporters said it was not a state takeover but an oversight structure made up of city citizens and that the city should be responsible for certain liabilities. The committee adopted a House Committee Amendment to address lieutenant overtime pay, rolled it into a new committee substitute, and then passed the substitute 11-5. During the vote, members clarified that a refusal to vote could be recorded and the roll was completed after a brief rules question. In public hearing, House Bill 2767 was presented as a 911 funding measure that would increase the prepaid wireless 911 fee from 3% to 4% to generate roughly $1 million more annually for grants to local 911 providers for equipment, training, and related upgrades. Testimony from 911 directors emphasized that prepaid phone revenue has declined as consumers move away from that technology, while the added funding would help modernize statewide emergency response systems; no opposition was heard. House Bill 1990, creating the offense of gift card fraud, was then heard with support from the sponsor, retailers, grocers, convenience store operators, and bankers, who described sophisticated theft schemes involving tampering with cards and stealing activation data; members asked about penalties, how the fraud works, and whether the bill aligns with existing theft classifications. The final bill heard was House Bill 2269, which would move boiler inspector qualifications and related fire/life safety standards from statute into rule to help the state hire inspectors more quickly and align with national standards. The state fire marshal supported the change and said oversight would remain with the boiler board commission. House Bill 3220, focused on teen driver accountability and driver education, drew extensive support from the sponsor, a crash victim’s widow, AAA, motorcycle and pedestrian safety advocates, and MODOT. Supporters said the bill would require driver education for new applicants under 21, tighten supervision and point-assessment rules, and reduce crashes; MODOT estimated a state administrative cost of roughly $350,000 to $850,000 annually, and members asked about parental supervision, the impact on young drivers, and historical crash trends. No votes were taken on the public hearing bills before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesota should have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to misuse of taxpayer dollars and theft.
• Minnesota<00:18:04.320><c> should</c><00:18:04.559><c> have</c><00:18:04.799><c> a</c><00:18:05.120><c> zero
• </c><00:18:05.520><c> tolerance</c> Minnesota should have a zero tolerance Minnesota should have a zero
• tolerance policy<00:18:06.480><c> when</c><00:18:06.720><c> it</c><00:18:06.799><c> comes</c><00:18:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Four to zero. All right, that is four to zero.
• It's making sure that individuals know that we have our zero tolerance policy, and that means that it
• So one of the things is, like we stated earlier with the group, we talk about zero tolerance for that
• Three to zero. All right, that is three to zero.
• Five to zero.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a good answer, tolerating. Thank you.
• Zero problems. Great. Good morning, Senator Creem and members of the committee.
• That's a good answer, tolerating. Thank you.
• Zero problems. Great. Good morning, Senator Cream and members of the committee.
• When it comes to moderate-income heat pump installs, we had zero in 2022.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• People's tolerances and usage patterns vary widely.
• article about the increased tolerance toward fentanyl.
• Four ayes, three noes, zero not voting.
• Amazingly, by our vote of seven ayes, zero noes, and zero not voting, we have given SB 1029 a do pass
• Four ayes, three noes, and zero not voting.

Bills: SB1003, SB1006, SB1029, SB1037, SB1038, SB1039, SB1040, SB1053, SB1057, SB1060, SB1061, SB1068, SB1069

Keywords: election, canvass, certification, ballot tabulation, write-in candidates, registration, voting procedures, campaign finance, contribution limits, reporting requirements, political action committees, elections, campaign contributions, candidate committees, posthumous provisions, termination process, Arizona Revised Statutes, voting systems, vote tabulation, election security

Transcript Highlights:

• We started something called zero tolerance.
• Under zero tolerance, anytime that somebody was in violation of their terms of supervision, we either
• my office who were behind on payments that I was conducting warrantless arrests on because of our zero
• tolerance.
• One thing that hasn't changed since zero tolerance is that we still report all willful noncompliance,

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard an informational presentation from the Florida Department of Corrections on how the prison and community supervision systems operate after sentencing. Assistant Deputy Secretary Hope Gartman described the reception process for new inmates, including intake, medical and mental health screening, classification, custody and housing levels, gain time, and the department’s academic, vocational, substance abuse, chaplaincy, visitation, and communication programs. She emphasized that reentry begins on day one and that program placement is driven by risk and needs assessments, with facilities matched to inmates’ medical, mental health, and security requirements. Members also asked about family contact, visitor applications, inmate welfare trust funds, tablet access, private prison placement, staffing shortages, overtime, contraband interdiction, and waiting lists for programs; several follow-up materials were requested for distribution to all members. Mr. Winkler then outlined community corrections, explaining the different supervision types under Florida law, including probation, drug offender probation, community control, sex offender supervision, conditional release, and addiction recovery supervision. He described the department’s monitoring tools, such as office and field visits, warrantless searches, alternative sanctioning for technical violations, telephone reporting for low-risk offenders, employment assistance, and mobile probation and reentry units. He said the department’s supervision success rate is about 62%, with more than 91% of successful completers not returning to custody within three years. Members questioned officer workloads, the use of radios and GPS check-ins, the rollout of uniforms and firearms, how violations are handled, and whether all circuits participate in alternative sanctioning; Winkler said the program is statewide and that the department is seeking funding for radios. During public comment, Florida Cares Charity urged the committee to consider evidence on deterrence, parole, and recidivism, arguing that community supervision is less costly than incarceration and can be effective. James Beardy of the Florida PBA emphasized the dangers faced by correctional and probation officers, including long shifts, field searches, and working alone, and argued for higher pay and better support comparable to other law enforcement. The meeting concluded with the chair thanking the presenters and public speakers, and the subcommittee adjourned without taking any legislative votes or formal actions.

Transcript Highlights:

• I will crack down on fraud with a zero-tolerance policy while shifting the SBA's focus back to Main Street
• As I said, we will have a zero-tolerance policy toward fraud, but also toward waste and abuse.
• Now in business, this would never be tolerated, and we see examples of this everywhere within the country
• with this committee to have a higher standard of accountability, to act with more urgency, to have a zero-tolerance
• loan program, the bread-and-butter loans, That small businesses use to start is meant to operate at a zero

Transcript Highlights:

• With repeated use, the brain adapts, and people can develop tolerance and dependence, meaning they actually
• It's associated with a higher risk of dependency and a higher tolerance.
• Well, because Kansas City is ground zero for this debate.
• That claim is based on zero clinical trials and zero observational studies.
• FDA's first study of kratom, which was completed in 2024, showed that the botanical was well tolerated

Summary: The committee held an informational hearing on kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), focusing on public health risks, overdose deaths, and regulatory gaps in California. The chair opened by noting that FDA and CDPH consider kratom and 7-OH products unlawful, yet they remain widely sold in smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, and convenience stores. Members referenced AB 1088, which would be considered later, and said the hearing was intended to clarify the science, medical perspective, and whether stronger safeguards are needed. The first panel featured a toxicology expert, state and local public health officials, an emergency/addiction physician, a medical examiner, and county health representatives. Witnesses from CDPH and Los Angeles County described rising deaths and enforcement actions, including statewide advisories, retailer letters, and product removals from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Medical testimony emphasized that 7-OH acts much more like an opioid than traditional kratom leaf, can cause dependence, withdrawal, and respiratory depression, and may require naloxone, buprenorphine, or methadone in overdose or withdrawal cases. Local officials said enforcement is difficult because packaging is inconsistent, testing capacity is limited, and counties lack resources and statewide infrastructure; they generally favored a centralized state framework if regulation is pursued. Committee members asked about testing, age restrictions, scheduling, and whether a distinction between kratom and 7-OH could be enforced. Witnesses said forensic labs can potentially test for 7-OH but validated assays are not routine, emergency departments cannot readily distinguish exposures, and local health departments do not have the lab capacity to verify product labels. Several officials warned that a ban or abrupt scheduling could push products into the black market and discourage research, while others argued that current prohibition and enforcement are the most protective approach because legalization or age-limited regulation could create confusion about legality and safety. The second panel included kratom and 7-OH advocates and industry representatives, who argued that natural kratom leaf and concentrated or synthetic 7-OH are different products and should be regulated differently. They supported age-gating, labeling, testing, and packaging rules for kratom leaf while opposing a ban on the botanical. They said 7-OH is used by many adults for pain relief or harm reduction, and that prohibition would drive consumers to illicit markets and worsen harm. Committee members pressed them on whether 7-OH is more potent than kratom, the availability of testing, and whether any safe dose is known. The hearing ended without a vote or formal action, with the chair noting the issue will continue to be considered in future legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs in our state, and a lot of facilities do a lot of drug testing
• So we have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs in our state, and a lot of facilities do a lot of drug testing
• well-worked and good bill by cross-referencing some definitions and existing laws and directs DCYF to have a zero-tolerance
• President, there are 49 ayes, zero nays. I have received a constitutional majority.
• President, there are 49 aye, zero nay. I have received a constitutional majority.

Bills: SB6061, SB6234, SB6176, SB6335, SB6047, HB2235, HB2272, HB2340, HB2543, HB2554, HB2632, HB2464, HB2619, HB1376, HB1796, HB2091, HB2249, HB2254, HB2353, HB2431, HB2441, SB5808, SB5949, SB6006, SB6260, SB6297, SB6351, SB6354, SB6355, HB2124, HB1069, HB2104, HB2624

Keywords: tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development, sewage, grinder pumps, residential buildings, regulation, construction, vehicle registration, enforcement, renewal, transportation, state law, state commission, infrastructure, traffic safety, responsibilities, state capital projects

Transcript Highlights:

• What kind of state tolerates it? These are not stories from faraway lands.
• It will work to find the balance between bad actors that we need to have absolutely zero tolerance for
• This cannot be tolerated.
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 527 is favorably reported.
• There being nine ayes, zero nays, Senate Bill 912 is favorably reported.

Bills: SB1406, SB1681, SB2480, SB2721

Keywords: body donation, medical science, forensic science, willed body program, informed consent, boarding home, boarding home facility, adult care home, group home, assisted living, county reporting, municipal reporting, annual report, reasonable accommodation, fair housing, disability accommodation, local ordinance, permit requirement, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 2480, which would clarify that the Texas Medical Board may collect license renewal surcharge fees from all licensees to fund the Texas Physician Health Program and related administrative costs. The bill author explained the funding fix was needed after prior language was found to allow surcharges only for physicians and physician assistants. Witnesses from the Texas Physician Health Program supported the measure and described the program’s confidential monitoring and treatment services; members asked about the fee amount, which was described as capped at $15 per two-year registration cycle. The bill was left pending. The committee then took up Senate Bills 1406 and 2721, both authored by Senator Parker, addressing the handling of human remains by non-transplant anatomical donation organizations, willed body programs, and related facilities. Senator Parker and several witnesses described alleged abuses involving unclaimed bodies, consent problems, body leasing, hotel-based dissections, and mishandling of cremains, and argued for strict licensing, inspections, transparency, and criminal penalties. Supporters included families of deceased veterans and other relatives, a biomedical ethicist, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and some public safety and hotel industry representatives who said legitimate training should continue but bad actors should be shut down. Opponents or cautious witnesses from accredited donation organizations and bioskills labs said they support stronger oversight but warned the bills could unintentionally disrupt legitimate medical education and urged clearer language and implementation of existing law. Both bills were left pending. Senate Bill 1681, by Senator Menendez, would require counties and municipalities that regulate boarding homes to report facility standards and related information to the Health and Human Services Commission. The author said the bill is intended to improve state oversight of boarding homes that serve elderly and disabled residents and to address abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The bill was left pending after brief discussion. After the testimony portion, the committee returned to voting on pending business and unanimously reported Senate Bills 527, 912, 1580, 1952, and 2032 to the Senate with recommendations that they do pass and be printed, and each was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee also adopted a committee substitute for Senate Bill 407 and reported the substitute favorably, with six ayes and three nays. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 500 as pending business.

Transcript Highlights:

• It directs DCYF to issue an immediate summary suspension to a child care licensee when the zero-tolerance
• It directs DCYF to issue an immediate summary suspension to a child care licensee when the zero-tolerance
• A fiscal note on the substitute bill shows non-zero but indeterminate costs.

Summary: The committee met for its final executive session of the session and took up several House bills related to early learning and K-12 education. House Bill 1795 on restraint and isolation in schools was briefed as prohibiting mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints, limiting isolation, and barring new isolation rooms; a proposed amendment to the striker was defeated, and the bill then advanced. House Bill 2219 on child care licensing and drug safety was briefed as requiring licensed child care settings to be free of high-potency synthetic opioids, drug paraphernalia, and manufacturing equipment, with amendments to add drug testing and broader controlled-substance prohibitions; both amendments failed, and the striker was adopted before the bill advanced. House Bill 1295 on literacy was described as setting curriculum and educator training requirements; the committee adopted a striking amendment that removed some district implementation and continuing-education requirements, then advanced the bill. The committee also heard briefings on House Bill 1634 on behavioral health supports in schools, House Bill 2557 on timelines for special education evaluation reports and eligibility meetings, and House Bill 2636 creating a public education review steering committee and JLARC review process, all of which had no amendments at the briefing stage. In formal action, the committee voted to adopt the striker on HB 1295 and then passed HB 1795, HB 2219, HB 1295, HB 1634, and HB 2557 out of committee with due pass recommendations. HB 2636 was also advanced, but to the Ways and Means Committee rather than the Rules Committee. Several members noted concerns about costs and unfunded mandates, particularly regarding literacy implementation and child care safety provisions, while supporters emphasized student safety, child care safety, and clarity in existing law. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't think any of the solutions come with zero cost. Indeed. Thank you.
• This is not a zero-tolerance standard, and professional decision-making remains conducted by the trooper
• We're choosing a different legacy, proving to the next generation that we will no longer tolerate the
• We're choosing a different legacy, proving to the next generation that we will no longer tolerate the
• We're choosing a different legacy, proving to the next generation that we will no longer tolerate the

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• and the state of Arizona all have made very clear that this is not something that we should be tolerating
• Arizona, all have made very clear that this is not something that we should be tolerating.
• With your votes of four ayes, three days, zero present, zero absent, you have given HCR 2044 a do pass
• Okay, members, with your votes of seven ayes, zero nays, zero present, and zero absent, you have given
• Yeah, members, with seven ayes, zero nays, you have given House Bill 2676 a do pass recommendation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Special Committee on Government heard and advanced three measures. First, HCR 2044, a constitutional amendment to expand Arizona’s prohibition on preferential treatment and discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education, public spending, and hiring, drew support from the Speaker, Goldwater Institute, and other advocates who argued it would close loopholes and reaffirm merit-based treatment. Opponents argued it would chill speech, training, and discussion of race and identity in public institutions. The committee approved the resolution on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2671, as amended, which narrows mandatory transfer to adult court for juveniles by limiting chronic felony offender treatment to higher-level felonies and preserving judicial/prosecutorial discretion for lower-level repeat offenses. The sponsor and juvenile defense testimony said the bill would keep low-level youth offenders in juvenile court where rehabilitative services are available and reduce recidivism, while still holding them accountable. The Blackman amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 7-0. Finally, HB 2676 was heard to reduce the age for restoring firearm possession rights for certain juvenile offenders from 30 to 25 and to broaden restoration eligibility for other juvenile felony convictions. Supporters said it would align firearm-rights restoration with juvenile record-destruction timelines and help rehabilitated individuals move forward without unnecessary barriers. The committee approved HB 2676 unanimously, 7-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the state of Arizona all have made very clear that this is not something that we should be tolerating
• Arizona, all have made very clear that this is not something that we should be tolerating.
• So with that... ...with your votes of four ayes, three days, zero present, zero absent, you have given
• Okay, members, with your votes of seven ayes, zero nays, zero present, and zero absent, you have given
• Yeah, members, with your seven ayes, zero nays, you have given House Bill 2676 a due pass recommendation

Summary: The Special Committee on Government heard three measures and advanced all of them on due pass recommendations. First, HCR 2044, sponsored by the Speaker, would expand Arizona’s constitutional prohibition on preferential treatment and discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education, spending, hiring, and contracting. Supporters, including Goldwater Institute, Our America, and Heritage Action, argued it would close loopholes around DEI and reaffirm merit-based treatment. Some members raised concerns that the resolution would chill speech and discussion about race and identity, while others said it was needed to prevent race-based preferences. The committee approved the resolution 4-3. The committee then considered HB 2671, as amended by the Blackman Amendment. The bill narrows mandatory adult-court transfer for juveniles classified as chronic felony offenders, limiting it to higher-level felonies and preserving transfer for serious violent offenses. Sponsor Rep. Hernandez and juvenile public defender Michelle Robbins said the change would restore judicial and prosecutorial discretion, keep lower-level repeat juvenile offenders in juvenile court, and reduce recidivism by allowing access to rehabilitative services. Members from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing second chances and juvenile justice reform. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill 7-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 2676, also sponsored by Rep. Hernandez, which lowers the minimum age for restoring firearm possession rights for certain juvenile offenders from 30 to 25 and broadens restoration eligibility for other juvenile felony convictions. Supporters said the bill aligns firearm-rights restoration with juvenile record-destruction timelines and helps rehabilitated individuals move forward without unnecessary barriers to employment, education, and housing. The committee passed the bill 7-0 and then adjourned.