Transcript Highlights:

• Accordingly, Senate Bill 1534 would create a study to help prevent mishaps related to radiation exposure
• gun violence.
• Gun violence is now the leading cause of death for children and teens in our state and our country.
• In closing, I ask you to take this issue of gun violence seriously.
• This will address the challenges of the tri-agency and prevent the siloing of efforts.

Bills: SB913 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1143 , SB1534 , SB1553 , SB1718 , SB1754 , SB2004 , SB2322 , SB2448

Committee: Senate Economic Development

Keywords: hotel occupancy tax, municipal revenue, tax code, local government funding, Texas legislation, county taxation, economic development, hotel industry, local government, counties, taxation, tourism, workforce development, youth programs, employment, education, technical training, health physics, higher education, nuclear energy

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills, mostly related to economic development, tax incentives, and workforce programs. Senate Bill 1534 would direct a study by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission on health physics education and workforce needs; resource witnesses from the Workforce Commission and Coordinating Board testified, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1553 would authorize Kerr County to impose a hotel occupancy tax for tourism-related uses, and Senate Bills 1086 and 1087 would authorize similar county hotel taxes for Children’s County and Mason County; all three bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1754, which would prohibit county and local tax abatements for renewable energy facilities selling power wholesale, with testimony sharply divided between landowners and policy groups opposing renewable subsidies and industry representatives and some senators arguing the bill would harm clean energy investment and local decision-making; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2322, which would exempt dispatchable electric generation facilities from the JEDI program’s compelling-factor test so they could qualify for school district tax incentives; testimony was mixed, and the bill was left pending. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 1718, which would add the NRA annual meeting to the state’s major events reimbursement program. The bill’s sponsor and NRA representatives argued the event brings substantial tourism and economic activity, while opponents said it would use taxpayer funds to subsidize an organization that opposes gun safety measures; the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2004 would add the Arlington Grand Prix to the major events reimbursement program, with the committee substitute exempting it from the usual competitive site-selection requirement because of timing; testimony from the event organizers and Arlington tourism officials was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 2448 would create a rural workforce development grant program at the Texas Workforce Commission to support college-and-career readiness and technical assistance in rural communities; witnesses from Texas 2036, Collegiate Edgination, and a rural school district supported it, and it was left pending. Finally, Senate Bill 913 would repeal a special requirement that Alpine dedicate at least 50% of its hotel occupancy tax to advertising and promotion, and Senate Bill 1143 would require more coordination and reporting for youth workforce programs serving disconnected young Texans; both bills received supportive testimony and were left pending. At the end of the hearing, Senator Johnson moved that the committee stand in recess, subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> commitment to reducing gun violence. commitment to reducing gun violence.
• </c> danger to our domestic violence victims. danger to our domestic violence victims.
• </c> violence. That's who we want to hit. violence. That's who we want to hit.
• It's really about prevention.
• It's really about prevention. Programs It's really about prevention.

Committee: Senate Public Safety and Military Affairs

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on Senate Bill 433, which would restrict the carrying of “bladed weapons” and related items. The Office of the Public Defender, Honolulu Police Department, the Hawaii Firearms Coalition, Knife Rights, and many individual testifiers opposed the bill, arguing it is overbroad, vague, and likely unconstitutional. Common concerns were that the term “bladed weapon” could sweep in ordinary tools such as pocketknives, Leathermans, multi-tools, fishing and camping gear, and items used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, divers, and martial arts practitioners. Several speakers also warned that the bill could burden lawful self-defense and create an affirmative-defense scheme that shifts costs and proof burdens onto defendants. Supporters and opponents alike focused on the need for a clearer definition, with HPD saying a narrower definition would help distinguish ordinary tools from dangerous weapons used in assaults. Opponents repeatedly urged the committee to defer or kill the measure, citing pending and related court cases and the risk of new constitutional challenges. Some testifiers tied the bill to Native Hawaiian gathering rights and subsistence practices, saying it would interfere with hunting, fishing, and food gathering, while others argued it would do little to deter criminals and instead penalize law-abiding residents and visitors. After finishing testimony on SB 433, the committee moved on to Senate Bill 2575 relating to firearms. The transcript shows the start of that item with the Office of the Public Defender and other agencies being called, but no substantive testimony or action on SB 2575 is included before the excerpt ends. No votes or final committee actions are reflected in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:16:33.960><c> the</c> confidentiality to prevent the confidentiality to prevent the disclosure
• </c> districts and when domestic violence districts and when domestic violence survivors<04:46:55.120
• This bill is about gun safety and gun violence prevention. additional options for petitioners additional
• </c> gun safety and about gun violence. gun safety and about gun violence.
• </c> one that can lead to violence. one that can lead to violence.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not about gun violence; it is about people that commit acts of violence here.
• OF VIOLENCE HERE.
• It prevents people from getting their jobs done. I vote no. Wholesale.
• It prevents people from getting their jobs done. I vote no.
• That was a preventable tragedy.

Summary: The Senate opened with routine proceedings, approval of the prior day’s journal, and several motions to restore previously passed bills to the third-reading calendar. Senate Print 2436A, an amendment to the Administrative Code of New York City, and Senate Print 7160, an amendment to the Elder Law, were both reconsidered and restored to the calendar by roll call. Amendments were also received on Senate Print 9960, which retained its place on the third-reading calendar. The chamber then paused to honor Madeline Wilson on her 100th birthday and Marilyn D. Mosley through previously adopted resolutions, with family members and guests recognized on the floor. The Senate also welcomed Columbia Kicks Cancer, a student-run East Greenbush fundraising team that raised more than $239,000 for blood cancer research and care. The Finance Committee reported Senate Print 9005C, a budget bill amending Chapter 268 of the Laws of 1996, directly to third reading, and the Senate accepted the report and the message of necessity. The bill was then taken up on the controversial calendar, leading to extended debate on Part LL, which focused on limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, including 287(g) agreements, informal cooperation, masking rules for law enforcement, sensitive locations such as polling places, and the creation of an Office of Immigration Trust within the Attorney General’s office. Supporters argued the bill would keep state and municipal employees focused on their own duties, protect constitutional rights, and prevent New York resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement; they also said it would not bar all cooperation or prevent local police from responding to crime. Opponents argued it would hinder public safety, restrict law enforcement cooperation, and interfere with local discretion, while some raised concerns about constitutional issues and the practical effects on sheriffs, county jails, and police agencies. The debate also included a separate provision creating a civil cause of action for constitutional-rights violations by federal, state, or local officials, which supporters described as an accountability measure. Members further discussed the masking section, with supporters saying it applied broadly to officials and was intended to withstand constitutional scrutiny, while opponents cited a recent Ninth Circuit ruling striking down a similar California law. The Office of Immigration Trust and its complaint/referral process were also examined, including the role of the Governor and the State Education Department in reviewing alleged violations. No final vote on the controversial calendar bill was taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over $1 billion of those dollars in gun violence prevention funding from schools, from the Department
• June is Gun Violence Prevention Month, Mr.
• </c> gun violence prevention programs. Mr. gun violence prevention programs. Mr.
• </c><01:57:17.280><c> prevention</c> those dollars in gun violence prevention those dollars in gun violence
• </c> is gun violence prevention month, Mr. is gun violence prevention month, Mr.

Bills: HB2966

Keywords: citizenship, small business, loan eligibility, immigration status, entrepreneurship

Transcript Highlights:

• , you know, violence either from people<00:43:47.359><c> hurting</c><00:43:47.760><c> themselves</c><
• Red flag laws prevent harm.
• Red<01:01:52.480><c> flag</c><01:01:52.880><c> laws</c><01:01:54.319><c> prevent</c><01:01:55.200><c>
• Go talk to domestic violence prevention organizations. Go talk to mothers.
• institutions to prevent that kind of<01:06:06.960><c> violence</c><01:06:07.359><c> from</c><01:06:07.599

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:18:29.280><c> for</c> heaven that will end gun violence for heaven that will end gun violence
• </c><00:19:33.919><c> and</c> have a problem with gun violence and have a problem with gun violence and
• We must that hatred and violence.
• this is very rare in Australia because it does have some of the strongest gun violence prevention laws
• </c> to prevent future atrocities. to prevent future atrocities.

Bills: HCR64 , HCR61 , HB3632 , HB4371 , HR951

Keywords: military intervention, Venezuela, Congress, War Powers Resolution, hostilities, military action, foreign policy, terrorism, congressional authority, power plant, electricity generation, retirement notice, Federal Power Act, interstate transmission, trafficking, children, unaccompanied minors, placement regulations, immigration law, safety

Transcript Highlights:

• engaging in theft, materially interfering with other residents' recovery, or engaging in acts of violence
• <c> threaten</c><00:23:04.160><c> the</c><00:23:04.280><c> health</c><00:23:04.960><c> or</c> of violence
• that threaten the health or of violence that threaten the health or safety<00:23:05.920><c> of</c><00
• . prevention. prevention.
• ,</c> Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the<00:39:26.840><c

Transcript Highlights:

• She also played a significant role in organizing the annual suicide prevention walk.
• She also gave presentations at conferences to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health
• She also led walks to raise awareness about domestic violence and about the use and impact of meth and
• Training, including the annual suicide prevention walk. Ms.
• To continue her work in mental health and suicide prevention.

Transcript Highlights:

• prevention programming.
• And so this is an important day for us to talk about sexual violence prevention and intervention services
• Gender-based violence captures intimate partner violence, as well as domestic violence (DV), as well
• Being unhoused puts you at an increased risk of experiencing sexual violence and other forms of violence
• Therefore, housing is a stabilizing force in response to violence. but also preventing violence.

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It turns our local loss into statewide protection and prevention.
• This bill honors students we've lost by preventing future deaths.
• It turns our local loss into statewide protection and prevention.
• But police sexual violence is grossly underreported.
• Thank you. ...communities to challenge bias and prevent abuse.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a large slate of bills, beginning with HB 1405, which would reestablish a pilot program at four state universities to screen people with special needs who are at risk of elopement and provide families with tracking devices. Members spoke in support, citing real-life incidents involving missing children and adults, and the bill passed 18-0. HB 4037, a Pasco County mosquito control cleanup bill, also passed unanimously, as did PCS for HB 639, which expands eligibility for an existing Fraternal Order of Police specialty license plate to all Floridians and adds nonprofit and financial reporting requirements for specialty plate organizations. HB 667, brought by Rep. Valdés with Freedom High School students through the Ought to Be a Law program, would raise the helmet requirement for electric personal assisted mobility devices from under 16 to under 18; the students testified about e-bike and e-scooter injuries and fatalities, and the bill passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 975, which clarifies management and security authority for the Capitol Center and Complex, and HB 695, a public records exemption tied to a health care interstate compact, by a 17-1 vote. HB 181, expanding a pawnbroker transaction records exemption to FDLE, and HB 1087, making Florida Retirement System pension-plan member and payee information confidential, both passed unanimously. HB 1515, a public records exemption tied to a uterine fibroid research database, also passed unanimously after the sponsor explained the Department of Health had been unable to implement the database because of data-identification problems. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 1283, which would allow anonymous complaints against law enforcement officers only when accompanied by corroborating evidence and would bar non-disciplinary investigative outcomes from being used in promotions and other personnel decisions. Police chiefs and sheriffs opposed the bill as amended, arguing the corroboration standard should include evidence developed by agencies and warning about personnel-management consequences, while law enforcement supporters said the bill protects officers from malicious complaints. Civil rights and advocacy groups opposed it, warning it would chill reporting and harm victims, especially in sexual misconduct cases. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment to align the bill with the Senate companion and then passed HB 1283 18-0. The committee also passed HB 139, expanding whistleblower protections to adverse actions by individuals and placing investigations with the Florida Commission on Human Relations, and HB 953, which gives county tax collectors authority to partner with DHSMV in overseeing commercial driving schools and combating fraud; both passed unanimously. The meeting also included HB 627, which directs officers in the field to refer public records requesters to the proper custodian rather than processing requests during active incidents; despite opposition from protest and civil liberties advocates, it passed 18-0. Finally, the committee heard HB 1473, a public records exemption for portions of domestic-terrorism designation materials. Supporters said it was needed to protect sensitive security information, while opponents argued it was vague and could be used to hide executive decision-making and target protesters or Muslim communities. After an amendment and lengthy debate, the bill passed 13-4.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we provide violence prevention.
• We do violence prevention work, youth empowerment, domestic violence.
• And we provide violence prevention.
• We do violence prevention work, youth empowerment, domestic violence.

Summary: The Cape Verdean Cultural Center Commission met with quorum, opened with roll call, and welcomed several new commissioners from across Massachusetts, including community leaders, scholars, elected officials, and representatives from Cape Verdean organizations. Chair Miranda and the facilitators described the commission’s purpose: to study and recommend a path toward a Cape Verdean cultural center in Boston, including its organizational structure, location, programming, and feasibility study. Miranda emphasized the long effort behind the commission and said the goal is to produce a report that could support a future center with features such as an auditorium, library, recording studio, and restaurant. Commissioners discussed how to gather public input, with suggestions including visits to existing cultural institutions, traditional listening sessions in communities such as Boston, Brockton, New Bedford, Taunton, Fall River, the Cape, and the Islands, and collecting feedback at festivals and other Cape Verdean events. Members also raised the importance of involving youth, elders, artists, and local historical societies, and of correcting myths and gaps in the historical record about Cape Verdean communities in Massachusetts. Funding was discussed briefly: short-term support may come through earmarks, while larger support would likely need to be pursued through a bond bill. The group agreed to continue sharing ideas by email and through a future repository or shared platform, with meeting minutes to be circulated the following week. A motion was made and seconded to approve the February 2 meeting minutes, and the commission voted to adjourn. The next meeting was tentatively planned for early April, with a Doodle poll to be sent out to members.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> working in gender-based uh violence working in gender-based uh violence issues<00:57:33.760><c>
• </c><00:58:19.720><c> against</c> from the office of violence against from the office of violence against
• We are facing an era of anti-trans violence that is born in the playbooks of colonial violence used against
• domestic and sexual violence.
• </c><01:24:22.760><c> and</c> prevent Domestic and Sexual Violence and prevent Domestic and Sexual Violence

Transcript Highlights:

• She was the victim of domestic violence.
• She was the victim of domestic violence. There was inappropriate sexual contact.
• She was the victim of domestic violence.
• At the time of her conviction, Georgia did not recognize domestic violence as a condition that could
• Georgia passed the law recognizing domestic violence as extenuating circumstances in certain crimes.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met to consider three bills. HB 199, relating to Veterans Court, was presented as a repeat measure aligning Veterans Court procedures with mental health and drug court laws and allowing post-adjudicatory referrals. A technical amendment was adopted, numerous witnesses waived in support, and the bill passed unanimously 17-0. The committee then took up HB 45, which would add public swimming pools and public bathing places to existing sex offender residency, work, volunteer, and visitation restrictions. The sponsor argued it would protect children and apply only to specified sex offenses. Several members and public witnesses raised concerns that the bill’s definitions were overly broad, could effectively ban registrants from much of Florida, and could increase homelessness and make offenders harder to track. An amendment narrowing the bill’s scope and definitions was adopted after debate, and the bill passed 11-5 as amended. Finally, HB 17, the Jason Rayner Act, was heard to clarify that force may not be used to resist an arrest by an officer acting in the performance of official duties, retain good-faith language, add manslaughter to offenses requiring a life sentence when reclassified, and increase the severity level for battery on a law enforcement officer. The sponsor said the bill was intended to strengthen protections for officers; opponents argued it could sweep in accidental or less culpable conduct, while supporters said existing law already covered serious cases. A clarifying amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-0 as amended. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the co-sponsors and the Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Working Group, I speak in strong
• But SB 337 also includes critical measures to prevent sexual abuse from occurring in the first place
• For these reasons, Sister Warriors and the Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Working Group urge your
• This bill has a commendable goal of, quote, zero tolerance for sexual violence.
• This bill has a commendable goal of, quote, zero tolerance for sexual violence.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee met and adopted a consent calendar that included SB 4, SB 229, SB 385, SB 459, and SB 553. SB 221 was pulled by the committee and will return later. The committee then heard several bills, with members repeatedly noting the next hearing would be July 1 in Room 126. SB 281 by Senator Perez would require judges to use the exact statutory immigration-consequences advisement when taking pleas from noncitizen defendants. Supporters said judges have been deviating from the required language, creating confusion and harming defendants; opponents, including district attorneys, warned that the bill could affect plea withdrawals and appellate litigation unless amended. The committee discussed possible amendments, including a nonretroactivity clarification and language proposed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and the bill was passed on call. SB 337 by Senator Menjivar would strengthen protections against sexual abuse and misconduct in prisons, especially women’s prisons, by requiring documentation of searches, extending grievance timelines, limiting hiring of people with violent or sexual convictions, and improving investigation procedures. Supporters emphasized staff abuse, retaliation concerns, and the need for oversight; opposition testimony focused on transgender inmate placement and was criticized by committee members as not germane. The bill passed 9-0 to Appropriations. SB 379 by Senator Jones, dealing with oversight of sexually violent predator conditional release placements, passed to Appropriations after support from law enforcement and prosecutors and no opposition. SB 734 by Senator Caballero, which would provide due process protections for law enforcement officers affected by California Racial Justice Act findings, also passed to Appropriations with support from police and district attorney groups and no opposition. SB 551 by Senator Cortese, which would codify normalization and dynamic security principles in corrections, passed to Appropriations despite concerns from one member that it went too far in making prisons too home-like.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's so rare that you have bipartisan action on an issue like gun violence.
• It's so rare that you have bipartisan action on an issue like gun violence.
• In our neighborhoods, gun violence doesn't just make the headlines, it defines lives.
• In our neighborhoods, gun violence doesn't just make the headlines, it defines lives.
• considering going toward violence.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum confirmed, and several recognitions, including a moment of silence for retired fire captain Bill Guston and a welcome for guests in the galleries. The Speaker then outlined the House’s budget approach, saying the proposed General Appropriations Act would be lower than both the governor’s proposal and last year’s budget, and announced plans to seek a permanent 0.75% reduction in the state sales tax. The chamber also received the governor’s veto message on portions of HB 5001 and began considering motions to restore several vetoed appropriations. Members unanimously reinstated funding for the Florida Senior Veterans and Crisis Fund, the Rockledge Advanced Water Treatment Phase 1 project, the automated staffing/time management system for the Department of Corrections, and the Baldwin sanitary sewer and water main replacement project. The House also adopted special order and GAA amendment-procedure reports. On the special order calendar, the chamber passed HB 289 on boating safety (“Lucy’s Law”), HB 735 on water access facilities, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates, CS/HB 85 on hazardous walking conditions, and CS/HB 157 on service of process, all by wide margins. The most debated measure was HB 6017, which would repeal Florida’s “free kill” law limiting wrongful-death damages in medical negligence cases. Supporters described the bill as a long-sought justice measure for families who lost adult children and were barred from suing, while opponents argued it was needed to provide accountability and fairness. The bill passed 104-6. The House then took up HB 759, which would lower the minimum age to purchase or transfer a firearm from 21 to 18. An amendment to keep the age at 21 was defeated, and debate featured strong arguments on both sides about constitutional rights, public safety, Parkland, military service, and data on youth violence; the transcript ends during continued debate on the bill, before final passage is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• and intervention of sexual violence in New Mexico.
• PFML, an increasing economic security for families, is a protective factor in preventing sexual violence
• sexual violence.
• I am really concerned about domestic violence.
• Absolutely, that is exactly what we want to prevent exploitation.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• or abuse to take testimony from an expert witness relating to the alleged domestic violence or abuse
• In any parenting time proceeding in which a parent is alleged to have committed domestic violence or
• It requires the Attorney General to bring a civil action to abate and join, and prevent the construction
• It requires the Attorney General to bring a civil action to abate and join and prevent the construction
• Wildlife Service to adopt policies that reduce regulatory oversight requirements on ranchers and prevent

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills. Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And at its core, this is about preventing impaired driving.
• The other Representative Gottlieb: Would be in domestic violence situations.
• The link and connection between animal violence and human violence is overwhelming.
• HB 559 is about accountability and prevention.
• This legislation recognizes the simple truth: violence does not exist in silos.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:43:20.480><c> Uh,</c><00:43:20.800><c> one</c> survivors of domestic violence.
• Uh, one survivors of domestic violence.
• of domestic violence can break their<00:43:29.920><c> lease</c><00:43:30.480><c> to</c><00:43:30.720
• ><00:43:34.880><c> is</c> tenant experiencing domestic violence is tenant experiencing domestic violence
• </c><01:07:42.720><c> Day</c> 11th, 2025 as Shaken Baby Prevention Day 11th, 2025 as Shaken Baby Prevention