Transcript Highlights:

• A Class 5 felony also applies if the person or agent knowingly exposes sexual material that is harmful
• Penalizes damage to property and imposes felony classifications based on monetary value.
• By elevating riot to this same level, the bill allows for a felony conviction based on mere planning
• This could lead to felony charges for speech that never actually results in a criminal act.
• It allows the state to transform a peaceful planning meeting into a felony conspiracy charge, turning

Bills: SB1010 , SB1035 , SB1058 , SB1077 , SB1093

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

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, Loop 202, Arizona highways, transportation, renaming, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, appropriation, state budget

Transcript Highlights:

• Yet, under the New Mexico law, aggravated battery on a peace officer is only a third-degree felony.
• And if that shooter had lived, the most he could have faced for shooting her was a third-degree felony
• Under current law, because we were not hit with gunfire, the suspect faced a harsher second-degree felony
• to a second-degree felony.
• I see violent arrests and the people being violently arrested, charge them with felonies.

Bills: HB9 , HB50

Committee: House House Judiciary

Keywords: Immigrant Safety Act, immigration detention, civil immigration violations, ICE, federal immigration enforcement, sanctuary policy, public bodies, local government, sheriff's department, school district, higher education, deputization, 287(g), 8 U.S.C. 1357(g), 8 C.F.R. 287.7, intergovernmental services agreement, detainer, immigration cooperation, public property, attorney general enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> subject uh to a class fa class a felony subject uh to a class fa class a felony for<00:13:00.480
• </c><00:13:44.959><c> top</c><00:13:45.200><c> of</c><00:13:45.360><c> that</c> felony and another felony
• on top of that felony and another felony on top of that um<00:13:47.360><c> seems</c><00:13:48.079><
• Um the first one was a felony. bill. Um the first one was a felony.
• </c> it changes it from a felony to a fine. it changes it from a felony to a fine.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• The existing DOC language versus the two-year felony here.
• instead of a 10-year felony.
• instead of a 10-year felony.
• </c> correctional facility twoyear felony correctional facility twoyear felony instead<01:05:34.440><
• ><c> it</c><01:05:35.720><c> would</c> instead of a 10-year felony it would instead of a 10-year felony

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• There are a few myths about people with felony convictions that I think need to be addressed.
• There are a few myths about people with felony convictions that I think need to be addressed.
• One of the myths is that people with felony convictions are scary and dangerous people.
• It's called 20 Million Angry Men, and it makes the case for including people with felony convictions
• And I know that there are concerns about somebody with a felony conviction jury, that's not quite the

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> remains a class C felony. remains a class C felony. Correct. Correct. Correct.
• So, that is felony.
• So, that is felony. significant. So, that is felony.
• </c> results in a class C felony. results in a class C felony.
• </c> weight of a felony conviction. weight of a felony conviction.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard opening remarks and ground rules from Chair David Tarnas, including a request for two-minute testimony limits, clear speaking, Zoom etiquette, and respectful conduct. The first measure taken up was HB 2062, relating to gun violence prevention, which would appropriate funds for enforcement of gun violence protective orders and for public awareness campaigns. Judiciary submitted written testimony recommending technical changes to clarify that it does not enforce laws and instead should be funded for personnel to process temporary restraining orders and gun violence protective orders; the Department of Law Enforcement supported the bill and said it is well positioned to conduct public education. Support also came from county and advocacy witnesses, including Moms Demand Action, Giffords Gun Owners for Safety, HGEA, and a retired police officer, while opposition testimony argued the measure raises due process and Fifth Amendment concerns and that education, not enforcement, should be the focus. The chair noted 37 testimonies in support, 103 in opposition, and three comments; no vote was taken in the portion provided. Testimony on HB 2062 emphasized both public safety and constitutional concerns. Supporters described the bill as a way to increase awareness of an existing legal tool, prevent suicides and shootings, and help law enforcement and the public understand gun violence protective orders. Opponents, including gun owners and firearms groups, argued that red flag laws can be abused, lack due process, and should not be expanded through state funding. A county neighborhood safety witness suggested an amendment to allow public, private, and nonprofit consultants to assist with training and implementation. Members asked a few questions, but the agencies with written testimony were not present, so the chair referred members to their submissions. The committee then moved to HB 2061, relating to firearms, which appropriates money for the state gun buyback program and requires at least two buyback events in each county. Written support was noted from the Department of Law Enforcement, Hawaii County Council, the County of Kauai Prosecuting Attorney, and the Hawaii State Association of Counties, with the latter emphasizing that buybacks are voluntary prevention tools that can reduce risk before crises escalate. Opposition came from the Mid-Pacific Pistol League, SDM Training Group/Bows and Bullets, and others; one witness argued buybacks are ineffective, costly, and can be vulnerable to misuse or black-market diversion, and suggested a year-round surrender option instead. The committee heard additional support from a retired police officer and from a gun violence survivor with Students Demand Action, but no final action or vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Leak has CS for SB 436 on felony battery. Senator, you're recognized to explain this bill.
• Senator Leak has CS for SB 436 on felony battery. Senator, you're recognized to explain this bill.
• That allow for reclassification of misdemeanor battery to a third-degree felony.
• , you know, prevent further violence through felony actions by enhancing this bill.
• Misdemeanor or whatever, they will be enhanced to have felony battery status, and therefore, hopefully

Bills: S0436 , S0532 , S0600 , S0644 , S0682 , S0928 , S1072 , S1332 , S1632 , S1634

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Which was a singular offense, felony offense.
• And then we have another educator in the same building that had, we tried. with two felonies both grooming
• explained to me by TA officials that he could go get a job tomorrow, and even though we have five felony
• This bill proposes a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of funds to support the capital

Bills: SB604 , SB843 , SB1636 , SB2395 , SB571 , SB1224 , SB1832 , SB2392 , SB747 , SB2623 , SB2624 , SB2185

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• And the third and subsequent violation shall be a class B felony.
• Removing the child a class B felony.
• </c><06:18:15.440><c> I</c> justice system and class B felonies.
• I justice system and class B felonies.
• </c> them make smart, efficient capital them make smart, efficient capital investments,<09:02:44.080>

Transcript Highlights:

• The difference between a felony case and a civil body representation, this commission is given no direction
• information as to what else your district attorneys do within that report, because it is not all felony
• And so that's a major hit when we charge about 3,150 defendants annually with felony-grade violations
• At any given time, we have about... ...and 50 defendants annually with felony-grade violations.
• And in the last four years, we've tried 236 felony jury trials.

Summary: The Governor’s Advisory and Review Commission on Assistant District Attorneys met to consider whether additional state-funded assistant district attorney positions should be approved. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Executive Director Zach Daniels presented a report proposing a formula that combines objective factors such as population, violent and sex crime caseloads, civil body representation, and courthouse coverage with subjective input from district attorneys about local needs. He said the combined approach supported a statewide request of 120 to 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with the commission focusing on the higher end of that range in the report packet. Several district attorneys described staffing shortages and funding pressures in their districts. Colin Sims of the 22nd Judicial District said fast growth in St. Tammany, a long period without added warrants, and recent funding cuts had left his office under strain, especially with felony and sex crime caseloads. Hillar Moore of East Baton Rouge said his office was significantly understaffed, could not fill all existing warrants because of salary and benefit costs, and was asking for 25 positions instead of the formula’s 23 due to a homicide backlog and difficulty recruiting lawyers at current pay levels. James Stewart of Caddo Parish said his office was losing attorneys to higher-paying public offices, handling a heavy homicide and felony trial load, and needed both more warrants and higher salaries to remain competitive. Commission members asked about split warrants and recruitment challenges. Moore said split warrants were not a major issue for his office, while Sims said his office had no split warrants. Daniels said the association wanted the commission to approve the requested positions and continue working with the legislature on funding. The commission then adopted a motion to recommend 164 additional assistant district attorney positions, with members noting that the recommendation would not remove legislative discretion. The meeting then adjourned unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you have a felony, you have to be DNA swabbed.
• The second portion of it says if you have certain felony, you're arrested for certain offenses and over
• the age of 17, and it's already in law, this amendment adds controlled substance offenses that are felonies
• , forgery that's a felony, fraud, a felony, stealing auto theft, DWI, felony, felony, felony.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• ...in the furtherance of the commission of a felony.
• , it's going to be a Class C felony.
• are going to be graded as Class C felonies.
• </c><00:03:29.319><c> it's</c> identify it as a class B felony it's identify it as a class B felony it's
• Drone in the furtherance of a felony so Drone in the furtherance of a felony so this<00:04:42.160><c>

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several transportation-related measures. SB 282 would increase penalties for using an uncrewed aircraft, or drone, in the commission of a felony. The Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney strongly supported the bill, saying drones are being used to facilitate crimes such as burglaries, sex offender registration violations, and even murders, and that the measure would create a stronger deterrent and address sentencing issues. Members discussed how drone use could be investigated and noted that a prior Uncrewed Aircraft Offenses Act already covers a range of drone-related offenses. Testimony also included support from a Kauaʻi County Council member and the Office of the Public Defender, and the bill was then set aside as the committee moved on. The committee also heard SB 1032 on campaign finance, which would amend restrictions on foreign nationals and foreign corporations making contributions and expenditures. Testimony was listed in support from labor, civic, and advocacy groups, with some opposition, but the measure was not debated further in the portion provided. SB 1160, a consumer protection bill on ticket resale, drew support from venues and event groups and opposition from the Chamber of Progress, which argued the bill should target scalpers and deceptive practices rather than legitimate resale platforms. The Attorney General suggested an amendment to limit the bill’s scope to Hawaiʻi events, citing Commerce Clause concerns. On SB 344, requiring skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and the Kiki Injury Prevention Coalition supported the measure. SB 106, which would let pedestrians cross outside marked crosswalks when a reasonably careful pedestrian would see no immediate danger, drew mixed testimony: public health and equity advocates supported it as a safety and anti-profiling measure, while others opposed it, warning it could increase danger on wider, faster roads. Committee members questioned whether Hawaiʻi’s current law is more dangerous because pedestrians must step into the roadway before drivers are required to stop, and the discussion continued at length without a final vote in the excerpt. The committee also heard SB 10009 on accessible parking fines, with DCAB and DAGS supporting the intent; a member asked that any new fine revenue go to the state parking revolving fund. SB 820, shortening the vehicle title transfer deadline from 30 days to 14 days, drew opposition from the Public Defender and Honolulu Customer Services, who said the current deadline is reasonable and the bill did not clearly solve a problem. Later measures included SB 1095 on license plate decal restrictions, SB 215 on towing and immobilization fees, and SB 1117 on electric mobility rebates and age/helmet rules, which received support from transportation and safety groups, though the transcript cuts off before any final actions or votes on those bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill creates a first-degree felony offense for continuous sexual abuse of an adult.
• Members, this bill by Representative Guerin introduces an alternative capital recovery mechanism for
• Caption for Committee Substitute House Bill 5247 relates to an alternative capital recovery process for

Bills: SB393 , SB731 , SB801 , SB867 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2082 , SB2717 , SB2919 , SB3074 , HJR133 , HB2 , HB18 , HB24 , HB26 , HB35 , HB43 , HB49 , HB75 , HB 103 , HB 120 , HB 126 , HB143 , HB163 , HB180 , HB216 , HB413 , HB647 , HB700 , HB748 , HB851 , HB1422 , HB1445 , HB1481 , HB1545 , HB1562 , HB1586 , HB1732 , HB1828 , HB1851 , HB1916 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB2026 , HB2038 , HB2067 , HB2193 , HB2282 , HB2293 , HB2310 , HB2464 , HB2508 , HB2516 , HB2518 , HB2524 , HB2530 , HB2674 , HB2713 , HB2715 , HB2974 , HB3016 , HB3057 , HB3062 , HB3071 , HB3120 , HB3161 , HB3180 , HB3214 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3463 , HB3512 , HB3556 , HB3627 , HB3680 , HB3732 , HB3801 , HB3824 , HB3833 , HB3966 , HB4044 , HB4129 , HB4226 , HB4230 , HB4263 , HB4377 , HB4384 , HB4395 , HB4396 , HB4535 , HB4668 , HB4690 , HB4751 , HB4903 , HB5033 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5331 , HB5436 , HB5667 , HB5688 , HB5693 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR127 , SJR5 , SB3 , SB4 , SB9 , SB20 , SB21 , SB23 , SB27 , SB33 , SB34 , SB36 , SB38 , SB40 , SB75 , SB213 , SB269 , SB379 , SB458 , SB528 , SB647 , SB648 , SB650 , SB681 , SB740 , SB777 , SB840 , SB843 , SB924 , SB1061 , SB1120 , SB1121 , SB1150 , SB1188 , SB1198 , SB1202 , SB1253 , SB1318 , SB1333 , SB1398 , SB1405 , SB1423 , SB1448 , SB1535 , SB1566 , SB1574 , SB1621 , SB1709 , SB1723 , SB1789 , SB1862 , SB2037 , SB2078 , SB2268 , SB2405 , SB2406 , SB2407 , SB2544 , SB2570 , SB2601 , SB2778 , SB1 , SB17 , SB260 , SB509 , SB1506 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB2308 , HB2525 , SB1538 , SB1749 , SB2603 , SB3038 , SB3062 , SB3065 , HB24 , HB 128 , HB216 , HB388 , HB519 , HB609 , HB685 , HB766 , HB 1237 , HB1314 , HB1445 , HB1458 , HB1522 , HB1592 , HB1606 , HB1612 , HB1633 , HB2011 , HB2025 , HB2061 , HB2259 , HB2273 , HB2358 , HB2421 , HB2434 , HB2464 , HB2518 , HB2563 , HB2637 , HB2697 , HB2713 , HB2791 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3126 , HB3161 , HB3233 , HB3395 , HB3424 , HB3487 , HB3505 , HB3510 , HB3597 , HB3745 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3806 , HB4224 , HB4310 , HB4396 , HB4738 , HB4945 , HB5084 , HB5155 , HB5180 , HB5667 , HB5686 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , SJR36 , SJR50 , SJR63 , SCR12 , SCR39 , SB2023 , SB62 , SB666 , SB847 , SB284 , SB854 , SB810 , SB1505 , SB583 , SB507 , SB1434 , SB1772 , SB2016 , SB1122 , SB731 , SB397 , SB508 , SB1436 , SB287 , SB1882 , SB393 , SB1791 , SB209 , SB2429 , SB1085 , SB1975 , SB2717 , SB1262 , SB636 , SB2056 , SB884 , SB1200 , SB1845 , SB2458 , SB801 , SB3014 , SB3013 , SB758 , SB2797 , SB2076 , SB2876 , SB1640 , SB1449 , SB1181 , SB1234 , SB2926 , SB2841 , SB1528 , SB1854 , SB317 , SB1250 , SB2082 , SB1237 , SB2819 , SB629 , SB2608 , SB1602 , SB2009 , SB867 , SB640 , SB1698 , SB2680 , SB913 , SB1071 , SB1086 , SB1087 , SB1483 , SB1444 , SB1553 , SB1556 , SB1703 , SB2133 , SB2297 , SB2298 , SB2622 , SB2955 , SB2334 , SB1367 , SB2044 , SB2363 , SB2565 , SB1888 , SB3036 , SB3057 , SB3043 , SB3063 , SB3035 , SB203 , SB2688 , SB2522 , SB2459 , SB2655 , SB2251 , SB1884 , SB2928 , SB2566 , SB1749 , SB2549 , SB2553 , SB2919 , SB1944 , SB1232 , SB1798 , SB2603 , SB2607 , SB2683 , SB1319 , SB3038 , SB3045 , SB1538 , SB3071 , SB3065 , SB3062 , HJR133 , HB2715 , HB3627 , HB5033 , HB2282 , HB26 , HB388 , HB1633 , HB685 , HB1606 , HB1458 , HB2791 , HB2061 , HB647 , HB4738 , HB2563 , HB 128 , HB766 , HB2259 , HB2358 , HB4384 , HB748 , HB5180 , HB3806 , HB3804 , HB3803 , HB1522 , HB3597 , HB1612 , HB4224 , HB1314 , HB 1237 , HB3126 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3505 , HB5652 , HB2025 , HB3395 , HB18 , HB2516 , HB2713 , HB24 , HB519 , HB609 , HB1592 , HB 120 , HB2421 , HB2273 , HB2464 , HB5084 , HB4396 , HB43 , HB5686 , HB2518 , HB4310 , HB180 , HB3745 , HB4044 , HB5155 , HB5667 , HB1445 , HB 1306 , HB2637 , HB5436 , HB3966 , HB2026 , HB3487 , HB4226 , HB216 , HB49 , HB4112 , HB3233 , HB2310 , HB2674 , HB322 , HB1481 , HB 126 , HB3062 , HB3180 , HB2530 , HB2524 , HB1916 , HB5650 , HB4894 , HB3120 , HB1629 , HB 103 , HB3234 , HB3680 , HB5698 , HB3171 , HB5693 , HB2694 , HB5664 , HB3732 , HB2508 , HB2293 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB5331 , HB5247 , HB4751 , HB4690 , HB4668 , HB4464 , HB4395 , HB4063 , HB3833 , HB3623 , HB3214 , HB3512 , HB3250 , HB3016 , HB2520 , HB2221 , HB2213 , HB3824 , HB2067 , HB1732 , HB1562 , HB700 , HB1545 , HB252 , HB146 , HB5596 , HB1851 , HB3619 , HB3071 , HB3556 , HB851 , HB4230 , HB5320 , HB5651 , HB5670 , HB5665 , HB5437 , HB5679 , HB5699 , HB5661 , HB5662 , HB5654 , HB5672 , HB5656 , HB5149 , HB4903 , HB4743 , HB4666 , HB4377 , HB4535 , HB4129 , HB3812 , HB3801 , HB3595 , HB3057 , HB2035 , HB721 , HB35 , HB346 , HB2974 , HB2512 , HB5695 , HB5694 , HB5671 , HB5674 , HB5688 , HB1586 , HB5154 , HB2038 , HB163 , HB413 , HB3463 , HB3185 , HB2761 , HB2593 , HB2348 , HB2073 , HB1828 , HB1422 , HB75 , HB1871 , HB 108 , HB2306 , HB2017 , HB 1135 , HB144 , HB3689 , HB5308 , HB 101 , HB2193 , HB5666 , HB5677 , HB5682 , HB5680 , HB5658 , HB5696 , HB4144 , HB3159 , HB3254 , HB3866 , HB3010 , HB4520 , HB3642 , HB3928 , HB3815 , HB2686 , HB2012 , HB1960 , HB227 , HB654 , HB1690 , HB2128 , HB4158 , HB4530 , HB4630 , HB5659 , HB1523 , HB2078 , HB2427 , HB145 , HB1973 , HB3333 , HB3697 , HB3546 , HB3225 , HB3181 , HB3133 , HB3053 , HB2885 , HB2820 , HB2294 , HB2253 , HB1661 , HB1506 , HB 1234 , HB640 , HB621 , HB551 , HB521 , HB493 , HB272 , HB229 , HB223 , HB201 , HB186 , HB 119 , HB2080 , HB2818 , HB5394 , HB4795 , HB4466 , HB4454 , HB3940 , HB3749 , HB3151 , HB3284 , HB1403 , HB 1106 , HB2844 , HB2851 , HB1500 , HB4488 , HB4264 , HB4 , HB4170 , HB3909 , HB4081 , HB4145 , HB4157 , HB4281 , HB4285 , HB4463 , HB4749 , HB4995 , HB5081 , HB5115 , HB5138 , HB5624 , HB1449 , HB3711 , HB2598 , HB3629 , HB4361 , HB824 , HB1868 , HB4848 , HB2243 , HB40 , HB 117 , HB2313 , HB3686 , HB500 , HB3793 , HB 112 , HB 104 , HB 1056 , HB42 , HB4486 , HB3000 , HB 100 , HB2240 , HB718 , HB27 , HB4904 , HB4202 , HB2853 , HB5129 , HB5093 , HB4765 , HB4748 , HB4559 , HB4350 , HB4214 , HB3388 , HB3112 , HB5196 , HB4211 , HB3516 , HB3092 , HB4233 , HB4687 , HB705 , HB 1094 , HB2037 , HB3005 , HB3848 , HCR141 , HCR118 , HCR127 , HCR40 , HCR59 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , HCR9 , HCR76 , HCR108 , HJR133 , HB18 , HB35 , HB43 , HB49 , HB75 , HB 103 , HB 120 , HB163 , HB216 , HB413 , HB647 , HB851 , HB1422 , HB1481 , HB1545 , HB1562 , HB1586 , HB1732 , HB1828 , HB1851 , HB1916 , HB1991 , HB2014 , HB2026 , HB2067 , HB2193 , HB2293 , HB2310 , HB2464 , HB2508 , HB2524 , HB2530 , HB2974 , HB3062 , HB3071 , HB3120 , HB3180 , HB3214 , HB3234 , HB3250 , HB3463 , HB3512 , HB3680 , HB3732 , HB3801 , HB3824 , HB3833 , HB4044 , HB4129 , HB4226 , HB4230 , HB4377 , HB4395 , HB4396 , HB4535 , HB4668 , HB4903 , HB5149 , HB5154 , HB5247 , HB5331 , HB5436 , HB5688 , HB5693 , HB2282 , HB2715 , HB3627 , HB5033 , HB2674 , HB3556 , HCR127 , SB3 , SB21 , SB379 , SB1405 , SB1538 , SB1749 , SB3038 , SB3062 , SB3065 , HB24 , HB 128 , HB388 , HB519 , HB609 , HB685 , HB766 , HB 1237 , HB1314 , HB1445 , HB1458 , HB1522 , HB1592 , HB1606 , HB1612 , HB1633 , HB2025 , HB2061 , HB2259 , HB2273 , HB2358 , HB2421 , HB2518 , HB2563 , HB2637 , HB2713 , HB2791 , HB2856 , HB3114 , HB3126 , HB3233 , HB3487 , HB3505 , HB3597 , HB3745 , HB3803 , HB3804 , HB3806 , HB4224 , HB4310 , HB4738 , HB5084 , HB5155 , HB5180 , HB5667 , HB5686 , HCR9 , HCR10 , HCR135 , HCR142 , SB2603 , HB3395 , HB636 , HB5655 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB636 , HB5655 , HB5689 , HB5690

Transcript Highlights:

• and for that it is my honor to welcome the Valverde County in the city of Del Rio to their Texas capital
• So I'm welcoming y'all down for lunch and. my office with Scott Wall of Capital Commission for Bible
• appropriations a share 184 by Reynolds proposing Constitution room provided person of a convicted felony

Bills: HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392 , HB195 , HB 13 , HB143 , HB135 , HJR1 , HJR2 , HB9 , HB22 , HB908 , HB1392

Keywords: constitutional amendment, property tax, ad valorem tax, tax exemption, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, equipment exemption, machinery, local government finance, school district revenue, county taxes, Texas Constitution, Article VIII, tax relief, commercial property, death tax, inheritance tax, estate tax, property transfer

Transcript Highlights:

• If I stole a brand-new iPhone, that's a felony offense.
• But those are not felony gaming charges.
• If a raft of misdemeanors come on their desk, are they going to treat those as seriously as felonies?
• Those as seriously as felonies? Are they going to offer diversion? That's what we've seen so far.
• In the future, you can open with, 'I'd like to jack these up to a third-degree felony as a level five

Committee: Senate Regulated Industries

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries heard a presentation from the Florida Gaming Control Commission on illegal gambling in Florida. Executive Director Ross Marchman described the commission’s role, the limited number of legal slot-machine locations in the state, and the prevalence of illegal casinos, including “fish tables” and other machines found in strip malls, gas stations, and back rooms. He said the commission has received thousands of complaints, conducted 88 operations, seized thousands of machines and millions in cash and other property, and is currently storing large amounts of seized evidence at significant cost because the cases and appeals are still pending. Marchman argued that illegal casinos are tied to broader criminal activity, including robberies, drug trafficking, human trafficking, firearms offenses, and even murders, and said the current penalties are too weak because most gaming offenses are second-degree misdemeanors. He and members discussed the need for stronger deterrents, better resources, and possible changes to the law, including whether evidence could be reduced to samples rather than retained in full. Senators also asked about cease-and-desist letters to online gaming operators, the role of manufacturers and landlords, and how the commission distinguishes legal amusement machines from illegal slot machines. Daniel McGinn, speaking as an individual, supported the commission’s concerns and said prior enforcement efforts were limited by the statutory scheme. He referenced the Gator Coin case and explained that operators often use licensing agreements and repeated cash-split arrangements to keep machines in circulation. He urged legislative action, noted a gap in the statute regarding private rights of action, and warned against creating carve-outs that could raise constitutional or compact issues. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• And along those lines, now we run the risk of a third-degree felony.
• Along those lines, now we run the risk of a third-degree felony.
• So my question is, what is the punishment for the third-degree felony?
• “And so that is why our bill doesn’t specify types of felonies either.
• Also, signing a petition more than once becomes a felony under this bill.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for CS for CS for SB 462 on transportation. A substitute amendment was adopted that would require counties receiving transportation surtax proceeds to report how the money is used to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, prohibit certain airport fees tied to collegiate aviation flight training, create a Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority pilot program, and dedicate $10 million annually for a traffic signal modernization program. The amendment also removed several provisions from the bill, including a sales-tax transfer to the State Transportation Trust Fund, a bid-protest-related contracting requirement, and repeal of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council. A late-filed amendment was tabled, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard CS for CS for CS for SB 628, Lucy’s Law, which strengthens boating safety penalties for leaving the scene of a vessel accident and reckless operation. After the sponsor withdrew a pending amendment, the committee heard emotional testimony from Lucy’s parents and others in support, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee next considered CS for CS for SB 700, the Florida Farm Bill, under a strike-all amendment. The bill’s major provisions included removing non-purity additives from public water systems, requiring clearer labeling for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs, criminalizing drone harassment over farmland, updating agriculture disaster recovery programs, creating an honest services registry for charities tied to countries of concern, expanding FFA-related scholarships and school infrastructure, and allowing the state to repurchase certain former agricultural lands converted to solar fields. Testimony included strong support from agriculture and related groups, opposition from the Florida Bankers Association over a private right of action related to financial discrimination, and criticism from speakers opposed to fluoride removal. The bill was amended and then reported favorably despite some opposition. The committee also reported favorably SB 796, which authorizes DEP general permits for distributed wastewater treatment systems to replace failing septic tanks. The committee then took up a large strike-all for CS for SB 1618, a K-20 education package. The amendment combined provisions on VPK flexibility, early grade success, agriculture education, financial literacy, reading intervention, teacher assignment transparency, restrictions on spending public funds for political or social activism, emergency opioid antagonists, corporal punishment consent, teacher certification pathways, and other higher-education and workforce items from SB 1624, including guardrails for certain private religious postsecondary institutions. Members questioned the new prohibition on using public funds for political or social activism, with the sponsor saying it was intended to keep public schools from being a battleground for ideology; Equality Florida and the ACLU opposed that section. The amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began extensive debate on CS for SB 7016, a major initiative-petition reform bill. The sponsors said the bill responds to fraud and abuse documented in a large Office of Election Crimes and Security report and would impose tighter rules on petition circulators, including Florida residency and U.S. citizenship requirements, training, shorter submission deadlines, stronger penalties, new identification requirements on petitions, and a 25% invalid-signature trigger for investigations by election-crimes officials. Senators raised numerous questions about due process, public records, penalties, the treatment of volunteers and former felons, the verification process, and the practical effect of the new deadlines and thresholds. The discussion was ongoing when the transcript ended, and no final vote on SB 7016 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• drug crime or a felony person's crime.
• </c> involved a felony drug crime or a felony involved a felony drug crime or a felony person's<00:58
• </c> felony narcotics, absolutely. felony narcotics, absolutely. Person's<00:59:12.480><c> crimes.
• ,</c><01:10:36.239><c> those</c> Wyoming. misdemeanor or felonies, those Wyoming. misdemeanor or felonies
• </c><01:15:42.880><c> violations</c> prosecutors for felony violations prosecutors for felony violations

Bills: HB0130 , HB0147

Committee: Senate Revenue

Transcript Highlights:

• A first-degree violation is a Class B felony.
• A first-degree violation is a Class B felony.
• So I'm curious to know why it was important to you to make a Class C felony for violators of the Clean
• As discussed, the felony charges that this bill allows for employees working in areas governed by the
• Second, for the first-degree offenses as a Class B felony, it attaches for harm to persons where there

Committee: House Environment & Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, because that would be a felony, correct? Yes, sir.
• A mistrial ensues and felony charges.
• My assailant was in my court for an unremarkable felony probation case.
• My assailant was in my court for an unremarkable felony probation case.
• My assailant was in my court for an unremarkable felony probation case.

Bills: HB2242 , HB2446 , HB2799 , HB4502 , HB2920 , HB2790 , HB5620 , HB5060 , HB5076 , HB5080 , HB5081 , HB5128 , HB5130 , HB3847 , HB5116 , HB2969 , HB4546 , HB4202 , HB5624 , HB3964 , HB4803 , HB872 , HB4775 , HB4777 , HB4961 , HB5570 , HB2988 , HB4260 , HB1375 , HB5009 , HB5411 , HB5134 , HB4388 , HB3095 , HB1387

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's other statements in here that, what we're trying to accomplish, to look at the capitation rate
• rate and he basically uh the capitation rate and he basically uh avoided<00:15:43.279><c> that</c><00
• Speaker, the requirement for AOC to report all people convicted of a felony potentially could impact
• I agree that someone who is convicted of a felony is not eligible to vote.
• </c><02:23:53.040><c> annex</c> as well as clerk staff in capital annex as well as clerk staff in capital

Bills: SB141 , SB124 , SB56 , SJR116 , SB94 , SB37 , SB127 , SB197 , SB66 , SB70 , SB133 , SB160 , SB214 , SB312 , SB52 , SJR62 , SJR75