Transcript Highlights:

• That measure passes. Thank you very much, everybody. That measure passes.
• That measure passes. Item 3, AB 1727 by Assembly Member Ta.
• That measure passes. Thank you. Aye. Lackey, aye. That measure passes.
• The motion was due pass. Haney, aye. That measure passes.
• The motion was due pass for the Appropriations Committee. Haney, aye. That measure fails.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and privacy bills, with extensive testimony on each. AB 1872 by Assembly Member Ta would make repeat swatting a wobbler and require offenders to compensate victims for property damage. Supporters, including civil liberties, sheriff, and district attorney representatives, said swatting is a serious and growing threat to first responders, schools, and public officials. Opponents argued existing law already covers false emergency reports and warned the bill could worsen penalties for people with mental illness. The committee approved the bill on a do pass motion to Appropriations. AB 1727, also by Assembly Member Ta, would make it a misdemeanor to transfer or sell a person’s genetic data without consent. Supporters framed the bill as a needed privacy protection in light of advances in genetic technology and AI, citing examples such as HeLa cells and concerns about unauthorized DNA collection. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, said civil penalties already exist under current law and objected to creating a new carceral offense for nonviolent conduct. The committee accepted amendments and moved the bill forward as amended to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee. The committee then took up AB 1782 by Assembly Member DeMaio, which would lower the threshold for retaining certain offenders with mental health disorders in state hospital custody and broaden the conduct considered in dangerousness determinations. Supporters said the bill responds to a recent release case and would help prevent dangerous releases; opponents, including disability rights and public defender groups, said it would weaken due process and expand involuntary confinement. The chair recommended a no vote, and the bill remained on call after a split roll. AB 1632 by Assembly Member Johnson, which removes the notarization requirement for trespass authorization letters, passed as amended despite opposition from homelessness advocates and public defenders who said it could increase arrests of unhoused people; supporters said it would reduce bureaucracy and help property owners and police respond to trespassing. The committee also heard AB 1968 by Assembly Member Gallagher, which would add conspiracy to commit murder to the list of offenses eligible for heightened juvenile court handling; supporters cited a foiled school attack in Tehama County, while opponents warned of overbroad punishment and racial disparities. The bill was discussed but not yet voted on in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I think that this would be a knee-jerk reaction to pass this legislation without seeing what the
• Motion has failed. that we can all get behind. So thank you. Representative Tanner.
• Motion has failed. Roll call shows five ayes, 11 nays. Motion has failed.
• Motion has passed. Roll call shows 14 ayes, two nays. Motion has passed.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee approved the minutes from March 13, 17, 18, 19, and 25. The committee then took up House Bill 864, a kratom-related measure, amid discussion of competing approaches: a total ban versus a regulatory bill moving through the Senate. Members and testimony reflected sharply divided views, with some arguing kratom is dangerous, addictive, and should be scheduled as a controlled substance, while others said the issue is not yet fully studied and that regulation may be preferable to an immediate ban. The bill sponsor and several members emphasized concerns about deaths, youth access, and the need for stronger oversight, while others cautioned against criminalizing use too quickly and wanted to see the Senate proposal first. A substitute motion to send HB 864 to the floor without recommendation failed on a roll call vote, 5-11. The committee then voted on a motion to hold HB 864 in committee subject to call of the chair, which passed 14-2. The chair explained the bill would remain available for later action depending on developments in the Senate and the arrival of related bills. The meeting ended with a brief recognition of the committee page, who spoke about plans to attend nursing school.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just kind of wanted to pass out a little bit of guidance as to what we're going to do.
• Realize that this review is a pass-fail compliance-based review. It's not a policy review.
• It's a pass-fail.
• If it's a no, they're a fail.

Summary: The meeting was an opening orientation for the Administrative Rules Committee. The chair explained that, under recent legislation including the Raines Act, HB 20, HB 2728, Senate Bill 995, and Senate Bill 1024, administrative rules now require affirmative approval and must be reviewed more carefully and on a tighter timeline. He emphasized that the committee’s role is procedural and compliance-based, not to relitigate policy, and outlined four review standards: statutory authority, fiscal analysis and cost methodology, legislative intent, and compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act. The chair also described new procedures for the session. Rules will be grouped into six oversight bundles: business and commerce, education, energy and natural resources, general government, health, and judicial and public safety. Members will be assigned packets based on workload, with an effort to balance page counts, and major rules must be flagged immediately because they must be reviewed by the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency within 21 days. He said oversight chairs may provide input, but assigned members will make the recommendations back to him. Staff support and reference materials on Title 75 and the APA were also highlighted. No formal votes were taken. In response to a question, the chair said new members would generally receive a heavier workload, consistent with prior years. He closed by noting that the committee had seven bills assigned for later consideration and that a committee meeting would likely be held the following week to begin substantive work on the rules and legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• for that and how they were going to get it through a reconciliation process, which allows them to pass
• They ended up passing tax changes that are going to, according to the CBO, reduce federal revenues by
• Other states have taken this route and failed. New Hampshire tried this.
• I mean, this is just not a thing where we can't fail or where it is the norm to fail.
• You don't want people to fail to get SNAP now.

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This committee itself has passed this year a couple of bills in this space.
• SB 1087, the motion is amended, due pass as amended to Transportation.
• Okay, that motion fails. Without objection, we'll grant reconsideration.
• Blakespear, do pass as amended to Energy, Utilities and Communications.
• The motion is do pass as amended to Energy, Utilities and Communications.

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on environmental quality, climate planning, transparency, water affordability, plastics, recycling, and refinery transition planning. SB 1087, by Senator Cabaldon, would modernize SB 375 regional climate and transportation planning by extending planning cycles, clarifying target-setting and review processes, and reducing time and cost burdens; metropolitan planning organizations strongly supported it, while environmental groups and industry raised concerns about VMT, GHG metrics, CEQA, and implementation details. Committee members generally agreed the process is too costly and complex, but urged the author to keep the bill focused on simpler, less expensive planning and better progress reporting. The bill was moved as amended to Senate Transportation and kept on call. SB 1239, by Senator Jones, would require CARB to update its standardized regulatory impact assessment when a major regulation is materially changed; supporters framed it as a transparency and affordability measure, while the chair argued it could slow rulemaking and discourage agencies from incorporating public feedback. The bill failed on the committee vote and was kept on call. SB 1125, by Senator Menjivar, would create a statewide low-income water rate assistance program, contingent on funding, to help households facing rising water bills; public water agencies, environmental justice groups, local governments, and community members from rural areas testified in support, emphasizing affordability and the lack of statewide assistance. The chair and members expressed support for the need for such a program, and the bill passed 3-1 and was kept on call. SB 1180, by Senator Allen, would establish implementation rules for the plastic pollution mitigation fund created by SB 54, including eligibility, reporting, transparency, and technical assistance for smaller organizations and tribes; environmental justice, conservation, and local government groups supported it, while producer and industry groups opposed unless amended, seeking tighter links to measurable mitigation outcomes and the covered products under SB 54. The bill passed 3-0 and was kept on call. SB 1161, by Senator Valadares, would require CARB to provide clearer, plain-language economic analysis of regulations and their impacts on households; supporters described it as a transparency and affordability measure, while some environmental groups offered respectful or qualified opposition. The chair said she could support it as amended, and the bill passed 4-0 and was kept on call. The committee also heard SB 955, by Senator Blakespear, to update California’s beverage container recycling program so major sellers participate and consumers have convenient return options; supporters said it would improve redemption access and program effectiveness, and the bill passed 5-0 and was kept on call. Finally, SB 1259, also by Senator Blakespear, would require refineries to provide earlier disclosure of cleanup liabilities and closure planning information so the state and communities can plan for refinery site remediation and reuse; the author framed it as a transparency and transition-planning measure, and testimony began in support as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment passes. Like back on the bill amended, do pass. Do we have a second?
• I declare the amendment to have failed, or the motion to table to have passed.
• Chairman, I thank you for the due pass. You have questions. We have a do pass.
• I do pass and yield for questions.
• Do pass on the memo. Do pass. So we have a do pass from Senator Green, seconded by the chair.

Bills: HB3183, HB4316, HB4484, HB3469, HB3464, HB3173, HB3989

Keywords: electric utilities, grid congestion, transmission technology, advanced power flow controllers, dynamic line rating, energy efficiency, rural water service, district organization, emergency legislation, Oklahoma, water management, state vehicles, state-owned vehicles, state-leased vehicles, motor vehicle use, commuting use, personal use, fleet management, Corporation Commission, field inspectors

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:24:47.679><c> It's</c> least tried two and failed. It's least tried two and failed.
• </c> accountability as well as um the fail accountability as well as um the fail twice<00:46:40.480><
• were to pass.
• and the amendment were to pass.
• </c><02:02:37.119><c> and</c> file 2621 as amended is passed and file 2621 as amended is passed and referred

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be sure to pass along those comments to Senator Berman, and thank you for your support of this bill
• I know that recently, in the last few years, the Legislature passed a law that became Florida Statute
• And that's because of costs like these that get passed down to those residents.
• I don't know if that didn't happen for your system that failed for you guys.
• It sounds like the retention area has failed on you, maybe not the pipes themselves.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several environmental and infrastructure bills. SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions was presented as a tool for cities and counties to address abandoned and derelict vessels, with support from the Florida Association of Counties and favorable comments from members about the statewide problem. SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants and related pollution data; Florida Rural Water Association raised cost concerns about any move toward requiring advanced treatment without funding. Both bills were reported favorably by roll call. The committee also approved a strike-all amendment and then favorably reported CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management. The amended bill is aimed at closing a loophole in which Class AA biosolids are labeled as fertilizer or compost but are not actually sold, requiring agronomic land application only through a bona fide sale or at a permitted DEP site, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it protects water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while Florida Rural Water urged funding for utility upgrades and grant support. A lengthy debate followed on CS/SB 1628, which would prohibit governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, including related taxes, fees, cap-and-trade programs, and certain climate-related requirements. Supporters argued the bill would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy planning, harm affordability and innovation, and favor fossil fuel interests. Despite strong opposition testimony from environmental and local-government advocates, the committee reported the bill favorably on a party-line style vote. The committee then advanced CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which would stop DEP from issuing or reissuing permits for Class B biosolids land application when a wastewater treatment facility is within 50 miles, with an amendment applying the statutory definition of septage. Supporters said it would encourage higher-level treatment, while Florida Rural Water asked for rural exemptions; the bill was reported favorably. Finally, SB 558 on stormwater system standards was heard with an amendment making technical changes and tying local construction and inspection standards to FDOT guidelines. The sponsor said the goal was a statewide baseline after recent flooding failures, but counties, contractors, and engineers warned the bill could preempt stronger local standards, raise costs, and create inspection bottlenecks. The transcript ends during testimony and debate on that bill, before any final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• That measure passes. Thank you very much, everybody.
• The measure passes, and we'll move to Item 10, AB 1917.
• That measure passes. Item 3, AB 1727 by Assembly Member Ta.
• That measure passes. Thank you. Aye. Lackey, aye. That measure passes.
• The motion was do pass. Nguyen, aye. That measure passes.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion fails on a tie vote. Up next, committee, we have a motion to introduce RS 33261.
• And that motion failed as well. Thank you, Representative. Good morning, committee.
• Motion fails on a tie. Motion fails on a tie.
• I move to send Senate Bill 1244 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Thank you.
• So with that, Idaho PTA requests a due pass recommendation. Thank you very much.

Summary: The committee heard RS 33261, the School-Sponsored Bible Reading Act, which would require public school teachers to read sequential Bible passages daily without comment or instruction, with accommodations for objections and injunctive relief as the enforcement mechanism. The sponsor and a representative from Idaho Family Policy Center argued the bill fits Idaho’s history and the U.S. Supreme Court’s current “history and tradition” approach, while opponents said it was unconstitutional, not voluntary, and inconsistent with separation of church and state. A substitute motion to return the RS to the sponsor failed on a tie vote, and the motion to introduce the RS also failed on a tie vote. The committee then considered RS 33332 C1, which would treat student walkouts or absences for protest as unexcused and require reporting to state officials. The sponsor said the bill was aimed at students leaving class to protest during school hours, while members raised concerns about impacts on student civic engagement, parent-excused absences, and politically active youth groups. The RS was introduced by voice vote. Next, the committee heard a revised RS 33523-2-3 on collecting aggregate data about students’ immigration status in public schools to estimate the cost of educating non-citizen students. The sponsor said the bill would not deny enrollment, would use only aggregate data, and was intended to help the legislature understand costs; members questioned administrative burden, possible discrimination, and the fiscal note. The motion to introduce the RS failed on a tie vote. Finally, the committee advanced Senate Bill 1244, a code-cleanup measure removing obsolete regional library system provisions, to the floor with a due pass recommendation. It also heard Senate Bill 1227 on artificial intelligence in K-12 education, which would create a state framework for AI use, local district policies, training, transparency, and privacy protections; testimony was generally supportive but urged caution, especially for younger students. The committee voted to send SB 1227 to general orders for amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• mean, what do you guys make of, as DFLers, the Democrats in the Senate specifically, not wanting to pass
• we understand that there are some bills like a bonding bill here in Minnesota that if you want to pass
• not wanting to pass something without guarantees<00:03:25.680><c> that</c><00:03:25.920><c> those</c
• </c> in Minnesota that if you want to pass in Minnesota that if you want to pass it,<00:03:58.000><c>
• </c> session or we will fail motans. session or we will fail motans.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to move it to pass. Okay, thank you.
• I move a do pass. There's a do pass motion. Is there a second? Seconded by Representative Hall.
• I don't remember why it failed the other times.
• We have failed in adopting these models because if...
• I'd like to move it to pass. Thank you. There's been a motion for a due pass.

Summary: The committee first addressed a procedural dispute over House Bill 280, with one member arguing it had already been heard and tabled in another committee earlier that day. The chair ruled the bill was properly before the House Labor, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee because it had been assigned there and published in the notice. HB 280 would create a three-year pilot program to support paid internships for students through grants to school districts, nonprofits, and tribal entities, with the Department of Workforce Solutions administering the program, collecting data, and reporting outcomes. Supporters said it would help build a sustainable funding source for school-year internships, expand access in rural and tribal communities, and connect internships to graduation credit and workforce pathways. Committee members asked about administrative costs, student selection, matching funds, program duration, and whether government entities and land grants could participate. The bill was described as flexible enough to allow different local program designs, including stipends or payroll arrangements. The committee voted do pass on HB 280. The committee then heard House Memorial 46, which honors the Hurley family, especially Major General Patrick Hurley and his son Wilson Hurley, for military service and public contributions to New Mexico. The memorial highlighted Patrick Hurley’s service in World War I and World War II, his diplomatic roles, and his decorations, as well as Wilson Hurley’s military service and later career as an artist. There was no opposition, and the memorial received a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 270, a public works apprenticeship bill that would require contributions to apprenticeship and training programs or the Public Works Apprentice and Training Fund on most public works construction projects, while exempting trades with no approved program. Supporters argued the bill would close loopholes, strengthen workforce development, and ensure contractors benefiting from public projects contribute to training. Opponents from asphalt, utility, and contractor groups said they already support existing training programs, warned the bill could raise costs and create participation problems for contractors without access to suitable programs, and noted the Transportation Committee had already considered the bill earlier that day. Sponsors responded that the earlier Transportation action was a procedural glitch and that the bill was a cleanup measure to make the existing law more effective and fair. After extended debate over costs, workforce shortages, and the effect on highway contractors, the committee voted do pass on HB 270 by a 5-3 tally.

Transcript Highlights:

• Decades of evidence show these policies failed to reduce recidivism.
• The system did not fail equally.
• And then that's the, and that's, of course, if her bill passes independently, and this one passes independently
• Would [that] disqualify if this bill passes? Would you be okay with looking at language?
• You can pass it. I will reluctantly give the gavel back to Chair Martin.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Look, each case is a mother that's passed away. That's horrific.
• So what we passed out are data by county, right?
• So when we originally passed the bill.
• HB3269 needs to be passed. Education equals prevention. And prevention equals life.
• One of the things it says in here is failing to seek...

Bills: HB514, HB1652, HB2117, HB2298, HB3269, HB46, HB46

Keywords: maternal health, maternal care, pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum, doula, birth worker, midwife, obstetric care, women's health, rural health, health workforce, workforce development, trauma-informed care, public outreach campaign, health equity, minority health, underserved communities, Texas Department of State Health Services, HHSC

Transcript Highlights:

• What it fails to do is cite 311.011(b), which states that words and phrases that have acquired a technical
• However, that bill failed, and therefore we must continue making these annual adjustments.
• This was due to the fact that the candidate I was replacing had passed away from a heart attack.
• All right, the motion to accept staff recommendations will pass.
• The report was adopted, but the bill failed.

Keywords: Texas Ethics Commission, legislative recommendations, general counsel appointment, foreign lobbying, political contributions, quarterly meetings, public testimony, rule amendments

Summary: The meeting focused on the Texas Ethics Commission's (TEC) evaluation of legislative recommendations and personnel updates, including the appointment of a new general counsel and discussions about upcoming quarterly meetings. Commissioner Schmidt reported on the progress of various bills, including amendments to existing laws, the need for increased regulation on foreign lobbying, and the publication of new rules in the Texas Register. Public testimonies were heard regarding compliance issues and proposed changes in political contribution regulations. The Commission agreed to schedule further review on the legislative items discussed and the proposed rule amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not pass. Cotour votes, nay, do not pass. Connors, no, do not pass. Penner votes, nay, do not pass.
• Do not pass. Penner votes nay, do not pass. Schmick. Do not pass. Schmick votes nay, do not pass.
• Do not pass. Burnett votes nay, do not pass. Callan votes aye. Corry. Do not pass.
• Berg: Nay, do not pass. Burnett: Do not pass. Callan votes nay, do not pass.
• Manjarrez: Do not pass. Manjarrez votes nay, do not pass. Marshall: Do not pass.

Bills: HB2104, HB1903, HB1909, HB1982, HB2034, HB2105, HB2210, HB2215, HB2271, HB2345, HB2355, HB2384, HB2389, HB2397, HB2418, HB2429, HB2442, HB2479, HB2481, HB2681, HB2688, HB2714

Keywords: aviation, wildland fires, funding, disaster relief, emergency response, energy assistance, low-income, utility costs, state program, energy affordability, court unification, task force, Washington courts, judicial administration, court reform, access to justice, local court rules, uniformity, centralization, rural courts

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Madam President. to pass. And just to be to clarify here, to pass.
• </c> ought to pass by a vote of six to zero. ought to pass by a vote of six to zero.
• </c> is ought to pass by a vote of 5 to2. is ought to pass by a vote of 5 to2.
• </c> ought to pass by a vote of 70 to zero. ought to pass by a vote of 70 to zero.
• </c> it and the committee amendment fails. it and the committee amendment fails.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From what we've experienced, regulation is failing because 7-hydroxy synthetics were failed, and that
• Criminals don't care what laws are passed. So I am completely... ...are passed.
• Motion passes.
• Motion fails. Next motion is to send House Bill 903 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
• Motion passes. House Bill 903 is sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Summary: The House Health and Welfare Committee continued testimony on House Bill 864, which would schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance. Testimony was sharply divided. Family members of people who died after using kratom urged a full ban, arguing that kratom leaf and extracts can be lethal, that labeling is misleading, and that regulation would leave loopholes. Retail and industry witnesses, along with the American Kratom Association, argued that the problem is synthetic 7-OH and other adulterated products rather than natural kratom leaf, and said the bill would criminalize users and push products into the black market. A physician who worked in corrections testified that kratom is an addictive opioid-like substance and supported the bill, while other witnesses said kratom helped them manage pain or avoid stronger opioids. After debate, the committee adopted a motion to hold HB 864 to a time certain of March 25 by a roll call vote of 11-5. The committee then took up House Bill 903, a SNAP-related bill clarifying which foods can be purchased with benefits. The sponsor said the bill was intended to clean up the earlier SNAP restrictions and keep more nutritious items eligible, but he also announced planned amendments to remove cookies, cakes, brownies, sprinkles, chips, and snack bars from the allowable list. Retailers and related industry groups supported the bill as a clarification measure, but several members objected to advancing it before the proposed amendments were formally available and before stakeholders could weigh in. A substitute motion to hold the bill failed, and the committee then voted to send HB 903 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 757, which would define medical neglect in state law and create protections for parents and guardians from bad-faith or false reports. The sponsor said the bill narrows medical neglect to life-threatening conditions, adds a reasonable-person standard, and provides safe harbors for parents seeking care or dealing with complex medical situations, including alternative treatments. Members began asking questions about what qualifies as life-threatening as the hearing moved into testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• From what we've experienced, regulation is failing because 7-hydroxy synthetics were failed, and that
• Motion passes.
• It always passes. Okay, committee.
• Motion fails. Next motion is to send House Bill 903 to the floor with a due pass recommendation.
• Motion passes. House Bill 903 is sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee continued testimony on House Bill 864, which would schedule kratom as a Schedule I substance. Testimony was sharply divided. Supporters included family members of people who died after using kratom, police representatives, a physician who said kratom is an addictive opioid-like substance, and the bill sponsors, who argued that kratom and related compounds can cause addiction, withdrawal, overdose, and death and that a ban is needed to protect public health. Opponents included convenience store and kratom industry representatives, a veteran and other users who said kratom helped them manage pain or avoid opioids, and the American Kratom Association, which argued that the bill conflates natural kratom leaf with synthetic derivatives such as 7-OH and that regulation, not prohibition, is the better approach. The committee ultimately adopted a motion to hold HB 864 to a time certain of March 25 by a roll call vote of 11-5. The committee then took up House Bill 903, a SNAP-related bill clarifying which food items can be purchased with benefits. The sponsor explained that the bill was intended to clean up the earlier SNAP waiver language and remove items such as cookies, cakes, brownies, sprinkles, chips, and snack bars from the list of allowable purchases, while keeping more nutritious items and certain bars. Retailers testified in support, saying the changes would reduce confusion and improve consistency. After discussion over the process and the proposed changes, a motion to hold the bill failed, and the committee voted to send HB 903 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The final item introduced was House Bill 757, which the sponsor said would define medical neglect in Idaho law and create protections for parents and guardians from false or bad-faith reports. The bill would narrow medical neglect to life-threatening conditions and include exemptions for reasonable efforts to obtain care, medically complex situations, and alternative treatments. No action was taken on HB 757 in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• if you failed to pay your fee and fail if you failed to pay your fee and we're<00:19:34.200><c> in</
• So, with 16 yes votes, no no votes, and one pass vote, House Bill 456 is amended and does pass favorably
• passes.
• <c> does</c><01:02:56.279><c> pass</c><01:02:56.799><c> congratulations</c> 399 as amended does pass
• So with 15 yes votes and no no votes and one pass vote, House Bill 465 is amended and is passed with

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00:00 Roll Call: 00:00:02 HB 446: 00:01:44 HB 456: 00:07:08 Discussion in Opposition to HB 456: 00:15:20 HB 10: 00:26:18 HB 96: 00:36:54 HB 399: 00:56:31 HB 465: 01:03:04, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 446, as amended by committee substitute, which would expand third-degree assault protections to cover judges and justices of the Court of Justice and public transportation drivers. Supporters said the bill responds to violence and threats against judges and would extend protections already given to other public servants. Members generally supported the bill, though several suggested broadening it further to include circuit clerks or all officers of the court. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 446 on an 18-0 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 456, a DUI-related cleanup bill sponsored by Representative Patrick Flanery and presented by County Attorney Joe Ross. The bill would add fentanyl, Flexeril, and clopene to the per se DUI list, treat driving on a suspended license as an aggravating circumstance, revise implied-consent notice language, and make changes to ignition interlock rules, including suspension periods and fees. Representative Scott West of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, warning that some interlock violations and fees could unfairly extend suspensions and discourage participation, while members and the sponsor said the bill would strengthen DUI enforcement and that non-listed substances could still support DUI charges under other provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and favorably passed HB 456 by a 16-0 vote with one pass. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 10, relating to the rights of real property owners, sponsored by Representatives Maryanne Proctor and Emily Callaway, with testimony from a Pacific Legal Foundation representative and a Boone County Sheriff’s Office staff attorney. The sponsors said the bill is intended to address squatting by defining squatters and improving property-owner remedies, and noted support from sheriffs and realtors. The transcript cuts off before the bill’s full presentation or any committee action on HB 10.