Transcript Highlights:

• The attending midwife gave up and called the doctor in the hospital for an emergency C section.
• We take it seriously when we bump up from a misdemeanor to a felony, and I know some of you John Zacham
• the introduction of some language, but unfortunately that language puts us back to operating as a misdemeanor
• Florida downgraded the penalty for operating an illegal gambling house from a felony to a misdemeanor

Bills: S0598, S0934, S1260, S1300, S1452, S1510, S1566, S1580, S1668, S7034

Keywords: funeral homes, cemetery law, cremation, embalmer, funeral director, preneed contract, preneed funeral, human remains, unclaimed cremated remains, disposition of remains, hospice, palliative care, end-of-life care, direct disposal, mortuary science, funeral service arts, licensure by endorsement, cemetery license, contiguous acres, consumer services

Transcript Highlights:

• and a second or subsequent refusal as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• and a second or subsequent refusal as a first-degree misdemeanor.
• The bill also talks about warrants for misdemeanors in blood.
• The bill also talks about warrants for misdemeanors in blood.
• Allow for warrants in misdemeanor cases like BUI and DUI.

Summary: The committee heard and approved several bills. CS for CS for CS SB 138, Trenton’s Law, would broaden DUI and boating-under-the-influence laws to cover any impairing substance, increase penalties for refusal to submit to breath or urine testing, allow blood warrants in misdemeanor DUI/BUI cases, enhance penalties for DUI with death or vehicular homicide involving prior convictions, and authorize DUI diversion programs. Supporters included law enforcement and prosecutors, who said the bill addresses gaps involving over-the-counter drugs and refusal cases; the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers raised concerns about the breadth of the “any impairing substance” language and record consequences for first refusals. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 400, which removes the repeal date from Florida’s Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children, and CS for SB 102, which creates a workforce credentialing program for exceptional student education students, especially those with autism, to earn badges for job skills and safety-related competencies. SB 102 drew questions about fiscal impact and teacher training, with supporters emphasizing workforce readiness and parent involvement while some members raised concerns about costs and implementation. SB 130, which updates compensation for wrongfully incarcerated people found factually innocent, was also reported favorably after supporters argued Florida’s current law is too restrictive and too few exonerees have been compensated. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 296, which repeals the statewide mandate for later middle and high school start times and returns the decision to local districts, while requiring districts to document their analysis of sleep, safety, transportation, and other impacts. An amendment added a reporting requirement to show how districts considered later start times and any unintended consequences. The bill drew broad support from school officials and education groups, with members noting transportation and extracurricular challenges. Finally, SB 234, dealing with criminal offenses against law enforcement officers, was reported favorably after debate over whether the bill should retain “good faith” language and how it would affect defenses and officer accountability. The committee also passed CS for SB 274, designating a portion of International Drive as Harris Rosen Way and adding a memorial designation for the late Senator Geraldine Thompson near the Wells Built Museum; members praised both honorees and the bill was reported favorably. The committee adjourned after recording one member’s request to be shown voting yes on the first bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It classifies it as a second-degree misdemeanor or, additionally, a third-degree felony if it's during
• was any impairing substance and the ability for law enforcement officers to obtain warrants in misdemeanor
• cases for DUI and DUI. and to obtain warrants in misdemeanor cases for DUI and DUI.
• blood draws. could be added back in for any impairing controlled substances and for the misdemeanor
• And third, it outlines criminal penalties, making gift card fraud either a first-degree misdemeanor or

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee considered a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, and related bills. Early measures included HB 1171, tolling the statute of limitations for failure to make mandatory child abuse reports, and HB 1403, expanding school safety provisions by allowing child care facilities in the guardian program and clarifying perimeter and door-security rules; both passed unanimously, with HB 1403 adopted as amended. The committee also approved HB 1099, giving law enforcement discretion in arrests involving elderly or medically vulnerable individuals in facilities; HB 1121, strengthening restrictions on misuse of unmanned aircraft systems; HB 1525, creating penalties for impersonating rideshare drivers and clarifying transportation-disadvantaged access; and PCS for HB 687, increasing penalties for repeat DUI/vehicular homicide offenses known as “Trenton’s Law.” Members then advanced HB 847 to create an FDLE grant program for expedited DNA testing, PCS for HB 757 to prohibit altered sexual depictions of identifiable persons and create a civil remedy, and HB 1415 to repeal an obsolete Broward County narcotics enforcement unit. The committee also heard and approved HB 1207, the Tristan Murphy Act, which expands mental health diversion grants, creates a model diversion process, and establishes a behavioral healthcare data repository; testimony from the bill’s namesake’s mother and law enforcement emphasized the need for treatment over incarceration. HB 1351 updated sexual offender/predator registration rules, and HB 1479 created a public records exemption for domestic violence lethality assessment forms; both passed without opposition. Later, the committee approved PCS for HB 1283, making sex trafficking of children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons a capital felony, despite constitutional concerns raised in debate; the bill passed 13-2. PCS for HB 781, addressing cyber intimidation by publication (doxing), also passed unanimously after supporters described it as a needed tool against online harassment. Finally, CSHB 139 authorized pawnbrokers to use digital transaction forms, and PCS for HB 107 created and enhanced penalties for fraudulent use of gift cards. Most bills were reported favorably, many unanimously, and several were amended before passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um<00:01:42.400><c> andc><00:01:42.640><c> therec><00:01:42.799><c> arec><00:01:42.960><c> ac
• <00:38:19.359><c> classc><00:38:19.680><c> andc><00:38:19.920><c> whatever.
• c><00:38:21.280><c> Theyc> swimming class and whatever. They swimming class and whatever.
• withc><02:28:31.920><c> ac><02:28:32.080><c> misdemeanorc> previously charged with a misdemeanor
• previously charged with a misdemeanor count<02:28:32.880><c> ofc><02:28:33.040><c> disorderlyc><

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 4138, a bill aimed at limiting harmful social media features for children and requiring parental involvement for minors using platforms in Minnesota. Early on, members reconsidered and then adopted the Smith amendment (A13) after first rejecting a narrower amendment to the amendment (A18) on a 67-67 tie. Representative Bonner then offered a technical amendment (A14) to address liability and drafting concerns, but withdrew it after saying it contained an unintended drafting error and could create legal problems, including issues around data collection and rulemaking. During third reading debate, supporters described the bill as a first step to protect children from addictive social media design, online exploitation, and harmful data practices. Representative Scott said the bill would require parental consent and limit addictive features for child accounts, while emphasizing that the consent language must be prominent and that the bill’s effective date would not begin until next July. Representative Enen, Representative Feist, Representative Greenman, and others backed the measure as a bipartisan effort to hold big tech accountable and protect kids, though Greenman also noted that the legislature had not shown the same willingness to confront gun violence. Opponents and skeptics raised concerns that the bill relies on parents understanding complex legal and technical terms, that it may not fully protect children, and that it could still leave gaps around liability and privacy. Representative Leeing questioned why the bill does not simply restrict addictive features for all children and asked about parental waivers and location tracking; Scott responded that the bill uses IP address information and does not specifically address liability waivers, but said the measure is a policy choice intended to empower parents. The debate ended with broad support from several members, and the bill was presented as likely to pass, though no final vote on the bill itself was included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• graduates of these institutions make lasting contributions to our workforce, with the 2021 graduating class
• Employees Retirement System of Texas for certain retirees who resume membership in the employment class
• HG 4846 by Hpper relating to criminal procedures related to a child who has committed certain Class C
• misdemeanors or for the subcommittee on juvenile justice. 4847 by Hunter Earling dissemination of certain

Transcript Highlights:

• With the 2021 graduating class. That's alone expected to earn $15.4 billion over their lifetimes.
• employees retirement system of Texas for certain retirees who resume membership in the employment class
• , AG 4846 by Hopper, relating to criminal procedures related to a child. who has committed certain Class
• C misdemeanors for the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice.

Bills: HB9, HB22, HB908, HB1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• Emerging technologies such as AI and live streaming have enabled a new class of criminals to access and
• SB 1276 makes a person guilty of a misdemeanor or felony if the person downloads streams or accesses.
• A misdemeanor or felony if the person downloads streams or accesses through electronic or digital media
• The provisions outlined in this bill and AB 405 collectively create a best-in-class audit framework that
• He said the Los Angeles Times was one of the first to face class action claims that serving targeted

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• that it provides that a person who violates this law, this bill, would be potentially guilty of a misdemeanor
• That a person who knowingly and willfully violates this is guilty of a misdemeanor and that it should
• Being an educator myself, if you look at page five I've on line 12, it's in section C.
• NWEA that I used to use in my high school classes that gave me very specific information about what areas

Transcript Highlights:

• the statutes to expand the list of qualifying prior offenses that allow for reclassification of misdemeanor
• That allow for reclassification of misdemeanor battery to a third-degree felony.
• Misdemeanor or whatever, they will be enhanced to have felony battery status, and therefore, hopefully
• It also includes a misdemeanor domestic violence.
• This would require that person on that misdemeanor to now go into custody.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• also note that's a misdemeanor<00:48:16.880><c> crimec><00:48:17.280><c> alsoc><00:48:17.520><c>
• toc><00:48:17.760><c> violatec><00:48:18.079><c> thec> misdemeanor crime also to violate the misdemeanor
• 04:22:46.640><c> classc><04:22:46.960><c> Ac><04:22:47.199><c> electricalc> references to the class
• c><04:22:50.560><c> Classc><04:22:50.880><c> Ac><04:22:51.279><c> electricalc> electrical code
• c><04:23:08.080><c> installerc><04:23:08.560><c> licensesc><04:23:09.359><c> onc> class B electrical

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:53.520><c> doesc><00:01:54.159><c> isc><00:01:54.399><c> itc><00:01:54.720><c> allows
• ><c> lowdc><00:01:55.840><c> dosec><00:01:56.560><c> hempc><00:01:57.280><c> productsc><00:01
• c> andc><00:05:26.479><c> thatc><00:05:26.639><c> canc><00:05:26.800><c> bec><00:05:26.960><c
• 15172 misdemeanor<00:09:24.560><c> forc><00:09:24.720><c> thec><00:09:24.800><c> adulterationc
• ><00:09:25.600><c> orc> misdemeanor for the adulteration or misdemeanor for the adulteration or doctoring

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• good-faith effort to comply before action was taken against the licensee and the charge was changed from a Class
• B misdemeanor to an infraction.
• They took the Class B misdemeanor and changed it to an infraction.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge, a quorum call, and approval of journal corrections. It then handled several House messages, appointing conference committees on Senate Bills 2004 and 2006 and House Bills 1018, 1019, and 1363, and re-referring House Bill 1216 to Appropriations. The chamber also adopted amendments to House Bill 1601, which would have expanded special assistant attorney general authority for certain offices, but the bill failed on final passage after strong opposition centered on preserving the Attorney General’s control and avoiding a solution in search of a problem. A major portion of the day focused on education funding. House Bill 1369 was amended to raise per-pupil aid from 2% and 2% to 3% and 3% and to increase the school construction loan transfer from $75 million to $100 million; supporters said this would help local schools and military base projects, while opponents raised questions about special education placement language and state coordination. The bill passed 44-3. House Bill 1013, the DPI budget, was also amended extensively to adjust staffing, funding sources, grants, meal assistance, teacher training, and other education programs; it passed 45-2. House Bill 2234, dealing with Choice Ready grants, was amended to shift funding away from general funds and toward federal or other sources, but then failed on final passage after the sponsor urged a red vote. The Senate also approved House Bill 1482, restricting bond and indebtedness elections for counties, cities, school districts, and park districts to primary or general election days, and House Bill 1332, creating a value-added agriculture facility incentive program with an emergency clause. House Bill 1010, the Insurance Department budget, passed unanimously after amendments reflecting the merger of the Securities Department into Insurance and adding staff and fee changes, while House Bill 1011, the separate Securities Department budget, failed because its funding was already included in HB 1010. House Bill 1584, a major pharmacy benefit manager reform bill, passed with an enforcement fund and new licensing/enforcement structure despite debate over ERISA and market transparency. In other action, the Senate concurred in House amendments and passed Senate Bills 2226, 2230, 2069, 2082, 2387, 2385, and 2186, with SB 2186 on parenting time interference and a child custody task force passing 27-20 after debate over whether the issue should be left to the courts. Senate Bill 2234, on Choice Ready grants, and Senate Bill 2243, on driver’s license points and traffic penalties, both failed after concurrence motions were adopted but final passage votes were overwhelmingly negative. The chamber also advanced Senate Bill 2291 to conference committee consideration near the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It will self-effectuate itself, and it will provide treatment to a class of citizens that is sorely lacking
• Our office processes between 30,000 and 35,000 vouchers annually, from Class B misdemeanors up to first-degree
• average for cases tried: We will file approximately 10,000 felony cases this year and about 7,000 misdemeanor

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• C is the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, or Court of Appeals, State Bar, or another...
• So, under current law, offenses related to violations of the Open Meetings Act, which are misdemeanors
• HB 3711 does not enhance the classification of these offenses or raise the level of misdemeanor penalties
• We do it for by vehicle type and class. For all the vehicles? Vehicles that are sold.
• C.

Bills: HB512, HB2248, HB2679, HB2832, HB3112, HB3368, HB3490, HB3512, HB3623, HB3666, HB3700, HB3711, HB3770, HB3963

Keywords: grievance procedures, state agency, employee rights, workplace regulations, employment law, employees, employment actions, appeal, state employees, workplace rights, disciplinary actions, employment conditions, employment disputes, job protections, public information, transparency, government accountability, information access, notification requirements, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:56.200><c> fairerc><00:01:56.600><c> andc><00:01:56.759><c> morec><00:01:56.960><c> stable
• andc><00:02:15.200><c> Ic><00:02:15.280><c> servec><00:02:15.560><c> asc><00:02:15.680><c> the
• ><c> Minnesotac><00:02:23.599><c> Lifelinec><00:02:24.160><c> programc><00:02:25.040><c> umc>
• ><c> thec><00:02:38.760><c> regionc><00:02:39.400><c> withc><00:02:39.840><c> $53c> eviction
• ><c> ofc><00:02:45.440><c> livingc><00:02:45.920><c> isc><00:02:46.040><c> ac><00:02:46.239><

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> Ic><00:08:17.039><c> wantedc><00:08:17.199><c> toc><00:08:17.440><c> doc><00:08:17.680><c
• at the maximum for a them set it at the maximum for a misdemeanor.<00:20:21.600><c> Uhc><00:20:21.919
• ><c> wec> misdemeanor.
• to be um it used to be punishable<03:12:34.240><c> byc><03:12:34.399><c> ac><03:12:34.640><c> class
• c><03:12:36.479><c> Soc> punishable by a class B felony. So punishable by a class B felony.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 29:53.919><c> anc><00:29:54.080><c> actc><00:29:54.320><c> relatingc><00:29:54.559><c> toc> 3900
• small can have more than one teacher or small class<02:32:13.120><c> sizes.
• c><02:32:15.359><c> havec><02:32:15.760><c> allc> class sizes.
• or a gross fourthderee assault or a gross misdemeanor.<03:15:08.479><c> That'sc><03:15:08.640><c>
• anc><03:15:08.880><c> increasec><03:15:09.040><c> inc> misdemeanor.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• C., here. Partington, here. Skidmore, here. Here. Plasencia, here. Skidmore, here.
• to recover punitive damages in a civil action, and it expands the statute of limitations for a misdemeanor
• I was like a low-class, I would say, rental-living, you know, kind of situation.
• He's a working class man, and he comes from your exact route, so he understands your plight.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard and voted on a series of bills dealing with traffic enforcement, drug-related homicide charges, vessel regulation, crime-stoppers records, cyber harassment, pawn data sharing, hotel removals of nonpaying guests, and Fish and Wildlife Commission authority. Members and witnesses generally framed the bills around public safety, law enforcement efficiency, victim protection, and property rights, while several bills drew concerns about criminal penalties, due process, and impacts on workers or families. Public testimony included support from sheriffs, police chiefs, AARP, hospitality workers, civil liberties groups, and industry representatives, depending on the bill. PCS for CSHB 351, creating a criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding, passed 13-4 after debate over whether the new offense would expand search-and-seizure authority and whether the penalties were too harsh. HB 457, which expands third-degree murder to include unlawful distribution of controlled substances resulting in death and removes the under-18 exclusion, was amended to add a knowledge/should-have-known fentanyl standard and then passed unanimously 17-0. CS for HB 1285 on disposition of migrant vessels and HB 1149 on vessel accountability both passed unanimously after brief discussion and a cleanup amendment on HB 1149. HB 397, providing a public records exemption for Crime Stoppers organizations, passed 16-0 after a clarifying amendment. HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment also passed 16-0 after an amendment expanding definitions, penalties, civil remedies, and limitations periods. PCS for HB 1359, requiring FDLE to study a statewide pawn database, passed 16-0 with support from law enforcement and concerns about linking local systems and private vendors. CSHB 535, which clarifies when guests in public lodging establishments may be removed for nonpayment and also addressed service-charge language affecting gratuities, generated the most extended debate and strong opposition from hospitality workers and labor advocates over due process and tipped income. Supporters argued it would clarify transient occupancy and protect property owners, but the bill passed 11-6. Finally, CS/HB 1133 on Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission appointments and warrant requirements for FWC officers passed 16-0 after an amendment requiring warrants or probable cause for entry onto private land. The meeting adjourned after all agenda items were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And in any first-year accounting class, at any university in this state, ...counting class at any university
• Subsection C. Okay. Are you there? It's on the first page. Yes. Lines... C. Are you there?
• If some of the things in C sub 1, sub 2 to A, B, C, C, down to T are not complied with or outside of
• Okay, now there's one line in C, in subsection C, that I just don't understand.
• The commissioner shall approve for participation under Section 29.914, subsection C.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, pledges, and several ceremonial recognitions, including Wilson County Day, San Antonio Mission Indian Descendants Day, and Blue Ribbon Lobby Day, along with acknowledgments of visiting groups and a birthday greeting. The chamber also announced committee meetings and then moved into floor business, including conference committee action on Senate Bill 1, the state budget. A series of motions to instruct House conferees on SB 1 were debated and voted on. One motion sought to restore salary for Attorney General Ken Paxton after his impeachment-related suspension; it passed 88-56. Another, from Rep. Olcott, directed conferees to support amendments requiring data collection on the costs of undocumented immigrants in hospitals and prisons; after extended debate and a failed amendment from Rep. Martinez Fischer to also study immigrants’ economic contributions, the motion passed 86-61. The House also adopted instructions to eliminate Texas Lottery Commission funding, to support amendments restricting public education institutions from affirming gender identities inconsistent with biological sex, and to seek an additional $4 billion in property tax relief, with each motion passing on recorded votes. The House then took up a supplemental calendar and passed several bills, including HB 39 on veteran death data, HB 102 on priority registration for certain students entering military service, HB 126 on student-athlete compensation and representation, HB 290 on tuition and fee assistance for members of the Texas military forces, HB 300 on Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program updates, and HB 2143 naming a highway in honor of Army Specialist Joey Lins. The chamber also postponed consideration of HJR 2 and HJR 6. Later, the House considered HB 120 on career and technology education pathways and HB 20 on applied science pathway programs for high school students. HB 120 received a perfecting amendment and was advanced after discussion about workforce preparation. HB 20 prompted extensive questioning about transportation, costs, and how students would access partner campuses such as community colleges and TSTC sites; debate continued as the transcript ended, with members examining how the program would operate and whether approval authority would rest with TEA.

Transcript Highlights:

• In most cases, if there's a criminal charge at all, it's a misdemeanor.
• If there's a criminal charge at all, it's a misdemeanor.
• So if you go into the first-degree misdemeanor, second-degree misdemeanor, and the third-degree felony
• , the first-degree misdemeanor, if the dog has previously been declared dangerous and it bites somebody
• The second-degree misdemeanor, if the dog has not previously been declared dangerous but caused a severe

Summary: The Committee on Agriculture met with a quorum present and heard four bills. CS/SB 150, by Senator Gates, would make it a third-degree felony to abandon a restrained animal during a declared weather emergency, such as a hurricane or tornado, and was presented as “Trooper’s Law” in response to a widely publicized rescue of a dog during Hurricane Milton. The bill drew supportive public cards and brief supportive remarks from Senator Boyd, then passed unanimously and was reported favorably. SB 374, by Senator Truenow, would refine the definition of farm product to include plant and plant products and bar local governments from adopting ordinances that limit the collection, storage, and processing of farm products on bona fide agricultural land. An amendment was withdrawn to allow further discussion on food waste issues. Speakers from composting, recycling, and poultry interests supported the bill, and it was reported favorably. SB 560, by Senator Martin, would restrict certain chemical additives in food products. The sponsor said the bill targets 10 chemicals he believes are harmful, noted that two have already been banned by the FDA, and argued Florida should act rather than wait for federal action. Industry and retail witnesses opposed the bill as creating a patchwork of state rules, raising costs, and disrupting supply chains, while some senators said they supported the bill for now but expected further changes. The committee reported the bill favorably, with Senator Rouson voting no. SB 572, the Pam Rock Act by Senator Collins, would create a statewide dangerous dog registry, add criminal penalties for certain dangerous-dog attacks, and require permits, microchipping, spay/neuter, and $100,000 liability insurance for dangerous dogs. The sponsor and the Rock family described severe attacks and deaths involving dangerous dogs and argued the registry would help protect the public. Some senators questioned the registry’s usefulness, the amount of information collected, and insurance availability, but the bill passed and was reported favorably. The committee then adjourned.