Transcript Highlights:

• FOR THOSE REASONS I URGE THE COMMITTEE TO VOTE NO ON ADVANCING HB 4027.
• THERE'S A REASON DISTRICTS LIKE MIAMI-DADE, DUFAULT, ORANGE AND PINELLAS ALL USE APPOINTED SUPERINTENDENTS
• SINCE THIS BILL PREVENTS THAT LEGISLATION, IS IT REASONABLE TO EXPECT MANY OF THE WORKS WOULD BE REMOVED
• THIS BILL ROSE BACK THE CONSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS THAT PROTECT PARENTAL RIGHTS, FREE EXPRESSION, DUE
• BUT IN MOMENTS LIKE THIS I AM REMINDED SOMETIMES WE ARE POLARIZED FOR SOME VERY GOOD REASONS.

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, we respectfully request an I vote. Thank you. Great. Thank you. Thank you.
• I want to make sure that we put some safeguards in place.
• And it's for those reasons and your leadership that I'll be supporting today. Great. Thank you.
• The reason we weren't able to move forward was because there was, like, a funding issue.
• Yeah, so that is the reason. That was my understanding.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Agriculture heard three bills. SB 18 by Senator Rubio would create a Food Desert Elimination Grant Program at CDFA to help open or improve grocery stores in food desert communities. Supporters said it would improve access to healthy food, create jobs, and help underserved neighborhoods; opponents argued it could favor large chains, lacked community input and accountability, and should better prioritize tribal, BIPOC-owned, and community-led retail. Committee members raised concerns about population thresholds, community engagement, and long-term commitments, and the author said the bill could be strengthened with guardrails. SB 18 passed 7-0 and was sent to Appropriations. SB 312 by Senator Umberg would require out-of-state shippers of dogs to electronically submit health certificates to CDFA and make them available to buyers and enforcement agencies, aiming to improve consumer protection and traceability in the puppy import pipeline. Supporters from animal welfare and humane organizations said the bill would help stop sick or misrepresented puppies from entering California and give investigators a central record. Members asked about privacy and enforcement, and the author indicated amendments could address consumer privacy concerns. The bill passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. SB 493 by Senator Becker would change how compensation is set for secretary managers of district agricultural associations and fairgrounds, shifting salary-setting authority to CDFA and requiring periodic salary surveys. Supporters said fairgrounds are critical emergency-response and community facilities and that the bill would help recruit and retain qualified leaders with fairer pay. Some members expressed concern about local control and appointment delays, but clarified the bill only addressed salary, not appointments. SB 493 also passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this amendment provides a simple safeguard.
• Members, this amendment provides a simple safeguard.
• This amendment provides a reasonable safeguard by allowing an attestation under penalty of perjury, ensuring
• This amendment provides a reasonable safeguard by allowing an attestation under penalty of perjury, ensuring
• There's no reason for us to change the current law.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and included several member introductions recognizing guests, interns, firefighters, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and began taking up a series of bills, often substituting House companions for Senate measures before final passage. The first major bill, health care patient protection, required hospitals with emergency departments to adopt pediatric emergency care policies, training, a pediatric emergency care coordinator, and readiness assessments; it passed 36-0. A public records bill protecting victim identities and temporarily exempting the name of a law enforcement officer who is a victim also passed after questions about access for victims of police misconduct, with a 33-4 vote. The Senate next approved a local government cybersecurity bill creating a state-administered program through Florida Digital Service to help counties and cities strengthen cyber defenses, with priority for rural and fiscally constrained governments; after amendments, it passed 37-0. A clerks of court bill allowing clerks to retain all revenue above projections and, through a House amendment, revising legal notice and traffic citation distribution provisions, passed 38-0 despite debate over impacts on municipalities and law enforcement. The chamber also passed a trademark modernization bill and a septic system permit bill intended to reduce delays for builders; the septic bill was amended to align the House and Senate versions and passed 38-0. The longest and most contested item was the elections bill, which updated citizenship verification procedures using REAL ID and state databases, changed candidate qualification rules, and altered election administration provisions. Numerous amendments were offered and rejected, including proposals to exempt certain seniors, preserve student and retirement-center IDs, allow attestations in place of documentary proof of citizenship, and require human review over automated systems. One amendment to delay implementation until July 1, 2027, was also debated. The transcript ends while debate is still underway on the elections measure, with no final vote shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• For some reason, it didn't get heard in the House.
• It is a fundamental democratic safeguard.
• So these safeguards do reflect...
• And we found out what the reason why was in that case.
• And it was becoming, for whatever reason, sort of becoming a little more partisan for some reason.

Bills: HB2070 , HB2129 , HB2227 , HB2439 , HB2667 , HB2745 , HB2773 , HB2825 , HB2873 , HB2876 , HCR2005 , HCR2044 , SB1002 , SB1036 , SB1054 , SB1271 , SB1432 , SB1435 , SB1437 , SB1439 , SCR1022 , SCR1031 , SCR1033

Committees: Senate Government , Senate Senate Government Committee of Reference

Keywords: flood relief, Gila County, emergency funding, public safety, environmental cleanup, municipal libraries, annual reporting, state legislation, transparency, government accountability, chiropractic, chiropractor, chiropractic board, state board of chiropractic examiners, license discipline, unprofessional conduct, patient records, record retention, HIPAA, conflict of interest

Transcript Highlights:

• For some reason I forgot the number, but it's $435,000.
• Do we have a reason and an epitaph or an excuse for why this is happening?
• I think moving the date is a reasonable ask.
• I think moving the date is a reasonable ask.
• But under all circumstances based on your reasoning here. Mr. Clark? Mr.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> collegefriendly, and work to safeguard collegefriendly, and work to safeguard the<00:09:05.279><
• Two years ago, my different reasons.
• This bill is well written and reasonable.
• This bill is well written and reasonable.
• Senator Wicklund, when you are ready. um reasons that this is proving um reasons that this is proving

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• And that's the reason for that provision.
• I mean, all of those reasons are correct, but the summary of those reasons is that we're not likely to
• And so for those reasons, I urge your support of SB 965. Thank you.
• I thought that was the only reason for parents being there.
• I thought that was the only reason for parents being there.

Committee: Senate Education

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is simply doing a safeguard. This is a safeguard to make sure it cannot even try to happen.
• This is a safeguard to make safeguard.
• There's a reason they're never charged. There's a reason they take forever.
• There's a reason they're never charged. There's a reason they take forever.
• </c> There's a reason they take forever. There's a reason they take forever.

Transcript Highlights:

• This standard exists for a reason.
• It is the framework educators use to ensure that classroom instruction for a reason.
• I find it to be an important safeguard that helps ensure discussions happen in ways that are appropriate
• already facing serious mental health challenges, we should be cautious about policies that remove safeguards

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• It is for this reason that they were voted by the citizens of our great state.
• This bill sustains safeguards and strengthens Florida's universal school choice program.
• Senate Bill 318 will sustain, strengthen, and safeguard Florida's school choice program, and that is
• and all of us will be monitoring this program very, very carefully to make sure that we have every reason

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that this work is disruptive and tough for travelers in the short term, but necessary to safeguard
• Our preservation work is vital to keeping people and goods moving and safeguarding the investment of
• This program is complex for several reasons. It's large. It's multi-billion dollars.
• And one of the reasons why the governor's priority is to make sure that we're keeping pace with our need
• And I want to give the general reason that we're asking for... the general reason that we're asking for

Bills: HB2306

Committee: House Transportation

Keywords: transportation budget, capital budget, operating budget, appropriations, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferry funding, state ferries, highway maintenance, road preservation, bridge replacement, tolling, express toll lanes, traffic safety, speed cameras, ignition interlock, transit grants, public transit

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that this work is disruptive and tough for travelers in the short term, but necessary to safeguard
• Our preservation work is vital to keeping people and goods moving and safeguarding the investment of
• This program is complex for several reasons. It's large. It's multi-billion dollars.
• And one of the reasons why the governor's priority is to make sure that we're keeping pace with our need
• And I want to give the general reason that we're asking for... the general reason that we're asking for

Summary: The Transportation Committee heard a presentation from WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith on the agency’s mission, 2025 accomplishments, and 2026 priorities. Meredith emphasized preservation, safety, emergency response, ferry reliability, culvert replacement, and major projects such as the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge work, North Spokane Corridor, Confluence Parkway, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. She highlighted the state’s aging transportation assets, recent storm and flood damage, bridge strikes, and the need for additional preservation funding, including the governor’s proposed $1 billion investment in Washington State Ferries and continued work on the World Cup and future regional growth planning. Members asked about ferry service disruptions, rising IBR costs, staffing needs, aviation assets, and bridge-strike certainty tied to the Coast Guard’s upcoming decision on bridge clearance requirements. The committee then received a briefing on HB 2306, the governor’s supplemental transportation budget, which totals $16.7 billion and increases the enacted budget by about $1.2 billion, with most of the increase directed to WSDOT capital spending. OFM staff said the proposal is driven by preservation, maintenance, and ferry needs, and relies on about $3.1 billion in bonding against transportation revenues, while staying below the Treasurer’s coverage ratio. The proposal includes $2 billion for preservation, $164 million for paving this summer, $756 million for paving over 10 years, $250 million for maintenance, $150 million for preserving existing ferries, $15 million for Lower Columbia River dredging, and smaller investments for WSP communications, DOL access, and local road grants. Committee members asked about debt service, remaining bonding capacity, and the impact of office closures and ferry service reductions. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s budget, especially its preservation and ferry investments. Local officials and associations backed ferry funding, local road grants, pavement and bridge preservation, and the Columbia River dredging match. Several speakers urged more support for cities and counties, while rail and transit advocates asked for more rail capital funding and less highway expansion. One ferry advocate criticized the cost of hybrid-electric vessel maintenance compared with diesel, and another witness warned against a pay-per-mile tax. The hearing ended without a vote, and the chair announced a short caucus before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a statute and a constitutional mandate for reasonable and necessary expenses to be funded by
• Much of the reason that Governor Landry had asked for the study, we delayed those bills, it has now been
• Much of the reason that Governor Landry had asked for the study, we delayed those bills; it has now been
• Chairman, part of the reason of the bill was so that all law enforcement across the state can address
• House Bill 950 is some legislation I'm putting in place to safeguard protections for our seniors to help

Bills: HB513 , HB581 , HB596 , HB660 , HB719 , HB766 , HB802 , HB940 , HB950 , HB1028 , HB1183 , HB1201 , SB233 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB411

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• For these reasons, I urge you to support AB 2555. Thank you. Our next witness.
• So for these reasons, CTA respectfully urges your no vote.
• So for these reasons, CTA respectfully urges your no vote.
• Because of these reasons, I urge your aye vote today.
• For this reason, we respectfully urge your aye vote for AB 2468. Thank you.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• They removed it for a number of reasons.
• Is there any other reason why we really can't give them that grace and leniency? Senator Burton.
• There are a couple of reasons why I'm going to be a no, and just looking at the bill and going through
• We're protecting voter information and safeguarding the process by which constitutional amendments are
• We have a responsibility to safeguard taxpayer dollars and improve accountability, transparency, and

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several introductions, then moved into a series of special-order bills and House messages. Early floor action included passage of a claim bill for Mandy Penny Lemon (HB 6503) and bills on sewer collection systems (HB 1123) and farm products (HB 211), all passing unanimously. The chamber also took up an ad valorem tax exemption resolution for agricultural tangible personal property (CS/HJR 1215), which passed 37-0. Several other measures were temporarily postponed before the Senate recessed and later returned to House messages and additional special orders. The Senate then addressed multiple House amendments and conference-style motions. It concurred in amended versions of SB 994 on driver safety, SB 180 on emergency preparedness and response, and HB 1609 on waste incineration/auxiliary containers after extended debate over hurricane recovery rules, local government restrictions, and plastic container preemption. The chamber also concurred in CS/HB 1205 on citizen initiative petitions, increasing the number of petitions a volunteer may carry from 2 to 25, and in CS/HB 733 on Brownfields. Other House amendments were rejected or sent back, including SB 234 on offenses against law enforcement, SB 116 on veterans policy, SB 168 on mental health, and HB 1101 on out-of-network provider referrals. Later, the Senate approved CS/HB 1255 on education and CS/HB 875 on educator preparation, with discussion focused on school readiness, teacher training, and changes to certification and testing requirements. It also concurred in CS/HB 1427, a broad health care bill, after the House added a major nursing education amendment that tightened Board of Nursing oversight, required standardized evaluation and remediation, and imposed accountability measures tied to NCLEX pass rates and program performance. Several members raised concerns or praised negotiated compromises throughout the day, but the recorded actions were mainly concurrence motions, refusals to concur, and final passage votes on the bills considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• intended to be a tool to ensure appropriate care and manage cost; however, what was designed as a safeguard
• 00:05:15.720><c> all</c><00:05:15.919><c> recognize</c><00:05:16.479><c> the</c><00:05:16.560><c> reason
• </c> effort now we all recognize the reason effort now we all recognize the reason that<00:05:16.919>
• c><00:05:26.479><c> designed</c><00:05:26.960><c> as</c><00:05:27.080><c> a</c><00:05:27.240><c> safeguard
• </c> However, what was designed as a safeguard has evolved into a burdensome administrative obstacle

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 423, a prior authorization reform measure sponsored by Representative Kim Moser. A committee substitute was adopted to clarify that the bill’s prior authorization exemption program does not apply to Medicaid. Supporters, including the Kentucky Medical Association, said the bill would reduce red tape, improve transparency, and let providers spend more time on patient care. The bill would create a framework for insurers to establish a gold carding or waiver program for certain health services, exclude prescription drugs, prohibit retrospective reviews based solely on an exemption, and require annual reporting by the Department of Insurance and the Department for Medicaid Services. After questions about how exemptions would work and whether the bill addressed repeat prior authorizations, the committee voted to pass HB 423 with favorable expression. The committee then considered House Bill 415, sponsored by Representative Pollock and supported by AFLAC representatives. The bill was described as clarifying that health insurance coverage mandates are generally intended to apply only to primary major medical policies. With no substantive opposition or questions, the committee voted to pass HB 415 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 390 from Chair Meredith, presented with support from multiple insurance industry representatives and the Department of Insurance. The bill would move motor vehicle insurance verification data from the old system to the CAVIS database and shorten the reporting turnaround from 30 days to a ceiling of seven days, with the possibility of a shorter period by regulation. After brief discussion and no objections, the committee voted to pass HB 390 with favorable expression. The committee also heard House Bill 3 for discussion only, sponsored by Representative Neighbors and supported by the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. The bill would require Kentucky Medicaid to reimburse pharmacists for covered clinical services they already provide, aligning Medicaid with existing commercial insurance policy. Supporters argued it would improve access, especially in underserved areas, and could reduce emergency room use and improve outcomes; the bill was not voted on during this meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• SEIU California is committed to safeguarding the right to vote, a right that is currently under active
• Building on prior election safeguarding bills, SB 259, Wahab, and AB 282, Pellerin, an election protection
• In closing, we stand with the Legislature in creating new protections and safeguards to guarantee a free

Committee: House Public Safety

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard Senate Bill 259 by Senator Wahab, presented by Assembly Member Schultz after the author had not yet arrived. The bill would make it a misdemeanor to interfere with the delivery of a vote-by-mail ballot and a felony for a person with supervisory authority to interfere with a ballot’s return or delivery. SEIU California testified in support, saying the measure would strengthen protections for voting rights and election integrity, and no one testified in opposition. After questions and no public opposition, the committee voted on a motion for due pass to the Committee on Elections. The initial roll showed support from most members, with Assembly Member Lackey voting no. The chair then left the roll open briefly for absent members to add on, and additional members later recorded votes. The bill ultimately passed out of committee with seven votes and was referred to the Elections Committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:01:18.240><c> Reason</c><01:01:18.559><c> for</c> project for one to two years.
• Reason for project for one to two years.
• Reason for having<01:01:19.280><c> a</c><01:01:19.520><c> pilot</c><01:01:19.920><c> project,</c><01:
• And so, I think it's reasonable to expect that it's going to take some time.
• </c><01:23:57.120><c> to</c> And so, I think it's reasonable to And so, I think it's reasonable to expect

Committee: House Water & Land

Summary: The committee heard several bills on water, land, housing, permitting, and historic preservation. For SB 746/SD2/HD1 on invasive species, DLNR and the Department of Agriculture supported the intent but warned that a bounty approach for coconut rhinoceros beetle could have unintended consequences, divert resources from biocontrol research, and be vulnerable to abuse; Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the measure. The committee also heard SB 1541 on the WoE water system, with testimony from ADC, Kunia Village Title Holding Company, and Farm Bureau in support, emphasizing the importance of the system for agriculture and the high cost of water on lands already dedicated to farming. The most extensive discussion was on SB 66, relating to building permit review and county permitting authority. DPP opposed the bill, saying the problem is not just agency review time but the broader permitting process, including applicant corrections, outside-agency review, staffing shortages, and low pay that make it hard to fill vacancies. DPP said it already meets or beats existing review deadlines for residential permits and is using tools like electronic plans and AI to help applicants submit better plans. Several supporters, including Iron Workers Local 625, an individual witness, and Hawaii Food Industry Association, backed the bill but urged a pilot program or other safeguards; some also asked for broader permit coverage beyond single-family homes. Committee members questioned DPP about whether applicant correction time should count against the clock, whether self-certification could be used, and whether the state should fund any new mandate. The committee then took up SB 26 on affordable housing, with HHFDC, OPSD, and HCDA in support and no opposition noted. Finally, on SB 1263 relating to historic preservation, HHFDC and DLNR supported the bill, while OHA offered comments and requested amendments, especially on the new risk-based review process for high-, medium-, and low-risk areas. OHA said the new procedure should be implemented carefully and allowed more time, describing it as a pilot that should be done well to be useful while still protecting cultural and historic resources. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is one reason this condition is so disruptive.
• This is one reason this bill has the support from the Missouri Cattlemen's Association.
• That is because this is responsible and reasonable and, quite frankly, way past overdue.
• So going back to the state, is there any reason why the state needs our names?
• She said, we do have safeguards in place, and we do have device trackers.

Summary: The House first established a quorum after a quorum call and welcomed special guests, including the Freedom of the Road motorcycle riders and students from Warsaw High School. It then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1855, a reporting bill on Alpha-Gal syndrome. The bill sponsor described the condition as a serious tick-borne allergy that has affected his family and many Missourians, arguing that Missouri needs mandatory reporting and surveillance data to identify hotspots, guide public health outreach, and support research and funding. Supporters from both parties said the bill would improve awareness and data collection, while one member raised concerns about the fiscal note and whether the state would get useful information for the cost. The chamber adopted Amendment 1 to HB 1855, changing the follow-up language from “may” to “shall,” but rejected Amendment 2, which would have required patient consent before lab results were reported into the surveillance system. Opponents of the consent amendment said it would undermine disease surveillance and set a bad precedent for other reportable conditions; supporters argued for privacy and individual choice. After debate, the House adopted the committee substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. The House then considered House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2230 and 2978, a K-5 education measure addressing screen time, cursive, and handwriting. The sponsor said the bill responds to research and parent/teacher concerns about excessive screen use, poor literacy outcomes, and mental health effects, and would create a state focus group to review evidence and make recommendations while leaving districts flexibility. Members discussed carve-outs for special education, English language learners, and virtual school, and adopted an amendment excluding the virtual school program. The House then adopted the substitute as amended and ordered it perfected and printed. Finally, the House took up House Bill 2355, the “Food is Medicine” initiative, which would allow Missouri to use federal funds through 1115 waivers for pilot programs such as medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, nutrition education, and related supports. Supporters said the program could improve health outcomes, reduce Medicaid spending, and help address food deserts. An amendment adding vitamin therapies and updating a date drew discussion over supplement safety and regulation, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote on that amendment or the bill itself.

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's the big-picture reason why we oppose this bill. Thank you for your time today.” Ms.
• I think this is the reason I would support this bill.
• Hence the reason I'm here today to testify in support of Senate Bill 1278.
• But it seems like that this might be a reasonable—right?
• And— ...that this might be a reasonable, right?

Bills: SB1099 , SB1896 , SB1980 , SB127 , SB614 , SB955 , SB1278 , SB1372 , SB1936 , SB1937 , SB2580 , SB2595 , SB2798

Committee: House Criminal Jurisprudence

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence met with a quorum and heard a series of Senate bills, generally receiving sponsor explanations and, in most cases, no public testimony. SB 2595 would create a Class B misdemeanor for harassing, threatening, or intimidating someone while intentionally concealing identity with a mask, with broad affirmative defenses for legitimate mask use; SB 1980 would increase penalties for assaulting peace officers, parole officers, and community supervision officers and add related presumptions and interference protections; and SB 1896 would require magistrates to issue emergency protective orders in certain family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and aggravated cases, with law enforcement required to provide needed information. All three were left pending. The committee also heard SB 955, which increases trafficking of persons from a second-degree to a first-degree felony when the victim was recruited from a correctional facility, and SB 614, which would let the Texas Forensic Science Commission refer dismissed complaints to the Office of Capital and Forensic Writs when they reference a prior FSC report; both were left pending. Members then heard several forensic and criminal procedure bills. SB 1372 would resolve a discovery/access conflict involving the DPS crime lab portal by limiting portal access to defense attorneys rather than defendants directly, prompting questions from members about access for pro se defendants; DPS’s chief crime lab witness testified neutrally. SB 1936 would change the LSD “abuse unit” definition for unmarked/unperforated paper from a square-measurement method to a 10-milligram weight standard, and SB 1937 would require a subject matter expert from the testing lab to participate in pretrial meetings in capital cases involving biological evidence to help identify viable testing and conserve resources. SB 2580 would lower the population threshold for sheriff’s departments to independently use tracking equipment and access certain communications from 3.3 million to 500,000, expanding the authority beyond Harris County; it was described as a public safety and emergency response measure and left pending. The committee also considered SB 2798, which would extend the statute of limitations for certain financial crimes from three years to seven years, with testimony from a Montgomery County assistant district attorney supporting the change because fraud is often discovered late. SB 1099 would increase penalties for felony offenses committed by undocumented or unauthorized aliens, but drew strong opposition from the Texas Civil Rights Project, which argued immigration is a federal matter and that the bill would create difficult and potentially unfair status determinations for local courts; members raised concerns about the lack of an expert-testimony requirement. SB 1278 would create an affirmative defense to prostitution prosecution for trafficking victims compelled by their traffickers to commit the conduct, and testimony from advocates and a member’s personal account emphasized the coercive, traumatic nature of trafficking; members discussed whether the defense should be narrower or framed as mitigation, and the bill was left pending. Finally, SB 127 would extend the statute of limitations for failure to report or conceal child abuse, with members discussing mandatory reporting duties and the need to allow more time for delayed discovery of cover-ups; it too was left pending before the committee adjourned.