Video & Transcript Research : 'penal code'

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MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Human Services Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • So, of course, they're being penalized.
  • not paying for issues with the CPT codes not paying for our<01:30:40.840> health-related<01:30
  • that is needed for a school in this case, how is it determined what code is used?
  • <01:31:21.760> and bill and and required CPT codes and bill and and required CPT codes and
  • Like, what's that process code is used? Like, what's that process look<01:31:52.840> like?
Bills: HF3526, HF3375, HF3469
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

House Revenue Committee, February 12, 2026

Revenue

Transcript Highlights:
  • people who may be a danger to themselves or others, but we've already got Title 25 in the Wyoming Code
  • I don't want the good actors to be overly penalized.
  • I don't want the good actors to be overly penalized.
  • Uh most likely any rules we penalized.
  • penalizing penalizing the<01:08:27.319> good<01:08:27.520> actors.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Tue Mar 31, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:25:32.800> to vehicle under the state traffic code to vehicle under the state traffic
  • code to replace<00:25:33.360> ambulances<00:25:34.680> with<00:25:35.200> emergency<
  • I really try to be transparent to the public, so everyone knows what's going on, so it's not in code
  • on, so it's not in code or anything. on, so it's not in code or anything.
  • <01:03:44.560> them supposedly DLIIR penalizes them supposedly DLIIR penalizes them unpaid
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee began with resolutions HCR 93 and HR 85, which ask the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, in collaboration with the Department of the Attorney General, to form a working group and report on ways to strengthen protections for survivors of image-based sexual abuse. The Attorney General’s office said it could support the effort as legal counsel to the commission but preferred not to be an active working-group member, and suggested the Legislative Reference Bureau could instead conduct a nationwide study for stakeholders. The Commission on the Status of Women supported the resolutions but urged broader scope to include prevention and intervention, expanded stakeholder membership, keeping the Attorney General involved, and adjusting the report deadline. Testimony in support also came from the Emoa Alliance, which emphasized the prevalence and harms of image-based abuse and the need for stronger protections. Members asked questions about current criminal and civil remedies, reporting barriers, and whether the commission could administer the effort without the Attorney General; no votes were taken on the resolutions during the excerpted discussion. The committee then heard HCR 113 and HR 106, supporting the Native Hawaiian Intellectual Property Working Group’s request for more resources and a timeline extension to fiscal year 2026-2027. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs testified in support, saying Native Hawaiian culture, traditional knowledge, and cultural expressions are increasingly being commercialized and exploited without adequate protection, and that the working group needs more time, resources, and community consultation to complete its work. The committee noted six supporters and no opposition or comments. The hearing also covered HCR 193 and HR 183, which would establish a court security and Department of Law Enforcement capacity working group to address staffing shortages and the use of private security at state courts. The Judiciary supported the intent, asked that the working group supplement rather than replace its budget request, and proposed allowing the chair to add members with relevant experience. In response to questions, Judiciary said it has requested $3.25 million for armed private security, which it said would cover about 18 contracted individuals, though with significant company overhead. The committee then moved through several bills: SB 2667, which restricts certain commercial vehicles and trailers from the far-left lane on multi-lane roads, received support from the Department of Transportation; SB 2851, which allows deaf vehicle owners to register a deafness designation for law enforcement access, drew testimony in support; SB 2521, which updates emergency vehicle rules and exempts EMS personnel from CDL requirements, received testimony from Honolulu Emergency Services; and SB 2466, which would make the Chief Elections Officer terminable only for cause, drew support from the League of Women Voters and opposition from Hawaiian Islands Republican Women, who argued the change could reduce accountability and create election disruptions if litigation over termination occurs.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services Apr 7th, 2025

Pensions, Investments & Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • We regulate money services businesses under Chapter 152 of the Texas Finance Code.
  • Just really quickly in terms of, in Texas Finance Code, the definition of a digital asset provider is
  • That's not actually accurate under the family code.
  • However, Chapter 154 of the Finance Code, which states that the Department of Banking shall regulate
  • Currently in code, the commissioner has the Chairman Lambert: Authority to prohibit or remove someone
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) Apr 30th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It adds three new codes: the Elections Code, the Penal Code, and the Health Senator Creighton: and Safety
  • Code.
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

House Taxes Committee 4/2/25

Taxes

Transcript Highlights:
  • :12.720> this We've talked about this before: this is a long overdue improvement to the tax code
  • <00:47:29.720> penalty<00:47:30.599> that by Distributing the penal penalty that by
  • true pong approach penal penalty creates an<00:48:22.280> opportunity<00:48:22.720> for
  • Minnesota doesn’t require citizens to hire a tax professional, but our state’s code is complex enough
  • hire a tax professional our state's code hire a tax professional our state's code is<01:10:37.400
Keywords: 1183, house
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

Senate in Session Feb 19th, 2026

Florida Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Late filed amendment war code 753-210 by Senator Trunow, delete line 541 and insert amendment.
  • The code PBI is internationally recognized and is critical for ensuring stability.
  • Airport code, that Palm Beach County has had, and keeping the continuity for it.
  • MCO is a code for McCoy Air Force Base. It doesn't represent Orlando.
  • And they did the code change from IDL to JFK.
Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer, pledge, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, visiting groups, and special honorees in the galleries. The chamber then took up committee and executive appointment business, adopting a report confirming 42 gubernatorial appointments by a vote of 36-0. The Senate next considered a long special-order calendar of bills, most of them passing with little or no opposition. Measures included public-records sunset reviews and trade secret/cybersecurity exemptions; a child-abuse reporting statute of limitations bill; commercial driving school oversight; human trafficking training for nurses; a new injunction for protection against serious violence and its related public-records exemption; nature-based coastal resiliency and mangrove protection; a chiropractic trust-funds cap repeal; specialty license plates; a waiver of late financial disclosure fines; public school personnel compensation; the Florida Farm Bill with multiple agriculture, biosolids, and enforcement provisions; homestead exemption clarification for long-term leases; disability presumption clarifications for first responders; reinsurance intermediary manager conformity; patriotic displays in public schools; ADS-B aviation fee restrictions; autism-related law enforcement training and the Blue Envelope program; campus safety reporting procedures for public postsecondary institutions; and veterinary prescription disclosure. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including local vessel restrictions, temporary critical-need practice certificates, and domestic animals. The floor debate featured the most discussion on the farm bill, the HCSM/nonprofit religious organizations bill, the autism law-enforcement bill, and the school athletics bill. The HCSM bill drew extended debate over whether licensed insurance agents should be allowed to market faith-based health care sharing ministries, with supporters emphasizing consumer choice, free speech, and religious liberty, and opponents warning about unregulated products and commissions; it passed 32-5. The athletics bill, prompted by the Teddy Bridgewater/Miami Northwestern situation, would let coaches provide good-faith support to student-athletes while requiring reporting and FHSAA oversight; it passed 38-0. Most other measures passed overwhelmingly, including the autism bill 38-0, the campus safety bill 37-0, the public school patriotic displays bill 36-2, and the farm bill 38-0 after amendments addressing Everglades lands and biosolids timing were adopted.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Delivery of Government Efficiency Apr 9th, 2025

Delivery of Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:
  • higher education, a private or independent institution of higher education. defined by the Education Code
  • So this bill solves this issue by repealing the chapter 2060 of the government Code, thereby formally
  • Yes by the government code Yes, yeah, and so you know when I look at the physical node it looks to me
  • I tried to color code. Thank you. Mr.
  • The goal is not to penalize but to create a culture of continuous improvement where effective strategies
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because of coal, it's not even up to code, so it wasn't going to build right.
  • We go— Because of coal, it's not even up to code, so it wasn't going to build right.
  • This militarized environment that we are victim to here is counterintuitive to the penal philosophy and
  • Where Moran and Jukes continue: Although considered penal anomalies, there are four therapeutic community
  • We need to be directing resources away from penal institutions and toward projects that actually help
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hybrid hearing covering public construction, business regulations, and honorary designations, with most of the discussion focused on two matters: a five-year moratorium on new jail and prison construction (S. 2114/H. 3422) and a bill designating June 7 as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day (S. 2152/H. 3305). The chair emphasized that the hearing was public, testimony would be recorded, and speakers should generally keep remarks to three minutes. Senator Comerford introduced the prison moratorium bill, saying it would pause new construction while allowing renovations, and Senator Friedman introduced the Tourette awareness bill and a separate Tuskegee Airmen commemoration measure, asking for favorable action on both honorary designations. A large portion of the hearing featured remote testimony from incarcerated people at MCI Framingham and MCI Shirley in support of the prison moratorium. Witnesses repeatedly argued that Massachusetts does not need a new women’s prison, that the incarcerated population is declining, and that funds would be better spent on mental health care, addiction treatment, vocational training, pre-release programming, housing, and repairs to existing facilities. Several speakers described poor conditions, limited programming, and the need to address trauma, domestic violence, and substance use as root causes of incarceration. One committee member responded to testimony by noting that incarceration numbers are going down, that the state is working on housing and workforce opportunities for people returning home, and that the committee wants to expand pathways to employment and reentry. The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day bill drew testimony from the bill’s young sponsor, Owen Rosenthal, his parents, medical professionals, and advocates. They described Tourette syndrome as a misunderstood neurodevelopmental condition, said awareness would reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and support, and cited the need for education in schools, workplaces, and the medical community. The Tourette Association of America supported the bill, noting underdiagnosis, co-occurring conditions, pain, and mental health risks associated with Tourette syndrome. Committee members praised the youth advocates and asked that written testimony be submitted electronically. The hearing ended without any recorded votes or final committee action in the transcript provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • the funding requests to continue the research relationship between the Committee on Revision of the Penal
  • Code and the California Policy Lab.
  • the Legislature reauthorize $945,000 in one-time funding for the Committee on the Revision of the Penal
  • the legislature reauthorized $945,000 in one-time funding for the Committee on the Revision of the Penal
  • Code.
Summary: Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 heard the Governor’s May Revision proposals for the judicial branch, the Board of State and Community Corrections, the Department of Justice, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Legislative Analyst’s Office opened with a warning that the state budget remains structurally imbalanced and urged the Legislature to avoid new ongoing spending unless offset by reductions elsewhere. In the judicial branch discussion, the Judicial Council highlighted language access funding, appellate court security, a backfill for the state court facilities construction fund, and an extension of the lactation room mandate; Finance supported most items but suggested reporting language on interpreter costs and reducing the General Fund backfill. Members raised concerns about judicial vacancies, long-term salary freezes, remote hearings, and the lack of progress on court staffing in some counties. For the Board of State and Community Corrections, the administration proposed $10 million one-time each for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People grant program and a human trafficking vertical prosecution grant program. The LAO said both should be weighed against other priorities and suggested the Legislature consider whether the Tribal Nations Grant Fund could support MMIP work, while Finance said it preferred General Fund support and wanted more review before any fund swap. Members strongly supported MMIP funding and asked whether ongoing support would be considered. On the human trafficking grant, Finance said BSC was a good fit because of its grant administration experience and prior vertical prosecution work, while legislators asked why the program was not placed with the Office of Emergency Services as originally contemplated in prior legislation. The Department of Justice presented antitrust litigation funding, Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse staffing, completion of organized retail criminal enterprise cases, and trailer bill language for a continuous appropriation from the Victims of Consumer Fraud Restitution Fund. The LAO supported the antitrust account use but questioned the Unfair Competition Law Fund’s ability to cover the full request without General Fund repayment, and recommended against a continuous appropriation for the restitution fund in favor of a more limited mechanism with legislative oversight. Finance said the fund would remain solvent and defended the continuous appropriation as necessary to pay victims promptly. In the CDCR portion, the largest discussion centered on the Boston Consulting Group efficiency review and sharply reduced savings estimates; LAO said the department had not fully explained the proposed position eliminations or future $100 million savings target, while Finance said the work reflected deeper analysis and ongoing efforts to find savings. Members repeatedly pressed CDCR and Finance on the gap between earlier promised savings and the revised figures. CDCR also outlined population projections showing continued declines in prison and parole populations, while LAO again urged the state to close an additional prison to save ongoing costs. The department then walked through several May Revision items, including workers’ compensation funding, a Corcoran honor housing dorm, incarcerated firefighter pay implementation, an incarcerated menopause program, mental health receiver staffing, mental health resource teams and crisis intervention teams, medical classification staffing changes, and AI note-taking for the electronic health record. LAO generally recommended limiting-term funding and more reporting for many of these proposals, while Finance defended them as necessary ongoing investments or court-ordered obligations. Members questioned the cost of workers’ compensation, the need for more prison closures, the lack of funding for women’s facility violence prevention, and the timing and transparency of the BCG savings process. No votes were taken.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Jackie Robinson, Navajo code talkers, Jackie Robinson, Navajo code talkers, and<00:55:28.400> yes,
  • assistance under title 10 of such code assistance under title 10 of such code and<04:22:18.960><
  • stronger families and stop penalizing stronger families and stop penalizing uh<07:53:19.840>
  • :53:21.760> only uh penalizing these countries, not only uh penalizing these countries, not only
  • <08:39:55.440> should negotiable, that their zip code should negotiable, that their zip code
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/25/25

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:58:51.240> and approach would not be penalized and approach would not be penalized and
  • It's actually used eight times in the state's education code.
  • It's actually used eight times in the state's education code.
  • It's actually used eight times in the state's education code.
  • It's actually used eight times in the state's education code.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
KY

Kentucky 2026 Regular Session

Senate Standing Committee on Education. (3-19-26)

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • If you're at the top and you can't have that much growth, then really it kind of penalizes the people
  • the the people it it kind of penalizes the the people that<00:49:34.720> are<00:49:34.840>
  • We would probably have to look at this on how we add that to the color coding, color ratings.
  • :35.240> So<00:51:35.360> it<00:51:35.480> may<00:51:35.680> be color coding
  • So it may be color coding color ratings.
Keywords: 958, all
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Education Policy Committee 2/24/26

Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • And then sections 8, 9, and 10 are part of the criminal code, with section 8 defining the term pattern
  • c><00:04:34.720> of<00:04:34.880> the<00:04:35.040> criminal<00:04:35.520> code
  • and 10 um are part of the criminal code and 10 um are part of the criminal code with<00:04:36.320
  • 13:10.320> be sta staffing ratios and should not be sta staffing ratios and should not be penalized
  • if the system is not providing penalized if the system is not providing [clears throat]<00:13:12.560
Bills: HF3489, HF3550
HI

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

JDC Public Hearing 01-30-2025

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • 43.880> law<00:08:44.519> first<00:08:44.800> up<00:08:44.959> on ethics code
  • and lobbyist law first up on ethics code and lobbyist law first up on 289<00:08:45.880> is<00
  • And what is unfair about this is this tax essentially penalizes a business for being locally owned.
  • <00:41:09.560> a this tax essentially penalizes a this tax essentially penalizes a business
  • everybody has a the Hope card a QR code everybody has a cell<01:26:11.360> phone<01:26:12.239
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard several bills on January 30. SB 286 and SB 287 both concerned supplemental funding for the Honolulu Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: SB 286 for the career criminal prosecution unit and SB 287 for the victim witness assistance program. Testimony from the department explained that these bills are filed each year because the Attorney General’s core budget allocation may not be sufficient, though the department said the core had recently been increased and the supplemental request might no longer be necessary. For SB 287, the department also warned of a possible federal Victims of Crime Act funding freeze that could cut about $1.88 million and severely harm victim services. Both bills drew support from county and community witnesses, and members asked about prior-year funding and why the requests were limited to fiscal 2025-26; no votes were taken in the excerpt. SB 289, from the State Ethics Commission, would create a more uniform administrative fine process under the ethics code and lobbyist law. The commission said the measure would not change substantive enforcement but would let it issue a notice and order of fine first, with the respondent able to request a hearing within 20 days, which would speed up cases that are not factually disputed. Members questioned whether the bill would deny due process or function like an automatic parking ticket, and the commission responded that respondents could still challenge the fine and that the process would apply to violations with fines under $1,000. The committee also heard SB 304, which would add 11 positions for the First Circuit Adult Client Services Branch; Judiciary testimony said probation caseloads are high, with an average of 116 cases per officer, and the added staff would help meet national supervision standards and better serve higher-risk clients. Members asked whether the positions were already in the budget and about current staffing ratios; the witness said the positions were not already funded and that the Judiciary supported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment to exclude spending money to influence elections from protected free speech. Testimony was strongly divided: supporters argued that Citizens United has distorted elections and empowered special interests, while opponents warned the language was too broad and could affect nonprofit advocacy and grassroots groups. Finally, SB 313 would impose a 1% wealth asset tax on individuals with $20 million or more in assets. The Department of Taxation said it had concerns about the bill’s ambiguity and administration and noted it would require annual valuation and likely additional resources; opponents, including family business representatives and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii, argued the tax would be difficult and costly to administer, would require sensitive business disclosures, and could force family businesses to pay from company cash. Supporters said wealthy residents should pay a fair share. The committee heard testimony and questions on these bills, but the excerpt does not show final committee votes or actions.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 888 addresses a critical flaw in the system that unfairly penalizes disabled veterans by counting
  • veterans in their homes and reduce the risk of homelessness or housing instability by ensuring the tax code
  • income for purposes of the low-income disabled veterans' property tax exemption so veterans are not penalized
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard several veteran-focused measures, with extensive testimony in support from veterans’ organizations and individual veterans. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income calculations for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, addressing a situation where disability benefits can disqualify veterans from tax relief. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s express permission, while preserving Title X activity, training, and mutual aid arrangements. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize a $1.25 billion general obligation bond for the CalVet Home Loan Program, which supporters said is nearing depletion of bond authority and remains a critical path to homeownership for veterans and military families. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and surviving spouse benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps, as a retention measure to keep military retirees in California. Supporters for the bills emphasized housing stability, affordability, retention of veterans in California, and the economic benefits of keeping military retirees and their income in the state. SB 888 and SB 623 drew broad support from veterans’ groups, county veterans service officers, and related organizations, with no opposition testimony. SB 1354 also received support from veterans’ advocates, while committee members sought clarification on training, mutual aid, and the bill’s scope, and the author agreed to work on amendments. SB 1407 drew strong support from veterans and military organizations, but also formal opposition from the California Tax Reform Association, which argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the tax break would be unfair to other public servants. The committee voted to advance all four measures. SB 888 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation; SB 1354 was approved as amended and re-referred to Public Safety; SB 623 was approved as amended, given urgency, and re-referred to Housing and Community Development; and SB 1407 was approved and re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The consent item, SCR 143, was adopted unanimously. After the initial votes, the committee later took add-on votes to confirm passage of SB 888 and SB 1354, and the meeting adjourned.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Jun 16th, 2026

Military and Veterans Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • SB 888 addresses a critical flaw in the system that unfairly penalizes disabled veterans by counting
  • veterans in their homes and reduce the risk of homelessness or housing instability by ensuring the tax code
  • income for purposes of the low-income disabled veterans' property tax exemption so veterans are not penalized
Keywords: 988, house, all
Summary: The Assembly Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs heard four bills and one consent resolution, all focused on veterans’ benefits and military policy. SB 888 would exclude VA service-connected disability compensation from household income when determining eligibility for the low-income disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. The author and numerous veterans’ organizations argued that disability benefits should not disqualify disabled veterans from tax relief, and the bill received broad support with no opposition. The committee passed it 6-0 and later 8-0 on add-on, sending it to Revenue and Taxation. SB 1354 would prohibit military personnel from another state, territory, or district from entering California to perform military or law enforcement functions without the Governor’s permission, while preserving Title X activity, mutual aid, and training arrangements. The author said it was meant to protect California’s authority and prevent unauthorized military involvement. Committee members asked for clarifications about training and mutual aid, and the author agreed to work on amendments. The bill passed 5-0 initially and later 6-0 on add-on, with referral to Public Safety. SB 623 would place the Veterans Bond Act of 2026 on the ballot to authorize $1.25 billion in general obligation bonds for the CalVet home loan program. Supporters emphasized the program’s century-long record, self-supporting structure, low foreclosure rate, and importance in helping veterans buy homes and stay in California. Members discussed the urgency of getting the measure on the ballot in time and the possibility of folding it into another bond if needed. The committee approved the bill with urgency and sent it to Housing and Community Development, later voting 8-0 on add-on. SB 1407 would increase the state income tax exclusion for military retirement pay and survivor benefits to the first $40,000, subject to income caps. Supporters said it would help retain veterans and their economic contributions in California, while an opposition group argued the state already provides generous veteran benefits and that the measure would be unfair to other public servants. Despite the opposition, the bill passed and was re-referred to Revenue and Taxation. The committee also adopted consent resolution SR 143 unanimously.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • a project decided, hey, we want to do something more than what the state requires, more than what code
  • The state should not punish, not penalize an individual when their local government has no pathway to
  • verification when local jurisdictions have no process in place to issue it, and the subsequent penalization
Summary: The Committee on Emergency Management heard several bills related to public safety, wildfire preparedness, and fireworks regulation. SB 1299, by Senator Arreguín, would place in statute a certification and training framework for fire sprinkler fitters and apprentices after a court decision disrupted prior State Fire Marshal regulations. Supporters said the bill would protect life safety by ensuring qualified installation and maintenance of fire suppression systems, while opponents raised concerns about added costs, housing affordability, and labor-related effects. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Labor and Employment on a roll call vote, with DeMaio and Hadwick voting no. SB 1153, by Senator Caballero, would require urban retail water suppliers to incorporate wildfire-specific procedures into emergency plans and clarify that water systems are not designed to serve as wildfire defense systems. Supporters from water agencies and fire organizations said the bill would improve coordination, planning, and ratepayer protection while acknowledging infrastructure limits. Members discussed transparency, backup generators, and whether the bill should require more public disclosure; the author said he would continue working on possible amendments. The committee passed the bill as amended to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials. SB 828, by Senator Cabaldon, responds to the Esparto fireworks warehouse explosion by requiring fireworks licensees to disclose storage locations, verify local permits, and meet other compliance conditions. The author said the bill was developed with the State Fire Marshal and local public safety partners to close information gaps and improve enforcement. An opposition witness argued the permit-verification requirements could not be met in all jurisdictions, especially for hobby rocketry and small-scale uses, prompting discussion about clarifying different rocket categories and administrative implementation. The committee passed SB 828 as amended to the Committee on Local Government, and the meeting then adjourned after all bills were reported out.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
  • It amends the criminal punishment code, re-ranking certain offenses in the severity ranking chart.
  • We believe perhaps a subparagraph 3 that Nothing in this section is intended to criminalize or penalize
  • to better understand who would be responsible for those Individuals that are in our custody in the penal
Keywords: 999, senate, all
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session May 14th, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We're striking 'a person owns' to bring it within modern code. Any objection?
  • Those are the most violent and serious offenses that are in our penal code.
  • Those are the most violent and serious offenses that are in our penal code.
  • different section in the appellate code.
  • section in the appellate code.
Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.