Bills: SB23, SB73, SB210, SB234, SB243, SB244, SM16

Keywords: student use, wireless devices, public schools, policy implementation, education technology funding, driver education, driver's ed, driving school, motorcycle safety, traffic safety, vulnerable road users, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, cyclist, bike lane, micromobility, scooter, moped, motorcycle training, DWI prevention

Transcript Highlights:

• procedures when members of the campus community receive threats to their physical safety.
• This bill will also protect the department's food safety inspectors.
• The EPA regulation, food safety regulation that we have is some of the...
• EPA regulation, food safety regulation that we have is some of the strictest.
• Bownat, Alliance for Safety Justice, representing crime survivors, waves in support.

Bills: S0050, S0054, S0176, S0178, S0198, S0290, S0420, S0502, S0538, S0706, S0834, S0936, S0962, S1004, S1080, S7022

Keywords: veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS for CS for SB 54, which requires district medical examiners to perform toxicology screenings for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of violent offenders and report findings to state agencies. It was reported favorably after brief discussion about how the data would be used. CS for SB 176 also passed, requiring public postsecondary institutions to make campus safety reporting and response procedures clearer and more accessible for students, faculty, and staff who receive threats. Both bills were approved without opposition in the meeting. The committee then took up the large Florida Farm Bill, CS for CS for CS for SB 290, which drew extensive testimony and multiple amendments. The bill includes changes to fair associations, a preemption on local restrictions affecting gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent authorization for Farmers Feeding Florida, expanded Florida Forest Service training, a ban on signal jamming devices, tougher CDL English-proficiency penalties, protections for food safety inspectors, biosolids provisions, and contractor payment enforcement. Amendments expanded veterinary loan eligibility to equine veterinarians, merged citrus research entities, made technical corrections, and revised contractor payment language; a late-filed amendment removed the bill’s disparagement clause after significant First Amendment concerns and public testimony. A separate amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Also approved were CS for CS for SB 834, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement; SB 936, allowing temporary door locking devices at any height above the floor and directing the Building Commission to add standards to the code; and CS for SB 50, expanding veterans’ courts statewide. Later, CS for CS for SB 1004 advanced with a strike-all regulating dog and cat sales, requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and consumer protections against deceptive pet sales; an amendment removed an appropriation section. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 178, which directs the FHSAA to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide limited good-faith support to student-athletes, and CS for CS for SB 198, regulating virtual currency kiosks with registration, warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections. Each of these bills was reported favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• And safety is our top priority at MassDOT.
• And we talk about safety, and a Tier 1 scooter is here.
• And we talk about safety, and a Tier 1 scooter is here.
• In product safety compliance, rating is not the conclusion.
• consumer safety in this context.

Bills: H5400, H5421, H5430, S3077, S3089

Keywords: Boston, easement, highway improvement, Woburn, Burlington, public safety, transportation, land transfer, vessel transportation, Marston Mills, Osterville, Barnstable, state highway, traffic safety, maritime regulation, local legislation, Hyannis Transportation Center, Thomas S. Cahir, Cape Cod, commemorative designation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the chairman of public safety across the way.
• Law enforcement is expensive; public safety is expensive.
• That got switched to the public safety equipment training fund, which can do all public safety, and,
• equipment training fund which can do all public safety and Mr.
• Senator Payne, District 27, Public Safety Chairman in the Senate.

Bills: SB1161, SB1215, SB1270, SB1400, SB1537, SB1538, SB1580, SB1584, SB1627

Keywords: appropriation, public safety, Yuma County, funding exemption, family advocacy center, firefighters, occupational disease, workers compensation, cancer presumption, police officers, hazardous duty, SB1270, Arizona retirement system, public safety personnel, defined contribution plan, correctional officers, corrections officers, retirement contributions, supplemental contributions, retention incentive

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we can for uh publica or school safety we can for uh publica or school safety and<00:04:56.560><
• </c> category of safety broadly? Absolutely. category of safety broadly? Absolutely.
• </c> safety for every Minnesota student. safety for every Minnesota student.
• </c> support while hoping to increase safety support while hoping to increase safety funding.
• human-caused safety incidents is grounded in evidence-based safety responses.

Bills: HF3492, HF3493, HF3494, HF3495, HF3602

Keywords: school safety, grants, education funding, Northern Lights Express, security improvements, rural schools, safe schools, charter schools, nonpublic schools, Tribal education, funding increase, safe schools aid, school security, mental health support, Tribal schools, cybersecurity, funding, mental health, evidence-based plans, public safety

Transcript Highlights:

• agreements with 287G programs, with different state organizations, including the Department of Public Safety

Bills: SB1177

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget

Summary: The Senate Appropriations Committee met to consider Senate Bill 1177, the general appropriation bill. The chair and budget authors explained that the proposal was built to balance the budget using a mix of general revenue, cash sweeps, and other fund transfers, including money from unclaimed property, revenue stabilization, and other statutory funds. Members also discussed a proposed $35 million OWRB revolving loan fund tied to ARPA interest and a $200 million transfer from the Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Taxpayer Endowment Trust Fund as part of a long-term savings strategy. A number of agency-specific items drew questions. Members reviewed the OPEB employer contribution reduction, rent coverage for state agencies, child care and Head Start funding, Department of Corrections revenue from ICE-related agreements, sheriff grant funding, and education funding, including about $99 million in additional formula funding, a $2,000 teacher pay raise, and reading-related appropriations such as Strong Readers and Just Right Reader. The committee also discussed mental health funding, including a $30 million consent decree line, a proposed privatization of CCBHC services with an estimated $10 million savings, and related reduction-in-force costs. Other topics included Attorney General transfers and litigation funding, higher education allocations, Langston University extension funding, historical society requests that were not funded, and a biosolids pilot program. During debate, supporters argued the bill fulfilled the constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget and highlighted increases for education, health care, and water infrastructure. Opponents criticized the use of one-time cash, tax cuts, and what they described as special-project spending, while raising concerns about transparency and underfunded services such as child care and transportation. After debate, the committee voted 18-5 to pass Senate Bill 1177.

Transcript Highlights:

• I do have a question about the Department of Public Safety.
• at DOC, they entered into... ...of public safety subcommittee, but specifically at DOC, they entered
• I'm circling back to the $50 million in school safety funds.
• I'm circling back to the $50 million in school safety funds.
• My question has to do with the County Community Safety Investment Fund.

Bills: SB1177

Keywords: education funding, mental health services, public safety, housing, state budget

Summary: The Joint Appropriations and Budget Committee took up Senate Bill 1177, the main budget bill, and first adopted the committee substitute as the working version. Chairman Caldwell presented the bill as the measure funding state government and answered a series of questions about major budget items, including CareerTech funding, child care, school security, teacher pay raises, the state plane purchase, Medicaid, mental health, veterans’ homes, and higher education projects. He said CareerTech received increased funding, child care funding was increased by roughly $12 million over last year, school security funding was continued at $50 million, and teacher pay raises were included through a mechanism that would raise the state minimum by $2,000. He also explained the $3 million state plane item as a restructuring of state aviation assets, and said the budget did not cut law enforcement funding tied to 287(g) agreements.

Transcript Highlights:

• our first resolution this year, having to do with the administrative rules on judicial and public safety
• our first resolution this year, having to do with the administrative rules on judicial and public safety

Bills: SB392, HJR1086

Keywords: judicial rules, public safety, state agencies, permanent rules, legislative approval

Summary: The committee, chaired in part by Vice Chair Norwood, considered two measures. H.J.R. 1086 was presented as the first resolution of the year, approving administrative rules for judicial and public safety agencies submitted by the February 1 deadline. After brief discussion, the committee moved to vote and passed the resolution 13-0. The committee then took up Senate Bill 392, which would extend the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission. Members noted the commission had expired on December 31 and that the issue had only recently come to their attention. The bill was moved for adoption, there was no further question or debate, and it also passed 13-0. After the votes, the chair thanked members for their work, noted that the education bundle had been completed and a draft was being prepared, and said rules for business and commerce had been sent out for review before the upcoming deadline week. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• or rollback would provide targeted cost relief, preserve jobs, and allow companies to reinvest in safety
• or rollback would provide targeted cost relief, preserve jobs, and allow companies to reinvest in safety
• We deliver in-school bike and pedestrian safety education in third through eighth grade PE classes and
• It also increases the commercial vehicle safety enforcement fee assessed on commercial motor vehicles
• All right, we will advance on to Substitute House Bill 2410, establishing a commercial truck safety and

Bills: HB2495

Keywords: vehicles, streetcar operation, public safety, urban regulation, transportation, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a deliberate decision to prioritize engagement over safety. Thank you.
• It was a deliberate decision to prioritize engagement over safety.
• We appreciate the committee's attention to children's online safety, a priority we share.
• Third, platforms are using personalization to increase safety, not just engagement.
• In many cases, it's part of what enables safety. YouTube makes this point clearly.

Bills: SB5928

Keywords: wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, 904, all

Summary: The Senate Business, Trade and Economic Development Committee held a work session on protecting children online, centered on a proposal to limit addictive algorithmic feeds for minors and restrict push notifications during school hours and at night. Supporters included an Assistant Attorney General, former Meta executives, and a University of Washington psychologist, who argued that social media design exploits adolescent development, that the bill would still allow minors to access content by searching or following accounts, and that companies can implement age assurance and safety tools while remaining profitable. They also said the measure is a moderate, constitutionally defensible approach compared with broader bans, and that self-regulation by platforms has been insufficient. Opponents from NetChoice and the Association of Washington Business argued that the bill would burden protected speech, require age verification and disclosure of proprietary systems, and could reduce personalization that also supports safety and parental controls. Committee members asked about profitability, age verification methods, and possible peer-support tools, but no vote was taken during the work session. The committee then held a public hearing on Senate Bill 5928, requested by the insurance commissioner, which would require property insurers to provide more transparency around wildfire risk scores, classifications, models, and related discounts or mitigation factors. Staff explained that the bill would require disclosures to consumers, allow appeals and reconsideration of scores, require insurers to include certain mitigation information in rate filings, keep model information confidential, and post information about available discounts. Senator Warnick said the bill responds to rising wildfire-related nonrenewals and premium increases in her district and elsewhere, and is intended to help consumers understand what is driving insurance decisions and how to mitigate risk. Testimony on SB 5928 was mixed. The Office of Insurance Commissioner, a Colville tribal representative, fire district leadership, climate advocates, Washington Realtors, the Washington Hospitality Association, and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Washington generally supported the bill, emphasizing consumer transparency, the importance of mitigation, and the need to include community and local fire protection efforts in risk scoring. Several supporters said wildfire risk information should help property owners appeal inaccurate scores and reduce losses. Insurance trade groups, including NAMIC, the Northwest Insurance Council, and APCIA, opposed or signed in as other, warning that the bill could expose proprietary underwriting information, increase compliance costs, trigger more regulation and litigation, and potentially discourage insurers from using wildfire scoring at all. Some of those groups said they were willing to continue working on amendments, including narrowing the bill to rate-setting or clarifying commercial line coverage. No vote was taken, and the chair closed the hearing after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's, for instance, vehicular homicide with disregard for the safety of others or hit-and-run resulting
• , Washington Bikes, insurance companies, Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Washington Traffic Safety
• your specific use by state and local government, a place where you should have an expectation of safety
• And the legal framework that applies to our roadways fuels that lack of safety.
• We have safety programs.

Bills: HB2095

Keywords: public safety, vulnerable users, pedestrians, protected classes, transportation, 904, all

Summary: The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 2095, which would create training requirements for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges on negligent driving involving vulnerable road users, and would establish a rebuttable presumption of negligence in certain civil claims when a vulnerable user is injured or killed in a protected area such as a sidewalk, crosswalk, or bike lane. The bill also allows recovery of actual damages, statutory damages, attorney fees, and, in limited circumstances, punitive damages if a defendant has previously been found civilly or criminally liable for injuring or killing three or more vulnerable road users. The prime sponsor said the bill is intended to improve police reporting, align legal responsibility with the person operating the vehicle, and encourage safer driving behavior in areas set aside for pedestrians and cyclists. Supporters, including family members of crash victims, bicycling advocates, a pedestrian advocate, a trial lawyer, and a physician, said the bill would better protect people who are walking or biking in designated spaces and reduce the burden on injured people and families to prove fault after serious crashes. They argued that current police reports and civil procedures often disadvantage vulnerable road users, that fee shifting and presumptions would deter wrongful denials of liability, and that the bill could improve accountability and road safety. One supporter also described a personal experience in which a family member was struck in a crosswalk and said the bill would help prevent similar harms. Opponents, including defense attorneys, the Association of Washington Cities, the Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, the Washington Trucking Associations, and the Washington Liability Reform Coalition, supported the training component but opposed the civil liability changes. They argued the presumption of negligence, fee shifting, statutory damages, and punitive damages would expand litigation, create uninsurable risk, increase costs for taxpayers and consumers, and potentially draw cities, businesses, and public entities into lawsuits. Several opponents also said the bill’s scope was too broad and suggested clarifying language, including limiting the punitive damages provision to individuals rather than “defendants” generally. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing and noted the bill would move toward possible executive action later, with amendment requests due before that stage.

Bills: HB 2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2021, the legislature passed SB 2022, equipping all Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol
• vehicles with bullet-resistant glass and front door panels to increase officer safety.
• The grant program would be administered by the Governor's Office of Public Safety Criminal Justice Division
• This legislation aims to enhance officer safety and reduce fatalities caused by gunfire through patrol

Bills: HB2217

Keywords: law enforcement, bullet-resistant, grant program, safety equipment, peace officers

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice met and considered two House bills. HB 2217 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement agencies equip patrol vehicles with bullet-resistant components such as windshields, side doors, and windows. Senator Hagenbuch explained that the measure is intended to improve officer safety in light of shootings through patrol car glass, and no invited or public testimony was offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2217 favorably to the full Senate and also recommended it for the open uncontested calendar. The committee then took up HB 2594, with Senator Creighton explaining that it updates venue rules for cybercrime and related theft cases involving intangible property such as cryptocurrency, online fraud, and intellectual property theft. The bill would allow prosecution in the county where the victim resides, where the defendant is apprehended, or where the defendant is extradited to, giving prosecutors more flexibility when crimes cross county lines. No questions or testimony were offered. The committee voted 6-0 to report HB 2594 favorably to the full Senate. It was also recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. After completing its business, the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.

Bills: HCR3025

Keywords: law enforcement, first responders, heroism, community safety, condolences, 908, all

Summary: The State and Local Government Committee first heard House Concurrent Resolution 3025, a resolution honoring the police and first responders of Fargo. Representative Hendricks presented it as a straightforward tribute tied to a tragic incident, and several members and a representative of the Chiefs of Police Association and North Dakota League of Cities spoke in support. There was no opposition, and the committee closed the hearing and later gave the resolution a 6-0 do pass recommendation, with Senator Braunberger volunteering to carry it. The committee then heard House Concurrent Resolution 3010, which would direct Legislative Management to study legislative responsibility to review existing law before proposing new law. Representative Kempinock said the idea was to reduce repetitive or duplicative bills and improve legislative education, but also noted that current efforts by Legislative Council and leadership had made the resolution largely unnecessary. Members generally agreed with the premise but questioned whether a study was needed, and the committee ultimately gave it a 4-2 do pass recommendation, with Senator Lee volunteering to carry it. Next, the committee heard House Concurrent Resolution 3003, which would raise the threshold for approving constitutional amendments from 50% to 60%. Speaker Wise argued constitutional changes should be difficult and cited other states’ higher thresholds, while Eric Spencer of the Greater North Dakota Chamber supported the measure and emphasized how often North Dakota’s Constitution has been amended. Members discussed the irony of asking voters to raise the threshold by a simple majority and the broader issue of an overused constitution, but the committee still recommended it do pass on a 6-0 vote. The committee then spent considerable time on House Bill 1297 and related House Bill 1307 amendments dealing with approval voting, ranked-choice voting, and a Fargo-specific exemption. Members and witnesses from the Secretary of State’s office and the League of Cities debated whether Fargo should be exempted and how to avoid conflicts between the two bills. An amendment to strip approval voting from 1297 failed on a 3-3 tie, after which the committee gave 1297 a 4-2 do pass recommendation so the floor could decide the issue, with plans to reconcile 1307 afterward based on that outcome.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the business must comply with all regs that protect health and safety and ensure the business is
• possibly allow, uh, barbers, but they would still be subject to the same self and, uh, health and safety
• allows us to, Uh, negotiate, meeting and confer contracts so that, uh, just like all other public safety

Bills: HB303

Keywords: jail standards, living conditions, Harris County jail, safety, inmate welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I do think that it would be very beneficial for public safety to have this bill passed.
• It does teach about vulnerable road users and bicycle safety, but this is just putting it in a statute
• So we think it's important, and it will help bicycle safety. Okay.
• The Department of Public Safety has identified the need to modernize and integrate the statewide alert
• Increasing strain on New Mexico's grid threatens public safety.

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Bills: SB251, SB150, SB154, SB73, SB111, SB172, SB76, SB181, SB235

Keywords: horse racing, program training, program owning, state licensing, racehorses, regulation, local news, newspaper printing, journalism, media tax credit, print media, digital news, news publisher, newsprint, press operator, printing industry, local journalism, tax credit, income tax, corporate income tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members Senate bill 57 relates to provisions and plans by public schools to ensure the safety
• Greeney for bringing this important bill to prioritize student safety and encourage collaboration. just
• that the intent of the bill is absolutely wonderful. and we completely agree with prioritizing the safety
• Last session with our school safety omnibus bill, which included that districts had to follow guidelines
• for including students with disabilities and their safety plans.

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame

Bills: SB568, SCR5, SB57, SB1447, SB27, SB24

Keywords: special education, funding, individualized education program, visual impairments, accessibility, support services, state education code, SCR 5, Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, Texas School for the Deaf, TSD, Robert Rives, gymnasium naming, building naming, honorary resolution, commemorative resolution, deaf education, hard of hearing, Gallaudet University, alumni hall of fame