Transcript Highlights:

• > out<01:03:10.880> of The recommendations that came out of The recommendations that came
• policy and recommend potential changes. policy and recommend potential changes.
• It might be good committee recommended.
• Um, if the industry's recommended 4% to 5% and the report recommends 4.5%, I don't know why we would
• And with that, sorry, the committee is adjourned. to be recommended to pass and referred to be recommended

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• moves that Senate Bill 746, as substituted, be reported in favor of the full Senate with the recommendation
• Senator Hinojosa moves the bill to be certified, recommended local and uncontested.
• Senator Johnson moves that the bill be recommended for local uncontested. Is there objection?
• Senator Johnson moves that the bill be recommended for local and uncontested. Is there objection?
• With the recommendation that it do pass and be printed, will the clerk call the roll?

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence met with a quorum present and considered several pending bills, mostly involving family law, guardianship, probate, and property association matters. The committee adopted committee substitutes where offered and heard brief references that the bills had been previously explained. Bills considered included SB 746 on guardianship matters, SB 1403 on child support enforcement and procedures, SB 1404 on orders and judgments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship, SB 942 on retroactive child support beginning at conception, SB 1448 on decedents’ estates and probate courts, SB 1536 on dementia and Alzheimer’s training for certain guardians, and SB 711 on property owners’ associations and condominium unit owners’ associations. The committee also referenced that SB 942 had been previously voted out and was being advanced again for floor consideration. Each bill received unanimous approval from the members present, with votes recorded as 5 ayes and 0 nays. The committee voted to report each bill favorably to the full Senate with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed. For several measures, the committee also voted to certify them as local and uncontested, including SB 746, SB 1403, SB 1448, SB 1536, and SB 711. No opposition or substantive debate was recorded, and no other business was taken up before the committee recessed.

Transcript Highlights:

• , here in relation to OEA recommendations, here in relation to OEA recommendations, we<01:30:41.280
• those recommendations. those recommendations.
• The fact sheet is real recommendations.
• <01:33:46.640> by um versus what is sort of recommended by um versus what is sort of recommended
• > the<01:36:51.280> KDE recommendations is that the KDE recommendations is that the KDE

Keywords: 0:00:03 - Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:43 - Approval of October 14, 2025 and November 4, 2025 Minutes 0:01:15 - Acceptance of Office of Education Accountability Report: Analysis Of Student Discipline Data in Kentucky Schools 0:02:10 - Implementation Update on 26 RS HB 257 0:49:38 - Career and Technical Education in the Assessment and Accountability System 1:13:50 - Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 1:47:27 – Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Education Assessment & Accountability Review Subcommittee approved the minutes from its October 14 and November 4 meetings and also approved the Office of Education Accountability report analyzing student discipline data in Kentucky schools. The main presentation came from KDE Commissioner Dr. Robby Fletcher on implementation of House Bill 257, which he said has two major parts: selection of a statewide college entrance exam through a new procurement process, and development of locally designed indicators of quality for accountability. On the college exam, Fletcher explained that the state had to reopen procurement after Senate Bill 197, with the RFP released May 21, vendor questions handled through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, proposals due June 22, and scoring and review expected in July and August, with a vendor decision not likely until October. He emphasized that the exam is a norm-referenced college-readiness measure, not a test of Kentucky academic standards, which are assessed by the KSA. Members asked about the science requirement in statute, the possibility of multiple vendors or district choice, and whether the CLT could participate; Fletcher said vendors must address science in the RFP, multiple vendors could be possible, and any vendor could submit a proposal if it meets the rubric. He also noted that ACT and SAT differ in structure, that either can meet college-readiness benchmarks, and that there were no major complaints about the SAT during its first year of use. The second major topic was the locally developed indicators of quality under House Bill 257. Fletcher said these are intended to let districts measure themselves against their own goals rather than compare districts statewide, while still aligning with Kentucky standards. He described examples such as achievement, growth, student well-being, safety, fiscal responsibility, civics, internships, apprenticeships, project-based learning, and defenses of learning. He said districts may use local assessments such as MAP, STAR, and I-Ready alongside state data, and that local models should be developed with families, community members, and workforce partners. He added that KDE is providing technical assistance, has applied for a federal CGSA grant, and will use a one-time $15,000 cost offset for districts implementing local accountability models, with a superintendent webcast planned for August.

Transcript Highlights:

• changes<00:46:54.160> at recommendations are policy changes at recommendations are policy
• So, those you'll see recommendations.
• I think about 30 or so recommendations I think about 30 or so recommendations that<00:51:18.000>
• have backing up that recommendation? have backing up that recommendation?
• 01:15:54.960> should<01:15:55.199> all recommendations and it should all recommendations

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up a Senate message on HB 179, relative to hazardous waste accident fees. Members reviewed the Senate amendment, which would cap the daily non-payment penalty at no more than $1,000 per day and limit the cumulative penalty to 25% of the cost, with no additional daily penalty if the responsible party is following an agreed payment plan. Members discussed the change from the committee’s earlier version, which had allowed penalties up to 100% of the damages, and agreed the revised language was reasonable. The committee voted to concur with the Senate amendment and indicated the bill could be placed on consent. The committee then recessed SB 302, requiring background checks for solid waste facility owners, because a late request for an additional change had not yet been fully reviewed. It next voted on SB 229, relative to the sale of uninspected bison, red deer, and elk meat. Supporters said the bill would expand retail access to these meats, support New Hampshire farms, and improve food security. Members also noted the Department of Agriculture did not object, that the bill would remove a sunset and keep more workable inspection rules in place, and that the animals involved are largely from closed herds. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 229 and agreed to place it on consent. Finally, the committee considered SB 50, establishing a committee to study the regulation of private animal boarding facilities. Members described disturbing testimony about missing, injured, or dead dogs and the lack of clear oversight, licensing, or even a reliable list of kennels in the state. They discussed possible study topics including licensing, inspection authority, standards, penalties, and protections for both pet owners and boarding operators, including disclosure of medical conditions. The committee voted unanimously to pass SB 50 and also agreed to place it on consent. After the executive sessions, the committee heard a presentation from the New Hampshire Food Alliance on the state’s first food and agriculture strategic plan, introduced by director Nicole Cardwell, with participation from advisory committee members including Rep. Bixby and Commissioner Sean Jasper.

Transcript Highlights:

• The task force issued a report with nine recommendations in February 2024.
• I know some of these recommendations were also from the prior task force recommendation.
• <00:31:46.039> and could see the actual recommendations and could see the actual recommendations
• Thank you. representing the recommendations of the representing the recommendations of the priority<00
• <00:37:24.720> and specifically to the recommendations and specifically to the recommendations

Bills: HF2196, HF2586, HF2187, HF2037

Keywords: mental health, emotional disturbance, terminology update, statutory cleanup, conforming amendments, children's mental health, serious mental illness, severe emotional disturbance, case management, residential treatment, outpatient services, crisis services, health plan coverage, antipsychotic drugs, medical assistance, Medicaid, foster care, juvenile court, school discipline, county board

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:56.600> uh governor's uh budget recommendations uh governor's uh budget recommendations
• Is that the governor's recommendations?
• Is that the governor's recommendations?
• Is that the governor's recommendations?
• <01:14:20.840> measured the governor is recommending measured the governor is recommending

Bills: HF5

Keywords: tax modification, transportation funding, electric vehicle tax, Social Security subtraction, retail delivery fee, motor vehicle registration, state budget, transportation policy, 1183, house

Summary: The committee began with member and staff introductions, then heard an overview of the governor’s transportation budget recommendations from fiscal staff Andy Lee. He explained that the spreadsheet showed only proposed changes, not base spending, and highlighted General Fund and trunk highway adjustments for MnDOT and the Department of Public Safety, including operating changes, extensions of prior appropriations, increased state road construction and Blatnik Bridge authority tied to anticipated federal funds, State Patrol hiring and a metro headquarters item, aeronautics changes, and revenue adjustments in the Driver and Vehicle Services special revenue account. The main testimony came from Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle, who outlined three budget-related items: advancing funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway reconstruction with a transitway project, making Metro Mobility riders eligible for free fixed-route transit, and reducing the Metro Transit general fund appropriation by $32.454 million annually. He said the advance would speed delivery and reduce disruption, the free-fare pilot had been successful and could save money if even a small share of Metro Mobility trips shifted to fixed-route service, and the general fund reduction was manageable in the near term because of new revenue streams but could constrain future expansion and capital maintenance. Members questioned the long-term effects of the proposed reduction, possible impacts on safety, service expansion, and capital maintenance, and whether federal funding uncertainty could affect operations and bus procurement. Zelle said the cuts would not affect immediate operations but could limit future BRT, microtransit, and transitway expansion, while also noting that capital maintenance needs include platform rebuilds, track work, rolling stock, and station repairs. He also said the 2023 funding package had accelerated projects and that the council was opening three transit lines this year. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• put their own list of recommendations put their own list of recommendations and<00:47:39.040>
• these recommendations are not reliable. these recommendations are not reliable.
• , And then CPN again, same recommendation, And then CPN again, same recommendation, and<01:03:55.960
• Uh, and again, same recommendation.
• Uh, and again, same recommendation.

Bills: HB1573, HB1645, HB1875, HB1898, HB2121

Keywords: electronic smoking devices, e-liquids, certification, FDA, state law, penalties, compliance, directory, public health, nonprofit, child welfare, liability, insurance, legal protections, Hawaii, health care, reproductive rights, gender-affirming care, privacy, civil liability

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1573, which would create state enforcement authority over unauthorized e-cigarette products and related tobacco enforcement. Supporters including SHPDA, the Department of Health, the Attorney General’s office, Hawaii Public Health Institute, and others said the bill would help protect youth from unauthorized vaping products, give the state tools to enforce an FDA-authorized product list, and add penalties and inspection authority. A committee member asked whether enforcement staff were available and what penalties would apply; the response was that existing tobacco investigators would take on the work, and the bill includes civil penalties, seizure authority, and possible license revocation referrals. The measure drew both support and opposition testimony, but no vote was taken in the portion provided. The committee then took up HB 1645, relating to liability for child welfare service providers. The Insurance Division said it was aware of the insurance-cost problem, had raised the issue with the NAIC, and was exploring a captive insurance option, while suggesting the legislature consider additional appropriations to DHS to cover higher contract costs. Supporters, including Parents and Children Together and Hawaii Insurance Council, argued the bill would help child welfare providers obtain insurance and continue critical services. Opponents, including the Hawaii Association for Justice, warned that removing joint and several liability could leave victims undercompensated and might not actually lower premiums. The insurance commissioner said other states have done tort reform in this area, but the committee was told it is not clear the bill would reduce insurance costs. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1875, which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Hawaii and shield patients and providers from out-of-state legal actions. Support came from the Hawaii State Youth Commission, LGBTQ+ and public health groups, medical professionals, ACLU Hawaii, Planned Parenthood, and others, who said gender-affirming care is evidence-based, medically necessary, and important for patient privacy, provider stability, and continuity of care. Several witnesses asked for amendments to the bill’s definition language. Opposition testimony came from individuals and groups including Hawaii Christian Coalition, Leeward Republican Women’s Club, and others, who argued the bill could expose children to irreversible decisions and that more research is needed. The chair noted roughly 176 supporters and about 40 opponents testified. No final action or vote was reported in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move that House Bill 2348 be returned with a due pass recommendation. Mr.
• I move that HCR 2016 be returned with a do-pass recommendation.
• A motion before you is HCR 2016 be returned with a due pass recommendation.
• Do pass recommendation. Madam Secretary, please call the roll.
• Chair, I move that House Bill 2902 be returned with a do-pass recommendation.

Bills: HB2006, HB2165, HB2245, HB2348, HB2806, HB2901, HB2902, HCR2016

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2758 has passed as amended with a due-pass recommendation. Thank you.
• House Bill 2098 has a due-pass recommendation. Thank you. We’ll move on to 2185.
• House Bill 2798 as amended has passed with a due pass recommendation. Thank you.
• Thank you. ...as amended be returned with a due pass recommendation. Thank you.
• I move that House Bill 2042 be returned with a do pass recommendation.

Bills: HB2042, HB2052, HB2055, HB2056, HB2094, HB2098, HB2185, HB2328, HB2758, HB2798

Keywords: solar radiation management, environment, prohibition, Arizona Revised Statutes, public health, complaint process, Attorney General, groundwater management, water conservation, irrigation, water supply, brackish groundwater, water supply development, desalination, water infrastructure, financial assistance, environmental reviews, brackish water, groundwater, water resources

Transcript Highlights:

• The PSTC fully concurred with seven of the recommendations and concurred in part with two of the recommendations
• one recommendation. one recommendation.
• > PSTC Observation one recommends the PSTC Observation one recommends the PSTC strengthen<00:50
• Observation two recommends timekeeping.
• > Department<00:51:30.800> of We've also recommended the Department of We've also recommended

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Fiscal Committee met on December 19, with Senators Long and Lang serving as replacements. The committee approved the November 21 minutes and adopted the consent calendar after removing two Department of Health and Human Services items for separate discussion. It then took up an HHS request involving nursing facility rates, where Nathan White explained that $2.2 million would be transferred from a long-term care Medicaid eligibility contract to the nursing facilities budget. He said the funds would offset an otherwise projected 3.9% average rate decrease and bring the overall average change to zero for the next six months, with rates reset again in July under state law. Members asked about the budget adjustment factor, bed counts, and whether additional funds could raise rates further; White said the factor is statutory, capped at 28.76%, and that more money would lower the factor and increase rates. The committee also corrected a date in the request from February 1, 2025 to February 1, 2026, and approved the item. The committee next approved another HHS item related to rural health transformation grants. Members confirmed the request covered the full amount applied for this biennium, and asked about the technology component. HHS said the grant is not solely about AI, but about broader technology improvements such as electronic medical records, back-end systems, and tools to improve access and sustainability in underserved areas. The committee approved that item as well. The Judicial Council then requested funds for contract attorneys providing indigent defense on a fixed-fee basis. The council said current funds had already been exhausted and that the new appropriation would be used immediately. Members questioned the size of the request and the number of people awaiting counsel; the council reported about 150 incarcerated people and about 300 non-incarcerated people waiting for counsel, more than in recent years. It attributed the increase to competition for attorneys, public defender offices closing intake in some locations because of caseload limits, and broader case and court-system changes. One member raised constitutional concerns about delays in counsel for incarcerated defendants. The committee ultimately amended the request downward to $1 million, approved it, and then approved a motion to place several annual financial reports on file and release them to the public when available. The committee also discussed dashboard reporting from HHS, asking for more detail on community mental health center caseloads and budget-reduction information, and HHS agreed to provide more useful monthly detail.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to come up with our own Arizona-based recommendations.
• You have given a due pass recommendation to HB... Excuse me.
• You have given a due pass recommendation to SB 1032. Cool. Thank you.
• You have given a due pass recommendation to HB.
• “With the due-pass recommendation.

Bills: SB1032, SB1055, SB1107

Keywords: corrections oversight, funding, state budget, criminal justice, reform, immigration enforcement, law enforcement, illegal aliens, state legislation, civil penalties, peace officer certification, police certification, law enforcement licensing, Arizona POST, peace officer standards and training, military police, veterans, honorably discharged, veteran hiring, abbreviated academy

Transcript Highlights:

• The operability requirements are due as recommendations by July of 2027.
• In your response to the chair, you mentioned these are our recommendations.
• Recommend as far as a modality.
• In your response to the chair, you mentioned these are our recommendations.
• Recommend as far as a modality.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill was then referred to the Committee on Appropriations, which recommends that the bill ought to
• pass when amended as recommended by the Committee on Healthcare.
• This bill proposes several changes to existing statute for the recommendations of Vermont Medicaid and
• The bill ought to pass when amended as recommended by the Committee on Health Care.
• further amendment thereto as recommended further amendment thereto as recommended by<00:24:58.880

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional by Reverend Kemp Randolph, who reflected on the idea that simpler solutions often require letting go of existing assumptions and urged lawmakers to consider what they may need to give up to achieve the greatest good. After the prayer, the chamber introduced House Bill 889, exempting disability-related income on candidate disclosure forms, and House Bill 890, aimed at reducing barriers for nonprofit religious organizations providing preventive health care services. Both bills were read the first time and referred to committee. The House also referred three bills to money committees under House Rule 35A: H.548 to Appropriations, and H.557 and H.567 to Ways and Means. Members then offered several announcements, including welcoming the guest pastor Kemp Randolph and visiting European Parliament member Maria Walsh, along with her mother and aunt. There were also notices about caucus meetings and a correction to a prior vote explanation regarding H.70. The House then took up H.611, a technical and housekeeping bill affecting the Department of Vermont Health Access. Committee testimony and floor remarks described provisions to reduce administrative burdens, update advisory committee membership, remove outdated references tied to the individual/small group market split, adjust the VARMM prescription drug assistance program, increase the allowable amount in Medicaid-related prepaid funeral arrangements, and delay Medicaid coverage for doula services by one year while federal approval is sought. The Health Care and Appropriations committees both recommended the bill, with Appropriations noting no fiscal impact and correcting a prior vote tally. The House adopted the Health Care Committee amendment to H.611 and ordered the bill to third reading. It then passed H.540, relating to recommendations of the post-adjudication reparative program working group. Finally, the House concurred in the Senate proposal of amendment with further amendment on H.50, concerning identification of underutilized state buildings and land; the committee explained changes restoring annual reporting, removing leased buildings from the inventory, and directing annual reports to the Department of Housing and Community Development through 2030. The chamber concluded with announcements about a Joint Fiscal Committee meeting on a rural health transformation grant and then adjourned until February 10, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The district request, as stated, matches the staff recommendation.
• To support the recommendation on the gym and cafeteria building, that FCI was 79.51%.
• And if the staff could address that, that's probably a staff recommendation. Mr.
• I would like to at this time recommend that we hire a full-time director.
• I am very comfortable recommending that to you.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our recommendations, and it is not clear from that point forward.
• Can you give me examples of what some of those recommendations would be?
• Some other recommendations that we might provide would be related to terrestrial impacts.
• We don't take recommendations.
• Can you clarify what specific changes you would recommend to the language in 89044?

Bills: SB3074, HB49, HB2440, HB3556, HB3619, HB3866, HB4042, HB4112, HB4271, HB4413, HB4426, HB5033, HB49

Keywords: SB 3074, TCEQ, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Water Code, permit applications, environmental permitting, administrative record, ex parte communications, legislative communications, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislators, district projects, public records, recusal, conflict of interest, substantial interest, agency transparency, environmental regulation, permit renewal

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, I'll share the highlights of the State Administration budget recommendation.
• Administration Budget Subcommittee's recommended budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
• Our total safety Offered by the agencies have been included in this recommendation.
• Are there ways for us to formally communicate those policy recommendations or program recommendations
• They are charged with implementing policy and the budget recommendations.

Summary: The State Administration Budget Subcommittee met for budget day, heard agency follow-up questions, and then presented its recommended budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Chair Lopez opened with remarks about reducing spending, emphasizing vacancy reductions and recurring savings across agencies. The recommendation eliminated 452.5 vacant positions and produced recurring savings of $57.2 million overall, while still funding selected priorities. Notable funded items included $500,000 for a new DBPR website for condominium complaints and document filing, $481.3 million for the MICEF Florida Home Program in DFS, funding for Florida PALM implementation, $330,000 for a Tampa office in the Office of Insurance Regulation, $835,000 for warehouse space for confiscated gambling machines, $821,000 for the Lottery gaming system contract, and major DMS capital and facilities funding. Lopez also criticized DMS leadership and said the secretary’s salary would be held in reserve pending answers on fleet management, remote workers, SUNCOM billing, and other issues. The committee then questioned DBPR Secretary Griffin about condominium records, structural integrity reserve studies, and milestone-inspection compliance. Members focused on how the division tracks condominiums, whether it can identify buildings with three habitable stories, and whether the current filing system can be improved to better capture building height and story count. Griffin said the division relies heavily on self-reporting and complaint-driven checks, but has updated forms to capture whether a condominium has buildings three stories or higher and has received additional submissions. Members also asked about staffing and the Miami-area office; Griffin said DBPR now has two Fort Lauderdale offices and a Doral office, with about 82% of new positions filled. Secretary Davis of the Florida Lottery also testified, defending travel to Paris and other conferences as part of industry engagement, technology research, and best-practice sharing. He said the travel was reimbursed through lottery-related organizations, described the Lottery as an enterprise fund that receives no general tax revenue, and said the agency has remained a top revenue generator nationally. Members questioned Orlando travel reimbursements and dues to the Multi-State Lottery Association, and asked for more information on how increased revenue translates into more Bright Futures scholarships. Davis said he would provide additional details. The subcommittee then unanimously passed two conforming bills. PCB SAB 25-01 removed statutory references to the legacy FLAIR accounting system in preparation for Florida PALM and was reported favorably. PCB SAB 25-02 addressed Capitol Center space after the planned House lease cancellation, declaring the governor, cabinet, and legislature permanent tenants, protecting existing space and parking allocations, giving the legislature first right of refusal on vacant space, and giving legislative leaders control over utilities in their space; it also passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned after the bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• From that report, you suggested and recommended certain initiatives.
• Which is not included in our recommendations.
• The chart under total summary of budget recommendations Recommendations and explanation of changes show
• Agency issues and recommendations.
• Specific issues and recommendations.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• majority Report with the recommendation majority Report with the recommendation that<01:37:23.239
• This comes without recommendation.
• following Amendment the recommendation following Amendment the recommendation that<04:38:50.199>
• report the same with a recommendation report the same with a recommendation that<05:58:23.558>
• This comes without recommendation.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are essentially what we drafted per recommendations coming out of the pre-budget meetings.
• But what were the discussions like coming to that decision for them to make that recommendation?
• But we did make the recommendation for an increase of $8.5 million.
• But we did make the recommendation for an increase. our scope is making a recommendation from a coordinating
• board, but we did make the recommendation for an increase of $8.5 million.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I move that HCR 2059 be returned with a do pass recommendation.
• Chairman, I move that HB 4129 be returned with a do pass recommendation.
• Chairman, I move that HB 2270 be returned with a do-pass recommendation.
• Chairman, I move that HB 4018 be returned with a do pass recommendation.
• Chair, I move that HB 2253 be returned with a do pass recommendation.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures. HCR 2059, a resolution reaffirming support for county sheriffs and recognizing their constitutional authority, drew debate over language describing sheriffs’ authority as “supreme” or “supreme constitutional.” Supporters said it was a tribute to sheriffs’ work, especially in rural areas, while opponents objected to the phrasing as tied to fringe legal theories. The resolution passed with a do-pass recommendation, 8-3. HB 2811 was presented as closing a gap in Arizona law by making interference with a lawful arrest involving violence or threats of violence a felony under obstructing governmental operations. Supporters said it would clarify the law and align it more closely with federal standards; opponents argued the conduct was already covered by existing resisting-arrest and hindering statutes and that the bill was duplicative and confusing. The bill received a do-pass recommendation, 8-4. HB 4129 would create a Department of Public Safety mental health and wellness program for law enforcement officers and appropriate $15 million for confidential counseling, peer support, family counseling, telehealth, and related services, with some funding reserved for smaller agencies. The sponsor and supporters emphasized officer trauma and suicide prevention, while opponents said similar services already exist and raised cost concerns. Before a final vote, the sponsor requested the bill be held for further work, and the committee agreed. The committee also advanced HB 2270, which expands protections for county seals, logos, insignia, and related identifiers and gives sheriffs exclusive authority over naming and dissolving posses. Sheriffs and county officials said the bill was needed after disputes over posse names and branding; critics warned the language was too broad and could raise First Amendment and due process concerns. The bill passed 12-1. HB 2416, appropriating $20 million for local border support and law enforcement costs related to drug trafficking, smuggling, prosecution, detention, and equipment, also passed after testimony both for and against the funding, 7-5. HB 4018, a strike-everything amendment clarifying sheriffs’ authority over volunteer posses and reserves, passed 10-0 after testimony from sheriffs’ office staff and a member of the public who opposed expanded use of armed volunteers. HB 2253, barring retaliation against employees who testify in law-enforcement disciplinary appeal proceedings, passed unanimously after an amendment removed language voiding restrictive policies. The committee then began hearing HB 4044, which would create a Public Safety Parity Fund using investment earnings from the state rainy day fund to pay DPS and corrections salaries, with the sponsor saying he intended to remove the forfeiture component before floor consideration.