Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, sir. Next, Ms. Solomon, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr.
• Well, we're going to get the questions after everyone does.
• Well, I'll do one more. Mr.
• Well, no further questions. I just want to thank all of our panelists.
• Your constituents are all represented very, very well. Thank you.

Summary: The Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee met to review how county budgets are developed and how constitutional officers fit into that process. Davin Suggs of the Florida Association of Counties gave an overview of county budgeting, explaining the statutory framework, the role of property taxes and TRIM notices, the fiscal-year timeline, fund balances and reserves, and the Department of Revenue’s oversight. He emphasized that county budgets include the board’s budget plus the budgets of constitutional officers, and that relationships and communication are critical to resolving budget issues. A panel of constitutional officers then described their offices’ budget processes and responsibilities: Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons discussed law enforcement budgeting and the importance of negotiated agreements with county commissions; Alachua County Property Appraiser Aisha Solomon explained the June 1 budget deadline, valuation methods, and the appeal process for property assessments; Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller Angelina Coleniso outlined the clerk’s court and finance duties, the county-side budget process, and the clerk’s personal liability under section 129.09 for unlawful expenditures; Leon County Supervisor of Elections Mark Early described the cyclical nature of election costs, staffing, equipment, and the impact of turnout and election law changes; and Columbia County Tax Collector Kyle Keene explained that tax collectors’ budgets are reviewed by the Department of Revenue, with fee offices funding themselves through service charges and budget offices relying on county support. Members asked about personal liability for unlawful spending, conflicts between clerks and county commissions, property valuation and storm damage adjustments, reserve levels, and whether tax collectors can retain excess fees. Responses noted that clerks must refuse illegal expenditures, property appraisers use market-based assessments with VAB and court review available, counties should maintain healthy fund balances for cash flow and emergencies, and tax collectors generally must zero out year-end balances and distribute excess revenues to taxing authorities. The committee took no votes and adjourned after thanking the panelists for their testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Dr. Hart.
• Well, thank you all.
• Hart, you just talked about DeepSeek as well.
• It's been temporarily paused, but it may well come back.
• Well, thanks so much, Mr. Chairman. Mr.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, after all those questions, welcome back.
• Well, thank you, Chair Duerr, members of the committee.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair.
• Well, it's prohibiting others from regulating. Yeah, well, for it's deregulation by definition.

Summary: The committee first held a public hearing on engrossed second substitute Senate Bill 6026, which would prohibit certain GMA-planning cities and counties from excluding residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones and would limit local requirements for ground-floor commercial or mixed-use space, subject to numerous exemptions and a possible study-based off-ramp. The bill sponsor and supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, the governor’s housing policy advisor, Commerce staff, developers, labor/employer groups, and housing advocates, argued it would reduce barriers, reuse underutilized commercial land, and help address the state’s housing shortage. Cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham, Redmond, Kent, Lacey, and Lakewood testified in opposition or with concerns, emphasizing local control, impacts on walkable neighborhoods and small businesses, implementation costs, and the need for more flexibility or clearer compliance options. Committee members asked about exemptions, the study process, and how the bill would affect existing local plans and incentives. The committee then moved to executive session on several bills. It rejected Representative Griffey’s amendment to Senate Bill 5820, which would have restored Clark County’s freight rail dependent overlay authority and added findings about greenhouse gas reductions from short line rail, and then passed SB 5820 out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also passed SB 5995, extending authorization for port districts to purchase zero- and near-zero-emission cargo handling equipment; SB 5552, directing rulemaking for kit home building codes; SB 5467, raising thresholds for water-sewer district surplus property sales; and SB 6189, removing the deadline for forming a public facilities district for regional aquatics and sports facilities. Each of those bills received a do pass recommendation, with some members noting support for housing, workforce, efficiency, or local flexibility and others expressing concerns about contracts, automation, or competitiveness. After executive session, the committee resumed testimony on SB 6026. Additional supporters, including the Lieutenant Governor, Commerce, developers, the Washington Roundtable, Microsoft, and housing organizations, reiterated that the bill would unlock housing on vacant commercial land and preserve some local flexibility through exemptions and height incentives. Opponents and concerned cities continued to argue that the bill would weaken local planning, reduce commercial space needed for complete communities, and impose costs and implementation burdens. The hearing concluded without final action on SB 6026, with the chair noting more testimony and work remained.

Transcript Highlights:

• From hurricanes like Hurricane Selene and Milton on our East Coast, as well as the fires happening in
• I'm hearing in my state. state as well about the high cost of insurance. Ms.
• They could be very significant on the auto insurance side as well.
• Isn't this as well affecting dramatically the cost of home insurance?
• Well, thank you so much. Don't worry, Senator Warner.

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does that include resolutions as well? Just bills.
• Okay, well, you need to come to... ...here?
• Well, you know, I'm glad of that.
• Well, just turn around; you're not here legally.
• I'm like, wait a minute, well, this is just for the...

Bills: SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 36 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SJR 1 , SJR 5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 2 , SB 4 , SR 98 , SJR 40 , SJR 41 , SJR 42 , SJR 43 , SJR 44 , SJR 45 , SJR 46 , SJR 47 , SCR 13 , SB 6 , SB 13 , SB 21 , SB 826 , SB 827 , SB 828 , SB 829 , SB 830 , SB 831 , SB 832 , SB 833 , SB 834 , SB 835 , SB 836 , SB 837 , SB 838 , SB 839 , SB 840 , SB 841 , SB 842 , SB 843 , SB 844 , SB 845 , SB 846 , SB 847 , SB 848 , SB 849 , SB 850 , SB 851 , SB 853 , SB 854 , SB 855 , SB 856 , SB 857 , SB 858 , SB 859 , SB 860 , SB 861 , SB 862 , SB 863 , SB 864 , SB 865 , SB 866 , SB 867 , SB 868 , SB 869 , SB 870 , SB 871 , SB 872 , SB 873 , SB 874 , SB 875 , SB 876 , SB 877 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 880 , SB 881 , SB 882 , SB 883 , SB 884 , SB 885 , SB 886 , SB 887 , SB 888 , SB 889 , SB 890 , SB 891 , SB 892 , SB 893 , SB 894 , SB 895 , SB 896 , SB 897 , SB 898 , SB 899 , SB 900 , SB 901 , SB 902 , SB 903 , SB 904 , SB 905 , SB 906 , SB 907 , SB 908 , SB 909 , SB 910 , SB 911 , SB 912 , SB 913 , SB 914 , SB 915 , SB 916 , SB 917 , SB 918 , SB 919 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 923 , SB 924 , SB 925 , SB 926 , SB 927 , SB 928 , SB 929 , SB 930 , SB 931 , SB 932 , SB 933 , SB 934 , SB 935 , SB 936 , SB 937 , SB 938 , SB 939 , SB 940 , SB 941 , SB 942 , SB 943 , SB 944 , SB 945 , SB 946 , SB 947 , SB 948 , SB 949 , SB 950 , SB 951 , SB 952 , SB 953 , SB 954 , SB 955 , SB 956 , SB 957 , SB 958 , SB 959 , SB 960 , SB 961 , SB 962 , SB 963 , SB 964 , SB 965 , SB 966 , SB 967 , SB 968 , SB 969 , SB 970 , SB 971 , SB 972 , SB 973 , SB 974 , SB 975 , SB 976 , SB 977 , SB 978 , SB 979 , SB 980 , SB 981 , SB 982 , SB 983 , SB 984 , SB 985 , SB 986 , SB 987 , SB 988 , SB 989 , SB 990 , SB 991 , SB 992 , SB 993 , SB 994 , SB 995 , SB 996 , SB 997 , SB 998 , SB 999 , SB 1000 , SJR 40 , SJR 41 , SJR 42 , SJR 43 , SJR 44 , SJR 45 , SJR 46 , SJR 47 , SCR 13 , SB 6 , SB 13 , SB 21 , SB 826 , SB 827 , SB 828 , SB 829 , SB 830 , SB 831 , SB 832 , SB 833 , SB 834 , SB 835 , SB 836 , SB 837 , SB 838 , SB 839 , SB 840 , SB 841 , SB 842 , SB 843 , SB 844 , SB 845 , SB 846 , SB 847 , SB 848 , SB 849 , SB 850 , SB 851 , SB 853 , SB 854 , SB 855 , SB 856 , SB 857 , SB 858 , SB 859 , SB 860 , SB 861 , SB 862 , SB 863 , SB 864 , SB 865 , SB 866 , SB 867 , SB 868 , SB 869 , SB 870 , SB 871 , SB 872 , SB 873 , SB 874 , SB 875 , SB 876 , SB 877 , SB 878 , SB 879 , SB 880 , SB 881 , SB 882 , SB 883 , SB 884 , SB 885 , SB 886 , SB 887 , SB 888 , SB 889 , SB 890 , SB 891 , SB 892 , SB 893 , SB 894 , SB 895 , SB 896 , SB 897 , SB 898 , SB 899 , SB 900 , SB 901 , SB 902 , SB 903 , SB 904 , SB 905 , SB 906 , SB 907 , SB 908 , SB 909 , SB 910 , SB 911 , SB 912 , SB 913 , SB 914 , SB 915 , SB 916 , SB 917 , SB 918 , SB 919 , SB 920 , SB 921 , SB 922 , SB 923 , SB 924 , SB 925 , SB 926 , SB 927 , SB 928 , SB 929 , SB 930 , SB 931 , SB 932 , SB 933 , SB 934 , SB 935 , SB 936 , SB 937 , SB 938 , SB 939 , SB 940 , SB 941 , SB 942 , SB 943 , SB 944 , SB 945 , SB 946 , SB 947 , SB 948 , SB 949 , SB 950 , SB 951 , SB 952 , SB 953 , SB 954 , SB 955 , SB 956 , SB 957 , SB 958 , SB 959 , SB 960 , SB 961 , SB 962 , SB 963 , SB 964 , SB 965 , SB 966 , SB 967 , SB 968 , SB 969 , SB 970 , SB 971 , SB 972 , SB 973 , SB 974 , SB 975 , SB 976 , SB 977 , SB 978 , SB 979 , SB 980 , SB 981 , SB 982 , SB 983 , SB 984 , SB 985 , SB 986 , SB 987 , SB 988 , SB 989 , SB 990 , SB 991 , SB 992 , SB 993 , SB 994 , SB 995 , SB 996 , SB 997 , SB 998 , SB 999 , SB 1000

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, thank you, Mr. Chair and members. And thank you to the... Well, thank you, Mr.
• Well, again, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• This measure is about removing a tax penalty on prevention and wellness.
• Well, I appreciate those comments, Mr. Chair.
• Well, good afternoon, Mr. Chair and committee members.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation met as a subcommittee and announced that all bills on the agenda had revenue impacts placing them on the suspense file, so none were eligible for immediate vote. The chair also reviewed procedural rules, including the deadline for position letters and the suspense-file threshold, and later established a quorum before proceeding through the agenda. Most measures were presented, heard, and then referred to suspense without committee votes. Several bills focused on tax credits or exclusions tied to housing and property. AB 1606 proposed a five-year tax credit for small businesses facing cleanup costs from illegal dumping and encampments; AB 1971 would clarify that home-hardening retrofits are not assessable for property tax purposes; AB 2394 would create a capital gains exclusion to encourage long-term homeowners to sell and downsize; AB 1714 would offer a credit for sellers who complete required repairs for CalHFA-assisted first-time buyers; and AB 2389 would extend the property tax exclusion for newly installed solar systems. Supporters generally framed these bills as targeted relief or affordability measures, while opponents raised concerns about revenue loss, policy effectiveness, or implementation. The committee also heard a series of agriculture-related bills. AB 2427 proposed a tax credit for qualified agricultural producers to offset labor, equipment, infrastructure, and production costs, and AB 2192 would extend the state’s farm equipment sales tax exemption to local sales taxes with a General Fund backfill for local governments. Supporters argued both measures would help preserve California agriculture, jobs, and food security amid rising costs and regulatory burdens; opponents questioned the need for the subsidies and the size of the fiscal impact. Both bills were referred to suspense. Other measures included AB 1611, which would end a tax break on capital gains from single-family home sales for large corporate investors to discourage investor competition with homebuyers; AB 2522, which would exempt over-the-counter medications from sales tax; AB 2444, which would add a state deduction for ScholarShare 529 contributions and align California law with federal Roth IRA rollover rules; and AB 1550, which would allow deductions for tips and overtime. Each drew support from sponsors and allied groups, while tax reform and local government representatives opposed several bills over revenue and policy concerns. All of these measures were also sent to the suspense file, and the committee adjourned after completing its agenda.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaking of work, this is a workplace issue as well.
• So we need your help as clinicians as well.
• Not as well.
• And my friends say, well, what about the hot flashes and what about this?
• Thank the two of them for tracking it in here as well.

Bills: H4796 , H4838

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Keywords: organ transplant, emergency vehicle, transportation, medical personnel, regulation, organs, menopause, perimenopause, healthcare access, female health, public health, medical education, workplace policies, discrimination, accommodation, 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe I'm signed in others as well.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair. I'm curious.
• Well, thank you, Madam Chair. I'm curious.
• Well, these amendments are ones that we...
• Well, we We have some concerns.

Bills: HB1526 , HB1069 , HB1347 , HB2091 , HB2264

Committee: Senate Labor & Commerce

Keywords: liquor license, snack bar, state regulations, alcohol sales, business licensing, collective bargaining, retirement benefits, employee rights, public sector, supplemental benefits, education, funding, student loans, affordability, higher education, public employers, employee information, bargaining representatives, labor relations, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm with SEIU, and I support the bill as well. Thank you.
• Well, I want to thank you so much.
• By all means, hit the little microphone button as well.
• Well, thank you, Senator, for bringing this bill forward.
• Well, first I'd like to say to the senator and to your witness, thank you.

Summary: The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several Senate bills, with most of the discussion focused on worker training, public safety, and consumer protection. SB 1203 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas would expand training and de-escalation requirements for private security officers. Supporters, including security workers and labor groups, said the bill would better prepare officers who often respond first to mental health crises and violent incidents. Opponents, including security industry representatives and business groups, argued it would impose major costs, create training bottlenecks, and could reduce licensed security coverage. The committee ultimately voted the bill out on a due pass recommendation to Labor and Employment, with some members noting future amendments to address training capacity and employer-provided training. The committee also approved SB 936 by Senator Blakespear, which would restrict retail sales of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams while preserving legitimate medical, dental, culinary, and automotive uses. Support came from county officials, public health groups, waste management organizations, law enforcement, and local governments, who described rising misuse, impaired driving, and recycling hazards. No opposition testimony was presented, and the bill passed to Public Safety. SB 1271 by Senator Reyes, aimed at strengthening California’s midwifery training pipeline by requiring data collection on licensed midwife preceptor capacity, also passed unanimously to Health. Supporters said the bill would help address shortages in rural birth care and improve access to training for aspiring midwives. SB 903 by Senator Padilla, which would place guardrails on the use of AI in mental health and psychotherapy settings and prohibit AI from being marketed as a therapist, drew emotional testimony from a mother whose son died by suicide after extensive chatbot interactions. Health and behavioral health groups supported the measure, while several industry and health organizations were opposed unless amended; the committee nevertheless sent it to Privacy and Consumer Protection on a unanimous vote. The committee also approved SB 1165 on consent and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, not.
• I said, well, she lost. Well, how are we going to do that? She said, don't worry about that.
• I said, "Well, Kathy, I don't want to be a city council person." She said, "Well, think about it."
• And so I said, well...
• Well, does this apply everywhere?

Bills: SB15 , SB646 , SB800 , SB790 , SB748 , SB571 , SB1957 , SB1923 , SB1896 , SB1760 , SB1335 , SB2368 , SB2477 , SB2587 , SB2986 , SB2965 , SB1563 , SB1467 , SB1164 , SB1137 , SB614 , SB705 , SB918 , SB955 , SB869 , SB850 , SB863 , SB1055 , SB2206 , SB457 , SB2337 , SB1610 , SB1362 , SB926 , SB1494 , SB251 , SB456 , SB500 , SB1307 , SB2615 , SB2995 , SB2321 , SB2972 , SB973 , SB865 , SB506 , SB1522 , SB1558 , SB510 , SB667 , SB763 , SB2073 , SB1858 , SB1660 , SB2900 , SB1433 , SB1540 , SB1964 , SB1300 , SB1644 , SB2217 , SB2373 , SB2431 , SB1758 , SB974 , SB2480 , SB3039 , SB3047 , SB2781 , SB826 , SB766 , SB527 , SB1946 , SB2885 , SB1243 , SB2610 , SB857 , SB2501 , SB66 , SB268 , SB331 , SB1302 , SB519 , SB2807 , SB13 , SB7 , SB1718 , SB1567 , SB1233 , SB413 , SB2177 , SB30 , SB2024 , SJR1 , SCR27 , SB2018 , SB1580 , SB2121 , SB1049 , SB1266 , SB1400 , SB1596 , SB2753 , SB2221 , SB1719 , SCR9 , SB204 , SB437 , SB568 , SB612 , SB672 , SB710 , SB823 , SB876 , SB904 , SB905 , SB968 , SB1084 , SB1207 , SB1230 , SB1313 , SB1504 , SB1790 , SB2232 , SB2366 , SB2367 , SB2398 , SB2515 , SB2520 , SB2589 , SB2786 , SB2790 , SB3048 , SB3050 , SB3052 , SB3053 , SB3056 , SB3029 , SCR3 , SCR18 , SCR30 , HCR146 , HCR148 , HCR149 , HCR153 , HCR155 , HCR157 , HB5560 , HB762 , HB1584 , HB 107 , HB 114 , HB138 , HB4386 , HB2495 , HB581 , HB3348 , HB5323 , HB4341 , HB6 , HB2712 , HB171 , HB3153 , HB143 , HB2688 , HB3464 , HB449 , HB3486 , HB4263 , HB2 , HB1522 , HB24 , HB 1237 , HB2637 , HB3126 , HB3233 , HB4310 , HB3487 , HCR9 , HB5331 , HB1397 , HB163 , HB3250 , HB3071 , HB3463 , HB5033 , HB35 , HB3824 , HB216 , HB4226 , HB3512 , HB18 , HB5154 , HB 103 , HB851 , HB647 , HB4520 , HB3016 , HB2313 , HB2818 , HB2851 , HB4486 , HB4264 , HB1500 , HB5081 , HB2974 , HB2080 , HB4384 , HB5659 , HB493 , HB4903 , HB2516 , HB4488 , HB4530 , HB3689 , HB145 , HB43 , HB5247 , HB2221 , HB5671 , HB700 , HB3711 , HB 120 , SB17 , SB1637 , SB1833 , SB2155 , SB21 , SB2778 , SB379

Keywords: SB 15, Texas Local Government Code, zoning preemption, housing affordability, small lots, lot size, lot density, single-family zoning, residential subdivision, municipal land use, local control, state preemption, parking requirements, setbacks, infill development, missing middle housing, lot width, lot depth, homebuilders, housing supply

Transcript Highlights:

• Because this has the for us as well?
• </c> just don't think it's structured well just don't think it's structured well and<00:52:05.120><c>
• The bill's well developed.
• </c><00:57:44.960><c> I</c> Well, I think they were actually. I Well, I think they were actually.
• </c> we got a you know, obviously you're well we got a you know, obviously you're well versed versed

Keywords: House streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 957, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's been very well said so far.
• I think it's been very well said so far.
• The fiscal notes as well, we don't know. I think we can get an idea.
• The fiscal notes as well, we don't know. I think we can get an idea.
• Well, that person has left. We have one more testifier, Herb Lewis. Mr.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 25, 2026, then took up House Bill 685, which would add a sentencing enhancement when certain felonies and specified violent misdemeanors are committed while the offender is wearing a mask or disguise. The sponsor said the bill had been narrowed from an earlier version to avoid covering all crimes, and law enforcement witnesses from Nampa and Hailey, along with several public commenters, supported it as a tool for identification, prosecution, and deterrence. One member raised concerns about fiscal impacts and the bill’s provision allowing law enforcement to wear masks in some circumstances, but the bill was ultimately sent to the floor with a due-pass recommendation; the vote was unanimous except for one recorded nay. The committee then considered House Bill 668 on child custody interference. The sponsor, drawing on a summer task force, said the bill was intended to address repeated failures to comply with custody orders by adding clearer guidance for law enforcement, affirmative defenses for legitimate delays, required welfare checks and reports, and a graduated penalty structure. Numerous parents and advocates testified in support, describing large legal costs, repeated denial of parenting time, and a lack of enforcement under current law. Some members and testifiers raised concerns that the bill’s revised language might unintentionally reduce penalties for the most serious conduct, especially cases involving taking a child out of state. After discussion, the committee amended course by sending the bill to general orders for further work, unanimously. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 696, which would expand the definition of prohibited sexual contact in correctional facilities to better address sexual abuse by prison staff. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by reports of abuse in Idaho prisons and was intended to clarify the law and strengthen accountability. Testimony from advocates and a survivor of abuse in custody strongly supported the bill, emphasizing the vulnerability of incarcerated women and the need for clearer legal protections. The committee approved the bill unanimously and sent it to the floor with a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Why are these people not charged as well?
• Abandonment, cruel transportation, and more.
• It's a problem in our schools as well.
• You also investigated, I believe, this IBM case as well. I assume that...
• Well, that's probably pretty good. Ryan, anything else you want to add?

Bills: HB47 , HB171 , HB285 , HB305 , HB449 , HB908 , HB1024 , HB1306 , HB1443 , HB1445 , HB1741 , HB1866 , HB1902 , HB2001 , HB2282 , HB2355 , HB2492 , HB2637 , HB2697 , HB3464 , HB4263 , HB4996 , HB5667 , HB47 , HB171 , HB285 , HB305

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Keywords: sexual assault, victim rights, forensic examination, medical care, trauma-informed care, crime victims compensation, evidence retention, chemical dependency, court-ordered treatment, mental health, health care, treatment facility, juvenile justice, criminal justice reform, animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, pretrial hearings

Transcript Highlights:

• with as well.
• Well, I have not specifically looked at the election in San Antonio.
• That's not neutrality; that's... ...forced abandonment.
• Well, that's a fair question.
• I know this well as someone who grew up in a minority Christian religion.

Bills: SB6 , SB11 , SB33

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• THOSE WERE OPIOIDS AND SHE FUNCTIONED VERY WELL AT HOME.
• WELL, NOT ALL PARENTS HAVE ACCESS TO DIAGNOSIS BY AGE 8.
• WE STILL DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT ON THAT AS WELL.
• THE SAME WITH OTHER MEMBERS AS WELL.
• THEY ARE PART OF A SYSTEM THAT IS FAILING THEM AS WELL.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take a moment to note his arrival when he does enter our chambers as well. Thank you.
• The Log Cabin Republicans of California is a well-respected and established member of the Republican
• Hart as well. Returning to a third.
• I'd like to ask for the previous roll call vote as well, Mr. President.
• President, requesting the previous roll call vote as well.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we would love to see that passed as well. Thank you.
• Well, Mr.
• I assume the National Guard as well as a backstop.
• We ask for your support as well. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• But oh, well, we're sorry about that. We have to get it right.

Bills: HB195 , HB279 , SB30 , HB234 , HB292 , SB100 , SB23 , SB221 , SB261 , SB264

Committee: Senate House Judiciary

Keywords: medical malpractice, judgments, independent providers, insurance, personal assets, settlements, healthcare, healthcare privacy, electronic medical records, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, data protection, location tracking, confidentiality, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting, vital statistics, public health reporting, medical records

Summary: The committee first heard SB 264, which would create state criminal and civil penalties for election interference, including stationing armed personnel at polling places or drop boxes, changing voter qualifications or election procedures contrary to state law, and obstructing or intimidating voters, poll workers, or election administrators. The sponsor and Secretary of State staff said the bill was a response to concerns about possible federal interference in New Mexico elections and was modeled largely on existing federal law, while also adding emergency-related provisions for counties affected by disasters. Support came from Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, and the Center for Public Policy; there was no opposition testimony. After questions about enforcement, federal conflict, and the role of local law enforcement, the committee passed SB 264 on a due-pass motion. The committee then took up SB 261, a related bill revising firearm restrictions at polling places. The sponsor said the bill would remove most exemptions that had allowed firearms in or around polling locations, while preserving limited exceptions for election administrators to request law enforcement assistance and for certain rural or co-located law enforcement offices. Supporters, including the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, and the Center for Public Policy, argued that firearms at polls can intimidate voters and poll workers and that the bill would create clearer, safer rules. Opponents, including representatives of a rifle and pistol club, a county sheriff’s office, and the New Mexico Business Coalition, argued that concealed carry holders and officers should not be treated as threats, that the bill could create confusion or criminalize lawful conduct, and that law enforcement needs to remain armed to respond to emergencies and protect polling sites. Committee members debated constitutional tailoring, rural enforcement issues, and how the bill would interact with the earlier election-interference bill. The committee ultimately passed the Judiciary Committee substitute for SB 261 on a due-pass vote. Finally, the committee heard SB 221, which would add a new crime and racketeering predicate for theft and misappropriation of petroleum products and oil and gas equipment. The sponsor, the Attorney General’s office, and industry and law enforcement witnesses said oilfield theft has become more organized and dangerous, causing environmental damage, safety hazards, lost production, and revenue losses, and that existing laws are not sufficient to address the conduct. An opponent questioned whether the conduct was already illegal and argued that the bill singled out one industry and could overcriminalize conduct already covered by other laws and regulations. After discussion about proportionality and whether the bill was necessary, the committee voted on the Judiciary Committee substitute and the motion failed on a tie vote, so SB 221 did not advance.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's, well, yes, it's one of the, one of the bills that they support, yes.
• Yeah, well, yeah, I'll say something when you finish. Go ahead.
• I see you are testifying on behalf of, uh, One Voice as well, sir.
• So it, it takes our time as well. Thank you for your time. I'm open to your questions.
• Well, thank you, Mr. Locks for your testimony.

Committee: House S/C on Juvenile Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, I would enjoy your support.
• We'll do a minute apiece as well. So again, thank you for the opportunity.
• by a parent. ...and to my younger brother's reading lists as well.
• Well, in the interest of time, I'll waive close. Thank you, Senator.
• Well, it sought to do for the past couple years...

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first considered the appointment of Michelle Whitworth to the Florida Commission on Offender Review. Whitworth described her 30 years of criminal justice experience, and the committee voted to recommend her confirmation favorably. The committee then took up SB 1692 on material harmful to minors, adopting a delete-all amendment that shifted the focus to K-12 instructional materials and objections by parents or residents. Supporters argued it would create clearer standards and protect children from pornographic content, while opponents warned it would worsen book bans and remove consideration of literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. After extensive debate and public testimony, the bill as amended was reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably on several criminal justice and public safety bills. SB 1422 increased penalties for certain drone-related offenses near critical infrastructure and for weaponized drones; SB 1360 clarified xylazine’s veterinary use while creating stronger trafficking penalties; and SB 1732 increased penalties for animal cruelty involving minors and for contributing to a minor’s delinquency. SB 776 added an aggravating factor for the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, and SB 984 added aggravating factors for capital felonies committed where people are gathered for religious, school, or government activities. SB 1640 made domestic violence lethality assessment forms confidential, and SB 1268 updated FDLE operations and increased reimbursement for retired police dogs. All of these bills were reported favorably after brief debate and mostly supportive testimony. Later, the committee approved SB 1084 on sexual cyber harassment, with a strike-all amendment addressing digitally forged intimate images and extending prosecution time limits. SB 1654 updated sexual offender and predator registration rules, including definitions of residence and online reporting for in-state travel, though one witness raised concerns about vague language and employer privacy. SB 1774 created a rebuttable presumption in certain second-degree murder cases when the victim had a controlled substance in their system, drawing criticism that it could devalue victims who used drugs. Finally, SB 1838 strengthened protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, with an amendment adding magistrates, hearing officers, and related staff; defense attorneys warned the tampering language could inadvertently reach zealous advocacy. Each of these measures was ultimately reported favorably, and the meeting ended with adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take a moment to note his arrival when he does enter our chambers as well. Thank you.
• The city has been so committed to the safety and well-being of its residents.
• Hart as well. Returning to 3rd reading.
• I'd like to ask for the previous roll call vote as well, Mr. President.
• President, requesting the previous roll call vote as well.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on floor recognitions and Pride Month observances. Members welcomed guests and honorees including APICA fellowship participants, the El Dorado Roses, retiring Loma Linda University Health president Dr. Richard Hart and incoming leader Dr. Anthony Hilliard, and Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Shrey Parique. The chamber also heard several personal and community tributes tied to LGBTQ+ Pride Month, including a long series of introductions of Pride honorees from across the state. The main legislative item was SR 116 recognizing June 2026 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Senators Cervantes, Weber Pierson, Becker, Menjivar, Arreguín, Wahab, Ochoa Bogh, Wiener, and Laird, among others, spoke in support, emphasizing the history of Stonewall and other LGBTQ+ resistance movements, the contributions of Black, Latino, Jewish, women, and Asian American LGBTQ communities, and the need to oppose ongoing discrimination, violence, and attacks on transgender people. The resolution was adopted after a roll call vote of 28-0, and the Senate then proceeded to honor a large slate of Pride honorees from multiple districts and organizations. The Senate also adopted SCR 166 designating Soju Day, with support highlighting Korean American culture and soju as a symbol of hospitality and cross-cultural exchange. SCR 155, naming the State Route 52/Interstate 805 interchange in San Diego County the Officer Kirk Leeland Johnson Memorial Interchange, also passed unanimously after remarks honoring Johnson’s military and police service and the long effort by his partner to secure the memorial. In addition, the Senate confirmed Laura Capps to the Board of State and Community Corrections by a 27-9 vote and confirmed Danielle Munoz to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology by a 28-0 vote. The body also approved several Joint Rule 62(a) suspensions to allow committee hearings on short notice, moved AB 2294 to the inactive file, and sent SB 1189 back to the Assembly for further action. The session concluded with adjournment in memory motions for Judith Helene Ware, Huntley Gordon, and Adolfo Franceschi Colon, followed by announcements that the Senate would reconvene on June 25, 2026.