Transcript Highlights:

• give testimony, please fill out a witness card completely, sign it, and hand it to the sergeant at arms
• It memorializes Congress to issue the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to all United States veterans
• Others were there in an expeditionary status, and we just want to honor them through this resolution.
• and the hope is that they would be memorialized in their service with a Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• And the hope is that they would be memorialized in their service with an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first took up House Bill 1165, which was converted into a substitute bill to reorganize the Avoyelles Parish court system by creating two city courts, one for Marksville and one for Bunkie, and expanding their jurisdiction parishwide, including small claims and certain misdemeanor, civil, and juvenile matters. The sponsor and supporting judges said the change would better use existing courts and improve access to justice, while the district attorney opposed it, arguing it would not help the criminal docket, could create staffing and constitutional issues, and needed more study. After questions about voting districts, appellate procedure, and minority vote dilution, the committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1064 creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District, with testimony from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the YWCA describing a specialty court model focused on accountability, victim services, and wraparound support. The bill was reported favorably. House Bill 341, clarifying law enforcement officer rights during administrative investigations, was amended to specify administrative matters and reported with amendments. House Concurrent Resolution 64, as amended, expanded a study of behavioral health courts to include additional parishes and a later reporting deadline, and was reported favorably. House Bill 579, the sexual assault survivor bill of rights, was amended to strengthen notice, confidentiality, and funding provisions and then reported favorably. Later, House Bill 1004, which would have raised the jurisdictional threshold for justice of the peace courts from $5,000 to $7,500, drew significant opposition from city court judges who warned of unintended consequences, including different evidentiary standards, possible attorney-representation issues for entities, and added burdens on district courts. Supporters framed it as an inflation adjustment and access-to-justice measure, but after debate the committee voted 5-11 to defer the bill. House Bill 183, limiting courthouse cell phone bans in fee-payment areas, was amended and then failed on a 7-7 tie with the chair voting no. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 451 on ATC hearing notices, House Bill 541 on micro distillers via substitute, Senate Bill 44 on tactical medical professionals’ firearms, House Resolution 37 honoring veterans who served in Honduras, and House Bill 89 requiring a district attorney office to pay certain retirees’ health premiums from its own funds. Several other bills were voluntarily deferred, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• give testimony, please fill out a witness card completely, sign it, and hand it to the sergeant at arms
• It memorializes Congress to issue the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal to all United States veterans
• Others were there in an expeditionary status, and we just want to honor them through this resolution.
• The hope is that they would be memorialized in their service with an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• And the hope is that they would be memorialized in their service with an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Bills: HR2, HR37, HR61, HCR11, HCR64, HB89, HB183, HB341, HB371, HB451, HB480, HB520, HB541, HB579, HB597, HB816, HB1004, HB1064, HB1165, SB44

Keywords: transparency, accountability, Justice Department, FBI, Jeffrey Epstein, victim protection, investigation, public trust, HR37, House Resolution 37, Honduras veterans, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, military medal, veteran recognition, Congress memorialization, U.S. veterans, foreign deployment, 1981 to 1992, military service awards, combat support

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; The<00:02:57.360><c> Air</c><00:02:57.519><c> Force</c><00:02:57.840><c> can</c><00:02:58.000
• Now, for two interim periods, I followed the Mental Health and Vulnerable Adult Task Force across the
• Now, for two interim periods, I followed the Mental Health and Vulnerable Adult Task Force across the
• We talked to the adult task force, and within 24 hours I was told to cease and desist.
• We talked to the adult task force, and within 24 hours I was told to cease and desist.

Bills: HB0101, HB0062, HB0109

Keywords: guardianship, monitoring, ward protection, financial independence, case management, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, property tax, tax exemption, homeowner, armed forces, residency requirement, 916, all

Bills: SB2723, HB9

Keywords: law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day, Hawaii, commemoration, public safety, honor sheriffs, HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation

Bills: HB9, SB2723

Keywords: HB9, Hawaii Purple Heart state, Purple Heart, Purple Heart recipients, veterans, military, armed forces, service members, combat wounded, war veterans, military honors, state designation, symbolic legislation, honorary designation, Chapter 5 HRS, Hawaii Revised Statutes, military appreciation, veteran recognition, law enforcement, State Sheriffs Day

Summary: The Committee on Culture and the Arts heard testimony on HB 9 HD1, which would designate Hawaii as a Purple Heart State, and SB 2723, relating to State Sheriff’s Day. On HB 9 HD1, Takumi Abby of Purple Heart Chapter 483 testified in strong support, saying the bill would recognize the service and sacrifice of combat-wounded veterans and honor Purple Heart recipients and their families. Additional support was noted from the Office of Veterans Services, the Hawaii Military Affairs Council, and CARES, whose representative Angela Melody Young described related veteran-honoring efforts in Honolulu and across Oahu and said the state designation would extend that recognition statewide. Members then moved to decision-making on HB 9 HD1. One member briefly commented on family military service and the importance of remembering Purple Heart recipients. The committee voted to adopt the chair’s recommendation to pass the measure as is, with all members present voting aye. For SB 2723, the chair indicated the committee would further defer the date, while also recommending passage with amendments. The committee voted on the amended version and adopted the chair’s recommendation with no objections or reservations.

Bills: SB219, SB9

Keywords: military pension, military retirement pay, veterans, retiree tax relief, income tax exemption, pension exclusion, Delaware income tax, retirement income, state tax subtraction, armed forces retirement, National Guard, Space Force, Coast Guard, NOAA, Public Health Service, taxable income, Title 30, Section 1106, wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9. The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget. Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.

Bills: SB71, SB71

Keywords: environmental regulation, federal standards, scientific evidence, water quality, administrative law, income tax, tax exemption, Alabama tax code, Section 40-18-3, civilian employees, Department of Defense, DoD, Armed Forces, military pay, combat zone, deployment, National Guard, Reserve components, emergency response, federal employees

Transcript Highlights:

• I just had the opportunity to attend an event in Arlington at the National Medal of Honor Museum.
• But to hear the four Medal of Honor awardees speak yesterday, they were...
• Gage is being awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal as a first step trying to get to the Navy.
• Members, House Bill 2201 relates to the issuance of Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Specialty
• HJR165 is proposing a constitutional amendment to include the United States Space Force in references

Bills: HCR46, HB1389, HB3359, HB5629

Keywords: commemoration, military, navy seal, honor, January 12, Nathan Gage Ingram, military funeral honors, JROTC, veterans, training, grant program, military honors, community engagement, funeral services, education grants, community service, HB 3359, veteran status, Texas Veterans Commission, veterans services

Transcript Highlights:

• preference, as service in a specified capacity or a current deployed member of the National Guard or Armed
• Forces Reserves.
• Space Force, NOAA, and public health as well.

Bills: SB5420

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Substitute Senate Bill 6289, which would require the Department of Commerce to develop a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan by June 30, 2027 and update it every five years. The sponsor said the bill is intended to coordinate existing efforts, set goals, and support businesses of all sizes with a data-driven statewide strategy. Commerce and the Washington Economic Development Association supported the bill, emphasizing the need for alignment, competitiveness, and adequate resources; witnesses also said the five-year update cycle would reduce costs. The committee discussed the fiscal implications and the need for annual check-ins, but no opposition was raised during the hearing. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 6149, which would broaden the definition of a rural county for certain public facilities and economic development purposes to include counties with population density of 100 or more people per square mile if they have no city larger than 45,000 residents. Senator Wilson said the bill is meant to preserve rural eligibility for counties like Cowlitz that have low-density areas but a single larger city, so they can continue to qualify for grants and other programs. Members asked about how the definition would affect counties and whether it would preserve existing rural designations. The hearing was then closed. In executive session, the committee considered and advanced three bills. Senate Bill 5420, concerning access to state benefits and opportunities for veterans, was amended to update discharge terminology, include airmen in employment preference provisions, and revise qualifying discharge definitions; it passed 12-0 with one excused. Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, creating a supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program, was amended to prioritize projects benefiting Washington-produced goods and supply chain resilience and to avoid overlap with Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding; it also passed 12-0 with one excused. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5984, regulating AI companion chatbots, saw several amendments adopted and others rejected, including changes to gaming and educational exclusions, data minimization, and removal of an exemption for general-purpose AI models; it passed 8-4 with one excused. The committee adjourned after reporting all three bills out with due pass as amended recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• preferences for certain types of employment, protections for professional licenses if a person enters the armed
• forces, and state laws addressing financial and legal obligations that are affected by active military
• The bill recognizes our newest branch of armed forces, the Space Force, established in 2019, and expands
• The bill recognizes our newest branch of armed forces, the Space Force, established in 2019, and expands

Bills: SB5420

Keywords: veterans, military spouses, service members, uniformed services, National Guard, reservists, active duty, qualifying discharge, veterans preference, hiring preference, public employment, state benefits, license renewal, professional licensing, retirement service credit, pension, public retirement system, Washington RCW, military leave, reemployment rights

Summary: The committee held public hearings on two bills. Senate Bill 5420 would expand access to state benefits and preferences for veterans, uniformed service members, and military spouses. Staff explained that it would add members of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Corps to certain retirement, civil relief, licensing, and employment preference provisions, and extend some hiring preference to military spouses. Senator John Lovick testified in support, saying the bill had been worked on extensively and had passed the Senate overwhelmingly. Tammy Peral of the Department of Veterans Affairs also supported the bill, emphasizing modernization of state law and stronger support for military families. No opposition was heard, and the chair closed the hearing on the bill. The committee also heard Engrossed Senate Bill 5649, which creates a Washington state supply chain competitiveness infrastructure program for public and tribal ports. Staff said the Department of Transportation would set priorities for grants and loans, work with supply chain stakeholders, and require projects to fit freight development plans and program goals. The bill includes an amendment to limit eligible projects to those not already eligible for Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board funding, addressing concerns about duplication. Senator Marko Liias testified that ports are central to Washington’s trade economy and that the bill would create a targeted port grant program. Testifiers from the Port of Benton and Port of Kalama described rail, terminal, and marine highway projects that need state matching funds and said the program would help small and rural ports compete and attract investment. The committee asked questions about project eligibility and the relationship to other funding sources, then closed the hearing on the bill and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We never qualified for medals or dates.
• Medal or otherwise a service or campaign medal, etc., or a disabled veteran.
• </c><00:22:31.360><c> medal</c> or was awarded the expeditionary medal or was awarded the expeditionary
• ><c> campaign</c><00:22:34.000><c> medal,</c> or otherwise service or campaign medal, or otherwise service
• Legislators forced us to do that. >> Mr. Legislators forced us to do that. >> Mr.

Bills: HB0068, HB0062, HB0127, HB0109

Keywords: veterans, property tax exemption, disabled, service-connected disability, Wyoming, governmental claims, liability limits, inflation adjustment, public safety, local government insurance, HB0127, recreation mill levy, recreational facilities, public recreation, mill levy, property tax, local tax, county commissioners, school district levy, voter approval

Transcript Highlights:

• Army Rangers are an elite direct action raid force of the U.S.
• I mean, we did things like... ready reaction force.

Bills: HB 1023, HB2537, HB3302, HB3324, HB3644, HB3722, HB3815, HB4053, HB4789

Keywords: specialty license plates, military honor, Texas Homeland Defense Service Medal, Texas Superior Service Medal, Texas Outstanding Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, military honors, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, veterans, Texas Homeland Defense Medal, military, commemorative recognition, transportation code, claims assistance, disability benefits, court representation, legal services, naming, commemoration, local honor

Bills: HB85, HB94, HB276, HB323, HB374, HB586, HB656, HB998, HB1204, SB42, SB46, SB51, SB87, SB110, SB154

Keywords: animal abuse, registry, law enforcement, felony offenses, public notification, firearms, due process, confiscation, law-abiding citizen, government funding, self-defense, bail, contradictory bail hearing, Gwen's Law, pretrial detention, criminal procedure, child sexual abuse, child rape, sexual battery, oral sexual battery

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think you want to put in some language in here that might force people to respond.
• So I think you want to put in some language in here that might force people to respond. Thank you.
• So I think you want to put in some language in here that might force people to respond. Thank you.
• So what would your suggestion be to implement some type of requirement or force the Supreme or Superior
• This bill simply asks the court to do one thing: Are you a veteran or have you served in our armed forces

Bills: HB2226, HB2406, HB2663, HB2695, HB2805, HB2976

Keywords: veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing

Bills: HB 101, HB1819, HB1875, HB1965, HB2193, HB2914, HB3248, HB3354, HB3531, HB101

Keywords: Texas State Guard, task force, professionalization, state missions, critical infrastructure, veterans, veterans' affairs, mental health, community mental health, behavioral health, grant program, matching grant, non-state match, community services, family support, county population, Health and Human Services Commission, HHSC, public safety, homeland security

Transcript Highlights:

• does is add the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, the flag of any branch of the United States Armed
• Forces, or a Blue Star Service flag or Gold Star Service flag to the list of those flags that would
• Like if we have, like, Space Force right now, do we need to specify that, like, you know, you can...
• Space Force, right?

Bills: HF2185, HF1849, HF3719, HF3721, HF3845, HF3720

Keywords: flag display, residential property rights, homeowners association, HOA, covenants, restrictive covenant, deed restriction, subdivision regulation, local ordinance, rental agreement, property rights, patriotic display, United States flag, Minnesota flag, POW/MIA flag, military flags, armed forces flag, Blue Star flag, Gold Star flag, common interest community

Transcript Highlights:

• forces.
• </c><00:26:57.919><c> forces.
• </c> veteran of the armed forces. veteran of the armed forces.
• Navy Submarine Force.
• :37:09.359><c> approve</c><00:37:09.920><c> a</c> commander task force to approve a commander task force

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

Transcript Highlights:

• A veteran that enters the service in Texas and serves at least 180 days in active duty and had armed.

Bills: SB651, SB897, SB1814, SB1818

Keywords: SB 651, Texas Government Code, Section 434.032, veterans county service office, county veterans services, commissioners court, county executive official, county administration, local government, veterans affairs, veterans benefits, county oversight, reporting structure, public administration, large counties, population 200,000 or more, mental health, veterans, community support, grant program

Transcript Highlights:

• you, Chairman and members of the Texas currently has several civilian awards, such as the Governor's Medal
• of Courage, Governor's Medal of Freedom, and the Governor's Medal of Freedom. partners, volunteer, and
• Texas by establishing the Governor's Medal of Service Award.

Bills: SB2053, SCR19, SCR23, SCR29

Keywords: Governor's Medal of Service, Texas award, state honor, public service recognition, Governor's office, Governor's award, Texas Government Code Chapter 3108, ceremonial award, honorary medal, state service award, local government retirees, private sector contributions, Texas Legislature recognition, gift acceptance, donations, grant funding, executive recognition, Texas Life Monument, human life, preservation

Transcript Highlights:

• services, medics carry small arms.
• We also know that the task force model works.
• Like we said, this task force model works.
• to deadly force.
• I spent a career in the Air Force as an officer and as a special agent for the Air Force Office of Special

Bills: HB1455, HB1777, HB2101, HB2136, HB2609, HB3142, HB3552, HB3846, HB4155, HB4514, HB4879, HB4995, HB5014, HB5139, HB5228, HB5436, HCR40

Keywords: mental health, jail diversion, law enforcement, reporting requirements, criminal justice, data collection, criminal justice reform, intellectual disability, mental illness, data reporting, public safety, reporting, substance abuse, sex offender, driver's license, identification, gunshot detection, unreported gunshots, municipal police, crime investigation

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard several bills, generally leaving them pending after testimony. HB 4995 would create a training/certification program allowing licensed physicians and certain EMS personnel assigned to tactical units to carry firearms during high-risk deployments, with supporters saying it would protect tactical medical staff and improve emergency care; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill left pending. HB 2609 would repeal the OmniBase/failure-to-appear-or-pay license hold program; the author and supporters argued it unfairly compounds debt and traps drivers in noncompliance, while judges and municipal court representatives said it is an effective, voluntary tool that prompts court appearances and reduces warrants. HB 4879 would create a grant program to help local law enforcement pay for lab testing of suspected hemp/THC substances, and HB 5436 would allow licensed auto recyclers to purchase certain untitled vehicles for scrap or parts to curb illegal sales, VIN cloning, and chop shop activity; both bills drew supportive testimony and were left pending. The committee also heard HB 1777, which would place a discrete sex-offender designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for registrants under Chapter 62. The author said the marker would help law enforcement and businesses quickly identify potentially dangerous offenders and cited other states and research in support, while opponents argued it would function as a scarlet letter, increase harassment, and punish people who are already complying with the law. HB 4155 would create a Family Violence Criminal Homicide Prevention Task Force in the Governor’s Office to study risk factors, coordinate agencies, and recommend policy changes; the author, HHSC, TCFV, and a survivor testified in support, emphasizing the number of family violence homicides and the need for coordinated, data-driven prevention, and the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 4514 would authorize DPS to use facial image verification, with consent and confidentiality protections, to help businesses verify identities and combat fraud. Supporters from the lumber and identity-verification industries said it would reduce losses from fake IDs and organized theft, while the author stressed privacy safeguards and limited, consent-based use. The committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending.