Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a Regional Director for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, testifying as a resource witness
• I do believe that this is an important criminal justice reform and a workforce development bill, and
• Now, they are criminally obstructing justice, tampering with evidence, and a witness.
• The Texas Department of Criminal Justice multidisciplinary team reviews every individual that has the
• Department of Criminal Justice to include victim services and sex offender rehabilitation programming

Bills: HB1826, HB1969, HB2708, HB2729, HB3618, HB4515, HB4764, SB1021, SB1610

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay

Transcript Highlights:

• As you know, counties are your constitutional partners when it comes to criminal justice, and no more
• The criminal justice system intersects with the correctional system.
• We try to manage, you know, we stay in compliance with the criminal justice and jail standards.
• They have worked hard on not only corrections matters, but criminal justice matters in this state, Mr
• for criminal justice in the Senate that you all will probably be seeing soon here.

Bills: HB153, HB1410, HB1461, HB1760, HB1762, HB3261, HB3773, HB153

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, private prisons, inmate confinement, criminal justice reform, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, government contracts, inmate housing

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a regional director for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. My name is Jennifer Cosby.
• I am a regional director for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, testifying as a resource witness
• He said he believed it was an important criminal justice reform and workforce development bill and asked
• Currently, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is required to provide suitable clothing, civilian
• Now they are criminally obstructing justice, tampering with evidence, and a witness.

Bills: HB1826, HB1969, HB2708, HB2729, HB3618, HB4515, HB4764, SB1021, SB1610

Keywords: mental health, women's health, county jail, depression screening, criminal justice, inmate release, identification certificate, Texas Department of Corrections, personal identification, driver's license, state law, reentry services, nondisclosure, criminal history, criminal defendants, community supervision, misdemeanors, felonies, rehabilitation, hearsay

Summary: The Corrections Committee first took up pending business and reported several previously heard bills favorably to the full House, including HB 1515 and SB 2405, the TDCJ Sunset bill and its Senate companion, HB 5639 on the veteran housing program, HB 2854 on hospital visits as a parole or mandatory supervision condition and related hospital liability, and SB 1080 on occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions. The committee also heard and advanced SB 1080 without amendment, then moved into new business. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 3618, which would limit invasive group strip searches of female inmates in TDCJ facilities. Formerly incarcerated women and advocates testified in support, describing humiliation, trauma, barriers to programming, and arguing that searches were often ineffective and that contraband more often comes from staff. TDCJ’s resource witness said the agency has looked at technology such as millimeter scanners and is in the process of placing them in facilities, while the bill sponsor said the measure would preserve searches in emergencies and require female officers when women are unclothed. HB 3618 was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4515 on expanding orders of nondisclosure, with the author saying the committee substitute would narrow the bill to marijuana possession only; supporters from Alliance for Safety and Justice and Right on Crime argued it would improve reentry and public safety, while members asked about eligibility and related offenses. HB 1826, requiring depression screenings for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, drew support from women’s health advocates and formerly incarcerated witnesses; the bill was left pending. HB 1969, to help people leaving prison renew or obtain driver’s licenses, and HB 2708, expanding nondisclosure eligibility for certain misdemeanor convictions, were also laid out and left pending. Later, the committee heard HB 2729, which would bar hearsay evidence in hearings on violations of release conditions, and SB 1021, which would make stalking convictions ineligible for community supervision and add related victim-protection provisions; both were left pending. SB 1610, addressing civil commitment facility safety, sex offender registration, and penalties for assaults on staff, drew strong opposition from civil commitment residents, family members, and civil rights advocates who argued it was punitive and raised due process concerns; the resource witness said assaults had increased and explained the civil commitment process and existing legal safeguards. Finally, HB 4764 would require TDCJ to report detailed annual data on restrictive housing; supporters said the bill would improve transparency around solitary confinement, and the committee left it pending before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:44.160> once enforcement to deal with criminals once enforcement to deal with criminals
• And thus far, our criminals seem more than happy to travel maybe to your county to further their criminal
• And further their criminal activities.
• We're talking about violent criminals. We're talking about organized criminals.
• We're talking about violent criminals. We're talking about organized criminals.

Bills: SF0007, SF0008

Keywords: theft, penalties, larceny, criminal offense, felony, Wyoming, absconding, law enforcement, criminal justice, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• May they walk in integrity, govern with wisdom, and legislate with justice and righteousness.
• May this state continue to be a stronghold for righteousness and a refuge for all. those seeking justice
• And one of the issues that we face of public policy and the criminal justice system, we have many jurisdictions
• I've worked closely with OCA, DPS, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to ensure that our statewide
• Unfortunately, because we continue to lack transparency in our criminal justice system, we don't have

Bills: SJR 1, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 36, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate Committee of Criminal Justice come to order. Clerk call roll. Chair Flores here.
• HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the
• criminal penalty for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements, particularly in
• representative Joe Moody, Pat Curry, Mihaela Plaza, and Candy Noble relates to the prosecution of certain criminal
• communication with the intent to cause harm or threaten harm to persons or their families constitutes a criminal

Bills: HB 2407, HB 3425

Keywords: sex offender registration, criminal penalties, law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, public servant, address disclosure, retrieval of information, electronic communication, criminal offense, retaliation, safety concerns

Transcript Highlights:

• Grant each leader with a determination to stand. for right in the face of wrong, justice in the presence
• Today they are responsible for enforcing both wildlife laws and criminal laws.

Bills: SJR1, SB9, SB40, SJR36, SJR1, SJR5, SB9, SB40

Keywords: bail denial, illegal aliens, felony offenses, constitutional amendment, law enforcement, bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunctive relief, taxpayer rights, bail, criminal justice reform, 1185, senate

Bills: HB53, HB57, HB64, HB100, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB337, HB957

Keywords: racketeering, gambling crimes, law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice, temporary restraining orders, abuse prevention, evidence, court procedures, legal protections, felony speeding, traffic laws, penalties, elderly, infirmities, abuse, neglect, crime of violence, criminal liability, caregiver

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, not going into their adult criminal justice system, and as a consequence, the overall costs actually
• Others in the adult criminal justice system, and that the rehabilitative juvenile justice system is in
• I ended up going into the justice system as an adult at 17 and having a criminal record, which caused
• When juveniles enter the criminal justice system, we must provide every opportunity for rehabilitation
• My involvement in both agencies allows me to work with youth who are involved in the criminal justice

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• activity, but instead creates new criminal activity. ...criminal activity; it creates warped relationships
• justice system.
• justice system.
• These cases would be handled by justice municipal courts, which are adult criminal courts that do not
• Justice Department.

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• The criminal that committed this crime—and I say criminal because he was a criminal—was arrested for
• I'm the Justice Advocate Coordinator for the Southwest Region with Latino Justice.
• At this time, the chair calls up Jason Clark with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a resource
• Only the Texas Department of Criminal Justice is able to monitor program participation and disciplinary
• HB2341 simply authorizes the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to grant the diligent participation

Bills: HB1482, HB2017, HB2103, HB2341, HB2756

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• Chief of Operations, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, as a resource witness.
• Again, Bobby Lumpkin, Chief Operations Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
• Thank you for your time, Chief of Operations at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and you're
• Justice.
• Justice.

Bills: HB1482, HB2017, HB2103, HB2341, HB2756

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Bills: SB 251, SB 608, SB 487, SB 535, SB 761, SB 955, SB 957, SB 958, SB 988, SB 990, SB 1019, SB 1021, SB 1120

Keywords: criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, sexual assault, victim rights, plea bargain

Transcript Highlights:

• Number two, this provides for economic justice and fairness for all Texans, regardless of income.
• preempted that were raised by Comptroller staff or that it would subject some officials to some sort of criminal
• And as far as criminal matters, that came from a case under different authority where someone was not

Bills: HB42

Keywords: special prosecutor, state law, criminal justice, accountability, law enforcement

Summary: The committee heard Senator Flores lay out the committee substitute for HB 2894, which would expand state reimbursement eligibility for local governments disproportionately affected by the disabled veterans homestead exemption. Flores said the bill would add certain municipalities in Bell, Coryell, and Lampasas counties if lost ad valorem tax revenue equals or exceeds 10% of general revenue, while existing recipients would remain under the current 2% threshold. Lampasas and Bell County officials and the City of Killeen testified in support, describing significant revenue losses and urging adequate funding. One witness, Howard Avery, argued any reimbursement should be counted as property tax revenue for voter-approval rate purposes to avoid a windfall. The committee later adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably, with one nay. The committee also heard SB 782, which would create a temporary severance tax exemption for restimulated inactive oil and gas wells, intended to encourage investment in mature wells. The Comptroller explained the revised fiscal note as effectively zero because the wells are currently marginal and not generating meaningful tax revenue, while industry witnesses said the bill could extend well life, support local economies, and reduce orphan-well liabilities. Public testimony was supportive, and the bill was left pending. Members then heard HB 3033, a DPS-related grant program funded by voluntary $3 donations on driver’s license and ID applications to support nonprofits aiding injured or fallen DPS officers and their families, including memorial highway signs. The DPS Officers Association supported the bill, citing existing foundation assistance and the need for a steady funding stream. The committee later reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered SB 524, which would permanently extend the franchise tax and fee exemption for qualifying veteran-owned businesses for their first five years; testimony from a veteran business owner and veterans advocates supported the measure, and the committee adopted the substitute and reported it favorably. Additional measures were laid out and left pending or voted out: HB 3594, a local San Antonio retiree health care fund bill with agreed changes for contributions, spouse benefits, and remarriage rules, was supported by stakeholders and reported favorably; HB 4738 would repeal small administrative fees tied to certain loans and was reported favorably; HB 42 on HEAF funding and HB 5246 on the Texas Space Commission were heard and left pending. The committee also reported HB 3474, a cleanup bill for the Pension Review Board’s investment performance review schedule, and HB 2802, the Austin firefighter retirement fund bill, both favorably. Finally, the committee took up HB 1056, which would allow gold and silver held in the Texas Bullion Depository to function as legal tender through debit-card transactions. Supporters framed it as a way to use hard assets and expand financial options, while bankers and some senators raised major operational, consumer-protection, tax, and constitutional questions; the bill remained under discussion as testimony began.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee on Criminal Justice come to order. Call the roll. Chair Flores? Here.
• HB 2407 addresses this issue by amending Chapter 62 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to increase the
• criminal penalty for failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements, particularly in
• Joe Moody, Pat Curry, Mihaela Blesa, and Candy Noble relate to the prosecution of certain criminal offenses
• communication with the intent to cause harm or threaten harm to persons or their families constitutes a criminal

Bills: HB2407, HB3425

Keywords: sex offender registration, criminal penalties, law enforcement, criminal justice, public safety, public servant, address disclosure, retrieval of information, electronic communication, criminal offense, retaliation, safety concerns, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Committee of Criminal Justice will now come, it will be reopened.
• Good Social Science and criminal justice pre-law at St. Edward's University.
• So what truly is justice?
• Uh, we generally don't get involved in too many criminal justice matters, but we are in opposition to
• justice system in the future.

Bills: SB 9, SB 1047, SB 1048, SJR 17, SJR 49, SB 40, SJR 1, SJR 5

Keywords: bail reform, defendants, pretrial detention, public safety, criminal justice, charitable bail organizations, criminal procedure, public safety report, victim notification, family violence, bail bonds, public funds, political subdivision, injunction, taxpayer rights, violent crimes, sexual offenses, community safety, constitutional amendment, trafficking

Transcript Highlights:

• court, but were not in the criminal court, but were not civily<00:29:48.720> committable.
• will keep them out of um the justice will keep them out of um the justice system.<00:32:07.760><
• Um, and, you know, try to reduce justice system involvement that way as well. >> I think I answered a
• I think if you're talking about someone in the criminal justice system who's not complying with a court
• > not in the criminal justice system who's not in the criminal justice system who's not complying

Bills: HF2825

Keywords: expungement, criminal justice, background check, security industry, private detective, 1183, house

Bills: SB 614, SB 872, SB 1199, SB 1212, SB 1278, SB 1573, SB 1588, SB 1602, SB 1660, SB 1704, SB 1723, SB 1833, SB 1858, SB 1946, SB 2009, SB 2146, SB 2177, SB 2373, SB 2460, SB 2785

Keywords: forensic science, capital writs, criminal justice, case review, Texas Forensic Science Commission, prisoner death, investigation, county jail, law enforcement, autopsy, trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, coercion, duress, victim rights, child abuse, mandatory reporting, criminal penalties, neglect

Transcript Highlights:

• In almost every respect, our juvenile and adult justice systems are separate.
• Juvenile is civil, adult is criminal.
• Criminal justice reform is a focus on locking people up that we're scared of, not people we're mad at
• As we talked about during the layout, the way we interact with folks in our criminal justice system obviously
• You know this as you've worked on juvenile justice issues this session.

Bills: HB1821, HB1822, HB1943, HB3882, HB4263, HB4476, HB4628, HB4631, HB4885, HB4923, HB5461, HB5483, HB5525

Keywords: juvenile records, sealing, privacy, criminal justice, youth rehabilitation, legal procedures, juvenile court, record sealing, nondisclosure, age jurisdiction, criminal justice reform, juvenile board, compensation, Winkler County, juvenile justice, county funding, grants, career education, technical programs, workforce development