Video & Transcript Research : 'Department of Public Safety'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice, Public Safety, & Judiciary (1-20-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is comprised of six departments.
- It employs over 8,000 people and, of course, provides essential public safety services to the commonwealth
- Safety Cabinet is comprised<00:02:42.879><c> of</c><00:02:43.200><c> six</c><00:02:43.519><c> departments
- </c> Responsible requests to meet the public safety needs and demands of our agencies.
- Next we've got the Department of Public Advocacy. Damon, if you want to make your way up.
Keywords:
Opening and Roll Call 00:28
Public safety Cabinet 01:09
Juvenile justice MH Facility: 04:30
Department of Corrections Repair and Replacement: 10:29
Department of Criminal Justice Flat Track 19:05
KSP : 27:02
Department of Public Advocacy : 37:35, 958, all
Summary:
The subcommittee heard capital project requests from the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for fiscal years 2026-28. The cabinet described its large statewide footprint and said its facilities face significant deferred maintenance, with the governor’s budget proposing full funding for maintenance pool requests, including an additional $60 million for the Department of Corrections’ maintenance pool and cash funding through investment income. Officials said the projects were based on facility assessments and were presented as necessary public safety investments rather than wish-list items.
For the Department of Juvenile Justice, the main requests were $35 million for a high-acuity mental health treatment facility and $45 million each for two new female detention facilities. Officials said the mental health facility would fill a gap for youth needing psychiatric care, while the female facilities were needed to support a regional detention model and address overcrowding; they noted the current female population has grown by 50% since July 2024. Members asked about locations, and staff said they were considering western Kentucky abandoned mine land and available land in Fayette and Jefferson counties, with current female placements in Boyd County and Warren County.
For the Department of Corrections, officials requested funding for critical mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roof, and structural repairs, including $15.78 million for Kentucky State Penitentiary utilities infrastructure and additional funding for North Point Training Center projects. They also highlighted two re-entry initiatives: a KCTCS partnership for a re-entry campus at North Point and the East Kentucky Applied Manufacturing Institute at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, both aimed at reducing recidivism through intensive training and job preparation. Members asked about the KCTCS re-entry model, and DOC explained it would be a more immersive, campus-style program than current prison-based vocational classes.
The Department of Criminal Justice Training discussed projects at its Richmond campus and the planned Western Kentucky Training Center, including a replacement flat track and campus access road at Richmond and added training features in Madisonville. Officials said the Richmond changes were needed because EKU construction had removed the existing flat track and would affect access, while the Western Kentucky project would expand training capacity and reduce travel for law enforcement agencies. The Kentucky State Police then outlined the final phase of the statewide emergency radio system replacement, estimated at about $17.5 million, and said the system is being built in geographic phases; members asked how long completion would take, and staff estimated roughly four years after funding, assuming no major inflation spikes. No votes were taken, and the meeting remained informational with member questions and staff responses.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- the recipient of the reports from the Department of Justice to the Department of Public Safety.
- of Public Safety.
- I honestly did not know it was the Department of Public Safety that was doing it, that was going to
- We learned we were informed by Mexico's Chihuahua Department of Public Safety.
- We were informed by Mexico's Chihuahua Department of Public Safety initially.
Keywords:
SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nomination of Steven Bradbury, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary of Transportation. Feb 20th, 2025 at 08:30 am
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- To be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation. If confirmed, Mr.
- operation of vital safety programs.
- For radar, LIDAR, all of these safety features?
- through the Department of Transportation.
- on public safety.
Keywords:
transportation, air traffic control, safety regulations, Boeing 737 MAX, Department of Transportation, infrastructure funding, public safety, legislative oversight
Summary:
The committee meeting addressed several pressing issues concerning transportation, particularly focusing on the need for improved safety standards and efficient management at the Department of Transportation. Specific discussions revolved around air traffic control, with members highlighting the urgency for a significant upgrade in systems and personnel. Notably, concerns were raised regarding past practices, especially the handling of safety regulations during the Boeing 737 MAX incidents. The committee expressed a clear intent to ensure rigorous safety oversight moving forward, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public must remain the top priority in all legislative and funding decisions.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Aeronautics and Transportation Feb 9th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Aeronautics and Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to include on any form issued relating to real ID driver's license
- The new language is on page e Just directs the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety to allow them to
- of Veterans Affairs, and two, if you're wanting to go to the Department of Veterans Affairs to that
- of Public Service.
- This would allow the Department of Public Safety to place a speed-controlled device at the front of the
Keywords:
memorial designation, interchange, Terry Walker, transportation, Oklahoma, driver license, tracking system, expedited delivery, Service Oklahoma, REAL ID, public safety, apportionment, state revenue, funding, vehicle registration, infrastructure, state roads, bridges, economic development, highway construction
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 2/23/26
Transportation Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:13:33.440><c> of</c> prohibited by our current Department of prohibited by our current Department
- > director</c> office of uh traffic safety director office of uh traffic safety director Mike<00:46:07.760
- </c> car to keep the rest of the public safe. car to keep the rest of the public safe.
- ><c> in</c> program of traffic safety cameras in program of traffic safety cameras in Minneapolis<01:
- Paul police commander Jeremy Ellison, who oversees our city's Department of Traffic and Pedestrian Safety
Keywords:
intelligent speed assistance, transportation, speeding offenses, public safety, license restrictions, speed control, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, roadway improvements, nonmotorized transportation, crosswalks, sidewalks, bike lanes, complete streets, Vision Zero, Toward Zero Deaths, MnDOT, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, local road authority
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Transportation, Highways and Public Works May 26th, 2026
Transportation, Highways & Public Works
Transcript Highlights:
- After visiting with LSP, Department of Corrections, our Department of Public Safety, we decided that
- public work.
- All of our efforts collectively here have been to increase transparency when it comes to public bid law
- All of our efforts collectively here have been to increase transparency when it comes to public bid law
- And we have put this together as a resolution so that we can request the Department of Transportation
Keywords:
highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, Utility Terrain Vehicles, UTVs, safety regulations, transportation, Louisiana, task force, vehicle operation, legislation, accidents, HCR112, House Concurrent Resolution 112, Louisiana Highway 1
Summary:
The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 with a quorum present and took up several resolutions and one Senate bill. SCR 64 created a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) in Louisiana public works; an amendment added representatives from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors, and the resolution was reported with amendments. HR 282 created a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with state agencies; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and it was also reported with amendments.
The committee then considered SB 513 on public works project delivery methods. The bill originally included an average-bid award method for certain pilot projects, along with airport design-build provisions. Testimony from a Reason Foundation analyst and from the Louisiana Associated General Contractors raised concerns that average-bid contracting could encourage collusion, raise costs, and lacked supporting data or use by U.S. transportation departments, while airport design-build was supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to strike the average-bid provisions, leaving the airport-related design-build language in place, and SB 513 was reported with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays.
The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses, including a fatal incident referenced by the author. HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were disposed of and the committee adjourned.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Public safety will now come to order.
- Bluejay is a public safety initiative designed to improve the safety, interactions, and outcomes of traffic
- This is going to be a public safety initiative designed to improve the interactions and outcomes of traffic
- The legislation is designed to protect the integrity of critical public safety infrastructure and ensure
- So, I think there's a risk to the public and to public safety, as well as the risk of expending tax dollars
Bills:
HB1002, HB1250, HB2710, HB3008, HB3045, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB3695, HB3831, HB4107, HB4408
Keywords:
stalking, victim notification, law enforcement, harassment, penalties, criminal justice, protection orders, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund, grants, state funding, law enforcement technology, Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act, emergency communications, public safety radio, statewide radio systems, land mobile radio, interoperability, Project 25, P25
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- Public Safety will now come to order. A matter of business: we are holding House Bill 3045.
- Blue Jay is a public safety initiative designed to improve the safety interactions and outcomes of traffic
- This is going to be a public safety initiative designed to improve the interactions and outcomes of traffic
- So the intent of this, the grants would be for—this seems pretty broad—shall purchase public safety and
- So I think there's risk to the public and to public safety, as well as risk of expending tax dollars
Bills:
HB1002, HB1250, HB2710, HB3008, HB3045, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB3695, HB3831, HB4107, HB4408
Keywords:
stalking, victim notification, law enforcement, harassment, penalties, criminal justice, protection orders, local law enforcement, Public Safety Technology Revolving Fund, grants, state funding, law enforcement technology, Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act, emergency communications, public safety radio, statewide radio systems, land mobile radio, interoperability, Project 25, P25
Summary:
The Public Safety Committee met and first held House Bill 3045. It then heard and passed several bills, beginning with HB 1250, which creates a public safety technology revolving fund for Attorney General grants to support the Blue Jay pilot program, a voluntary traffic-stop safety app. Members questioned whether the fund would actually be financed this year and how municipalities would be selected; the author said no funding source was yet identified and the bill was only creating the fund. HB 1250 passed 8-0.
The committee also passed HB 2710, creating the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act and a 15-member board to develop a strategic plan for improving emergency radio communications among state, local, and tribal agencies. The author explained the bill was meant to address communication gaps and interoperability problems, with no fiscal impact. HB 3831, dealing with Oklahoma Task Force One, drew extensive discussion over its funding structure and blank appropriations language. The bill would place the urban search and rescue team in state law and seek a reliable funding source; members discussed the team’s statewide disaster response role, its Tulsa and Oklahoma City bases, and a carve-out excluding wildland firefighting. It passed 8-0.
Other measures approved included HB 4408, which sets a protocol for calculating and directing savings from State Questions 780 and 781 into the proper drug diversion account; HB 1002, requiring law enforcement to inform stalking victims about certified domestic violence program advocates; HB 3008, extending the sunset date for the Board of Tests for Alcohol and Drug Influence to 2031; HB 3086, requiring the Department of Corrections director to keep the Board of Corrections informed about budgets and inmate deaths; HB 3595, creating a DPS revolving fund for counties and municipalities to buy vehicle-barrier equipment to prevent crowd-vehicle attacks; HB 3678, expanding electronic-harassment protections for public officials to include municipal officials and school board members; HB 4107, establishing penalties for unauthorized activation or misuse of emergency warning sirens; and HB 3695, revising the definition of great bodily injury in a DUI-related context. HB 3595 passed 6-1 and HB 4107 passed 6-2; the other bills passed unanimously or near-unanimously after brief questioning and debate.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 46 Apr 23rd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , introduction of doctor and nurse of the day, correction of previous day's journals.
- outdoors of Appalachia.
- in the book of Genesis.
- And of course, none of this happens without strong and consistent leadership.
- a result of character.'
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 45 Apr 22nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- of doctor and nurse of the day, or correction of previous day's journal.
- Veterans and Public Safety caucus.
- Now the Veterans and Public Safety Caucus is what it's called now.
- And we opened our arms and welcomed in our fellow public safety.
- of my legislative career but one of the highlights of my life.
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 45 Apr 22nd, 2026
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and Public Safety Caucus, and I appreciate it so much.
- Now the Veterans and Public Safety Caucus is what it's called now. And we opened our arms and...
- Now the Veterans in Public Safety Caucus is what it's called now.
- And we opened our arms and Now the Veterans and Public Safety Caucus is what it's called now, and we
- opened our arms and welcomed in our fellow public safety.
Keywords:
4-H, youth development, community service, education, volunteering, Oklahoma, statutory revision, consolidation, law amendment, emergency legislation, legal clarity, SB171, state government, Capitol security, peace officer commission, legislative security, Department of Public Safety, Commissioner of Public Safety, President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House
Summary:
The House convened, the clerk called the roll, and members proceeded through prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and routine floor business. The chamber recognized a number of guests and groups, including family members of members, Horizon Bankers from the Oklahoma Community Bankers Association, the Edmond Democratic Women’s Group, the Red Oak basketball team, the Union wrestling teams, the Doctor of the Day, and a Peruvian consul general and guest commemorating U.S.-Peru diplomatic relations. The House also announced Earth Day-related activities and 4-H Day at the Capitol.
A major focus of the day was 4-H. House Resolution 1052 was presented and adopted without objection, proclaiming April 22, 2026, as the 27th annual Oklahoma 4-H Day at the Capitol. Two 4-H members, Cian Tarafet and Kate Sherrill, addressed the chamber about the program’s impact on leadership, citizenship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. Members and program leaders also recognized the contributions of extension agents, land-grant universities, and 4-H participants across the state.
The House also held several special presentations honoring student achievements and public service. Kane Lee of Sand Springs was cited for calling 911 and helping calm students during a school bus medical emergency. The Red Oak basketball team and the Ponca City High Steppers were recognized for state and national championships, and the Union girls wrestling program was honored for multiple state titles. Representative Ken LaTrell delivered a farewell address reflecting on his legislative service, veterans’ issues, tribal policy, energy work, and family, with members offering remarks in response.
No substantive legislation beyond the 4-H resolution was debated in the transcript, and the only formal action recorded was unanimous adoption of H.R. 1052. The House then adjourned until Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> of attacks targeting public employees. of attacks targeting public employees.
- of Hawaii, Department of University of Hawaii, Department of Education,<00:47:13.240><c> teacher</c><
- </c> the safety of education workers. the safety of education workers.
- </c><02:26:42.360><c> of</c> four which is the Department of four which is the Department of Education
- The Department behalf of the Department.
Keywords:
teacher pay, teacher salaries, salary step increase, annual increment, longevity step, public school teachers, public charter school teachers, collective bargaining, Hawaii Department of Education, teacher retention, teacher recruitment, cost of living, educator compensation, public employee bargaining, appropriation, salary schedule, school staffing, teacher shortage, HB1888, Hawaii
Summary:
The committees heard three measures, beginning with HB 1890 HD3, which would provide automatic step increases and a COVID-era retention bonus for teachers. Supporters included HSTA, the Democratic Party’s Education Caucus, and a student who said higher pay and predictable salary growth would help retain teachers in Hawaii. The Department of Education supported the intent but asked that the bill be expanded to cover all department employees. The Attorney General’s office said the draft needed clarification to avoid conflict with Chapter 89 and to make clear any funding was subject to legislative appropriation. The Office of the Public Defender and B&F testified in opposition, and committee members questioned whether the step increases were already in the current contract and whether the bill was needed. HSTA said the current contract includes automatic step increases subject to funding, but argued the bill was still needed because funding is not guaranteed and the measure would codify the policy. HSTA also said the COVID bonus would apply only to active teachers who worked during the pandemic and estimated the total cost at roughly $150 million to $200 million over four years. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then took up HB 1888 HD3, which would require DOE and charter schools to report harassment incidents and strengthen penalties for harassment of educational workers from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor. DOE supported the bill and suggested narrowing language about assisting workers with temporary restraining orders, saying that function would be better handled through the Attorney General’s pilot program. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing the harassment language was overly broad, vague, and potentially unconstitutional, and that existing assault and terroristic threatening statutes already protect educational workers. HSTA, the State Commission on the Status of Women, and several individual testifiers supported the measure, describing increased intimidation and harassment of teachers and other school staff, especially since COVID. The Special Education Advisory Council opposed the bill’s language on “disrupting and interfering” with school functions, saying it could chill parents of students with IEPs from advocating for their children. Testimony was split, with the chair noting 20 in support and 16 in opposition in the portion shown.
A final witness, Michelle Pestana, testified in opposition based on her family’s experience with special education services, describing alleged seclusion and restraint of her daughter and expressing concern that DOE testimony in prior hearings had targeted special education parents. Her remarks were cut off as time expired. The transcript ends before any committee action or vote on HB 1888 was taken.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 31st, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Jonathan Vining, Executive Counsel for the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
- Gary Westcott, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
- Gary Westcott, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Francis Abbott, the
- Department of Public Safety and Corrections, and Francis Abbott, the Executive Director of the Louisiana
- Westcott, Department of Public Safety and Corrections.
Bills:
HB54, HB55, HB125, HB133, HB158, HB161, HB168, HB169, HB191, HB245, HB280, HB296, HB399, HB821, HB995
Keywords:
parole, rehabilitation, mental health, substance abuse, criminal justice reform, alternative sentencing, juror confidentiality, public records, criminal procedure, privacy, court disclosure, sex offender, sex offense, child predator, registry, registration, notification, supervised release, probation and parole, juvenile offender
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025 at 10:30 am
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Keywords:
firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, driver's license, vision correction, medical verification, Texas Department of Public Safety, renewal fees, weapons, community supervision, law enforcement, retired officers, prohibition, criminal liability, missing children, national reporting, investigation
NM
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Mar 4th, 2026
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- You made us to allow us to come into this place, the house of the people, to carry out the business of
- </c> place, the house of the people. place, the house of the people.
- c><00:07:20.800><c> out</c><00:07:20.960><c> the</c><00:07:21.120><c> business</c><00:07:21.440><c> of
- </c><00:07:21.599><c> the</c> Lord to carry out the business of the Lord to carry out the business of
- I saw the eyes of everybody in here that, hey, I had to mess with you. Thank you.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee Feb 4th, 2026
Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, members of the bill. Mr.
- :03:25.200><c> for</c><00:03:25.440><c> multi-</c> of those include guidelines for multi- of those include
- </c> utility strikes, outages and safety utility strikes, outages and safety hazards.<00:03:35.840><c
- </c> the u groups together and they kind of the u groups together and they kind of plan<00:03:51.360>
- of a public road, or drainage stitches of a public road, street<00:05:27.600><c> or</c><00:05:27.759
Keywords:
underground facilities, excavation safety, One-Call Notification System, utility protection, public safety, underground damage prevention, notification system, construction safety, pipeline protection, utility management, Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, director compensation, municipality, electricity supply, board of directors, postpartum depression, postnatal care, maternal mental health, perinatal depression, postpartum screening
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Mar 12th, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, we obviously work through a unified command process with the Department of Public Safety kind
- of Public Safety in the Administrative Code.
- But I would, the, again, the current administrative code, uh, Department of Public Safety.
- Missing from this list of certain public safety professionals is the term juvenile probation officer,
- Probation officer in the list of certain individuals working in public safety under section 38 .14 penal
Keywords:
firearm acquisition, gun smuggling, criminal offenses, ammunition, terrorism, public safety, Texas criminal procedure, federal law enforcement, state arrest authority, search and seizure, felony offenses, federal air marshal, Transportation Security Administration, Department of Defense police, military police, Homeland Security, Public Safety, veterans affairs, federal officers, joint law enforcement authority
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Department of Justice's report on Uvalde, one of the horrible tragedies at Robb Elementary, which explicitly
- The pedestrian level of the bridge has safety railings, but they're low and easily scalable, and they
- to building PFAS treatment for the known areas of contamination for those public community drinking
- Our Department of Health only has risk values for just a couple handful of chemicals that would require
- I'm the capital resource administrator at the Department of Corrections.
Bills:
HF3220
Keywords:
school safety, school security, emergency access, law enforcement access, master key box, secure key box, entry device, school grants, education finance, Department of Education, charter schools, school districts, cooperative units, appropriation cancellation, one-time appropriation, school safety plan, emergency preparedness, public safety, school building security
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm sure you all remember all of it. I'll just hit some of the highlights.
- I'm sure you all remember all of it. I'll just hit some of the highlights.
- It will be made up of members of the public, licensed sales agents, interest groups with differing views
- This posting must include as add amendment purposes of the meeting, minutes of the meeting, names of
- If there are no questions, we'll open public testimony on Senate of Bill 3070.
Keywords:
HB 668, Texas, handgun license, license to carry, LTC, concealed carry, open carry, firearm permit, gun license renewal, public safety, Department of Public Safety, DPS, Government Code Section 411.185, renewal fee, handgun permit, Second Amendment, carry permit, firearms regulation, HB 677, Texas Election Code
Summary:
The committee met to hear several bills, beginning with House Bill 766, which would require precinct chair applicants to provide an email address, phone number, or both on their applications while keeping that contact information confidential. No one testified for or against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 677, a companion to a previously approved Senate bill, would bar county election administrators from simultaneously holding another office or position appointed by an elected official; it also drew no public testimony and was left pending.
Members then heard House Bill 3133, which would add explicit deepfake material to the list of content social media platforms must handle through complaint systems, including prompt acknowledgment, investigation, and status updates. Senators discussed concerns about how platforms would verify whether reported content was actually a deepfake, and the sponsor indicated the bill may be held pending while federal law on the subject is reviewed. House Bill 668 would create a one-year grace period for renewing an expired Texas handgun license to carry, codifying an existing DPS practice; it also received no testimony and was left pending.
The committee spent the most time on Senate Bill 3070, a major overhaul of the Texas Lottery system. The bill would move oversight from the Lottery Commission to TDLR, dissolve the commission, impose new restrictions on ticket sales and internet play, create a lottery advisory committee, increase transparency and audit requirements, and include a sunset review that could lead to abolishing the lottery if not continued by 2027. The author described the bill as a response to alleged misconduct and illegal practices by the commission, while a witness from the Christian Life Commission testified in favor, supporting changes to prize anonymity and other lottery restrictions. After testimony, the bill was left pending, and the committee recessed subject to the call of the chair.