Judiciary committee advances bill to classify some reckless endangerment as 'community terrorism' and refer it to finance subcommittee

Chair Doggett opened the committee and introduced the single agenda item: House Bill 184, identified in the transcript as sponsored "by Representative Hardaway." The member recognized to present—identified in the transcript as Representative Hardaway—told the committee the measure would reclassify reckless endangerment under certain circumstances and add safeguards intended "for protection of the community." He asked the committee for a positive vote.

Representative Hardaway described several elements the bill would add, saying, "This is what's commonly referred to as the community terrorism deal," and arguing the bill fills gaps in current practice—for example, he said, "you can do a drive by shooting and still keep your driver's license" under existing rules, and that GPS monitoring for repeat offenders would be required under the proposal. During consideration, the member moved to amend Section 3 to change the affected year from 2025 to 2026; the amendment was seconded and approved by voice vote (the chair stated, "Ayes have it").

After debate was closed, the committee voted to refer House Bill 184 as amended to the finance subcommittee. The clerk reported the tally as recorded in the transcript—eighteen in favor, zero opposed, and three present-not-voting—and the chair stated, "House bill 184 as amended is moving to finance subcommittee." The referral means the measure will next be considered by the finance panel for fiscal review and any additional action.

The committee did not take final action to adopt the bill today; the next procedural step is review in the finance subcommittee.