Transportation and Public Safety Subcommittee

Public Safety Subcommittee for Appropriations. And I'm going to ask the clerk to open the roll so we can take attendance. Okay. We do have a quorum present, so thank you very much, and we will proceed with the bills in order. And so I'll turn it over to Mr. Reynolds, and you can start with House Bill 173. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. House Bill 173 from Delegate Anthony establishes expanded visitation standards for state correctional facilities operated by DOC. It has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, and there is no fiscal impact. Mr. Chair. Yes. Yes. I move to report. There's a motion and a second to report. If the clerk could please open the roll. Members, please cast your vote. Okay. House Bill 173 reports on a vote of five to two. If the clerk could close the roll and. Mr. Reynolds. Yes. Next, Mr. Chairman, is House Bill 246 from Delegate Watts. This bill would provide an affirmative defense to prosecution for assault and battery for which the enhanced class expelling and six month mandatory minimum sentence apply if such a person proves by a preponderance of the evidence. Mr. Chair. Yes. I move…