Transcript Highlights:

• As a general officer, I've had the privilege of serving three presidents from both political parties
• Exercising our legislative and oversight responsibilities makes it important that this committee, its
• I'm going to ask the President to read my white paper on the FORGED Act and that proposed legislation
• Don't you agree that it's a masterful piece of legislation? I do, sir.
• Senator Cotton and I have legislation to do exactly that and I would request that you review that legislation

Keywords: national security, military readiness, Kane nomination, defense budget, China threats, Russia, collaboration, modernization

Summary: The meeting centered on the nomination of retired Lieutenant General Dan Kane for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delving into various security concerns and the strategic environment facing the U.S. today. Testimonies highlighted the growing threats from adversaries such as China and Russia, with discussions around the necessity of maintaining and modernizing military capabilities to address these challenges. The need for agility in military operations and enhancing collaboration among various defense agencies was underscored. Further, concerns were raised regarding the defense budget and the importance of a strong national defense strategy were prevalent throughout the discussions. The committee members collectively emphasized the need for superior readiness and modernization to keep pace with global threats.

Transcript Highlights:

• and the various working groups that are discussing these important issues in the legislative space.
• and the various working groups that are discussing these important issues in the legislative space.
• We did have a discussion about this concept last fall on the Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity,
• last um last fall on the legislative last um last fall on the legislative Commission<00:26:44.159
• cancellation of your driving privileges cancellation of your driving privileges I<00:32:20.360><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I do want to take a moment of personal privilege to introduce my district judge, The Honorable Patrick
• 30.240> um<00:01:30.880> introduce<00:01:31.920> my<00:01:32.920> uh privilege
• to to um introduce my uh privilege to to um introduce my uh District<00:01:33.759> Judge<00:01
• We understand the cost of jails and prisons, but there comes a point when we have to pass legislation
• <00:04:43.600> does misdemeanor what this legislation does misdemeanor what this legislation

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met for its first meeting, established a quorum, welcomed new members and guests, and announced that committee rules would be sent out later. The committee then took up House Bill 38, sponsored by Representative Tipton, which would increase the penalty for repeated violations of an order of protection. Under the committee substitute, a third violation of the same protective order could be charged as a Class D felony instead of a Class A misdemeanor. The substitute was adopted by voice vote. Representative Tipton said the bill was prompted by a constituent’s experience with repeated abuse and violations of protective orders, and he argued the change was needed to better protect the public. Maryanne Pratt testified in support of the bill, describing a long history of domestic violence, repeated violations of protective orders, stalking through calls and social media, and her fear for her safety. Several members expressed support and praised her courage. Questions focused on whether the bill would cover social media contact and on the committee substitute’s language requiring the same victim and same order. Representative Burke raised concern that the same-victim language could allow an abuser to victimize multiple partners without triggering the felony provision. Tipton said the original bill was broader, that the change was added because of concerns about reverse protective orders, and that the issue might be revisited in the Senate. Scott West, speaking for the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said the bill addressed some concerns but warned that the third-offense trigger could be based on technical contempt findings rather than violent conduct, and he noted that stalking already can be charged as a felony in some cases. The discussion continued on those concerns, but no final action on the bill beyond adoption of the committee substitute was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• wisdom, we come before you today in humility, seeking your divine guidance and blessing. upon this legislative
• May they walk in integrity, govern with wisdom, and legislate with justice and righteousness.
• I also had the privilege of representing northwestern Hidalgo County from 1995 to 2010.
• Representative Dutton began his first legislative session.
• Are currently being released oftentimes, but would not be able to be under this legislation.

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:

• Members, guests will be granted privileges of the floor.
• Points of personal privilege, members, points of personal privilege at the beginning of the day are for
• It's a personal privilege proclamation.
• Representative Lydia Hernandez, Legislative District 24.
• And in the legislative process, you have to take what you can get.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House met with prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and a proclamation honoring Adrian Ace Stubbs Day. Members also recognized Doctor of the Day Dr. Victoria Tannenbaum and welcomed visitors for Lutheran Day at the Legislature, along with Judge Kaluli from Veterans Treatment Court. Attendance was recorded at 56 present, one absent, and three excused. The chamber then moved through communications, committee reports, and first readings before taking up a long third-reading calendar. The floor debate centered on a wide range of bills, especially water, education, elections, public utilities, labor, and criminal justice measures. Members discussed tax administration, groundwater and water-rights issues, superintendent contract transparency, mining reclamation, school employee disclosure, AI and digital privacy, sexual extortion, probation, veterans and military employment protections, adult protective services, salvage vehicles, real estate licensing, and several education-related appropriations for ESA administration. There were also resolutions and memorials on voting centers and precincts, student athletics, Route 66, and recognizing Judea and Samaria. Several members explained votes, with supporters emphasizing transparency, consumer protection, public safety, and administrative cleanup, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, cost, overreach, lack of accountability, and impacts on schools, elections, and local control. Most measures passed, often along party-line or near party-line votes, and several emergency measures were adopted with the required two-thirds vote. Notable votes included HB 2016, HB 2026, HB 2028, HB 2049, HB 2075, HB 2090, HB 2092, HB 2094, HB 2098, HB 2111, HB 2113, HB 2114, HB 2133, HB 2135, HB 2179, HB 2192, HB 2228, HB 2256, HB 2260, HB 2262, HB 2265, HB 2278, HB 2328, HB 2351, HB 2381, HB 2409, HB 2410, HB 2411, HB 2425, HB 2451, HB 2476, HB 2499, HB 2500, HB 2584, HB 2662, HB 2663, HB 2666, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2804, HB 2812, HB 2827, HB 2877, HB 2908, HB 2932, HB 2933, HB 2943, HB 2953, HB 2966, and HB 2985, along with HCM 2007 and HCRs 2003, 2016, and 2047 and HR 2002 and 2003. The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to begin consideration of HB 2174 and related amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I in privilege in this setting.
• I just want to make sure that I don't violate the attorney-client privilege.
• <00:50:14.559> piece to the attorney client privilege piece to the attorney client privilege
• And so, we are the legislators are looking at this coming session if there's legislation that we might
• So, we'll be can look at um legislation.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: A joint informational briefing of the House and Senate higher education committees focused on how the University of Hawaiʻi athletics department plans to remain competitive in the new NIL era, including the effects of the House v. NCAA settlement, direct institutional payments, and the need to balance competitiveness with the university’s educational mission. Senators and committee members introduced themselves, and the briefing featured remarks from women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman, football coach Timmy Chang, and Athletic Director Matt Elliott. Coach Beeman said NIL has already affected recruiting and retention in women’s basketball, estimating the program has lost six to 10 student-athletes because it lacks the funding to keep comparable talent. She emphasized that the issue is not greed but retention, culture, and keeping student-athletes who value the university and community, while also using NIL as a way to teach financial literacy, privacy, and adult responsibilities. Coach Chang described similar pressures in football, including transfer portal volatility and competing offers from other programs, and gave examples of players whose personal and family circumstances made NIL support important for staying at Hawaiʻi. Athletic Director Elliott said the department’s vision is to create an outstanding student-athlete experience, recruit and retain elite athletes, compete at the top of the Mountain West, and strengthen community ties. He said the department wants to preserve the educational focus while adapting to a system in which student-athletes can share in revenue. Elliott explained that UH is seeking a $5 million annual NIL fund, is fundraising through the community and the “Boost the Bose” account, and is also pursuing individual NIL deals, corporate sponsorship-related deals, and licensing opportunities. In response to Senator Kim’s question, he said NIL compensation can come through two tracks: institutional payments within the department’s discretion and outside deals that must be reviewed for market value under the new reporting system. No votes or formal actions were taken; the meeting was informational only.

Transcript Highlights:

• . legislate. legislate.
• It's not enabling legislation.
• legislate on CACR30. legislate on CACR30.
• to legislate to legislate hearing hearing hearing >> you<01:35:33.440> can<01:35:33.520
• And the legislate with an 18 to0 vote.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is not legislation before us.
• I have some specific questions about implementation of new legislation.
• I get the honor and privilege to serve as a student body president at UT Austin.
• It's a privilege and an honor of a lifetime to be able to do that.
• It's a privilege and an honor of a lifetime to be able to do that.

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're joining us in hopes of gaining a greater insight into the legislative process by interacting
• Miss Yvonne, we will allow you to take constitutional privilege on how many times you had to paddle.
• Senator Thompson, you are recognized for constitutional privilege. Thank you, Mr. President.
• Senate Bill 1847 is legislation of compassion.
• Point of personal privileges.

Bills: SB1238, SB1277, SB1304, SB1378, SB1423, SB1484, SB1501, SR32, SB1502, SB1721, SB1735, SB1832, SB1847, SB1859, SB1876, SB2170, SB2182

Keywords: domestic abuse, domestic violence, assault and battery, strangulation, intimate partner violence, family or household member, repeat offender, felony enhancement, Class B5 felony, stalking, batterers intervention program, court-ordered treatment, protective order, presence of a child, pregnant victim, great bodily injury, animal cruelty, cockfighting, dogfighting, sex offender registration

Transcript Highlights:

• We put in the 2024 Economic Development Bill this same legislation.
• So that legislation sunsetted.
• And it all has to happen within 90 days of an election for this legislation to apply.
• And it all has to happen within 90 days of an election for this legislation to apply.
• inform members that Privilege.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow consideration of a petition to designate the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. It then took up two election-related bills reported out of Ways and Means: House 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media and political advertising. Supporters described both measures as targeted responses to AI-generated deepfakes and deceptive election content, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and protecting voter trust rather than banning speech outright. House 5094 was debated first. An amendment was adopted to exempt certain broadcasters, cable/satellite operators, program producers, and streaming services when paid to broadcast deceptive election-related material. The bill then passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 156-0. House 5093 was then debated, with supporters saying it would prohibit deceptive AI use within 90 days of an election and address materially deceptive audio, visual, and election-related communications. Two amendments were offered and defeated: one to move the state primary earlier, and another to narrow the bill’s scope by striking part of the definition of materially deceptive media. The bill passed to be engrossed on a roll call of 153-3. Earlier in the session, the House also passed to be enacted several local bills, including measures affecting Rockland’s charter, Williamstown’s senior property tax exemption eligibility, and Rochester’s fire chief employment. Later, the House rejected concurrence with Senate amendments on a bill related to teacher preparation and student literacy and instead appointed a committee of conference. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning to meet the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• All those not entitled to the privilege of the floor under the rules of the House, please.
• The legislators assemble in this hallowed room to be guardians of a sacred opportunity for the greater
• God help each legislator and staff here in these hallowed chambers.
• Harrison has filed H.R. 823, which presents a question of privilege of...
• A question of privilege of the House. The Chair lays out H.R. 823.

Bills: HJR99, HB1399, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HCR35, SB14, HB 12, HB1522, HB422, HB675, HB204, HB748, HB912, HJR99, HB1399, HB1400, HB 1094, HB365, HB 1109, HB647, HCR35, HCR123, HCR124, HR57, HR87, HR111, HR228, HR230, HR322, HR624, HR625, HR626, HR627, HR628, HR630, HR631, HR634, HR635, HR636, HR637, HR638, HR639, HR640, HR645, HR646, HR648, HR649, HR651, HR652, HR653, HR654, HR664, HR665, HR668, HR675, HR676, HR678, HR679, HR680, HR683, HR686, HR688, HR689, HR694, HR695, HR697, HR698, HR699, HR472, HR622, HR632, HR633, HR643, HR655, HR657, HR660, HR661, HR662, HR663, HR667, HR670, HR674, HR681, HR682, HR696

Keywords: animal feed, tax exemption, ad valorem taxation, retail, constitutional amendment, retail sale, tangible personal property, Texas tax code, groundwater, water conservation, financial assistance, Texas Water Development Board, innovation fund, local conservation districts, transportation protection agreement, funeral services, insurance exemption, regulation, deceased transportation, HB 365

Transcript Highlights:

• It's my privilege to call this hearing to order. We'll have people kind of drift in and out.
• It's my privilege to call the hearing to order.
• And now this last year, I've had the privilege to become the head of RCIS.
• The Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act, better known as the ACRE Act, is tax legislation that
• I support this legislation and thank you for taking the lead on that.

Keywords: farm bill, rural economy, crop insurance, access to credit, young farmers, USDA funding freeze, agricultural policy, risk management

Summary: The meeting of the agricultural committee focused on significant concerns regarding the current state of America's rural economy, highlighting the need for a strong five-year farm bill to address the challenges faced by farmers, particularly young and beginning farmers. Key testimony was given by multiple stakeholders including agricultural leaders and young farmers, emphasizing issues related to crop insurance, access to credit, and the adverse impact of recent USDA funding freezes. Various members discussed the necessity of risk management tools that farmers rely on to secure financing, which is crucial for sustaining agricultural operations and supporting rural communities. The importance of timely legislative action was underscored, as many farmers reported struggles in the current economic climate, raising urgency for reforms within the Farm Bill framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• , participating in legislative, participating in legislative, regulatory,<00:16:16.480> and
• > is<02:25:26.720> before on the legislation that is before on the legislation that is
• When Congress passes legislation and that legislation is signed into law, then whoever is president is
• And it is such a privilege to be able to meet with you and other legislators to pray for our nation.
• /c><09:16:56.960> our and other legislators to pray for our and other legislators to pray for

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a privilege.
• It is a privilege.
• It is a privilege. And if you do right. It is a privilege.
• work on this important legislation. work on this important legislation.
• reject this harmful legislation. reject this harmful legislation.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Legislative Council support staff are available on the floor if you need assistance. 106 Members, we
• Speaker and members, several I had the privilege of serving with the Honorable Mayor.
• He was my personal hero when I started, not even as a legislator.
• Members, today I have the privilege of welcoming the Texas Ambulance Association to the Capitol as they
• gather for their legislative day.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to the 2026 legislative session.
• immerse yourselves in the legislative immerse yourselves in the legislative process<00:03:52.160
• There were seven freshman legislators There were seven freshman legislators assigned<00:42:34.640
• We heard from Legislative Council, the Legislative Finance managing manager from JFO.
• > Legislative of Legislative Council, the Legislative of Legislative Council, the Legislative

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The House opened with a devotional reading by poet April Osmon, who read two poems focused on bridging political divides and shared humanity. Members then recognized the final day of service for the legislative pages, thanking them for their work during the 2026 session and presenting each page with a pin and a photo opportunity. The chamber then handled bill referrals: Senate Bill 193, creating a forensic facility for certain criminal justice-involved persons, was referred to Judiciary; Senate Bill 198, regulating tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, went to Commerce and Economic Development; Senate Bill 214, concerning pre-kindergarten education in geographically isolated school districts, went to Education; and Senate Bill 218, reducing chloride contamination in state waters and carrying an appropriation, was referred to Appropriations. The House also read and adopted two concurrent resolutions: HCR 237 congratulating Vermont-associated 2026 Winter Olympic medal winners, and HCR 238 honoring the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired on its 100th anniversary. Much of the remainder of the session consisted of tributes and guest recognitions tied to those resolutions. Members highlighted Vermont’s Olympic skiers and coaches, including Ben Ogden, Paula Moltzan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, Jessie Diggins, Mikaela Shiffrin, Barbara Ann Cochran, Bill Koch, and others, and read a note from Diggins thanking Vermont for its support and emphasizing teamwork and community. Speakers also praised VABVI’s century of service and its role in helping blind and visually impaired Vermonters, and several members offered personal remarks honoring retiring Representative Francis “Topper” McFaun for his long service, mentorship, and family legacy.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:18:11.280> to<00:18:11.440> the floor privileges be granted to the floor privileges
• legislative day be dispensed with. legislative day be dispensed with.
• <00:20:52.960> in that arose um regarding legislation in that arose um regarding legislation
• legislation is doing. legislation is doing.
• I said legislator any >> okay. Yeah. I said legislator any elected<01:30:36.800> official.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I feel privileged to be sitting before him and everybody else this morning.
• Please support this important piece of legislation.
• Please support this important piece of legislation.
• The value of this privilege is not declining.
• But I this privilege is not declining.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then I also have our legislative aide, Nia Tati, and they've been so great in bringing great energy
• He truly feels privileged to work alongside students, parents, guardians, and community members in Kapaʻa
• <00:12:47.600> He<00:12:47.839> truly<00:12:48.240> feels<00:12:48.560> privileged
• He truly feels privileged to work 2019.
• He truly feels privileged to work alongside<00:12:50.800> students,<00:12:51.440> parents,<

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This legislation is essential to the continued success of the child care centers across our state.
• This legislation is essential to the continued success of the child care centers across our state.
• before that I often had to legislation before that I often had to cover<00:09:07.600> early<00
• <00:14:10.480> of Development I have had the privilege of Development I have had the privilege
• to be on the also had the privilege to be on the inside<00:14:25.880> of<00:14:26.000> the

Bills: HF1247, HF628

Keywords: child care, aides, supervision, child care centers, staffing regulations, childcare, day care, licensed child care center, early childhood education, child care licensing, director qualifications, staff ratios, group size, staff-to-child ratio, substitutes, volunteers, assistant teacher, teacher qualifications, infant care, toddler age