Transcript Highlights:

• In Justice, the Senate accepts House offer on the two proviso provisions, and HB 5403E related to prisons
• And HB 5403E related to prisons.

Summary: The Budget Conference Committee met to exchange final offers between the House and Senate on the state budget. The discussion covered multiple budget areas, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health Care, Justice, Pre-K through 12 Education, Higher Education, State Administration and General Government, Transportation and Economic Development, Administered Funds, and PICO, along with related implementing bills, proviso language, supplemental funding lists, and the tax package (HB 7031E). Each chamber indicated acceptance of many of the other side’s bump offers and related items, including several bills tied to petroleum, retirement, prisons, collective bargaining, and higher education. No public testimony was taken; the chairs noted the offers had already been noticed to the public and declined to call individuals to explain them. After the exchange of offers, Senator Hooper moved to allow staff to make technical and conforming adjustments to the budget, conforming language, and tax package, and the motion was adopted without objection. The committee then closed with brief remarks from the chairs and adjourned, concluding the 2026 budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• In justice, the Senate accepts House offer on the two proviso provisions, and HB 5403E related to prisons
• And HB 5403E related to prisons, higher education.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In justice, the Senate accepts House offer on the two proviso provisions, and HB 5403E related to prisons
• In justice, the Senate accepts House offer on the two proviso provisions, and HB 5403E related to prisons

Summary: The Budget Conference Committee met to exchange final offers across the major budget areas, including agriculture and natural resources, healthcare, justice, K-12 education, higher education, state administration and general government, transportation and economic development, administered funds, and PICO. Both chambers largely accepted each other’s bump offers, proviso language, back-of-the-bill items, implementing bills, and several related bills, including measures tied to fuel taxes, petroleum, prisons, retirement, collective bargaining, taxation, and higher education. Each side also reviewed and accepted the other chamber’s supplemental funding list, while the House offered its supplemental funding list for consideration. No public testimony was taken; the chair noted the offers had been publicly noticed and would not be explained individually. After the exchange of offers, Senator Hooper moved to allow staff to make technical and conforming adjustments to the budget and tax package, and the motion was adopted without objection. The committee then closed with brief closing remarks and adjourned, concluding the 2026 budget conference.

Transcript Highlights:

• that all taxpayers make in these programs, and that they rely on.
• that all taxpayers make in these programs, and that they rely on.
• that all taxpayers make in these programs, and that they rely on.
• that all taxpayers make in these programs, and that they rely on.
• House File 3825 is a DPS Office of Justice Programs policy bill.

Bills: HF3489, HF3990, HF3825, HF3826, HF3827, HF3822

Keywords: grooming, child protection, student safety, sexual exploitation, educator licensing, teacher discipline, mandatory reporting, mandated reporter training, school misconduct, predatory offender, child abuse, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, child sexual abuse material, child pornography, position of authority, school employee, school administrator, license revocation, license suspension

Transcript Highlights:

• We recognize the Art in Public Places program was established in 1977 and hires artists in visual art
• In Sacramento, we have halted an upcoming mural program that would bring artists and communities together
• Most of the most prolific muralists, they hate state prison.
• talked about one of her pieces of artwork that was paid for by us, the state, through a Caltrans program

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That comes down to kinship benefits that may come down to a PCA program which you'll hear about in a
• Um, so Texas COASA is a statewide membership organization for the 74 local COASA programs across Texas
• So are we talking if Under a 504 program in school or they're behind in school or like to what degree
• In 85.025C have provisions for for tolling a protective order until the person gets out of prison.
• A current law already allows for a parent's attendance at a substance abuse program to be considered

Bills: HCR 10

Keywords: balanced budget amendment, federal budget, deficit reduction, deficit spending, fiscal restraint, constitutional amendment, U.S. Constitution, Congress, PAYGO, Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, national debt, budget deficit, taxpayer dollars, balanced budget resolution, memorial resolution, Texas Legislature, federal spending, budget reform, fiscal conservatism

Transcript Highlights:

• The program is a clinical program.
• The program is a clinical program.
• The program is a clinical program.
• The program is a clinical program.
• The program is a clinical program.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• , the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
• Imagine what this is like for our program participants who have At least six months.
• Thank you. program.
• We should not have higher standards for prisons than our shelters.
• I worked in the prison system during COVID, and we took better care of our prisoners than these most

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion. AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes. The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:26:17.039> And championship in program history. And championship in program history.
• <00:40:34.960> in shall administer the damn program in shall administer the damn program in
• for this program. for this program.
• >> but you're right the athletic programs >> but you're right the athletic programs
• So the athletic programs that.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> have<00:04:14.080> witnessed Through this program, I have witnessed Through this program
• and trusted transitions program and trusted transitions program professionals<00:09:14.080> to
• ACT program is more of a day uh is a ACT program is more of a day uh is a program<00:19:11.440> where
• state like people in the MSOP program. state like people in the MSOP program.
• are less likely to go back to prison are less likely to go back to prison than<00:21:42.080>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:02:21.440> and agency is in charge of this program and agency is in charge of this program
• <00:14:56.240> data significant issues with program data significant issues with program data
• projects how this program has impacted projects how this program has impacted projects subject<00
• about 20 22 years ago when the program about 20 22 years ago when the program first<00:50:50.680
• <00:52:33.559> the the auditor showed how the program the the auditor showed how the program

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Capital Investment Committee met on January 23 and approved the minutes from the previous meeting. The main presentation was from the Office of the Legislative Auditor on its evaluation of Minnesota’s Sustainable Building guidelines, also referred to as B3. The auditors said the guidelines apply to certain new buildings and major renovations funded with general obligation bonds and are intended to improve energy efficiency, occupant health, and environmental quality. They described the program as involving the Departments of Administration and Commerce, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research, and project teams, but found widespread confusion over who is responsible for administering and enforcing the program. The auditors reported that oversight and accountability are limited, compliance is not clearly tracked, and there is no agency assigned to ensure projects follow the guidelines or to require compliance data. They said many projects in a review of 2020 bonding projects had not begun tracking compliance, and that up-to-date data were often missing. They also found the law’s stated program objectives are outdated because the referenced energy-code provision was repealed in 2009, and that measurable goals have not been established for most of the guideline categories. The office recommended that the legislature designate a responsible agency, clarify duties in statute, require compliance monitoring and data collection, update the program’s stated goals, and direct systematic evaluation of cost and sustainability outcomes. Members asked about consequences for noncompliance, funding, and whether cost impacts should be studied first. The auditor said the requirements are legal obligations, but no real enforcement consequences have been used so far, and any consequences discussed have been mostly theoretical. She said the Departments of Administration and Commerce were receiving about $1 million combined to support the contract with the Center for Sustainable Building Research, while other state agencies were not receiving dedicated funding for oversight. In response to questions about costs, she said the overall effect of the guidelines on project costs and sustainability is still unknown, but that the legislature could direct an analysis of cost impacts before taking further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• <03:05:19.240> connection program grant program and in connection program grant program and
• transportation program. transportation program.
• the program you looked at. the program you looked at.
• in this program. in this program.
• . program. program.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received several committee reports. The Finance Committee reported Senate Bills 155, 49, and 116 with amendments and favorable referral to Appropriations, and House Bill 1188 favorably to Appropriations. The Business, Labor, and Technology Committee reported House Bill 1110 with amendments and a favorable recommendation to the Committee of the Whole, placed on the Consent Calendar, and also recommended confirmation of several appointments, including members of the State Plumbing Board, State Electrical Board, and Workers’ Compensation Cost Containment Board. The chamber then proceeded out of order for personal privileges and a resolution honoring Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., including recognition of visiting members and students participating in its Capitol Day. The Senate next took up House Joint Resolution 1027 concerning remembrance of the Holocaust. The resolution emphasized the history of the Holocaust, rising anti-Semitic incidents, the importance of Holocaust and genocide education, and the need to confront hate and otherization. Senators Weissman and Ball spoke in support, stressing the dangers of hateful rhetoric, the need for vigilance and compassion, and the importance of learning from history. HJR 1027 passed unanimously by roll call, 35-0, and the roll call was listed as co-sponsors. Announcements followed recognizing the Sikh community’s Vaisakhi observance and a langar lunch at the Capitol, along with a proclamation for Sikh Awareness Appreciation Month. There were also notices about a Republican caucus, a Legal Services Committee meeting on Senate Bill 2683 and a litigation update, and a brief personal privilege remark about tax day and agriculture. The Senate then recessed until 10:30 a.m., later raised the call, and moved into special orders for second reading of a large group of House bills on the Consent Calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one of the first universities, WPI, that had an undergraduate program in robotics.
• I run the technology and justice programs at the ACLU of Massachusetts.
• there was also a Providence television reporter, Jim Taricani, who was sentenced to six months in prison
• have dangerous consequences, infringing on civil rights by delegitimizing lectures, protests, and programs
• Thank you. and put in prisons and threatened with sending them back home so in this Trump era I urge

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened with procedural guidance for a very large hearing, explaining testimony limits, written testimony procedures, and rules for maintaining order. Members then heard testimony on a wide range of bills, including proposals to define antisemitism using the IHRA definition, regulate facial recognition technology, restrict weaponized robotics and drone use, expand protections for journalists’ confidential sources, address access to decedents’ email accounts, and create or adjust rules around municipal enforcement and animal cruelty fines. Several sponsors and advocates asked for favorable reports, and committee members asked clarifying questions on implementation, costs, and how the bills would interact with existing law. On facial recognition, sponsors and advocates described the technology as a threat to privacy, due process, and civil liberties, and urged adoption of the Special Commission’s recommendations, including warrant requirements, notice to defendants, and limits on untargeted surveillance. Support came from legislators, the ACLU, CDT, EFF, and a UMass professor, while committee members asked about current state law and municipal bans. On robotics, Senator Moore and industry witnesses from MassRobotics, Boston Dynamics, and AUVSI supported a bill prohibiting weaponized robots and requiring warrants for certain law enforcement uses, describing it as a public-safety and trust-building measure. On the shield law bill, newspaper publishers, journalists, NEFAC, and the Reporters Committee argued Massachusetts needs statutory protection for confidential sources, citing costly subpoenas and chilling effects on reporting. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to expand the right of publicity to cover image and voice, with SAG-AFTRA members supporting protections against AI-driven exploitation and some discussion about viral content and consent. Another bill would allow limited access to a decedent’s email accounts, with one witness describing a family’s inability to use a deceased relative’s email to notify friends. The committee then took testimony on psilocybin-related bills: supporters described medical and personal benefits and argued for narrow decriminalization or study, while an opponent warned of public-health risks, impaired driving, and youth exposure; the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society supported limited, safety-based decriminalization. Finally, the committee heard strong support for a “safe reporting” bill for sex workers and trafficking survivors, with advocates saying immunity would encourage victims and witnesses to report crimes without fear of arrest, and members raised questions about how the immunity would work in practice.

Transcript Highlights:

• They are here with the University of New Mexico School of Law Wild Friends Citizen Science Program, and
• Cody is part of the 2017 cohort of the combined B.A.M.D. program at the University of New Mexico for
• per year and the number of instructional days per week that students are required to be in school programs
• Childhood Education and Care Program Fund from the Early Childhood Education and Care Fund.
• , requiring the health care authority to develop annual federal supplemental nutrition assistance program

Transcript Highlights:

• and programs serving children.
• and programs serving children.
• <00:15:14.800> in definitions of residential program in definitions of residential program
• That concludes Article 3. program within 48 hours of when a program within 48 hours of when a medically
• Um so these would create programs.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• HOMLES WAS CONVICTED IN THE STATE ASKED FOR 825 YEARS IN PRISON AND THE JUDGE GAVE HIM 400 YEARS IN PRISON
• AND HE WENT INTO PRISON IN HIS EARLY 20s AND CAME OUT IN HIS MID 50s. THAT IS MY AGE.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is not a 30-year parole when you get it; it is a 30-year sentence split to serve 10 in prison.
• out-of-state warrant if the individual has been charged with a crime that is punishable by death or life in prison
• in another state. ... life in prison in another state other than Alabama.

Bills: HB2, HB43, HB49, HB94, HB137, HB156, HB200, HB250, HB3, HB42

Keywords: vaccination, parental consent, minors, medical consent, guardian approval, criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, HB49, Alabama criminal code, capital offense, capital punishment, death penalty, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, child sexual abuse

Transcript Highlights:

• Any privately operated prison is required to operate at a 10% cost savings to the Commonwealth compared
• 37.279> a And I think where we started seeing a significant change in our staffing within the prison
• Support for the instructor monitor program will ensure KLEC can continue its role in maintaining
• 34.960> KC<00:18:35.679> can<00:18:35.919> continue<00:18:36.240> its program
• will ensure KC can continue its program will ensure KC can continue its role<00:18:37.520> in

Keywords: 00:05 Call to Order and Roll Call 01:42 Department of Corrections 04:14 Department of Juvenile Justice 16:22 Kentucky Law Enforcement Council 28:01 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee heard budget-related testimony from the Department of Corrections on a request for additional funding to take over operations of the Lee Adjustment Center, including $2.2 million in fiscal year 2027 and $5.2 million in fiscal year 2028. The witness said the governor’s budget did not recommend the request. Members asked about the cost savings of private operation versus state operation, the facility’s role in the department’s long-term goals, and whether the state intends to move toward operating all adult correctional facilities directly. The Department of Juvenile Justice then presented on staffing, recruitment, retention, and facility planning. Officials described recent pay increases and other investments, including a 10% security pay raise in 2021, an 8% state employee raise in 2022, higher youth worker starting salaries, and $4.8 million in 2023 funding to sustain salary increases. They said DJJ has also expanded mental health and medical staffing, improved recruitment efforts, and seen an upward trend in hiring. In response to questions, the commissioner said barriers to recruitment and retention include the Tier 3 retirement system, the structured and restrictive nature of detention work, and competition from other employers. He also said the department wants to move toward a regional model for female facilities under SB 162 and believes those facilities can be staffed. DJJ provided staffing figures showing 1,339 funded positions, with 157 filled and 182 vacant at a January benchmark, and 524 detention positions with 450 filled and 74 vacant. Officials said 30 correctional officers were in basic training and expected to join posts soon. Members also asked about the feasibility of staffing additional facilities and the department’s vacancy trends. Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council testified on a funding request for one attorney, one paralegal, one additional monitor, higher costs for existing monitor positions, and Lexington office rent. Officials said the request is needed to handle a growing decertification caseload and expanded oversight responsibilities as the number of academies has increased to about eight, with more than 2,100 instructors requiring biennial review. They said KLEC currently has one attorney and about 15 total staff, with roughly 180 cases pending, more than 50 complaints left to file, and another 30 cases expected soon. Members asked about current staffing, attorney salary, the number of academies, and the move to a separate Lexington office. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned without a quorum for approving minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm very familiar with the program.
• with the program. with the program.
• program and that was not by our choice. program and that was not by our choice.
• But she showed up in our program.
• "And uh, I participated not long ago in the program they put on about people getting out of prison and

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:00:28 Kentucky Recovery Vocational: Workforce Reimagined 00:01:31 Update on College Athletics and 25RS SB 3 00:24:39 Goodwill Kentucky Excel Center 01:09:53, 958, all

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from Kentucky Recovery Vocational Workforce and Re-entry Incorporated, led by Executive Director Jerick D'vor, on its vocational training model for people in recovery and formerly incarcerated individuals. He said the nonprofit operates in Russell Springs and serves students from across Kentucky, offering manufacturing and welding training tied to recovery services through Spark Recovery. D'vor emphasized that the program combines treatment, soft-skills coaching, job placement, and continued support after employment, arguing that training should begin around 90 days into recovery rather than earlier. He reported strong outcomes, including 292 students served, 259 certificates earned, and 250 job placements, with many participants placed in manufacturing jobs and 17 welders trained and placed through the new welding academy. Members praised the program but asked about funding, retention, and employability barriers. D'vor said the pilot was supported by opioid abatement grant funding, and the program now relies mainly on donor contributions and Spark Recovery’s investment in clients, with possible future support from additional opioid abatement funds or 1915(i) mechanisms. He said participants are not charged tuition and that the organization provides soft-skills training and job coaches. In response to questions about long-term outcomes, he said the program does not yet have a full alumni tracking system but is exploring technology options and continues to provide post-employment support for 90 days. After approving the committee minutes, members received an update on college athletics and Senate Bill 3 from University of Louisville Athletic Director Josh Heird and University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart. They said Kentucky’s NIL framework and reporting requirements are working reasonably well and praised the state for not trying to create a competitive advantage in the evolving college sports environment. Heird reported that 521 student-athletes have signed up for NILGO and about 240 deals have been approved through the system, while noting the need to ensure NIL agreements are legitimate marketplace deals rather than artificial payments. The discussion also touched on the House settlement, the $600 approval threshold, and broader federal changes affecting college athletics.

Transcript Highlights:

• issues with the program issues with the program um<00:57:35.359> I<00:57:35.960> I
• She said the bill supports HTC's three core programs: the MAP, SPR, and accelerator programs.
• local business Assistance programs local business Assistance programs especially<01:05:41.400>
• <01:36:14.679> that don't really have any programs that don't really have any programs that
• just us but there was a pilot program just us but there was a pilot program across<05:08:17.680>

Keywords: 910, house, all