Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Black here. Mr. Hummer here. Chairman Black. Vice Chair Schroar. Senator Schroar.
• If that's the case, then I would take nominations for chair, and I recognize Senator Black.
• Thank you, Representative Black.
• Representative Black has worked with, had discussions with Senator McClure.
• Representative Black has worked with, had discussions with Senator Nicola.

Committee: House Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Task Force

Summary: The Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment met to open the meeting, confirm electronic participation, and establish a quorum. The chair reviewed the task force’s prior work and the cumulative goals from its annual reports, including sustaining SUD funding, recognizing recovery support providers, improving emergency transportation for Medicaid, establishing a mental health course, and continuing funding through opioid and marijuana tax revenues. The chair also outlined the process used to compile the annual reports and suggested that the task force seek department feedback on progress toward those goals and set the agenda for summer hearings. The main business was election of officers. Senator Nicola was nominated for chair, with Representative Taylor also nominated. After roll call, Senator Nicola was elected chair for the remainder of the year by a 6-4 vote. Representative Taylor was then nominated for vice chair, nominations were closed, and he was elected by acclamation. Representative Taylor said he would work with staff to schedule summer hearings, gather department input, and meet with the governor’s office to align on priorities. Several members offered closing comments thanking participants and staff for their work, especially the policy team and those who helped compile the reports and data. Members noted that more work remains on substance use issues in Missouri and suggested increasing public notice for future meetings so people on the ground can participate. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• My district, South Central Los Angeles, is home to one of the largest Black populations in California
• It has long been a center of Black culture, Black history, Black politics, Black community, and Black
• Of Black residents whose artistic and civic contributions have helped shape Los Angeles and the state
• Cultural District to formally acknowledge the profound contributions of Black Angelenos to the city
• This is one of the first state-designated and recognized Black cultural districts in California.

Summary: The Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee heard several bills, mostly related to Proposition 19, voluntary tax checkoffs, and local tax authority. SB 288 would clarify that the one-year residency and exemption deadline for inherited homes held in probate begins when legal ownership is established; it received support from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and others, no opposition, and was referred to suspense. SB 974 would explicitly include special needs trusts in Prop. 19-related inheritance rules; it had support from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and passed 5-0 to Appropriations as amended. The committee also heard SB 575, which would restore the Sea Otter Voluntary Contribution Fund for voluntary tax return donations to sea otter conservation. Supporters cited sea otter recovery, research, and habitat protection needs; there was no opposition, and the bill passed 5-0 to Appropriations. SB 999 would delay the Franchise Tax Board’s annual report on the health care individual mandate from March 1 to June 1 to allow more complete data; Health Access California supported it, and it passed 5-1 to Appropriations. SB 762 would authorize certain cities and counties, including Hercules, Santa Cruz, and Santa Barbara, to seek voter approval for local transaction and use taxes to address budget pressures, public safety, infrastructure, and safety-net service cuts. Local officials, labor groups, and health advocates supported it, while the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposed it; the committee adopted the urgency clause and then passed the bill to Local Government with urgency, with some no votes. SB 1073 would create a voluntary tax contribution fund to support the Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District; arts advocates and community supporters backed it, and the bill passed unanimously to the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black representation in the profession.
• Black representation in the profession.
• Tasha Henneman with the Black Leadership Council in support.
• I'm with Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, Black Lives Matter California, and Black Lives Matter Grassroots
• I'm Danielle Townsend with Black Equity Collective.

Committee: House Higher Education

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several bills focused on student aid, affordability, and access. AB 587 would add a veteran representative to the California Student Aid Commission; the author said this would improve representation for veterans and Cal Guard members, and members discussed keeping the commission’s membership odd through a future amendment. AB 791 would revise cost-of-attendance calculations, especially housing costs, and require clearer notice to students about adjustment requests. Proponents said many schools underestimate living costs and leave students unaware of appeal options, while UC and independent colleges opposed the bill as overly prescriptive and costly, particularly the proposed housing methodology and 14-day turnaround. AB 850 would address institutional debt by giving students a one-term grace period to re-enroll while arranging payment, prohibiting credit reporting of that debt, and requiring public disclosure of collection policies. Supporters described debt as a major barrier to re-enrollment and graduation, while CSU, UC, AICCU, and others raised fiscal concerns and said campuses already use holds and payment plans; the bill passed with some members not voting and the roll left open for additional votes. The committee also heard AB 537, which would expand the California College Promise Program to part-time community college students. The author and supporters argued that most community college students attend part-time and should have access to tuition waivers, while opponents did not testify. The bill passed and the roll was left open. In addition, the committee took up AB 7, which would allow California universities to consider whether an applicant is a descendant of American chattel slavery as one factor in admissions. The author and supporters framed the measure as reparative justice and lineage-based rather than race-based, citing historical harms and the need for broader educational opportunity. Opponents argued it would function as a racial proxy and conflict with Proposition 209, and they urged the committee to instead focus on individual experiences of discrimination. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 7, before any vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tamara: Representative Black? Representative Black: Yes. Tamara: Chamberlain?
• Clerk: Representative Black? Representative Black: Yes. Clerk: Campbell?
• Clerk: Representative Black? Representative Black: Yes. Clerk: Campbell?
• Representative Black. Representative Black: Yes. Representative Campbell: Yes.
• Black says we rise.

Transcript Highlights:

• A Black female victim was driving and… A Black female victim was driving and stopped at a left-turn lane
• A Black female victim was driving and… A Black female victim was driving and stopped at a left-turn lane
• So if you think about it, when someone says Black man or Black men, you don't know what that is.
• So if you think about, someone says black man or black men, you don't know what that is.
• Someone says “Black man” or “Black one.” You don’t know what that is.

Summary: The Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia met to hear from Los Angeles County officials and community advocates about rising hate, discrimination, and xenophobia, with opening remarks emphasizing the need for stronger anti-hate infrastructure, community-based reporting, and state support. Assemblymember Lowenthal noted the broader economic and social impacts of discrimination, and the committee framed the hearing around understanding local conditions and identifying legislative responses. Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission Executive Director Robin Toma presented county hate-crime data showing record-high levels in 2024, with racial/ethnic hate crimes remaining the largest category and anti-Black hate crimes the most common. He also highlighted high levels of anti-Latino, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim, anti-LGBTQ, and anti-transgender hate, the role of underreporting, and the county’s L.A. vs. Hate system for reporting and victim support. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said it uses hate-crime and hate-incident data to guide proactive patrols, community outreach, and training, and discussed the need to build trust amid immigration enforcement fears that discourage reporting. Community organizations described how current political rhetoric and federal immigration enforcement are intensifying fear and underreporting. LULAC called for multilingual, culturally competent reporting systems, prevention education, and stronger support for grassroots organizations. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles described severe anti-Semitism, increased security costs, and the need for safe worship protections, security grants, and Holocaust education. The NAACP emphasized the continuing impact of anti-Black racism and the need for cross-community solidarity, while the Los Angeles LGBT Center highlighted rising anti-trans violence and urged funding for gender-affirming care, LGBTQ centers, and reauthorization of California vs. Hate. CHIRLA and CAIR California both described heightened fear among immigrants and Muslims, workplace discrimination, and the need for stronger civil-rights protections, data collection, and community-based reporting. No formal votes were taken. The discussion focused on policy ideas and funding priorities, including improved law-enforcement training, alternative sentencing or diversion for hate offenders, protections for houses of worship, and continued or expanded funding for California vs. Hate, Stop Hate, and related programs. Committee members and witnesses repeatedly stressed that hate is underreported, that words and leadership rhetoric matter, and that California should continue investing in prevention, response, and healing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not just black black excellence.
• The topic is Black history, stolen legacies. Black history, stolen legacies.
• </c> black history.
• The topic is black black history.
• </c> history in Black History Month. history in Black History Month.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took him into an undisclosed location in a blacked-out car.
• We put together the Black Alumni Network. Thank you.
• Class of '74, we put together the Black Alumni Network long before DEI became an issue.
• , particularly Black men and young boys to look up to and to inspire to be, you know.
• You're now called Susan Mayes Rothstein from the BC Law School Black Alumni Network. Oh.

Bills: H4783 , H4826 , H4876 , H5111 , H5116 , H5244 , S2975 , S2976

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Keywords: homelessness, homeless, unsheltered, unhoused, shelter rights, anti-camping, anti-loitering, public space, public land, encampment, sleeping in public, life-sustaining activities, right to rest, right to sleep, vehicle dwelling, RV living, tiny home, civil rights, municipal liability, affirmative defense

Transcript Highlights:

• And we've been able to do such great work in the Black and Latino Caucus.
• There are two Latino men and two Black women.
• And there's Black Mama's Matter Week coming up, April 11 to the 17th, focusing on Black women and maternal
• And there's the Black Mama's Matter week that is coming up, April 11 to the 17th, focusing on black women
• Also, Black Maternal Health Week is April 13th through the 17th.

Summary: The meeting was an organizational and planning session of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression. After roll call and housekeeping, the co-chairs thanked Senator Liz Miranda for her service and announced Senator Adam Gomez as the new Senate co-chair. Senator Miranda explained her transition off the leadership role due to other responsibilities and personal losses, while Senator Gomez said he was honored to join, would listen and learn, and would bring a Western Massachusetts perspective to the statewide commission. Members discussed current maternal health developments, including a new Department of Public Health regulation implementing the 2024 midwifery law and allowing temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. The commission also reviewed open seats and possible future appointees, with an emphasis on adding regional, clinical, and lived-experience diversity. Several commissioners raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, workforce shortages in OB-GYN and midwifery, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand training slots and funding for perinatal care. A major theme was how the commission should focus its work in the coming year. Members suggested more attention to parent-child relational health, pediatric screening for postpartum mood disorders, coordination across OB-GYN, pediatrics, infant mental health, and home visiting systems, and stronger involvement from clinicians and organizations such as PSI of Massachusetts. The Division of Public Health and the Division of Insurance shared updates on community midwifery reimbursement, a payer learning community, insurance coverage for mental health examinations, and the need for better education about birthing centers and doulas. Commissioners also discussed substance use and maternal mental health supports, noting that current funding for community-based organizations is limited compared with demand. The group reviewed upcoming maternal health events in April, including Black Maternal Health Week activities, and agreed there was not enough time to plan a new commission event for May. Instead, members favored using the commission’s communication channels to share relevant events and information. The commission approved a motion to create a biweekly digest for information sharing, with urgent items still able to be sent directly to commissioners, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• and brown, and with... it's now 38% black and brown.
• A Black, dyed-in-the-wool Republican.
• Black, brown, and Asians have endured voter suppression.
• You know, try being a black woman.
• Black, brown, and communities of color.

Committee: House Congressional Redistricting, Select

Transcript Highlights:

• House Resolution 112 by Assembly Member McKinnor, relative to Black Music Month.
• Black Music Month is American music.
• Black musicians have continued to redefine what is possible.
• I'm black and I'm proud. What's going on?
• got served as a love letter to his mother and to black mothers everywhere.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two Latino men and two Black women.
• And there's the Black Mama's Matter Week that is coming up, April 11 to the 17th, focusing on Black women
• Black Maternal Health Week is April 13th through the 17th.
• Black Maternal Health Conference, April 10th through April 11th.
• Also, Black Maternal Health Week is April 13th through the 17th.

Summary: The commission met to reopen its work for the year, with roll call and attendance confirmations followed by remarks from the co-chairs and members. Senator Liz Miranda stepped down as co-chair, citing multiple responsibilities and personal losses, and Senator Adam Gomez was welcomed as the new Senate co-chair. Gomez said he would listen and learn from commissioners and advocates, and both outgoing and incoming leaders emphasized continuing the commission’s work on maternal health, postpartum depression, and equity. Members discussed several current policy and implementation issues. The Department of Public Health reported a new regulation to implement the 2024 midwifery access law, including temporary licenses for licensed certified professional midwives. Commissioners also raised concerns about birthing hospital and inpatient obstetric unit closures, OB-GYN workforce shortages, reimbursement changes, and the need to expand midwifery, doula, and birth center capacity. Other topics included substance use and perinatal mental health supports, the limited $220,000 appropriation for community-based perinatal mental health organizations, and the need for stronger funding in the budget to implement the maternal health law. The commission also focused on future priorities and information sharing. Members suggested more presentations from clinicians, regulators, infant and early childhood mental health experts, and PSI of Massachusetts; greater attention to parent-child relational health and postpartum screening in pediatric settings; and possible commission action such as a letter to the governor on workforce and access issues. The group agreed that there was not enough time to plan a May event and instead would use the commission to publicize related events, including Black Maternal Health Week activities. Commissioners voted to create a biweekly digest for sharing updates, with urgent items to be sent by email, and then adjourned the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified. December 8th, 2022.
• “Calling Blacks go around for fun to go target white people. That’s a fact.
• I work with so many brilliant Black women.
• It makes me feel disgusting inside, and I'm not a Black woman.
• Well, how do you How do you call Black people moronic?

Summary: The Committee on Governmental Oversight and Accountability took up three bills. First, it heard Senator Gates’s employee protection bill, which would create whistleblower-style protections for people who file ethics complaints based on personal knowledge, allowing the Ethics Commission to investigate retaliation and, if probable cause is found, letting the complainant seek administrative or civil relief. The Commission on Ethics supported the measure, saying it had long recommended such protections and that implementation costs would be low. The committee adopted the delete-all amendment and then reported the committee substitute for Senate Bill 92 favorably. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 60 by Senator McLean, which reclassifies certain district assistant regional counsel supervisor positions in the Florida Retirement System to the senior management class, aligning them more closely with comparable attorney positions in public defender and state attorney offices. A late-file technical amendment aligning class codes with Florida statutes was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. A representative from the regional council spoke in support. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 194 by Senator Martin, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. The sponsor argued the day would honor Kirk’s advocacy for free speech, debate, and civic engagement, and said it would not create a state holiday or require closures. The bill drew strong opposition from Senator Polsky and Senator Bracy Davis, who cited Kirk’s public comments on race, women, gun violence, and systemic discrimination and argued he was not a unifying figure worthy of state honor. Julie Keefe also spoke against the bill, while representatives from the Venezuelan American Republican Club and the Christian Family Coalition spoke in support. Despite the debate, the committee voted to report Senate Bill 194 favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• For many Black students, well, for many students, but especially Black students, trust matters.
• If a Black student cannot find someone who understands their actual culture, their community, or the
• Lachay Sharp Collins and I'm here on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus and I'm proud to actually
• For many black students, well, for many students, but especially black students, trust matters. and when
• a student experience is just but especially black students, trust matters.

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Black, you're recognized for debate. That.
• I want to thank Representative Dean Black for sponsoring this bill.
• If you get on Twitter or Facebook, oftentimes we see Black people saying that Black women are hired because
• Less than 5% of the pilots in America are Black.
• Less than 5% of the pilots in America are black.

Summary: The subcommittee first took up HB 339, which would create liability for vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida and require them to stand behind their products if consumers are harmed. The sponsor argued the bill is meant to restore trust in vaccines, improve informed consent, and address inadequate federal vaccine-injury compensation systems; he said he was open to amendments and noted the bill was modeled on Texas law. Opponents, including a former vaccine-court official, a Florida Justice Reform Institute representative, and a physician, argued the bill is preempted by federal law, raises First Amendment concerns, is vague, and is unnecessary because existing federal compensation programs already provide a remedy. After an amendment delaying the effective date by three months was adopted, the committee heard extensive public testimony, mostly opposed, and then approved HB 339 as amended by a 12-4 vote. The committee then began HB 1001, a strike-all on official actions of local governments that would bar counties and municipalities from official DEI-related actions and spending, define DEI and related terms, add enforcement provisions, and include broad exceptions for holidays, observances, and certain content-neutral civic events. The sponsor said the measure is intended to curb what he described as divisive and wasteful DEI activity in local government while preserving compliance with anti-discrimination laws and other listed exceptions. Members questioned the lack of definitions for terms like “preferential treatment” and the bill’s possible effects on local festivals, language-access services, Pride events, memorials, and community programs; the sponsor said some concerns were addressed by exceptions and that he was open to further changes. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed, with speakers warning of overbreadth, preemption, frivolous lawsuits, harm to local autonomy, and impacts on marginalized communities, while supporters said the bill would restore neutrality, accountability, and merit-based governance. The amendment to HB 1001 was adopted, and the committee continued hearing testimony and debate on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Black: Here. Rep. Campbell: Here. Rep. Chamberlin: Here. Rep. Cobb: Here. Rep. Dunkley: Here. Rep.
• Black: Yes. Rep. Campbell: Yes. Rep. Chamberlin: Yes. Rep. Cobb: Yes. Rep. Daley: Yes. Rep.
• Black: Yes. Rep. Campbell: No. Rep. Chamberlin: Yes. Rep. Cobb: Yes. Rep. Daley: Yes. Rep.
• And we have the first Black man, Mr.
• a place we can proudly say it is where Black perspectives have been placed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that it is extremely relevant as a Black woman.
• But he loved speaking about Black women, so I feel the need as a Black woman to always say something,
• We know that he called Black women moronic.
• Black women moronic.
• He was obsessed with Black women, quite honestly.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy met and considered a large agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, limited public testimony, and roll-call votes. Early actions included CSSB 1062 creating Florida Speech and Debate Week and the Florida Debate Initiative with a recurring $2.4 million appropriation, and CS for SB 196 establishing the Uterine Fibroid Research Database. The committee also approved the companion public-records bill, CS for SB 864, to keep sensitive fibroid database information confidential. Other health and public-safety measures reported favorably included CS for SB 432, which was amended to address xylazine and restrict recreational nitrous oxide sales by tobacco-permit retailers; CS for SB 646, narrowing drug-paraphernalia testing equipment exemptions to fentanyl, its analogs, and xylazine; and CS for SB 1684 and CS for SB 1686, creating and exempting records for a Parkinson’s Disease Registry at the University of South Florida. The committee also advanced several workforce, regulatory, and local-governance bills. SB 1112 on the Florida Labor Pool Act passed with testimony emphasizing removal of placement fees, annual labor-pool registration, and stronger enforcement to help workers, including returning citizens. CS for SB 524 updated Department of Law Enforcement duties and medical examiner procedures; CS for SB 530 revised lottery operations and security rules; CS for SB 676 expanded animal-cruelty penalties and the public abuser database; CS for SB 1180 created a recall framework for community development district supervisors and updated CDD rules; and CS for SB 800 increased penalties for unlicensed engineering practice after removing a student-loan assistance provision to align with the House version. CS for SB 1404 created a memory-care specialty license for assisted living facilities, with amendments extending rulemaking deadlines and clarifying advertising and resident-choice provisions. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s office, and CS for SB 1630 modernized aging and disability services, guardianship oversight, and dementia-related policy. Two memorialization bills generated the most extended debate and public comment. SB 194 would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance, and SB 174 would name a portion of State Road 985 in Miami-Dade County as Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue. Both drew strong support from some speakers who framed them as recognition of civic engagement and free expression, and strong opposition from others who criticized Kirk’s rhetoric and argued the state should instead honor broader civic values or other figures. A late-file amendment to SB 194 that would have converted it into a general day of remembrance for victims of political violence was withdrawn. Despite the controversy, both bills were reported favorably. The committee adjourned after members requested to be recorded on various bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Black: Thank you, Speaker.
• Representative Black. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Black. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• In my district, we recognize Black history, honoring the stories and achievements that Black people have
• Representative Black, you may continue.
• Representative Black, you may continue.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for Army Sgt. Benjamin Pennington, the Pledge of Allegiance, quorum call, and several recognitions, including law enforcement guests, a Spina Bifida Week presentation, and a salute to the 2025 IPSC Handgun World Shoot team. The chamber then adopted the special order report and moved to floor consideration of Senate bills. Members passed several bills unanimously or near-unanimously after brief debate and, in some cases, floor amendments. CS/SB 590 clarified that changes to the statute of limitations for mandatory reporters of child abuse apply prospectively and passed 111-0. SB 418 required law enforcement autism-interaction training and allowed the blue-envelope program to be offered in electronic or physical form; it passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1668 addressed NICA’s actuarial soundness and passed 112-0. CS/SB 1246 expanded the Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund to broader health science programs and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 1404 set baseline standards for memory care providers and passed 111-0. CS/CS/SB 1030 revised recovery residence rules, including MAT-related provisions, and passed 168-0. CS/CS/SB 178 changed FHSAA rules so school coaches may use limited personal funds for student welfare with parent consent and passed 112-0. CS/CS/SB 422 barred use of ADS-B data for airport billing and passed 108-2. CS/CS/SB 598 modernized funeral, cemetery, and consumer services licensing and passed 111-0. The House also considered CS/CS/SB 1134, a controversial bill restricting county and municipal DEI-related official actions and contracting. Sponsor Rep. Black described broad prohibitions with numerous exceptions, while members asked about effects on observances, special events, parade participation, and local economic-vitality offices. Rep. Gant offered an amendment to narrow the bill’s DEI definition by removing vague prongs, arguing the language was ambiguous and could chill local government action; debate on that amendment was underway when the transcript ended. The chamber then moved into farewell remarks, including an extended address from Rep. Eskamani reflecting on her service, family, staff, constituents, and policy priorities, followed by remarks from the Speaker praising her energy and preparation. Rep. Overdorf also delivered farewell remarks highlighting his work on environmental policy, human trafficking, development regulation, property rights, and property taxes, with the Speaker commending his contributions.

Transcript Highlights:

• It took him into an undisclosed location in a blacked-out car.
• Class of '74, we put together the Black Alumni Network long before DEI became an issue.
• The black alumni network demonstrates the breadth of Judge The Black Alumni Network demonstrates the
• , particularly Black men and young boys to look up to and be inspired by.
• You're now called Susan Mayes Rothstein from the BC Law School Black Alumni Network. Oh.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a late-file hearing on several bills, with testimony limited to three minutes per individual or set time limits for panels. Chairs Michael Day and Lydia Edwards outlined hearing rules, written testimony procedures, and confidentiality protections before moving through the agenda. The committee heard testimony on bills including H.4876, H.5111, H.4783, H.4826, H.5116, H.5244, S.2975, and S.2976. On H.4876, supporters described it as the “Overcomers Law,” aimed at strengthening supports for survivors of abuse by limiting abusers’ legal standing after death, requiring survivor notification of an abuser’s death, expanding coercive control definitions, improving privacy protections, and creating education and resource programs. On H.5111, the Attorney General’s Office and legislative sponsors backed changes to strengthen Massachusetts antitrust enforcement, including broader jurisdiction over multi-state conduct, higher penalties, clearer treatment of invitations to conspire, labor-market protections, housing-related changes, and a longer statute of limitations. The committee also heard support for H.4783, which would reaffirm the rights of people experiencing homelessness and push back against criminalization of homelessness, and for H.4826, which would update condominium law to give owners more rights and nonjudicial dispute-resolution options. A large portion of the hearing focused on H.5116, which would rename the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse. Representative Worrell, the Harris family, senators, prosecutors, lawyers, educators, and community advocates testified in strong support, describing Judge Harris’s legacy of fairness, mentorship, community service, and support for young people and Black legal professionals. The committee also heard testimony on S.2975, which would prohibit civil immigration arrests in courthouses to protect access to justice, and S.2976, which would create a state cause of action for constitutional violations by federal officers. Finally, H.5244 was supported as a repeal of an archaic criminal statute that advocates said has been used to punish pregnancy loss and should be removed from the books. No votes were taken; the hearing concluded after all registered testimony was heard.

Transcript Highlights:

• They take away Black opportunity seats.
• </c> to be in this body with only seven black to be in this body with only seven black people people
• Now, we know as Black people what that stands for.
• But understand, if we make up 27% of the population as Black people, what do y'all think about Black
• That's there were black folks already.

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 34 senators present. The chamber then received a House message referring House Bill 1 on primary elections to the Committee on County and Municipal Government, and moved to Senate Bill 1, also dealing with primary elections and tied to ongoing court action over Alabama’s legislative maps. Senator Elliott explained SB 1 as a prospective measure meant to set up a special election if federal courts lift injunctions on the state Senate districts, while opponents argued the bill was being rushed and could disrupt voters, candidates, absentee voters, and election administration. Much of the debate focused on whether the bill would effectively change election rules too close to an election and whether it conflicted with a 2022 statewide amendment requiring election-related changes to take effect at least six months before a general election. Supporters said the bill simply preserves the legislature’s enacted maps and responds to recent court rulings, while opponents said it could disenfranchise voters, especially military, elderly, absentee, rural, and Black voters, and that the underlying litigation and federal Voting Rights Act issues remained unresolved. Several members also referenced a Brennan Center report and broader concerns about racial turnout gaps and minority representation in Alabama. Senator Coleman offered an amendment to give the state discretion rather than mandate a special election, arguing it would better align with the current court order; the Senate rejected it on a roll call vote, 8 yeas to 25 nays. Senator Vivian Figures then offered a notice-focused amendment requiring adequate public notice before any election changes, arguing that voters need time to learn new dates, polling places, deadlines, and ballot information; that amendment also failed on a roll call vote, with the clerk announcing it did not pass. The transcript ends with further discussion beginning after the failed amendment votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Today we can fulfill the dream and the reality of Black home ownership and know that Black home ownership
• is not only good for Black families, it's good for Minnesota.
• Today we can fulfill the dream and the reality of Black home ownership and know that Black home ownership
• is not only good for Black families, it's good for Minnesota.
• Today we can fulfill the dream and the reality of Black home ownership and know that Black home ownership

Committee: Senate Housing and Homelessness Prevention