Transcript Highlights:

• >> Mr.<00:37:14.480> Speaker,<00:37:14.880> I<00:37:15.040> rise<00:37:15.359
• While<00:37:19.200> most<00:37:19.520> media<00:37:19.920> outlets<00:37:20.480>
• /c><00:37:52.079> growth<00:37:52.400> and<00:37:52.800> create<00:37:53.200>
• The<00:37:54.720> stock<00:37:54.960> market<00:37:55.520> continues<00:37:56.000
• Those<02:37:33.280> in<02:37:33.439> favor<02:37:33.760> say<02:37:34.080> I.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:37:47.520> legal<00:37:47.880> services<00:37:48.520> so<00:37:48.960>
• <00:37:52.440> confused<00:37:52.960> as<00:37:53.079> to<00:37:53.240> who
• to who needs to<00:37:53.680> be<00:37:53.839> accredited<00:37:54.599> and<00:37
• 37:56.720> the<00:37:56.920> comment<00:37:57.240> you<00:37:57.599> just
• > completed<02:37:08.680> eight<02:37:08.880> out<02:37:09.000> of<02:37:

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• What's your title, Mr. Freeman? Chief Deputy. Former rep.
• This is moving the proposed law from the Code of Criminal Procedure to Title 44.
• So that's what it does: takes it all out of the Code of Criminal Procedure and puts it in Title 44.
• So, but I’m trying to figure out, I understand the QR code, but if it’s a QR code that they were already
• It’s just going to be a QR code, I would think.

Summary: The committee first handled several housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Senator Brock Myers, which would delay and revise implementation of a state police rule affecting criminal history background checks for licensed ambulance personnel and certain health care workers. After adopting Amendment Set 434 to remove a provision involving parish and local law enforcement checks, the committee reported SCR 3 as amended favorably. The committee also heard HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended raises the population threshold for municipalities required to remit certain special costs to the District Indigent Defender Fund from under 5,000 to under 9,000; with support from the town of Addis and related stakeholders, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then considered HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which sought to remove language limiting parole eligibility for certain pre-July 2, 1973 life-sentenced offenders to those who had pleaded guilty, thereby allowing a small group of elderly inmates convicted at trial to seek parole consideration. Supporters argued the bill would only create an opportunity for review, not release, and cited rehabilitation and fairness concerns; opponents, including district attorneys and corrections officials, argued the 2022 law already addressed the intended group and that the current bill would reopen cases involving serious violent crimes. After extended debate, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 1107 by Rep. Melerine, a bill on determining intellectual disability in capital cases. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, set an IQ threshold framework, required expert reports and Daubert-type reliability review, and limited the article to post-conviction capital cases. The Attorney General’s office and district attorneys supported the bill as a way to create clearer procedures and speed resolution of Atkins claims, while criminal defense lawyers, disability advocates, clergy, and medical experts opposed it as inconsistent with current clinical standards and potentially unconstitutional, warning that rigid IQ cutoffs and presumptions could wrongly expose people with intellectual disabilities to execution. The transcript ends during closing remarks on HB 1107, with no final committee vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:04.040> of<00:37:04.200> this<00:37:04.359> law<00:37:04.599> there
• > study<00:37:40.560> from<00:37:40.720> Texas<00:37:41.040> A&M<00:37
• 37:46.880> laws<00:37:47.160> lead<00:37:47.480> to<00:37:47.720> a<00:37
• <00:37:55.319> he<00:37:55.440> was<00:37:55.599> shot<00:37:55.800> and<
• :37:57.360> not<01:37:57.560> my<01:37:57.719> de<01:37:58.320> oh<01:37:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The 11 states that currently have computer science as a graduation requirement are Alabama, Arkansas,
• They can find the teachers in Alabama and Arkansas and North Dakota.
• To bridge this gap in healthcare access, AB 677 amends the Education Code to allow homeless students
• There is precedent through education code to treat small LEAs differently.
• The bill requires districts or recites the 44225.7 in the Ed Code. There's a hiring hierarchy.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The most critical situation is when a system is down and there is no backup code.
• In Alabama, it's out of committee and we hope that we have something there.
• The only security I have on... ...those $37 million is the ability to file a lien.
• The Construction Trust Fund Act is in Chapter 162 of the Property Code.
• The private Prompt Pay Act is It's found in Chapter 28 of the Property Code.

Bills: HB2963, HB3005, HB3287, HB3288, HB3289, HB3290, HB3344, HB3712, HB3862, HB3874, HB4196, HB4308, HB4901, HB4984

Keywords: digital equipment, repair rights, manufacturers, maintenance, consumer rights, construction contracts, payment regulations, public works, dispute resolution, audit procedures, construction, trust funds, mechanic's lien, contractor, subcontractor, residential properties, disputes, payment obligations, accountability, payment disputes

Transcript Highlights:

• This would be something to go on above and beyond the current building code.
• Uh, we've worked with them in other states, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico.
• Um, I was told by some in Alabama and some areas along the coast in Alabama, their coastal, uh, insurance
• Alabama had 30,977. Due largely to, uh, this program. Uh, so, uh, the program does work.
• They, they switched the building codes to support this. So, big fans of this bill. Please vote yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• 01:37:13.719> a<01:37:13.840> new<01:37:14.080> facility<01:37:14.920> would<
• <01:37:17.159> offices<01:37:17.560> which<01:37:17.679> would<01:37:17.840>
• 26.360> be<01:37:26.520> moved<01:37:26.840> to<01:37:27.040> fill<01:37:
• 37:30.880> we<01:37:31.000> spend<01:37:31.480> a<01:37:31.600> year down
• <01:37:32.920> thank<01:37:33.119> you<01:37:33.960> thank<01:37:34.159>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Public Safety Committee held a hearing on House Bill 433, which would appropriate $4 million for Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation re-entry services to connect offenders with community-based services. Director Tommy Johnson said the department supports the bill’s intent but noted the governor’s executive budget already includes $4 million for the same purpose and asked that the measure defer to that budget. Supporters, including the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, and the ACLU, backed the funding but urged that it be tied to a clear re-entry plan, performance measures, transparency, and regular reporting to the legislature. They emphasized that re-entry should begin at intake and involve community partnerships, housing, treatment, employment, and family reunification services. Committee members questioned the department about current re-entry services, pre-trial detainees, and how the new funds would be used. Johnson said the department’s current statewide re-entry budget is about $1.5 million to $1.7 million, separate from the larger Corrections Program Services Division budget for in-facility programs. He described the proposed $4 million as supporting a mix of services, including a pilot apprenticeship program, substance abuse treatment, navigator or warm-handoff services, and short-term transitional housing. He also said the department already tracks performance outcomes in its annual report and can provide a matrix showing the intake-to-discharge process, program contracts, and volunteer organizations. The discussion also covered pre-trial detainees, electronic monitoring, and mental health services. Johnson said the department has limited jurisdiction over pre-trial detainees but works with courts to seek supervised release when possible; he noted that many requests are denied, though electronic monitoring has improved release rates somewhat. On mental health, he said the jail is not an ideal therapeutic setting for people found unfit to proceed and suggested a secure community-based step-down facility run by the Department of Health for those needing care above what the jail can provide but below forensic-level treatment. No vote or final action on the bill was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have instituted based on some code adjustments last in last year's legislative session.
• The state of Alabama has a veterans assistance fund they've had it for 40 years.
• Alabama uses that fund that's sourced from outside of appropriations from donors and other things.
• And I can we can use the short titles for these. Do we have enough copies to Sure, it gets.
• But the legislative titles, we have a House Bill 343 sponsored by Leader West, that's a seasonal staff

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• is, on page 2, line 3, it changes the language that says 'including but not limited to Children's Code
• Article 412' and changes that to say 'but in compliance with Children's Code Article ...' ...412 and
• changes that to say, but in compliance with Children's Code Article 412.
• The FDA's own research concluded kratom appeared to be well tolerated, which is code for safe at all

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• The qualifications to become sheriff are already outlined in Alabama code, and if already outlined in
• Alabama code, and if there is a need to make changes to the outline code, there should be public hearings
• At that point, I will have 34 years in Alabama State retirement. ...years in Alabama State retirement
• What is consistent across the state of Alabama in public counties?
• Uh, that's one of the 13 counties in Alabama that has changed their requirements.

Bills: SB287

Keywords: Sheriff, Barbour County, law enforcement, qualifications, training, executive education, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I printed off a few of the stories that I've covered of Alabama families.
• Several of our Alabama sheriffs are present in the room with you today because Alabama sheriffs stand
• I'm the District Attorney of Russell County, Alabama.
• DHR already has established policies and administrative codes that ensure due and administrative codes
• My name is Melissa Hera, and I am a parent of three children here in Alabama.

Bills: SB140, HB235, HB276, HB317, HB340

Keywords: Coach Safely Act, youth athletics, noncompliance penalties, Department of Public Health, youth athlete, social media, age verification, minors, under 16, children online safety, online privacy, platform regulation, deceptive trade practice, Attorney General, civil penalties, punitive damages, consumer protection, account creation, algorithmic feeds, internet safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 37, germane, thence referred to the Education Committee.
• Committee, then the Senate Health, Public Affairs Committee. ...by title is ordered and referred to
• Having been read twice by title, is ordered and referred to the Senate Committee, then the Senate Tax
• Senate Bill 95, having been read twice by title, is ordered... Senate Bill 95.
• Senate Joint Memorial 1, having been read twice by title, is ordered printed and referred to the...

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• only<00:37:06.800> in<00:37:07.040> the<00:37:07.200> context<00:37:07.680><
• <00:37:12.720> Uh<00:37:12.960> it's<00:37:13.119> a<00:37:13.280> bigger
• > a<00:37:22.320> subject<00:37:23.200> was<00:37:23.440> a<00:37:23.680>
• 37:32.640> that<00:37:32.880> can<00:37:33.040> be<00:37:33.200> presented
• And<00:37:35.680> I'm<00:37:35.839> a<00:37:36.079> little<00:37:36.160> bit<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sanderford's service to the state of Alabama and its people extends far beyond the titles he held within
• Alabama Men's Hall of Fame. Alabama Men's Hall of Fame.
• of Alabama in 1986.
• of Alabama in 1986.
• of Alabama in 1986.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Item number seven, Assembly Bill 535 by Schiavo, titled Threatening a Witness Assisting a Prosecution
• And we have item 20, Assembly Bill 809 by Quirk-Silva, titled Corrections Rehabilitation Space.
• Section 11379 of the Health and Safety Code excludes the drug that we're speaking of today.
• AB 352 adds a subdivision to Penal Code Section 422 to make criminal threats against judges and court
• We should not use the penal code in this way.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety and criminal justice bills. AB 837 by Assemblymember Davies would add ketamine transportation to existing drug trafficking law; supporters, including district attorneys and peace officer groups, said it would address a growing and dangerous drug trend, while opponents argued increased penalties do not reduce drug supply and can worsen health harms. The bill was approved on a due-pass-as-amended vote and sent to Appropriations. AB 352 by Assemblymember Pacheco would make threats against judges and court commissioners an aggravating factor in sentencing; judicial and law enforcement groups supported it as a response to rising threats, while ACLU and criminal justice advocates said existing law already covers threats and the bill is unnecessary. It also passed to Appropriations. The committee then took up AB 938 by Assemblymember Bonta, which expands vacatur and affirmative-defense relief for survivors of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence, including for some violent offenses. Survivors and advocates testified that the bill would allow people coerced into crimes to tell their full stories and seek relief, while district attorneys and sheriffs warned it could sweep too broadly and affect public safety. The chair and several members strongly supported the measure, and it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 475 by Assemblymember Wilson would make prison work assignments voluntary and is tied to a broader effort to remove involuntary servitude language from the state constitution; supporters framed it as a rehabilitation and dignity issue, while one member objected to the premise and cited the defeat of a related ballot measure. The bill was voted out to Appropriations but left on call pending additional votes. Assemblymember Lowenthal presented AB 704, which would allow people convicted of low-level offenses before age 26 to petition to seal and destroy records after a waiting period. Supporters said the bill addresses the limits of expungement in the digital age and recognizes young adult brain development; prosecutors and police groups raised Brady/disclosure concerns and objected to treating 18- to 25-year-olds like children. The committee debated those issues at length before sending the bill to Appropriations. Lowenthal also presented AB 812, which would expand resentencing opportunities for incarcerated firefighters who serve on conservation fire crews; supporters emphasized rehabilitation, wildfire response, and reduced recidivism, and the hearing continued with support testimony and the start of opposition testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• A service letter is a reference check, and the way the current code is written in Title 19, it ties the
• Senate Bill 268 is an act to amend Titles 2, 9, 19, and 30 of the Delaware Code relating to support of
• , Title 29, and Title 31 of the Delaware Code and Chapter 237, Volume 83 of the Laws of Delaware relating
• Up next on our agenda is Senate Bill 322, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to local
• Senate Bill 322, an act to amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code relating to local school taxes, as presented

Bills: SB268, SB306, SB264, SB312

Keywords: federal workers, government shutdown, interest-free loans, tax deferral, public transportation, Rehoboth Beach, municipal charter, city charter amendment, commissioners, mayor, local government, election qualifications, affidavit of eligibility, domestic partner, cohabitant, conflict of interest, freeholder, leaseholder, municipal court, Alderman

Summary: The House Administration Committee met to consider a series of resolutions and bills covering arts districts, child care background checks, federal worker relief, health care reform, court transparency, school tax reassessment, municipal charter changes, constitutional amendment procedures, data center nondisclosure agreements, state employee benefits governance, and lieutenant governor vacancies. Members also noted that House Concurrent Resolution 12 had been removed from the agenda and that public comment would be limited to one minute per speaker. The committee released SCR 167 to study arts, culture, and creative districts in Delaware; HB 438 to close a loophole in the child care service letter requirement; SB 268 to provide interest-free loans, free transit, and tax deferrals for federal workers during shutdowns; SS2 for SB 1 to expand and permanently strengthen primary care investment while also addressing hospital cost growth; HCR 147 to request a Court of Chancery report on audio recordings and automated case assignment; SB 322 to replace the current post-reassessment 10% school revenue increase authority with a 2% annual increase option under safeguards; SB 306 to amend the Rehoboth Beach charter; HB 440 to require voter approval for constitutional amendments after legislative approval; SB 312 to bar nondisclosure agreements for large data center projects; SS1 for SB 289 to change State Employee Benefits Committee governance; and SB 264 to require a special election to fill a lieutenant governor vacancy. Testimony was mixed on several measures. Arts, child care, federal worker relief, primary care, court transparency, data center transparency, and the lieutenant governor vacancy bill drew mostly supportive testimony, while SB 322 and SB 306 drew both support and opposition, especially over tax impacts and the proposed spouse/partner restriction in Rehoboth Beach. HB 440 prompted debate over whether 55% voter approval was the right threshold for constitutional amendments, and SB 312 was supported as a transparency measure by residents affected by prior data center NDAs. All of the listed measures were released from committee by roll call vote, with some members voting no on HB 440, SB 306, SB 312, SS1 for SB 289, and SB 264.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:37:15.200> And<00:37:15.440> so<00:37:15.920> we<00:37:16.240> do
• <00:37:17.599> Um<00:37:17.839> and<00:37:18.079> like<00:37:18.240> I
• /c><00:37:20.320> just<00:37:20.640> on<00:37:21.040> cases<00:37:22.320> uh<
• <00:37:23.920> A<00:37:24.079> lot<00:37:24.160> of<00:37:24.240> the
• c><00:37:27.200> um<00:37:27.920> most<00:37:28.160> of<00:37:28.240> the

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Oh,<00:37:00.480> sorry,<00:37:00.880> Mr.<00:37:01.119> Chairman.
• >> Okay,<00:37:03.200> I'll<00:37:03.440> say<00:37:03.599> it<00:37:03.760
• :37:06.079> who<00:37:06.240> is<00:37:06.400> not<00:37:06.480> a here from
• Okay,<00:37:09.760> thank<00:37:09.920> you.
• Appreciate your testimony.<00:37:11.599> Let's<00:37:12.079> uh<00:37:12.160> I'll

Bills: HB0130, HB0095, HB0096, HB0097, SF0101, SF0106, SF0067, SF0123

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearms, state rights, federal regulation, law enforcement, civil penalties, government liability, concealed carry, public colleges, university facilities, weapons legislation, self-defense, campus safety, weapons, age requirement, permits, HB0097, Wyoming firearms privacy, merchant category code, MCC

Transcript Highlights:

• The insurance code sections that apply to individual and small group plans, as well as nonprofit and
• This is existing language throughout the insurance code.
• This is existing language throughout the insurance code. Thank you.
• to include sex, gender, confidential personal information under the motor vehicle code to include sex
• individual's entire application, whether it be for a driver's license or a vehicle registration or title

Bills: SB20, SB111, SB211, SB218, SB14

Keywords: prior authorization, pharmacy benefits manager, PBM, health insurer, prescription drugs, step therapy, formulary, auto-adjudication, electronic portal, appeals, medical necessity, serious mental illness, mental health, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, substance use disorder, addiction treatment, cancer, autoimmune disorder