Video & Transcript : 'drug scheduling' :
Page 134 of 500
US
Transcript Highlights:
- Will are also here. is not present as she has a leading role in a school play that is unfortunately scheduled
- overseas profits to reduce its tax burden by millions and providing them unfair advantage both against drug
- You've also lobbied on behalf of Pfizer, one of the biggest drug companies out there.
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
Keywords:
Commerce, International Trade, Tax Policy, Nominees, Inflation, Middle-class, Trade Practices, Economic Concerns
Summary:
The committee convened to discuss various bills and nominees, including the critical nominations of William Kimmett for Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Ken Keyes for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department. Discussions highlighted the nominees' roles in managing critical trade and tax policies amidst rising economic concerns, particularly focusing on inflation and its impact on American families. Members expressed both support and skepticism, emphasizing the significance of fostering fair trade practices and ensuring tax policies that benefit the middle-class amidst claims of an agenda favoring affluent individuals and corporations.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/21/2026)
Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:41:21.680><c> study</c><00:41:22.160><c> or</c> think this is the the the drug study or think
- this is the the the drug study or procedure<00:41:22.960><c> that</c><00:41:23.200><c> would</c><00:
- My office then works with my schedule and the insurance company's schedule to find time for a peer-to-peer
- an appointment for can't schedule an appointment for months.<00:57:08.640><c> What</c><00:57:08.880>
- Yeah, I thank you for the schedule.
Committee:
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-29 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, obviously we've changed the schedule a little bit on how they would be released and some of
- You know, obviously we've changed the schedule a little bit on how they would be released and some of
- Its own schedules and its own administrative policies. Additional questions, Senator Davis.
- No changes to curriculum, no changes to scheduling, no changes to program development, no changes.
- the death penalty ever decide to quit producing those drugs.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge, and heard several member introductions before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up SB 200/HB 295 on a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, which directs DEP to develop a statewide recycling strategy by 2026 with stakeholder input and a three-year implementation roadmap; the House bill was substituted and passed 38-0. Senators then approved CS/CS/SB 492 on mitigation banking and land development after adopting two McLean amendments, including one on out-of-service credits and another incorporating phosphate mining lands provisions; the bill passed 35-3 after debate over possible constitutional issues. CS/SB 494 on aggravated animal cruelty was also amended and substituted with the House companion to add a searchable FDLE database of convicted animal abusers and a sentencing multiplier, with an agriculture-related exemption; it passed 37-0.
The Senate next passed CS/CS/SB 500/HB 711 creating the Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism, including training and coordinated alert procedures, with a House amendment to align implementation timing and funding; it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 524/HB 1089 added Duchenne muscular dystrophy to newborn screening tests and passed 36-0. CS/CS/SB 592/HB 393 revised the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot Program by lowering approval thresholds, clarifying eligibility and ownership issues, and adding sliding-door wind-driven rain mitigation devices; it passed 37-0 after discussion about funding and insurance premium credits. CS/SB 742/HB 1145 on workforce education allowed charter schools direct access to grant funding and expanded money-back guarantees for certain programs, and it passed 37-0. CS/CS/SB 822/HB 443 on charter schools generated extensive debate and multiple amendments, including a Jones amendment requiring parent acknowledgment of school rules; the bill would expand charter autonomy, reporting flexibility, enrollment capacity, and governance provisions, and it was placed on the calendar for third reading after the amendment process.
Later, the Senate passed HB 827 on a statewide study of automation and workforce impact, which would examine job displacement, wages, vulnerable regions, and training needs, by a 35-0 vote. It also passed CS/CS/SB 964/HB 181 on parole guidelines, CS/SB 976/HB 901 on court-appointed psychologists, and CS/SB 1084/HB 1451 on sexual cyber harassment and digitally forged intimate images, all unanimously. CS/CS/SB 1156 on a Home Health Aid for Medically Fragile Children Program was amended to clarify training requirements and passed 37-0 after supportive debate about helping parents care for medically fragile children. Finally, CS/CS/CS/SB 1240/HB 1091 on substance abuse and mental health care was amended to allow designated facilities to retain certain stabilized patients during the 72-hour involuntary examination period and passed 37-0. Several other bills were temporarily postponed, and the chamber also recognized guests and interns throughout the session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Transcript Highlights:
- Should we apply that same argument for legalizing drugs such as heroin?
- So the idea that we're going to somehow equate internet gambling to illegal drugs is, quite frankly,
- We have two more people on the schedule, and then we’ll see if anybody else wants to testify.
- Our last scheduled speaker is Jack again, who’s going to be part of the Plain Ridge panel, I guess.
Summary:
The committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, chaired by Rep. Carole Fiola and Sen. Barry Finegold, held a lengthy hearing on a range of gambling-related bills. Testimony first focused on H. 496 to allow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to authorize Plain Ridge Park Casino to add table games and more slot machines. Supporters, including Rep. Jeffrey Roy, Sen. Finegold, Rep. Barry R. Finegold, Rep. Brian Vaughn, and Plainville officials, argued the change was needed to keep Massachusetts gaming dollars from flowing to Rhode Island, protect jobs, and preserve local tax revenue. They described Plain Ridge as a strong community partner and cited host-community benefits such as municipal infrastructure projects and local aid. Opponents or skeptical witnesses later argued that expanded gambling, especially online, would increase harm and cannibalize existing casinos and local economies.
The committee also heard testimony on bills related to sports betting restrictions and online gambling. Sen. John Keenan presented a “Better Health Act” proposal to ban prop bets and in-play bets, require affordability checks, prohibit hosts, raise the sports betting excise tax, expand funding for problem-gambling services, and increase research and data sharing. He and supporters framed the bill as a public-health response to addiction, suicide, bankruptcy, and other harms. Rep. David Nangle, speaking from personal experience with gambling addiction, strongly opposed internet gaming, warning that it would intensify addiction and expose children and families to 24/7 gambling on phones. In contrast, Rep. David Moradian and industry witnesses supported H. 4431 to legalize and regulate internet gaming, arguing it would bring illegal activity into a regulated market, generate new revenue, and include consumer protections such as age verification, deposit limits, self-exclusion, and responsible-gaming tools.
The committee also took testimony on H. 4238, which would expand fundraising options for fraternal organizations, especially the Elks. Rep. Bruce Ayers and Elks representatives said the bill would help lodges raise money for scholarships, veterans’ services, and community programs after COVID-related losses and declining membership. On H. 480, Rep. Kathleen LaNatra, Rep. Badger, and representatives of veterans organizations and gaming-machine operators urged allowing qualified veterans groups to participate in certain video gaming activity, saying it would provide a sustainable revenue source to keep posts open and support veterans’ services. Dr. Rachel Volberg testified that expanding gambling, especially online gambling and slot machines at veterans organizations, would likely increase gambling harm, and she urged stronger harm-prevention measures, data reporting, and research funding. Other witnesses, including anti-gambling advocates and industry representatives, sharply disagreed over whether legalization would reduce illegal gambling or worsen addiction and social costs. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- Violence and Victim Assistance for fiscal year 2027, appropriating additional monies to the Office of Drug
- Violence and Victim Assistance for fiscal year 2027, appropriating additional monies to the Office of Drug
- your green light so we can keep our inspections moving forward and keep construction projects on schedule
- your green light so we can keep our inspections moving forward and keep construction projects on schedule
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 3, 2026 - 02:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- They look on their rotation schedule of who the next mediator is on their roll at X.
- Thank you. schedule of who the next mediator is on their roll at X, and that mediator could be anybody
- This included not only mental health and drug courts, but domestic violence courts.
- This included not only mental health and drug courts, but domestic violence courts.
Summary:
The subcommittee first heard HB 925 on clerks of court reimbursement. The sponsor said the bill raises the statutory reimbursement rate for unfunded clerk duties to $195 per petition, adds approved civil indigency applications to the reimbursement request, and adjusts certain civil traffic fee distributions to create parity between municipalities and unincorporated county areas. An amendment was adopted to remove general-revenue redirects and address a fee-waiver issue. Clerks and related associations testified in support, while the Florida League of Cities raised concerns about the revenue impact on municipalities. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB 925 favorably by a 16-0 vote.
The committee then took up HB 1551 on products liability for firearms. The sponsor said the bill would bar design-defect claims based solely on the absence or presence of external features not required by federal law, while preserving claims for internal manufacturing defects and failures to meet express warranties or representations. The bill drew extensive testimony from firearms manufacturers, law enforcement, gun-rights groups, and opponents from the Florida Justice Association and others, with debate focused on whether the language would limit lawsuits over alleged ghost firing or design defects and whether it should be clarified to preserve pending and future claims. The committee reported HB 1551 favorably by a 13-4 vote.
Next, CS for HB 657 on community associations proposed a new community association court program, elimination of pre-suit mediation, and new procedures for dissolving associations, along with changes to “Kaufman” language and financial disclosure requirements. An amendment was adopted that changed the dissolution threshold to 50% of signatures, required a two-thirds vote for bylaw amendments, and expanded financial disclosure access to bank records and related documents. Homeowners testified about alleged HOA abuse, while attorneys and others warned about unintended consequences, loss of mediation, and questions about court authority. The committee approved the amended bill 14-1.
Finally, CS for HB 635 on cybersecurity standards and liability would create a presumption against negligence liability for local governments and businesses that comply with specified cybersecurity standards and incident-reporting requirements, with the defendant bearing the burden to show compliance. Testimony split between supporters who said the bill incentivizes stronger security practices and opponents who argued it could shield entities that only “substantially” comply and could affect pending class actions. The committee reported the bill favorably 14-1. The meeting then moved on to PCS for HB 529, with the sponsor beginning presentation as the transcript ended.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 2857 by Blanco, relating to a prescription drug purchasing pool for certain health benefit
- Senate Bill 2928 by Creighton, relating to the scheduling of the first day of school for students by
- Senate Bill 2997 by Menendez, relating to the scheduling of certain controlled substances in response
- to certain actions by the United States Food and Drug Administration, to Health and Human Services.
Bills:
SJR12 , SJR81 , SCR39 , SB22 , SB32 , SB241 , SB393 , SB414 , SB458 , SB464 , SB568 , SB583 , SB609 , SB660 , SB693 , SB731 , SB732 , SB746 , SB783 , SB785 , SB897 , SB993 , SB996 , SB1008 , SB1029 , SB1035 , SB1036 , SB1120 , SB1122 , SB1147 , SB1163 , SB1188 , SB1197 , SB1209 , SB1227 , SB1245 , SB1267 , SB1307 , SB1321 , SB1332 , SB1386 , SB1394 , SB1396 , SB1470 , SB1494 , SB1537 , SB1596 , SB1598 , SB1610 , SB1664 , SB1814 , SB1822 , SB1841 , SB1948 , SB2065 , SB2155 , SB2406 , SB2407
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum call, invocation, approval of routine motions, and the reading of gubernatorial nominations and several honorary resolutions. The chamber adopted resolutions recognizing Jack and Jill of America Day and DJ Daniel Day at the Capitol, with multiple senators offering remarks praising youth leadership, perseverance, and public service. The Senate also introduced the Doctor of the Day and then proceeded to a long series of floor actions on bills.
A major focus was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 568, which overhauls special education funding and services in public schools by moving from a placement-based model to an intensity-based system tied to student needs and IEPs. Senators Bettencourt, Creighton, and Menendez emphasized transparency, parent input, evaluation funding, dyslexia services, and better alignment of funding with actual services; Senator Hinojosa shared a personal story about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. The bill was advanced on second and third reading and finally passed 30-0. The Senate also passed SB 1396 to prohibit national sex education standards in public schools, SB 2065 on the Texas Emergency Services Retirement System, SB 1664 requiring clearer public disclosure of transmission and distribution utility rate changes, SB 1029 on advertising certain used motor vehicles, SB 1120 expanding rights for family violence victims, SB 1036 regulating residential solar retail transactions, SB 464 creating school-proximity restrictions and penalties for tobacco and vaping sales, SB 1035 giving farmers and ranchers equitable relief from certain local agricultural regulations, SB 1610 addressing civil commitment facility safety and prosecution issues, SB 1197 extending drone restrictions to spaceports, and SB 1386 changing legislative witness immunity from transactional to testimonial immunity.
Another major bill was Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1188, which updates electronic health record requirements. Senator Kolkhorst said the bill builds on Texas medical privacy law by requiring U.S.-based storage of EMR data, prohibiting recording of voter registration status and credit score information, requiring provider verification and disclosure for AI-assisted diagnosis or treatment recommendations, preserving parental access to minors’ records until age 18, and ensuring EMRs can capture metabolic health and biological sex information. A floor amendment clarified the bill’s scope and enforcement, and the bill passed 23-7. Several measures drew debate, especially SB 414 on bond ballot transparency, where Senators Eckhardt and Menendez questioned whether requiring estimated interest and total debt cost on ballots could be misleading or difficult to implement because interest rates and financing terms can change before issuance or over time. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final action shown on SB 414.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed May 6, 2026, 9:00AM HST - Day 57
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- her if she told her mom that suicidal thoughts could be a possible side effect of that particular drug
- that she gave to um my particular drug that she gave to um my friend.<02:22:23.040><c> The</c><02:22
- </c><04:02:50.000><c> this</c><04:02:50.160><c> bill</c> Ways and Means for scheduling this bill Ways
- and Means for scheduling this bill in<04:02:50.560><c> their</c><04:02:50.880><c> respective</c><04:
- </c> regarding um, testing strips of drugs. regarding um, testing strips of drugs.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Committee of Conference on HB 1, HB 2 (06/13/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Have we got them scheduled to come up? I don't know that you have your retirement scheduled?
- Uh, there are House and Other Drugs.
- And so the idea problem, drug problem.
- That has to do with the PDAP prescription drug affordability board.
- Prescription drug the two bodies.
Summary:
The Committee of Conference on HB 1 and HB 2 met to review revenue estimates and begin working through the HB 1 detail change sheet. New Hampshire Lottery Director Charlie McIntyre reported stronger-than-expected lottery performance, raising the current-year return estimate to $27 million and the next biennium estimate to $200 million, with the increase attributed to improved scratch ticket sales and sports betting not hurting revenue as much as expected. Members questioned the assumptions behind the higher estimates, including the impact of $50 scratch tickets and whether the figures accounted for future conversion from historical horse racing (HHR) machines to video lottery terminals (VLTs). McIntyre and committee members discussed machine counts, per-day revenue assumptions, and the likelihood that VLT conversion would increase revenues over time, though the timing and pace of conversion remained an open question.
The committee also discussed several gaming-related policy items in HB 2, including changes to kino hours and local option games of chance, and noted that the Senate and House differed on how gaming revenues would be allocated between charities, education, and general funds. Members emphasized that revenue projections should remain conservative because operators, not the state, would control the pace of machine conversion. Representative Sweeney noted that operators could earn more per machine under the VLT model, and McIntyre said the new facilities and expansions were largely concentrated near the Massachusetts border.
The committee then moved to the HB 1 detail change sheet. It agreed to Senate position on the Department of Safety’s road toll bureau and international registration program changes, which were described as a zero-cost realignment of positions, and held the Department of Corrections section for later discussion. On the judicial side, members approved a technical footnote fix, but held a new contract counsel item for involuntary mental health admissions and deferred discussion of the public defender program increase. The committee also noted no change for the PE development authority, moved safety rest area funding from HB 2 into HB 1 with no additional cost, and flagged the tourism development fund and other judicial items as issues that may depend on overall available revenue.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Feb 11th, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- They will lose preventive care, non-emergency dental coverage, and even access to prescription drugs.
- Vice Chairman, I just wanted to let the public know this meeting was originally scheduled two hours.
- Vice Chairman, I just wanted to let the public know this meeting was originally scheduled two hours.
- Tom Renfrey with the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives.
- Tom Renfrey with the California Association of Alcohol and Drug Program Executives.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think it's funny that when it gets scheduled for hearings, suddenly everybody wants to...
- We develop new technologies and new drugs, which are expensive.
- Just an example of some of those, the main drivers: Drugs going up 8% a year, Physician costs, 7%, Nursing
- Errors on drugs and medical expenses, market closures of labor and delivery units that shift patient
- I mean, we have drug shortages that... can result in very large and quick increases in drug costs.
Committee:
House Intergovernmental Affairs
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 3rd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- a measure that will align California's housing policy with federal guidelines by recognizing that drug-free
- There are folks right now who know that being as far as possible away from drugs in a community where
- Nearly 40% of the people currently living on the streets in California are suffering from drug addiction
- like seeing homeless individuals wandering around the streets who seem to be mentally ill or have drug
- Session schedule tomorrow is being pushed from 9 a.m. To 10 a.m.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- So when you hear the problems with crime and so forth are rated to border or drugs or ethnicity or poverty
- ask, and I think all the senators would agree with me, when we do this next year, we put on the schedule
- And next year we're going to practice, and I know Senator Soules is already starting practice schedules
- And I hope we don't have anything scheduled for the session except this game, so we all go there, because
- President, we want commercial, we want a grocery store, we want a drug store.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Gray Gardner, on behalf of Drug Policy Alliance, in support.
- Al Chen on behalf of Drug Policy Alliance and strong support. L.
- Chen on behalf of Drug Policy Alliance is in strong support.
- , or prescription drugs before or while shooting.
- Condoning this behavior…” The counter drugs or prescription drugs before or while shooting.
Committee:
House Public Safety
Summary:
The committee heard several measures, with AB 366 on ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders receiving the most extensive debate. The author, Senator Archuleta, and MADD representative Colin Campbell testified in support, describing personal losses to drunk driving and arguing that mandatory interlocks would prevent repeat offenses and save lives. Support also came from firefighters, law enforcement groups, AAA, medical and traffic safety organizations, and others. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates argued the bill removed judicial discretion, could impose costs on low-income people, and relied on a policy they said had inconclusive recidivism benefits. After discussion, the committee adopted AB 366 as amended and sent it to Appropriations on an aye vote.
The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway for formerly incarcerated Cal Fire hand crew members into firefighting careers, and AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for certain school attendance violations and replace them with supportive responses. AB 1380 drew broad support from reentry, labor, and justice organizations, and opposition from Cal Fire-related interests was withdrawn after negotiations, though concerns remained about implementation and a possible two-tier system. AB 461 was backed by education, poverty, youth justice, and public defender groups, with testimony emphasizing family hardship, immigration fears, and the limits of punitive truancy enforcement; no opposition appeared. Both bills were moved forward but remained on call pending additional votes.
The committee also adopted ACR 60, a Downey Police Department resolution highlighting voluntary special-needs stickers, yard signs, and dispatch alerts to help officers interact more effectively with people with disabilities or communication challenges. Later, AB 746 on prison cooperatives and a green reentry reserve was presented as a recidivism-reduction and workforce-development measure, with support from reentry and legal advocacy groups and no opposition testimony; it was advanced to Appropriations but also left on call. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking was heard with strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials who said it would fund survivor services and target buyers, while opponents warned it could revive harmful loitering enforcement and criminalize survivors. The bill drew significant committee debate and was left pending after testimony and discussion.
DE
Delaware 2025-2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Legislative Session - Session 2 - 38th Legislative Day Jun 18th, 2026
Delaware House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And I think that this type of dishonesty is rampant inside our food and drug industry.
- And I think that, you know, this type of dishonesty is rampant inside our food and drug industry.
- Immediately, eight states went to either redistricting or scheduling redistricting.
- Those plans consist of major things such as completion of parenting courses, alcohol or drug treatment
- Completion of parenting courses, alcohol or drug treatment, mental health counseling, finding a job,
Summary:
The House received a series of Senate communications and committee reports, then took up a long consent calendar and several individual measures. Early actions included passing consent calendar items, recognizing Freedom of Speech Week and Juneteenth, and hearing numerous introductions and tributes, including remarks honoring House fellows, Father’s Day, and Representative Mara Gorman. The chamber also adopted several procedural motions and recesses, with roll calls recorded throughout.
Among the bills considered, the House passed House Bill 134 on animal cruelty, increasing penalties for repeat offenses; House Bill 131 with Senate Amendment 1 on pet stores and animal welfare; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 320 on technical corrections to the Delaware Constitution; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 407 on technical updates to the Hazardous Substance Control Act; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 on salary supplements for certain school employees; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 450, the Road Delaware Act, on land use and permitting reform; House Bill 459 on restricting energy drink sales in schools; House Substitute 1 for House Bill 439 on electric moped and motorcycle disclosures; and House Bill 444, the Delaware John Lewis Voting Rights Act, after amendment delaying its effective date to July 1, 2027. House Amendment 1 to House Bill 459 was adopted, and House Amendment 1 to House Bill 444 was adopted before final passage.
The House also rejected House Amendment 1 to House Substitute 1 for House Bill 425 after debate over salary supplement policy for school-related certifications, then passed the substitute bill itself. House Bill 407 prompted questions about the increase in civil penalties, which DENREC said was intended to update outdated fines and align the penalty structure with other laws. House Bill 444 drew floor speeches emphasizing voting rights protections and concerns about voter suppression and dilution. The session ended with the House moving to recess after continuing consideration of House Bill 355, the Speaker Truth Act, which had just adopted an amendment changing damages language to attorney’s fees and costs.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a cleanup bill to a bill we passed two years ago where we took intoxicated and moved out schedules
- of drugs and just put in the word impaired throughout the statutes.
- campaign of terror in October 1998, traveled from Baton Rouge to Clinton, Louisiana, to rob a reputed drug
- campaign of terror in October 1998, traveled from Baton Rouge to Clinton, Louisiana to rob a reputed drug
- Broaden murdered Edward Black in a drug deal gone wrong in January 1996.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary C
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection.
House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection.
The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a cleanup bill to a bill we passed two years ago where we took intoxicated and moved out schedules
- of drugs and just put in the word impaired throughout the statutes.
- campaign of terror in October 1998, traveled from Baton Rouge to Clinton, Louisiana, to rob a reputed drug
- campaign of terror in October 1998, traveled from Baton Rouge to Clinton, Louisiana to rob a reputed drug
- Broaden murdered Edward Black in a drug deal gone wrong in January 1996.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary C
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Mar 18th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Defense, heroin trafficking, methamphetamine trafficking, firearm in a felony, conspiracy to violate the drug
- It's the vast number of— The vast number of cases are drug-related cases: heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine
- When you testified, sir, you said 125 rapists, drug traffickers, human traffickers, and... ...25 rapists
- , drug traffickers, human traffickers, murder, domestic violence.
- I'd like to give you an update on the schedule for the committee and testimony today.
Summary:
The hearing covered several public safety bills and related testimony. On S. 2681, “Colby’s Law,” which would establish safety standards for BMX/motocross tracks, the committee heard emotional testimony from the family of a teen killed at a track and from advocates who said minimum standards are needed for barriers, medical staff, emergency planning, insurance, and oversight. A track owner and rider also testified that safety is important but argued the bill was incomplete and should better distinguish between BMX and motocross and include more specific equipment and weather-related rules. On S. 2680, a bill to expand emergency planning around aging nuclear plants and high-level nuclear waste sites, supporters from Cape Cod, medical groups, and anti-nuclear organizations urged a 50-mile emergency planning radius and stronger state preparedness, citing risks from long-term waste storage and inadequate federal oversight. The committee also heard testimony on a Barnstable home rule petition to allow certain emergency response vehicles to use red lights, with the town supporting the change to improve response times on the water.
A substantial portion of the hearing focused on H. 5158, the Protect Act, which would limit state and local cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. County sheriffs testified about how ICE notifications and detainers work in practice, distinguishing between criminal warrants and civil immigration requests to notify, and describing their discretion when people are released on bail or at the end of a sentence. Sheriffs said they generally notify ICE when requested, especially in cases involving serious charges, but emphasized the need to balance public safety, victim notification, and due process. Committee members pressed them on the impact of ICE pickups at courthouses and jails, and several lawmakers and witnesses argued that pretrial detainees taken by ICE can disrupt prosecutions and deny victims their day in court.
Supporters of the Protect Act included labor, education, health care, and immigrant advocacy groups. They said immigrants and mixed-status families are living in fear of routine interactions with police, schools, courts, and hospitals, and urged the committee to ban 287(g) agreements, prohibit law enforcement from asking about immigration status or providing operational assistance to ICE, and add stronger protections for sensitive locations such as schools and health care facilities. Medical witnesses described patients and families avoiding care because of ICE presence, and educators said students are missing school out of fear. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and indicated it would continue receiving written testimony before taking action later.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Mar 18th, 2026
Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
Transcript Highlights:
- Defense, heroin trafficking, methamphetamine trafficking, firearm in a felony, conspiracy to violate the drug
- It's the vast number of... ...The vast number of cases are drug-related cases: heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine
- When you testified, sir, you said 125 rapists, drug traffickers, human traffickers, and... ...25 rapists
- , drug traffickers, human traffickers, murder, domestic violence.
- I'd like to give you an update on the schedule for the committee and testimony today.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Judiciary Feb 17th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are situations involving drugs, mentally ill people, very emotional situations, domestic violence
- You and I both know you get a scheduling order in the case, and discovery is like after the last—you're
- when a health care provider's conduct that caused the patient's harm was done under the influence of drugs
- , but we did a bill a couple years back regarding the doctor-patient relationship as it relates to drug
- prescription. ...the doctor-patient relationship as it relates to drug prescriptions, and that was a
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 61, which would raise aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony in cases involving great bodily harm or a deadly weapon. The sponsor and supporters said the bill fixes an inconsistency in current law, where aggravated assault on an officer can be punished more severely than aggravated battery causing serious injury. Law enforcement representatives, the Chiefs Association, CBRC, and chamber representatives testified in support, and the New Mexico Sentencing Commission was noted as having endorsed the bill by a 6-3-4 vote. After questions about proportionality and plea bargaining, the committee voted due pass on HB 61 without objection.
The committee then returned to House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform bill, and several members made conflict-of-interest disclosures before debating amendments. The discussion focused heavily on the patient compensation fund, surcharge setting, and whether an advisory board or the superintendent should control rates. Amendments to segregate future fund money, require surcharges no lower than the advisory board’s recommendation, and create a commission with more actuarial and financial expertise were debated at length; the committee rejected the first two amendments. Members and witnesses argued over whether past undercharging of hospitals and doctors led to insolvency and taxpayer bailouts, and whether the bill should require more transparency and oversight.
The committee also debated amendments on punitive damages. One proposal would have delayed punitive damage claims until after substantial discovery; opponents said it would conflict with civil procedure, prolong litigation, and likely be struck down. Another would have tied punitive damages to a multiple of compensatory damages or a percentage of net worth; supporters said that would better deter harmful conduct, while opponents said it would create uncertainty and more discovery. That amendment also failed. A final punitive-damages amendment would have removed caps in cases involving sexual assault or intoxication by a health care provider and protected the first $5 million of an independent provider’s personal assets; it too was rejected after members said it would shield egregious misconduct and go beyond the bill’s purpose.