Transcript Highlights:

• Go to class to take their finals.
• And I can well say I've read over their chapter constitution.
• Sometimes finals were interrupted and canceled.
• To give you an example, during that time, those events happened during finals, and more than 50 final
• I mean, I read about Huey P.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of the bill. First question is on the amendment. Second reading of the bill.
• The ayes have it; the bill is ordered to a third reading. The bill is ordered to a third reading.
• Second reading of the bill.
• Jones of North Reading. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Jones of North Reading offers an amendment. The hands of the clerk. Clerk, read the amendment.

Keywords: 995, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read the report.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• Will not be read.

Summary: The House met in regular session, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recognized several guests and personal privileges, including introductions of students and family members. The chamber also took up a motion to request the Senate return SB 1160 for reconsideration, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, members considered SB 1118, SB 1178, and SB 1419. SB 1118 received an appropriations committee amendment and a floor amendment related to balancing housing affordability with historic preservation, and was recommended do pass as amended. SB 1178, dealing with naturopathic medicine accreditation and scope issues, drew debate: supporters said it would protect patient access and provider supply by updating accreditation-related definitions, while opponents argued it expanded scope too far and sidestepped federal accreditation concerns; the bill was ultimately recommended do pass as amended. SB 1419, concerning solar energy devices and disclosure protections for residential, multifamily, commercial, and industrial units, was also amended and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1497 was retained on the calendar. The House then entered an additional Committee of the Whole for SB 1242 and SB 1270. SB 1242, which allows audio and audio-visual technology for mental health evaluations or treatment hearings, was amended to modify the definition of a mental health treatment agency and recommended do pass as amended. SB 1270 also received a floor amendment and was recommended do pass as amended. The House adopted the Committee of the Whole and additional Committee of the Whole reports, properly engrossing SB 1118, SB 1178, SB 1419, SB 1242, and SB 1270, while retaining SB 1497. On third reading, the House passed SB 1162, SB 1274, SB 1426, SB 1552, and SB 1814. SB 1814, which establishes a substance use disorder treatment standards and oversight study committee, drew remarks in support of a study committee to address fraud, waste, abuse, and treatment reform. The House also announced upcoming committee and caucus meetings and adjourned until 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• be the final be the final one<00:13:02.760> on<00:13:03.760> T one on T one on T municipalities
• <01:00:55.039> this describing I guess in how I read this describing I guess in how I read
• So that is the final pink card that I have.
• The final pin card that I have here today is Representative Aly.
• satisfies everybody and we can finally satisfies everybody and we can finally uh<04:08:58.880>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if we move to the final slide just to close things out.
• We'll have to make sure people can read the word "quantum."
• And then my final point in relation to funding.
• We also receive a final report from all our grantees about how the funds were used.
• We can read through metal and through liquids.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are two committee reports to read at the desk. The secretary will read the reports.
• We will now have the secretary take the roll on final passage as amended. Third reading.
• Third reading.
• <01:00:12.319> Thank I read that right? Senator Abler. Thank I read that right?
• give the bill its third reading. give the bill its third reading.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What's the finals inspections done?
• But I want to caution everybody on reading too much into that.
• And so again, just cautioning folks to read too much into that.
• You're recognized to do find any barriers from the phase one to the final?
• We'll have a couple this last one more go read.

Transcript Highlights:

• on third reading of bills for today.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.
• The clerk will read the report. Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But if I read this...
• But if he read this...
• <01:34:04.520> it going around I'm not going to read it going around I'm not going to read
• <02:25:20.359> read<02:25:20.520> the that he has in fact read read the that he has
• you read the wiretap law it only had to you read the wiretap law it only had to deal<04:09:34.279>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard CACR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment by Representative Keith Ammon to recognize a fundamental right to use computation resources. Ammon argued that computing is now essential to daily life, speech, education, and economic opportunity, and said the amendment was intended to push back against government or corporate restrictions, citing a 2023 federal executive order on AI registration and reporting as an example of the kind of precedent he wanted to oppose. He said the proposal should be simple and clear because it would go to voters, and he compared the right to compute to other constitutional rights that do not require the government to provide the underlying tools. Committee members raised concerns about the breadth of the language, including whether it could affect encryption, authentication, network security, energy use, and other regulatory issues. Representative McFarland questioned whether the amendment could interfere with security measures, while others asked whether it would prevent ordinary network management such as throttling or require the state to provide internet access or hardware. Ammon responded that the right would not entitle someone to other people’s resources and said encryption and similar issues would sort themselves out. Several members also raised concerns about child safety, public safety, and whether existing laws could still regulate misuse of computing; Ammon said reasonable limits would still apply, similar to other constitutional rights. Sarah Scott of Americans for Prosperity testified in support, saying the amendment would protect innovation, individual autonomy, and economic competitiveness by preventing overregulation. After questions concluded, the chair closed the hearing on CACR 6. The committee then opened House Bill 615, sponsored by Representative Dan Maguire, which would substantially rewrite the state’s drug-forfeiture law. Maguire said the bill is intended to improve fairness and efficiency in cases where property such as cars or cash is seized in connection with drug offenses, noting that the criminal case and the civil forfeiture case are currently handled separately, with the property case prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office. He explained that the bill addresses courtroom procedure for these forfeiture actions and is meant to make the process more specific and orderly.

Transcript Highlights:

• You are welcome, of course, as you testify, to read prepared remarks, but please refrain from reading
• To read prepared remarks, but please refrain from reading any testimony that you have already submitted
• We will read that, so you don't need to read it to us.
• And you could be a Red Sox announcer with the reading off the name. Thank you very much.
• Finally, I want to talk about EPR. Like others have said, we love the concept of EPR.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources held a heavily attended hybrid hearing focused primarily on plastics reduction bills, along with a few local and related waste-management measures. Chair Rauch and Chair Barber outlined strict testimony rules because of the large number of speakers. Before the plastics docket, the committee heard support for a local Sharon sewer-extension bill for a Sunrise Senior Living project, and the bill’s proponents said the project would help address senior housing needs and would still require MWRA and local approvals. The chairs also noted a separate local matter involving Sharon and the MWRA. A major portion of the hearing centered on the Plastics Reduction Act and related bills addressing single-use plastics, including plastic bags, polystyrene, black plastic, plastic beverage bottles, non-flushable wipes, skip-the-stuff provisions, and truth-in-labeling. Sponsors and supporters said the bills would reduce litter, microplastics, greenhouse gas emissions, and municipal waste costs, while creating statewide consistency and supporting environmental justice communities. Several speakers cited local bans already adopted by many Massachusetts cities and towns, and many urged the committee to advance comprehensive statewide action. The committee also heard testimony on a boat wrap recycling bill, a mattress recycling bill, and a bill to prohibit hotels from providing small plastic toiletries. Municipal officials and waste professionals supported extended producer responsibility for paint and labeling for non-flushable wipes, saying these measures would shift costs away from cities and towns and reduce strain on wastewater systems. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, Mayor Ruth Ann Fuller of Newton, and a Franklin County waste official all backed paint EPR and wipes labeling. Fire Chief Brian Nardelli testified for the Fire Chiefs Association in support of lithium-ion battery legislation, citing fire safety and disposal concerns. Other speakers, including environmental groups, local activists, and business representatives, supported bag and polystyrene bans, though the Retailers Association of Massachusetts urged any bag policy to be truly statewide and said any bag fee should be retained by retailers. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then on our final slide is just our contact information.
• Readings in southwestern North Dakota...
• I don't remember what the readings were.
• He's going to present his final report, and on your agenda items you can see that final report.
• So this final presentation is in two parts. So this final presentation is in two parts.

Summary: The committee met to review advanced nuclear energy issues in North Dakota, beginning with approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes. Nucleon presented an overview of the advanced reactor landscape, distinguishing light-water SMRs, advanced Gen 4 reactors, and microreactors. The presentation emphasized that light-water SMRs are the most near-term deployable and use familiar low-enriched uranium fuel, while many Gen 4 designs may require high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU), which is not yet supported by a mature U.S. supply chain. Nucleon also noted that advanced reactors are being developed primarily for industrial heat applications, while microreactors are niche, higher-cost systems for remote or mission-critical uses. Committee members asked about fuel availability, safety, recycling, and whether large reactors such as AP-1000s were evaluated; the presenter said fuel development is proceeding in parallel but remains a bottleneck, and that siting and grid capacity often make SMRs more practical than gigawatt-scale plants in North Dakota. Representatives from the National Association of State Energy Officials described how other states are supporting advanced nuclear through task forces, roadmaps, regional coordination, grants, tax incentives, workforce and supply-chain efforts, and pilot programs. They highlighted the Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative and said states are focusing on multi-state coordination, demand aggregation, regulatory coordination, waste management, workforce readiness, and community engagement. They also discussed affordability tools such as construction work in progress (CWIP), financing incentives, and consumer protections, citing examples from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, Tennessee, and others. In response to questions, they explained that pilot programs often involve site-readiness and feasibility studies, and that the federal Nuclear Innovation Campus process is moving forward with multiple submissions while broader waste and recycling policy may require congressional action. The Public Service Commission said it would likely have a major role in any North Dakota nuclear project through certificate-of-public-convenience-and-necessity review, siting, and rate regulation, but noted gaps in current law for small reactors, co-located facilities, NRC coordination, and long-term site stewardship. The commissioner said the commission has no authority over a private, self-contained reactor not connected to the grid. The Department of Environmental Quality explained that the state regulates radioactive materials under its agreement-state authority, but NRC retains primacy over fission reactors; DEQ would likely assist with emergency planning and could have a larger role if fusion reactors emerge. The Department of Emergency Services said it would serve as the lead off-site preparedness agency, requiring a dedicated radiological emergency preparedness program, training, drills, public outreach, and likely additional funding and staffing, with industry expected to bear much of the cost. The Department of Water Resources said North Dakota’s water laws and prior-appropriation system are adequate for nuclear siting, that the Missouri River is the best likely source, and that no statutory or budget changes are currently needed from a water perspective. The committee recessed for lunch after these agency presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Because we didn't, I wasn't sure when I read the bill.
• The bill finally brought oversight to an industry that operated for decades with The bill finally brought
• I could read hundreds of headlines about this industry, which is so wealthy.
• Our final bill before this committee today focuses on insurance availability.
• Finally, insurers must be able to spread their risk geographically.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> As I was reading through the building could be off.
• That's my final question.
• And you're reading.
• And finally submit a final report on its finding to the governor and the legislature by December. 1st
• And I think that was far from the final product product.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As I read it, it's simply language in that respect.
• Instead, it says that testimony can be read into evidence.
• So, Alan, I didn't read it that way at all, and I may be misreading it.
• I was reading your bill and trying to understand.
• So, I think reading that literally, probably indicates no...

Bills: HB285, HB795, HB1795, HB1871, HB2407, HB2461, HB2695, HB3507, HB4911, HB200

Keywords: animal cruelty, nonlivestock, prosecution, veterinary defense, animal welfare, aggravated assault, penal code, public servant, deadly weapon, mass shooting, Penal Code, penalties, felony, Texas Penal Code, felony enhancement, first-degree felony, second-degree felony, violent crime, assault punishment, serious bodily injury

Transcript Highlights:

• FINALLY THE PROPOSED BUDGET PRIORITIZE PRIORITIZES COURT OPERATIONS WITH 6.7 MILLION COURT REPORTING,
• THERE MAY BE PAY ISSUES AT THE FULL COMMITTEE LEVEL BUT THOSE DECISIONS HAVE NOT BEEN FINALIZED IT TO
• GO AHEAD SENATOR INGOGLIA. >> Senator Ingoglia: SENATOR, I READ TO THE DOCUMENTATION YOU GAVE ME.
• FINAL JUDGMENT AUTHORIZES THE DEVIATION AND MUST HIGHLIGHT THE DEVIATION.
• WHEN I READ THROUGH ALL THE DETAILS IT WAS SURPRISING THAT IN 2025 THAT THIS KIND OF STUFF GOES ON.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so in one particular final days.
• Finally, a not um responded to.
• I think the plain reading of sense.
• I get that." so Miss Primo, it would read at the end so Miss Primo, it would read at the end of<02:09
• would read. Correct, Senator Kron? would read. Correct, Senator Kron?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:14:16.720> this make sure that we just finalize this make sure that we just finalize this
• We we're getting to the final stages.
• Now I'm reading in the in system with.
• Um the way the law reads um latex time.
• revocation in 18 years is am I reading revocation in 18 years is am I reading that<01:08:14.880>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, would you like me to read the list from Representative Henry's area?
• I'm going to read a little bit about him.
• One of the things that I was reading is the Four H's, Mr. Speaker, gentlemen.
• We're on final passage of House Memorial 12. The vote is now open.
• House Bill 255 has not been read twice.

Transcript Highlights:

• and be placed upon its final passage.
• The clerk will give the bill its second reading. Second reading. Senate File 17.
• The clerk will give the bill its third reading. Third reading. Senate File 17.
• And finally, I'll wrap it up, Madam Chair and members.
• And finally, I'll wrap it up, year.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you read through the auditor's report?
• Did you read the auditor's report.
• And our final measure today is HB 1325 HD3, relating to housing.
• And our final measure today is HB 1325 HD3, relating to housing.
• And our final measure today is HB 1325 HD3, relating to housing.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committees heard several housing-related bills and resolutions. HB 1298 HD3 would create a government employee housing revolving fund and a government employee 99-year leasehold rent-to-own program; testimony was generally supportive from HHFDC, labor groups, and the Maui Chamber, with the Tax Foundation and Budget and Finance raising concerns about the revolving fund. The committees recommended passage with non-substantive amendments for clarity and consistency, and the motion was adopted. HB 741 H2, which would exempt certain affordable housing projects financed by a certified nonprofit CDFI from prevailing wage requirements, drew support from housing advocates and opposition from several construction unions; the chairs said they were concerned about the labor objections and deferred the measure, with the labor committee agreeing to defer it as well. The housing committee then took up HB 417 HD1, which creates a housing efficiency and innovation subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund and allows HHFDC to transfer funds between the subaccount and the main fund without legislative approval. Testimony was largely supportive. The chair described a series of amendments, including changing the funding-efficiency standard, adding perpetual affordability language, allowing any land tenure type, broadening eligible financing tools, adding priority criteria for mixed-income projects and government-employee projects, and inserting blank appropriations tied to a requested $75 million per year and a $75 million subaccount appropriation for the HCDA 99-year leasehold project. The committee recommended passage with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. HB 422 HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and move remaining balances to the school facilities special fund, drew broad support from housing and taxpayer groups and opposition from the Department of Education and some individuals. The School Facilities Authority and DOE argued the current system had not produced enough usable land or school sites and suggested narrowing the exemption to government housing projects’ construction costs instead of repealing the fee entirely. Members pressed DOE and SFA on how much land had actually been obtained and whether the fee had been effective; the discussion highlighted concerns about unused balances, school overcrowding, and the role of the Land Use Commission and county zoning in securing school sites. The committee did not take final action on the bill in the portion shown. The committee also heard STR 60/SR 45, urging HHFDC to develop a plan to meet housing demand, and STR 77/SR 60, addressing continued eligibility for housing credits for certain projects after repeal of Act 31; both sets of resolutions had HHFDC support, with DHHL supporting STR 77/SR 60 and Johnny May Perry opposing both.