Video & Transcript : 'Arizona Long Term Care System' :

Page 144 of 500
NM
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I did look at the Arizona law.
  • , the interactive video system, has gone out, it's been more that the case management system for the
  • We believe that this would be helpful for those systems. Thank you.
  • This bill addresses longstanding incongruence in our justice system.
  • You know, we're trying to, because it's a rehabilitative system.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 206, which would expand eligibility under the Crime Victims Reparation Act to cover additional offenses: simple assault, simple battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon. The sponsor, the Crime Victims Reparation Commission, and multiple supporters said the change would help victims access compensation for medical care, counseling, lost income, and related costs, with no added state administrative burden. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then took up HB 20, which would allow Native American designation on driver’s licenses and state IDs for people who provide proof of membership in a federally recognized tribe. Sponsors and tribal supporters said the designation could help with identification, Turquoise Alert notifications, and jurisdictional issues, while also serving as a voluntary option for tribal members. Some members raised concerns about possible profiling, lack of consultation with every tribe, and the absence of data from other states; supporters responded that the designation is optional and intended to assist, not harm. The bill passed 4-2. HB 52, a technical cleanup bill correcting statutory cross-references after prior competency-law amendments, passed unanimously 6-0. HB 58, which updates the telephone harassment statute to include electronic communications such as texts and social media, also passed 6-0 after supporters said the current law is outdated and too limited for modern harassment cases; committee members discussed possible definitional refinements. HB 57, allowing certain lab analysts and toxicologists to testify by interactive video in misdemeanor and DWI cases, drew support for efficiency and reducing travel burdens, but also concerns about confrontation rights and technical drafting issues; it passed 6-0 with a no recommendation. Finally, HB 79, which would lower the burden of proof for juvenile probation violation hearings to a preponderance standard, drew strong opposition from defense advocates and a law student who argued it would reduce due process protections for youth; after debate, the committee tabled the bill on a 4-2 vote.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Feb 17th, 2026

Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:
  • Chairman, Representative Handy, the county jails are not for long-term housing.
  • long-term.
  • And once in a while, some of them will come up to us, how long as long as long as I'm going to be here
  • You can see there this is just Canyon County, how many long-term residents this is.
  • County, how many long-term residents have been housed there.
Keywords: 989, all
FL

Florida 2026 5th Special Session

FL House Floor Session - 2026-01-15 (10:00AM Session)

Florida House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Our health care system is fantastic.
  • The parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, risk assessment, and long-term consequences..
  • And the part of the brain responsible for judgment, long-term planning, and impulse control does not
  • By Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee and Representative Oliver.
  • By Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee and Representative Oliver.
Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then adopted the special order report for the day. The chamber took up House Bill 167 on former phosphate mining lands. Sponsor Rep. McClure said the bill removes strict liability for previously mined phosphate lands if a Department of Health study is completed at the owner’s request and the former mining status is recorded publicly. Opponents, led by Rep. Cross and others, argued the bill relies too heavily on buyer-beware principles and does not adequately notify future buyers or renters. The bill passed 87-24 after debate. Members then considered House Bill 145 on suits against the government. Rep. McFarland said it updates Florida’s sovereign immunity caps, raising them to $500,000 per person and $1 million per incident, with a later automatic increase, while preserving the liability shield and improving access to compensation for people harmed by government negligence. The bill also aligns the statute of limitations with private claims and allows entities to settle above the cap. After brief debate, the House passed the bill 104-7. The House next debated CS/HB 289 on wrongful death for an unborn child, which would expand Florida’s Wrongful Death Act to allow claims involving unborn children and their parents. The bill prompted extensive questioning and debate about damages, definitions, medical care, surrogacy, and whether the measure could affect abortion access or expose doctors, friends, family members, and surrogates to lawsuits. Multiple amendments sought to carve out protections for mothers, health care providers, abortion care, perinatal professionals, surrogates, and victims of rape, incest, or human trafficking, but each was defeated. The final vote on the bill itself was 33-78, so the motion failed and the bill did not advance.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • We must thoroughly evaluate the true long-term costs of this proposal rather than relying on initial
  • research is clear that students who feel connected to their school perform better and have better long-term
  • of a long-term assessment that's been given in the state.
  • > a</c><01:58:50.400><c> long-term</c><01:58:51.599><c> assessment</c><01:58:52.080><c> that's</c><01
  • :58:52.400><c> been</c> of a long-term assessment that's been of a long-term assessment that's been given
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The committee met to hear from the New Hampshire Association of School Principals as part of its review of a proposal involving statewide administrative consolidation and changes to school governance. Members first discussed how school board witnesses would be selected, with the chair saying the committee would seek a mix of district sizes and structures and would also accept emailed input. The principals’ association said it represents more than 550 principals and assistant principals and urged caution about any mandatory consolidation, arguing that successful consolidations are gradual and voluntary. Association leaders and principals testified that principals already handle a wide range of responsibilities, including instructional leadership, student discipline, safety, staff supervision and evaluation, family and community engagement, and day-to-day crisis response. They argued that shifting more legal, budgetary, and administrative duties onto principals would reduce time for coaching teachers and supporting students, increase burnout and turnover, and create legal and training risks, especially in areas such as special education, privacy, and labor issues. They also said the roles of superintendents, principals, and school board members are distinct and require different training and expertise. Members asked detailed questions about how responsibilities are divided between principals and SAUs, whether principals recruit and evaluate staff, and how much time principals work. One principal said she works about 60 to 70 hours a week and that additional duties would be difficult to absorb. Another principal described his school’s structure, the importance of community building, and the need to preserve district-wide alignment if consolidation moves forward. No votes were taken during this portion of the meeting.
US
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's really related more to long-term bond rates, particularly the...
  • Looking ahead long term, will the Federal Reserve continue this course of unwinding the balance sheet
  • So, I think it's a long-term issue.
  • and long-term things that we can do to really address The housing supply and affordability crisis.
  • Even cutting red tape—those kinds of things that we can do long-term and short-term.
Bills: SB257
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Mar 23, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 32

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • accompanied by his wife, Patty, Brian Baker, who is the current CEO of Hina Mauka, as well as his long-term
  • as</c><00:20:36.240><c> well</c><00:20:36.480><c> as</c><00:20:36.680><c> his</c><00:20:37.040><c> long-term
  • </c> Hina Mauka, as well as his long-term Hina Mauka, as well as his long-term colleague,<00:20:38.240
  • Take care. >> [Applause] So now Alan does meditation retreats as often as possible, I guess.
  • Take care. >> [Applause] >> All those in favor of the resolution, say aye. Aye.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

LBT-EIG, EIG Public Hearings 02-03-2026

Labor and Technology

Transcript Highlights:
  • So we're kind of building a community of people that are using the new MAC system that grew up in Arizona
  • that that grew up in the new MAC system that that grew up in Arizona.<00:12:42.720><c> So</c><00:12:
  • if we are facing, you know, long-term power outages, that's also very important and I think there's
  • if we are facing you know the systems if we are facing you know long-term<00:32:52.000><c> power</c>
  • power outages that's also very long-term power outages that's also very important<00:32:55.279><c> and
Keywords: 912, senate, all
Summary: The joint hearing covered SB 2120, which would allow certain state and county employees rehired within one year to transfer accrued vacation and sick leave and extend the break-in-service period for health benefits. Testimony was split: the Department of Human Resources explained current leave payout and pension credit rules and raised concerns about the long transfer window, while labor representatives supported the measure. During decision-making, both committees recommended passage with amendments. The amendments narrowed the bill by changing the break-in-service period to 180 days for leave beginning on or after July 1, 2026, making the benefit transfer voluntary with a 90-day notice deadline, and changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. The recommendations were adopted by vote. The committees also heard SB 2523, an appropriation for the City and County of Honolulu Department of Information Technology to modernize the driver’s license and motor vehicle system. DIT described the current COBOL-based mainframe as decades old, said the project would use a code-share arrangement with Arizona, and estimated a $10 million, two-year conversion and rollout. Members questioned the cost, the city-state funding arrangement, and the feasibility of the project, including whether it would move to a cloud-based system. After testimony, both committees deferred the measure. In the Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs portion, SB 2032 on consumer protection for solar sales drew broad support from the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, the Office of Consumer Protection, the Hawaii Solar Energy Association, and others. Testifiers said the bill was needed in response to misleading solar door-to-door sales and urged amendments to clarify “contractual affiliation,” exclude balcony/portable solar devices, and require disclosure of cash and financed prices. The committee then moved on to SB 2079 on vehicle titles, which had one supporter and one opponent but no testimony in person or online, and SB 2241 on zero-emission vehicles, for which the Hawaii State Energy Office submitted written support. The hearing also began discussion of SB 2579 on water-related grants, where agencies said any program would need clearer statutory standards and likely a feasibility study before implementation.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/22/2026 - House Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Transcript Highlights:
  • So how does this all matter to Arizona?
  • And Arizona is a leader in all of that.
  • dovetailing off of that: tens of thousands of direct jobs and indirect jobs, high wage-paying careers, and a long-term
  • So I'm going to go back to Representative Willoughby because we all care about our health care and all
  • This committee will be acting on its own for the interest of the Arizona House and the people of Arizona
Keywords: 1182, all
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • The economic disruptions will be hard, but in the long term successful implementation of SGMA will help
  • , and then there's long-term work that requires more investment, more time, and more staffing.
  • I think we’re doing a lot of great work in terms of our food systems. Keep it going and grow it.
  • , you know, those are all long-term projects, whether it's cross-valley conveyance, Those are all long-term
  • And then, long term, we need to take a look at just the regulatory compliance as a whole and identify
Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the state of agricultural production in California, with opening remarks from the Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs and Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry emphasizing agriculture’s economic importance and the need for stronger state investment. They highlighted concerns about water scarcity, labor shortages, rising costs, extreme weather, tariffs, pesticide and regulatory pressures, and the lack of agricultural funding in recent climate-related allocations. Aguiar-Curry also urged immediate action on the glassy-winged sharpshooter outbreak, which CDFA said would cost about $18.5 million annually to detect, monitor, and eradicate. The first panel featured CDFA and the Department of Water Resources. CDFA described California agriculture as a $61.2 billion industry producing more than 400 commodities, but also noted farm bankruptcies, rising input and compliance costs, climate stress, trade issues, and crop removals in vineyards and almonds. DWR focused on hydrologic variability, snowpack decline, groundwater overdraft, subsidence, and SGMA implementation, and discussed tools such as forecast-informed reservoir operations, groundwater recharge, basin characterization, and the 2028 water plan update. Members asked about immediate legislative priorities, flood response after 2023, Prop. 4 and greenhouse gas reduction funding, and regulatory alignment; officials pointed to pest control, science-based water management, affordability, infrastructure, and better coordination across agencies. The second panel examined water, climate, and resource sustainability. PPIC presented estimates that SGMA, climate change, and environmental regulations could reduce irrigation water in the San Joaquin Valley by about 20% by 2040, potentially requiring 500,000 to 900,000 acres of fallowing and affecting billions in agricultural GDP and tens of thousands of jobs. UC Merced discussed practical adaptation tools including FIRO, managed aquifer recharge, on-farm recharge, land repurposing, agrivoltaics, and crop flexibility. The Agricultural Energy Consumers Association argued that energy costs are unsustainable, that electricity and natural gas rates are rising sharply, and that state programs supporting climate-smart agriculture, biomass, and food processing need more funding and coordination. Members and witnesses discussed how limited Prop. 4 and GGRF dollars might be used for recharge, conveyance, subsidence mitigation, and regulatory improvements. The final panel addressed workforce innovation and the future of food production. Industry representatives said food and fiber processors cannot pass along rising costs from energy, labor, workers’ compensation, packaging rules, and compliance mandates, and warned that SGMA-driven land fallowing, pest pressure, and abandoned orchards threaten small farms and processing jobs. The Almond Alliance called for periodic review of regulations, stronger invasive species response, and targeted support for orchard removal, ag burn alternatives, and water efficiency. The California Farmworker Foundation described its work providing health, education, and civil assistance services to farmworkers in multiple counties, including health navigation, field-based clinics, and food support, and stressed the needs of an aging labor force and food insecurity in rural communities. No votes were taken; the hearing was informational, with members and witnesses discussing possible future legislation and funding priorities.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • So, the systemic, um,... bloodstream.
  • But as you're right, if you hit the circulatory system, you immediately get systemic distribution. ..
  • But with the advent, the safety reporting systems have been around for some time.
  • introduced in this term.
  • Endnote 26 identifies Arizona House Bill 2974.
Keywords: 928, house, all
Summary: The Special Committee on COVID Response Efficacy met to review its mission, approve prior minutes at a future meeting, and discuss materials related to COVID-19 vaccination guidance. Members examined a pediatric vaccination handout from a private pediatric practice and compared it with New Hampshire DHHS and AAP/AAFP immunization guidance, focusing on how COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are presented for children and adults. Committee members also discussed the scope and accuracy of the committee’s endnotes and supporting documents. The main business was a draft letter urging the governor to direct state agencies to stop recommending COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Members revised the letter paragraph by paragraph, including changing wording about age ranges for children, clarifying references to the American Academy of Pediatrics, and adding discussion of vaccine safety concerns, alleged suppression of safety data, and federal investigations. They also debated whether to reference specific reporting systems such as VAERS and V-safe, and whether to include examples from other states, including Tennessee, Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida, as evidence of broader concern about mRNA vaccines. After the edits were completed, Representative Villio moved to accept the letter as amended, Representative Leroy seconded, and the committee approved it by voice vote 4-0. The chair said the revised letter would be finalized and distributed later in the week. The meeting then adjourned at approximately 11:57 a.m.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 1

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Criminals do not care what laws we put in place. Criminals do not care what you do.
  • Criminals don't care. Uh-huh. through. Criminals don't care. Uh-huh.
  • care in the future.
  • </c> for their health care needs. Thank you. for their health care needs. Thank you.
  • </c> Minnesota, that would take care of that. Minnesota, that would take care of that.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee 3/24/26 - Part 2

Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Welcome to the committee. systems used in other states, systems used in other states, determining<00:
  • </c><00:25:45.679><c> of</c> transparent and effective systems of transparent and effective systems of
  • </c><00:45:24.079><c> of</c> recover dozens of materials in terms of recover dozens of materials in terms
  • So doing a harbor system in Minnesota.
  • </c> have, uh, wanted to get done for a long have, uh, wanted to get done for a long time,<00:53:08.640
AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House State Government Committee Feb 4th, 2026

State Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • range plan and place and we have a long range plan and short-term<00:09:39.360><c> plan</c><00:09:39.920
  • </c> This gives you a timeline of how long This gives you a timeline of how long that<00:41:34.640><c
  • When I practiced it at home, it was about four times as long. Okay?
  • When I practiced it at home, it was about four times as long. Okay?
  • So, I've about four times as long. Okay?
Bills: SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81 , SB8 , SB22 , SB137 , HB295 , HB2 , HB343 , HB220 , HB303 , HB81
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

Local Government (Part II) Mar 24th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • That is not how the property tax system is designed to work.
  • They've got an accounting system, and they can keep up with those numbers and make sure.
  • I don't care who you are, what type of engineer you are.
  • In terms of responding to a plan, well, essentially they're not.
  • And that is, long term, what the most critical concern that we have in our industry is: how do we keep
Summary: The Senate Local Government Committee heard several bills by Senator Bettencourt focused on property tax and local government accountability. SB 32 would provide about $700 million in business tax relief by raising the business personal property exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 and continuing a 20% franchise tax credit for inventory taxes paid. Witnesses from NFIB, the Texas Retailers Association, and Texas Realtors supported the bill, saying business personal property and inventory taxes are burdensome and especially hard on small businesses. After no opposition testimony, SB 32 was left pending. The committee also heard SB 1453, which would change how interest and sinking tax rates are calculated by using only the minimum debt service required under bond schedules, while still allowing a higher rate with a 60% governing body vote and a public explanation. A witness from the Texas Taxpayers and Research Association supported the bill as a way to keep debt rates from rising as property values increase and to preserve tax relief. The bill was left pending after testimony. SB 1883 would tighten rules on local impact fees by requiring 60 days of public availability for capital improvement plans and land use assumptions, raising the approval threshold for adopting impact fees from a simple majority to two-thirds, limiting how often fees can be increased, and expanding notice requirements. Builders and developers testified in support, arguing that impact fees are often poorly reviewed, lack accountability, and are passed on to homebuyers, worsening housing affordability. Committee members discussed adding audit provisions and questioned the lack of city testimony. The bill was left pending with subcommittee action. SB 1452 would require a voter election to decide whether a municipal management district continues to exist, with dissolution if voters reject it; supporters said it would add accountability, while others noted some districts provide essential services and infrastructure. The committee heard testimony from district representatives and builders, then left SB 1452 pending before recessing.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Local Government (Part I) Mar 24th, 2025

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, today we're, of course, utilizing the electronic registration system.
  • Vaping is a more umbrella term, if you will.
  • We need a moratorium on a long layout, right? I know.
  • The reauthorization term for those cities is either 8 or 10 years.
  • extension will allow the city to develop and plan multi-year infrastructure projects, and of course long-term
NM

New Mexico 2026 Regular Session

Senate - Judiciary Feb 11th, 2026 at 05:25 pm

Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • They are on a long-term basis, the 10-year average.
  • Section 6, page 21, changes short-term and long-term commitment.
  • And Nick did bring up the one, the short term and the long term—that's been something our facility staff
  • And Nick did bring up the one, the short term and the long term—that's been something our facility staff
  • Detention, the short term and the long term, but it makes it completely discretionary to the judge.
Bills: SB41 , SB153 , SB165 , SB261 , SB264
HI
Transcript Highlights:
  • It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
  • It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
  • It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
  • It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
  • </c> It's called the MAX system from Arizona. It's called the MAX system from Arizona.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 1588, which would establish a Department of Transportation noise detection program using cameras to enforce noise control laws. DOT supported the measure and said it is already piloting the technology at eight locations, with about 10 sites costing roughly $2 million to $2.5 million to install and operate. The Department of Health said it was willing to work with DOT but noted its current regulations are not designed for vehicular noise sources and that the bill may need clearer standards to be enforceable. Members raised concerns about the lack of a specific decibel threshold and whether the system could accurately identify the source of noise; DOT said the pilot can pinpoint vehicles and that the program would align with existing health standards, but no final number was identified during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1696, which lowers the minimum age for a commercial driver’s license from 19 to 18 and removes a restriction tied to vehicle category, while requiring DOT rule changes. DOT, the City and County of Honolulu, the Hawaii Transportation Association, Teamsters Local 996, and other stakeholders testified in support. The Hawaii Transportation Association suggested adding a training requirement for drivers ages 18 to 20, proposing at least 320 hours of employer training and recordkeeping. Members sought clarification that the bill would apply to intrastate, not interstate, licensing. For HB 233, the committee considered a measure authorizing DOT to designate airport special district zones statewide to prevent unauthorized access and improve security. DOT and the City and County of Honolulu supported the bill, explaining that defined boundaries would help law enforcement address trespassing, disruptions, fires, theft, harassment, and other incidents around airports and terminals; DOT said commercial airports are ready to implement the proposal, while some general aviation sites would need further work. Members asked about the scope of the boundaries, existing enforcement, and whether the measure would cover state-owned or non-state parcels near airports. The committee also heard HB 2332, which renames the Harbors Division as the Commercial Ports Division and distinguishes “harbor” from “port” in statute. DOT, the Maritime Group, and harbor users supported the bill, saying the change would reduce confusion between commercial cargo/cruise facilities and recreational small boat harbors, and could help with clarity and possibly federal grant competitiveness. Members asked about impacts on small boat harbors and cruise activity, and DOT explained that the bill is aimed at purpose-built commercial ports, not recreational facilities. The committee also took testimony on HB 2283, which clarifies DOT’s consultative role with the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in setting port pilotage standards and requirements. DOT, DCCA, Matson, the Hawaii Pilots Association, and others supported the measure, saying it would improve coordination and ensure pilot licensing standards reflect operational realities in the harbors. Finally, after a recess, the committee heard HB 2217, which would allow driver’s permits, licenses, and ID cards to include a notation for a non-apparent disability. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities opposed the bill as drafted, saying voluntary alternatives such as Smart 911 may be better and that the category is too broad. The Attorney General’s office supported the intent but recommended limiting the notation to medically recognized, specifically defined conditions so agencies can train personnel and avoid confusion or escalation.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

2026 Legislative Session - Day Fifty Six - Wednesday, April 22

Missouri House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those are Arizona and Hawaii.
  • That is Hawaii and Arizona. Not all of Arizona, actually.
  • They're very bad on our health care systems for just going back and forth.
  • They're very bad on our health care systems for just going back and forth.
  • They're very bad on our health care systems for just going back and forth.
Keywords: 959, house, all
Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the previous day’s journal, and a long series of special guest introductions. Guests included the Tipton Lady Cardinals girls basketball state champions, FCCLA and FBLA students from several districts, legislative interns and family members, Missouri Rural Water Association members for Water Advocacy Day, Kansas City University medical students, and legislative assistants, who were formally recognized for their work supporting the chamber. The chamber then took up committee reports and moved several measures. House Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bills 3068 and 3049, a broad public-safety vehicle containing multiple provisions, drew debate over its contents, including concerns about anti-trans language and a challenge that it was overly broad, but it passed 117-10 with 17 present. Senate Substitute for Senate Bill 914, dealing with lateral field soil analysis/perk testing, passed 108-34 with one present. Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 1142, a Secretary of State business filing measure for series LLCs, passed 142-0. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 1758, a daylight-saving-time trigger bill. Supporters argued it would protect Missouri from neighboring states forcing a switch to permanent standard time, preserve tourism and outdoor recreation, and reduce health and safety problems associated with changing clocks. Opponents argued Missouri should instead adopt permanent standard time, citing research on circadian rhythm, health effects, school bus safety, and the state’s prior 1974 experience with permanent daylight saving time. The discussion was extensive and bipartisan in tone, but the transcript ends before any final vote on HB 1758 is recorded.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

November 18, 2025 - 08:00 AM

Transcript Highlights:
  • So you're familiar with the Arizona case.
  • providing legal medical care.
  • This bill will be used to target health care providers providing abortion care and the friends and family
  • providers that care for them.
  • , both the health care providers and other support system of pregnant people who really do want to have
Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met to consider one measure, PCS for HB 289, which would amend Florida’s wrongful death statute to allow parents of an unborn child to recover damages for the child’s wrongful death and to include parents in the definition of survivors. The sponsor said the bill is intended to give parents a remedy when a wrongful act, negligence, breach of contract, or breach of warranty causes the loss of an unborn child, while also preserving existing protections for lawful medical care and the mother. Members questioned the bill extensively about the meaning of “survivors,” whether it could reach surrogacy situations, friends or family who assist someone in obtaining abortion care, paternity issues, and whether abusive or unqualified fathers could bring claims. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill is limited to parents, does not authorize suits against the mother or lawful medical providers, and would still require the normal wrongful death procedures, including appointment of a personal representative. He cited Duncan v. Flynn as the case holding that current law does not allow recovery for the death of an unborn child. Representative Gottlieb offered an amendment modeled on criminal-law protections, aimed at expanding explicit immunity for a pregnant woman and for persons providing medical care or abortion-related conduct with consent. Supporters of the amendment said it would better align civil law with criminal protections; opponents argued it was overly broad and could shield unlicensed conduct. The amendment failed on a voice vote. Public testimony was divided, with supporters from pro-life and Catholic organizations backing the bill and some asking to remove the health care exemption, while opponents from ACLU, Equality Florida, Planned Parenthood affiliates, Florida Voice for the Unborn, Voices of Florida, and others warned the bill could chill reproductive health care, increase liability for doctors and hospitals, and invite lawsuits involving surrogates, family members, and abortion-related care. In debate, supporters said the bill simply recognizes the value of unborn children and gives parents a remedy for wrongful loss, while opponents argued it could create unintended consequences in family law, surrogacy, IVF, and medical practice, and could empower abusive partners or rapists. After closing remarks, the committee voted 13 yeas and 3 nays to report PCS for HB 289 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

House - Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Jan 28th, 2025

House Energy, Environment & Natural Resources

Transcript Highlights:
  • I think if this industry wants to show the state that they're here for the long term, then they will
  • energy system.
  • systems.
  • How do they keep that system alive?
  • How do they keep their system old?