Transcript Highlights:

• Thankfully, we know, and the testimony you guys have been talking about, we know what's happened in the interstate
• Because our Catholic schools in 35 states have been participating in some level of school choice for

Bills: SB 2

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay.<01:35:02.239> Um,<01:35:03.600> Miss<01:35:03.920> Elizabeth,<01:35:04.800
• you, uh, go<01:35:08.880> ahead<01:35:09.120> and<01:35:09.199> announce<01:35:
• >> Mr.<01:35:10.880> Chairman,<01:35:11.199> the<01:35:11.360> next<01:35:
• 01:35:28.719> say<01:35:28.880> that,<01:35:29.040> wouldn't<01:35:29.280> it
• <02:35:02.000> what<02:35:02.160> the<02:35:02.319> balance<02:35:02.720> is.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• provide<01:35:04.840> services<01:35:05.840> for<01:35:06.159> each<01:35:06.400
• , the<01:35:17.600> only<01:35:18.320> program<01:35:19.199> that<01:35:19.679><
• :35:22.560> we<01:35:22.800> are<01:35:23.040> dealing<01:35:23.360> with
• c><02:35:07.520> half<02:35:07.840> weeks<02:35:08.720> in<02:35:08.960> a
• /c><02:35:10.080> in<02:35:10.319> the<02:35:10.479> emergency<02:35:11.040>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :13.359> this<04:35:13.520> bill<04:35:13.760> out<04:35:13.840> of<04:35
• >> I<04:35:30.000> rise<04:35:30.160> in<04:35:30.400> support<04:35:30.561
• <04:35:46.400> of<04:35:46.480> us<04:35:46.719> need<04:35:46.879> to<04
• We've<04:35:48.000> seen<04:35:48.160> an<04:35:48.400> alarming<04:35:48.879>
• > recent<04:35:51.279> years,<04:35:51.439> and<04:35:51.600> it's<04:35:

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, January 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> the<00:35:13.040> toler<00:35:13.520> how<00:35:13.760> how<00:35:14.079>
• <00:35:25.440> So<00:35:25.680> for<00:35:25.839> some<00:35:26.000> of
• > a<00:35:28.800> lot<00:35:28.880> of<00:35:28.960> alcohol<00:35:29.280
• <00:35:32.800> We<00:35:33.119> do<00:35:33.280> not<00:35:33.520> choose
• <00:35:39.200> Um,<00:35:39.599> for<00:35:39.920> somebody<00:35:40.160>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
• I've heard questions regarding interstate commerce and the ambiguity.
• regulate this. industry, this entire industry, like alcohol has been for almost a century, since 1930. 35
• We employ 20 to 35 jobs.

Bills: HB 28, SB 3

Keywords: hemp regulation, consumable products, cannabinoids, state health, youth protection, licensing fees, criminal offenses, HB28, public testimony, committee decorum, bill substitute, legislative process

Summary: The meeting featured significant discussions regarding HB28, where the chair outlined the plans to bring forward a substitute for the bill. The chair emphasized the importance of maintaining order and decorum during the proceedings. Members engaged in deliberations, and a number of public witnesses were invited to testify, thereby enriching the discussion around the bill. This interaction provided valuable insights into public sentiment regarding the issues at hand.

Transcript Highlights:

• the U.S. with the mission to advance effectiveness, independence, and integrity, and to foster interstate

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on whether the Office of the State Auditor may constitutionally audit the Massachusetts Legislature under Chapter 250 of the Acts of 2024 and what such an audit could include under generally accepted government auditing standards. Chair Cindy Friedman opened by explaining the background: voters approved Ballot Question 1 in November 2024, the law took effect in January 2025, and the Auditor then initiated audits of both chambers. The chair said the subcommittee was seeking expert testimony because the proposed audit scope, constitutionality, and possible bias concerns remained unresolved. Public testimony was invited, but no members of the public pre-registered; written testimony remained open for a short period after the hearing. The hearing then proceeded with invited experts on constitutional law/state government and auditing-related issues. Professor Lawrence Friedman testified that the ballot initiative’s approval by the Attorney General and by voters did not resolve constitutional questions, and he argued Chapter 250 violates the Massachusetts Constitution. He said the Legislature has constitutional authority to set its own rules and manage its proceedings, and that an executive-branch audit would intrude on legislative deliberation, speech and debate protections, and separation of powers. He also warned that even audits of supposedly administrative matters could become a vehicle for repeated document demands and litigation that would indirectly burden legislative functioning. In questioning, senators pressed him on the line between administrative and deliberative functions, the role of the Attorney General versus the courts, the possibility of retroactive audit scope, and whether prior legislative consent to audits mattered; he said prior consent would not bind future legislatures and that constitutionality is ultimately for the courts. Professor Ray La Raja also opposed the audit, framing it as a threat to institutional independence and representative democracy. He argued that allowing an executive-branch official to audit the Legislature without consent would upset separation of powers, chill internal debate, and create a precedent for broader executive intrusion. He said voters often support “transparency” reforms without fully appreciating institutional consequences, and that legislatures should defend their autonomy, especially amid what he described as broader executive overreach nationally. Senators asked about chilling effects, the practical distinction between administrative and core legislative functions, and whether the courts or the Legislature should resolve the issue; he said the courts would ultimately adjudicate disputes, but the Legislature should not waive its constitutional authority lightly. Jean Kempthorne took the opposite view, arguing the audit is permissible and should proceed. She said the state auditor is a constitutional officer accountable directly to the people, that the audit power can be expanded by statute, and that separation of powers does not require watertight compartments. She contended the audit would not displace core legislative powers because the auditor can only evaluate operations, report findings, and make recommendations. She also argued the Legislature itself already conducts audits of other branches, so it is inconsistent to claim an audit of the Legislature is unconstitutional. In response to senators’ questions, she said there are guardrails against truly intrusive requests, but that the administrative-versus-legislative distinction is not a workable bright line; she suggested disputes should be handled case by case, with objections, negotiation, or litigation if specific requests go too far. No votes or formal actions were taken at the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Soon after, we picked up a roadkill in Marshall County, Mississippi, along an interstate, and that particular

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and approval of the prior minutes. The main presentation was from Julie Grenwald of Louisiana Hunters for the Hungry, who described the nonprofit’s protein donation programs, including freezer clean-out days, deer and fish processing partnerships, and a paused feral hog donation program that had collected about 3,500 hogs and 137,000 pounds of pork before funding ran short. She said the group has donated roughly 300,000 pounds of protein over two years, works with food banks and local agencies, and is protected under Louisiana’s Good Samaritan Law. Members asked about processor locations, exotic species, signage, sponsorships, and whether the program could expand to other invasive species or mobile drop-off options; Grenwald said expansion is possible if processors and funding are available. The task force then received a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries update from Jonathan Bordelon on chronic wasting disease testing. He reported more than 2,800 samples collected and over 2,300 results returned, with nine positives total: eight in Tensas Parish and one confirmed in Concordia Parish on Richard K. Yancey WMA, which triggered preparation of an emergency declaration and future rulemaking to adjust the control area. He said harvest and sampling remain near record levels, most samples are voluntary, and the agency continues to monitor symptomatic deer reports and public submissions. The final major presentation was from William McKinley of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, who gave a detailed overview of Mississippi’s CWD response. He said Mississippi has 529 detections across 18 counties, with prevalence rising from about one in 500 samples to about one in 80 statewide, and much higher in some counties. He described Mississippi’s surveillance system, targeted tags within three miles of positives, environmental sampling, feeder bans in CWD zones, and research showing contamination at feeders and in scrapes. He also discussed possible multiple strains, including one linked to the Wisconsin whitetail strain and another around Vicksburg/Issaquena, and said the disease appears to be expanding about 3.5 miles per year. Members asked about high-fence enclosures, live deer movement restrictions, baiting and feeding rules, hunter participation, and whether Louisiana should develop similar environmental testing capacity; no votes were taken on these issues, but members discussed possible future legislative or budget action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Department of Defense had contracted these individuals to conduct exploratory wells. around the interstate

Transcript Highlights:

• firefighters from local governments participate in state deployment under Texas Task Force One, interstate

Bills: HB146, HB150, HB1500, HB1545, HB1562, HB2067, HB2520, HB2818, HB3214, HB3250, HB3466, HB3512, HB3623, HB4063, HB4395, HB4464, HB4668, HB4690, HB5331, HB3833

Keywords: HB 146, Texas Capitol, State Capitol, State Preservation Board, Congress Avenue, Travis County, traffic lanes, lane closure, road closure, municipal authority, local control, Capitol area, downtown Austin, special events, construction traffic plan, pedestrian safety, public works, transportation policy, government code chapter 443, cybersecurity

Summary: The committee took up several pending business items and reported a series of House bills out of committee, including HB 2467, HB 2468, HB 2518, HB 4310, HB 4386, HB 4490, HB 5323, and HB 149. Most of these were advanced on committee substitute motions and sent to the local and uncontested calendar or reported favorably to the full Senate. HB 2467 drew one nay vote, while the others were approved without opposition. HB 4310 and HB 4386 were described as committee-substitute versions with changes narrowing disclosure requirements and preserving attorney-client privilege in certain circumstances. A major portion of the meeting focused on HB 149, an AI governance bill. The substitute was explained as addressing biometric identifier capture and storage, exempting certain AI uses for security and fraud prevention, clarifying definitions, restricting AI systems that simulate explicit child sexual content, adjusting Attorney General investigative authority, refining sandbox program waivers, reducing Texas AI Council powers and membership, and adding DIR coordination provisions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 1500, the DIR sunset bill. The author said the bill would continue DIR for 12 years, restructure its board, update advisory committees, require regular cybersecurity assessments and penetration testing for state agencies, improve IT procurement training, and transfer the e-grants program to the Comptroller. A Texas 2036 witness supported the bill as a way to strengthen governance, procurement, and cybersecurity. Members asked detailed questions about the bill’s structure and then left HB 1500 pending. The committee also heard a lengthy presentation on HB 150, which would create the Texas Cyber Command as a component of the University of Texas System, administratively attached to UTSA and located in San Antonio. The author argued the command would centralize cyber threat intelligence, incident response, and digital forensics, and would be able to support state and local entities, with optional services for local governments. Members raised concerns about university mission drift, governance, security, chain of command, procurement authority, gifts and donations, and civil liberties implications of proactive cyber monitoring. Witnesses from UTSA/NSCC and SecurityScorecard testified in support, emphasizing the security of the downtown San Antonio facility, the existing cyber ecosystem there, and the need for a dedicated cyber capability. The bill remained under discussion with no final committee action announced in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• talk about in Chambers County because we have this, uh, long and windy road that goes from the interstate

Bills: HB316

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• talk about in Chambers County because we have this long and winding... road that goes from the interstate

Bills: HB316, HB353, HB 1160, HB1414, HB1422, HB1443, HB1713, HB1789, HB1902, HB2073, HB2666, HB2695, HB316

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• We had no idea that a 30 to 35 foot wall of water was going to be coming down the Guadalupe River that
• Kerrville operates the local Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP and received 35 calls from 0300 to
• UGR renewed focus on flood warning by again prioritizing interstate flooding. strategic plan.
• It's about 35 yards long.
• June 1954, Pandale, 35 inch total.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• He was also representing Pacific Interstate Insurance Brokers, representing 260 independent agents across
• In Berkeley, 93% of people on the street self-report a mental health disability, compared to 35% countywide
• In Berkeley, 93% of people on the street self-report a mental health disability compared to 35% countywide

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving forward with a conflicting standard would not only disrupt interstate commerce, but also place
• learning, in the arts, in music, in other things that children can spend their time in to replace the 35
• Coakley, the Supreme Court ruled that Massachusetts law, with its 35-foot buffer zone, which is much

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on public safety, consumer protection, and youth harms. AB 1557 by Assemblymember Papin would clarify e-bike motor power limits and set lower speed-related standards for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Supporters, including the California Police Chiefs Association, cities, the California Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, argued the bill would reduce severe injuries and deaths among young riders. Opponents from People for Bikes warned it could conflict with federal law, create legal uncertainty, and disrupt the bicycle market. The author and committee members acknowledged industry concerns and urged continued work on the bill. AB 1770 by Assemblymember Garcia would place large health care service plan arbitration under California Department of Justice oversight and require compliance with the California Arbitration Act. Supporters described cases where patients were forced into private arbitration with little transparency or accountability, arguing the bill would make the process fairer and more neutral. Kaiser Permanente and the Civil Justice Association of California said they were still reviewing amendments and had not settled on a final position. Committee members expressed sympathy for the personal stories shared and encouraged continued negotiations. The committee also heard AB 2075, which would require fire suppression equipment to be kept closer at hand during brush work, and AB 1864, which would require screening of gene synthesis orders to prevent misuse for bioterrorism. AB 2075 was presented as a response to a Ventura County wildfire, with support from the Ventura County District Attorney’s office and no opposition heard. AB 1864 was backed by the author, Stanford biosecurity expert Dr. Milana Trout, and Encode AI, while Biocom opposed unless amended and California Life Sciences remained neutral. Members discussed implementation details and the role of the Department of Public Health. A major portion of the hearing was devoted to AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms with harmful features and create an e-safety advisory commission. Supporters, including youth advocates, parents, medical groups, and Common Sense Media, said addictive design features are harming children’s mental health and safety. Opponents, including EFF, the ACLU, TechNet, and other civil liberties and industry groups, argued the bill is overbroad, raises First Amendment and privacy concerns, and could limit access to important online communities. Despite those objections, the bill was moved forward after committee discussion, with members emphasizing the need to protect children while continuing to work on carveouts and implementation details.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving forward with a conflicting standard would not only disrupt interstate commerce, but also place
• learning, in the arts, in music, and in other things that children can spend their time in to replace the 35
• Coakley, the Supreme Court ruled that Massachusetts law and its 35-foot buffer zone, which is much smaller

Keywords: 988, house, all

Bills: HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR228, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR233, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, SCR41, SCR42, SCR43, SCR44, SCR45, SCR46, SCR47, SCR48, SCR49, SCR50, SCR51, SCR52, SB259, SB347, SB398, SB469, SB483, SB518, HR37, HCR64, SCR11, SCR22, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB541, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1165, HB1191, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, SB123, SB125, SB387, SB401, HB730, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR32, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB459, HB617, HB804, HB926, HB225, HB955, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1180, HB1203, HB1234, HB1240, SB89

Keywords: Southern Soul, Shreveport, tourism, economic development, cultural preservation, music history, Paul Hollis, United States Mint, Louisiana House of Representatives, commendation, honorary resolution, ceremonial resolution, public service, State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, BESE, former legislator, Louisiana politics, recognition, tribute, House Resolution 224

Transcript Highlights:

• You know,<00:35:04.320> I<00:35:04.480> don't<00:35:04.640> think,<00:35:04.880>
• I mean, I<00:35:12.560> don't<00:35:12.640> know<00:35:12.720> what<00:35:12.960
• :14.320> else<00:35:14.480> is<00:35:14.640> going<00:35:14.800> to<00:35
• <00:35:23.359> I<00:35:23.520> I<00:35:23.839> just<00:35:24.000> don't
• <00:35:34.400> chairman<00:35:34.800> and<00:35:35.119> thank<00:35:35.280><

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We<00:35:24.120> are<00:35:24.240> all<00:35:24.440> brethren.
• Today<00:35:37.480> the<00:35:37.600> pledge<00:35:37.840> will<00:35:37.920>
• Kelly. move<01:35:46.960> adoption<01:35:47.440> of<01:35:47.480> the<01:35:47.600
• of Etowah uh<02:35:49.600> kind<02:35:49.840> of<02:35:49.920> surprises<02:35:
• 50.600> me<02:35:50.800> that<02:35:51.000> they<02:35:51.160> have<02:35

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a quorum present, then adopted a resolution honoring Dr. Todd Freeman, Superintendent of Vestavia Hills City Schools, as Alabama Superintendent of the Year. Senators praised his leadership in public education and noted the recognition was especially meaningful as one of the last such honors in the current chamber. The Senate also adopted a resolution commending the 2026 Alabama Law Institute Senate interns for their service, and members offered personal remarks thanking the interns and encouraging them to remain and contribute to Alabama in the future. The chamber then took up several conference committee and House messages. The Senate concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 341 after extended remarks, and later concurred in the conference report on Senate Bill 32, described as a veterans-related bill that would make benefits automatic for those under the federal poverty level and allow cities and counties to opt in for veterans above that level. The Senate also received House amendments to Senate Bill 199, concerning sex offenders, and voted to non-concur and send the bill to conference, naming conferees. In resolutions from the Rules Committee, the Senate adopted an amended House Joint Resolution 198 establishing the Alabama Mental Health Task Force. It also adopted House Joint Resolution 326, which recognizes the need for a north-south transportation route in East Alabama. Throughout the meeting, senators made extended floor remarks about slowing down on legislation, focusing on rural hospitals and other priorities, and the importance of treating children, seniors, and low-income residents fairly.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.240> for<00:35:00.880> K<00:35:01.560> through<00:35:02.800> 8<00:35:
• :08.440> this<00:35:08.560> came<00:35:08.720> out<00:35:08.880> of<00:35
• 35:13.680> now<00:35:13.920> say<00:35:14.440> that<00:35:14.839> it's<00
• <00:35:29.160> on<00:35:29.320> that<00:35:29.480> represent<00:35:29.880>
• you<00:35:45.520> so<00:35:45.920> you<00:35:46.079> all<00:35:46.240> will<

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first discussed HB 443, which would change terms and vacancy language for members of a higher education commission. Members raised concerns that the bill was too narrow to address broader issues with commission membership, including expired appointments, attendance expectations, and whether the Department of Education could replace the commission’s role. Several members suggested the bill was not ready for action and favored holding it for further work, possibly through a subcommittee or work session. One member suggested that if attendance standards were added, no more than two unexcused absences should trigger removal, given the commission’s meeting schedule. The chair said he would defer action and form a small subcommittee to report back before the committee deadline. The committee then moved to HB 484, dealing with repurposing Career and Technical Education classroom space after 20 years of exclusive use. The chair explained that the bill was aimed at the Milford CTE project, where shared use of space could allow a school to repurpose part of a CTE facility while still using it for CTE-related instruction. Members discussed other possible situations around the state, including Claremont, North Conway, and Jaffrey/Rindge, and whether the bill should be limited to Milford or broadened to allow local districts more flexibility. Some members favored passing the bill now to help CTE projects move forward, while others argued for an amendment removing the requirement that the space be vacated specifically to expand the CTE program occupying it. Testimony and discussion emphasized that the Milford project had state approval but reduced funding, requiring a smaller scope and repurposing of existing space. Supporters said the bill could help preserve CTE programs while also benefiting general education space needs, and that local districts should have flexibility after 20 years. Opponents or cautious members noted that the language might not fit every district situation and asked for feedback from Director Beard and Steve Rothenberg before final action. The committee did not take a final vote in the portion provided, and instead discussed waiting for an amendment and additional input before acting.