Transcript Highlights:

• HR number 601 by Noble congratulating the Plano East High School boys basketball team on winning the
• They are the first team to become. Undefeated state champions with a 40-0 finish.
• and Protective Services from declining a placement for the committee.
• HB 3635 by Noble relating to the definition of child abuse, the reporting of child abuse and neglect,
• Constitution protecting the rights of a child to raise their children for the Committee on Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• to a child shall not constitute child abuse or neglect if the sole reason the person responsible for
• the care of the child is unable to adequately provide for the child's care.
• <00:01:57.600> So<00:01:57.759> I'd the um consumer protection chair.
• So I'd the um consumer protection chair.
• I think if there are teams where they can play, then they should play.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first deferred HB 239, which would have narrowed the definition of child abuse or neglect by excluding cases where a caregiver is unable to provide certain needs solely because of poverty or lack of resources. The chair said other similar bills were still alive and expressed concern that carving out a specific category of abuse could hinder monitoring of children being harmed for other reasons. The committee then took up several decision-making items. HB 420, dealing with the contractor repair act and construction defect claims, was recommended for passage with extensive amendments that would clarify statutes of repose and limitations, define substantial completion, remove homeowner expert-report requirements, delete class-action limits, set timelines for inspections, mediation, and settlement procedures, and add non-retroactivity language; it passed unanimously. HB 732, concerning special management area minor permits for certain single-family residences, was also passed with amendments after the committee removed the provision that would have expanded minor-permit eligibility for homes under 3,500 square feet. HB 1017, repealing the greenhouse gas sequestration task force, passed with amendments to make it effective upon approval. HB 958, which restricts children under 15 from riding class 3 electric bicycles and raises the helmet age requirement, passed with technical amendments only. The committee also considered Governor’s Message 689, the nomination of Melissa Sautello to the Commission on the Status of Women. After testimony in support and questions from members about financial disclosure and her views on women’s sports and transgender participation, the committee voted to advise and consent to the nomination. The nomination passed, and the committee adjourned after noting that a full Senate vote would follow.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:52.959> and the backbone of fire protection and the backbone of fire protection and
• , and protecting community input.
• , appropriate environmental protections, appropriate environmental protections, respecting<00:32:
• environment and protect people.
• HR 845, the Pet and protection.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:07.440> care home uh based child care home uh based child care etc. etc. etc.
• But I don't ... the school district would have to ... the IEP team would have to say that the child required
• But I don't ... the school district would have to ... the IEP team would have to say that the child required
• But I don't ... the school district would have to ... the IEP team would have to say that the child required
• But I don't ... the school district would have to ... the IEP team would have to say that the child required

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 69, including a germane amendment about local school boards’ acceptance or rejection of gifts and donations and a non-germane amendment creating a virtual early childhood readiness family engagement program for preschool children not yet in kindergarten. Rep. Cordelli said the early literacy proposal was a modified version of an earlier kindergarten readiness bill, would rely on gifts and donations rather than state appropriations, and would include reporting requirements. Members questioned the shift from a broader technology program to an online-only model, the lack of detailed evaluation metrics, how long children would use the program, and whether it was appropriate for very young children. Cordelli said the change was intended to avoid government dependence and still allow the program to be offered next school year. Several members raised concerns about the gift-acceptance language on the underlying bill, including whether school boards would need to vote on small donations, whether gifts could be handled in blocks or at regular meetings, and how anonymous donations would work under right-to-know laws. Rep. Han noted that some gift discussions might belong in non-public session under RSA 91-A, while Rep. Cornell said acceptance or rejection of gifts could be handled at regular meetings and suggested a dollar threshold could be added later. The New Hampshire School Boards Association said it was not taking a position but wanted clearer guardrails, policy guidance, and clarification on timing, anonymity, and public-meeting requirements. Supporters of the early childhood program, including Waterford.org, said the proposal would provide an evidence-based, adaptive online literacy program with family engagement for four- and five-year-olds, and that it could help close early learning gaps. Waterford said it could work collaboratively with school districts and IEP teams, and that it would provide devices and internet access for families who need them. Committee members pressed on how the program would interact with existing special education services and whether districts could use it as part of an IEP; the response was that it would be supplementary and not an approved special education service. No votes were taken during the hearing; the chair indicated the committee would later executive the bills and try to get reports filed promptly.

Transcript Highlights:

• , going to punish the child, going to punish the child, right?
• This uh simply adds employees in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services to the provision
• The bill adds employees in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services to the provision that
• The bill adds employees in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services to the provision that
• The bill adds employees in the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services to the provision that

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 5:15 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee took up Bill 2802, which would address falsifying residency or enrollment documents to place a child in a different school district. Senator Rhodes explained that the current penalty is a felony with a large fine and possible prison time, but that prosecutors rarely use it; the bill would add a misdemeanor-level penalty to create a more realistic enforcement option. He also proposed an amendment changing language that would have required expulsion of the child, replacing it with language making the child ineligible for enrollment in that district so the child would not have an expulsion on record. The committee adopted that amendment by voice vote. Members then debated the bill’s broader policy effects. Supporters argued the measure is needed because districts have reported problems with parents using false addresses or other fraudulent documents, and they said the bill simply creates a lesser penalty while preserving enforcement. Opponents said the bill punishes parents who are trying to secure a better education for their children, may not increase prosecutions, and could harm families and children who did nothing wrong. One senator compared the issue to other criminalized conduct involving rule violations, while another questioned whether the state should be creating a misdemeanor for conduct that is already a felony. The committee also discussed a proposed amendment to remove the felony component entirely and make the offense only a misdemeanor. That amendment was debated at length, with concerns raised that the broader statute covers more than school enrollment fraud and could affect other forms of false statements to government entities. The transcript ends during that discussion, with no final recorded disposition on the bill itself in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we may be losing some of the brigade combat teams that are more personnel-heavy.
• to a mobile combat team.
• DoD's Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration, also known as REPI.
• And then I think third is on the housing and child care front holistically, right?
• Certainly, to me, child care has been a very critical issue for our military.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs met to hear updates from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington Military Department, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Commerce on federal and state impacts affecting veterans, military families, and military installations. JBLM’s garrison commander said the base remains focused on housing, child care, and spouse employment, but is facing workforce reductions tied to federal personnel actions, especially in air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and firefighting. He also said JBLM is preparing for increased mutual-aid needs during fire season, and that the Army Transformation Initiative could change unit composition at JBLM over time without a major overall population shift. He confirmed that the Lewis Army Museum is on a closure list, but said the building will remain in use for training and that the base is exploring partnerships to keep museum functions operating, possibly with volunteers or local partners. The Washington Military Department reported about 400 Guard members deployed on federal missions and described ongoing state missions in cybersecurity and firefighting. The department said the Army National Guard’s 81st Stryker Brigade will transition to a mobile combat team, with associated changes in equipment, manning, and end strength. It also warned that continuing resolutions are delaying funding, limiting new military construction starts, and increasing costs. The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outlined a $3.2 million reduction from the governor’s budget and related cuts affecting internships, vacant positions, outreach travel, claims support contracts, counseling and wellness, veterans’ innovation assistance, and the military transition and readiness council staff position. WDVA said it is ending or scaling back several programs, including in-house nursing assistant training, the veteran farm at Ordean, Vet Corps due to AmeriCorps funding changes, and the tobacco cessation program, while noting that the legislature funded about $23.7 million in capital projects for veteran homes, cemeteries, and transitional housing. The Department of Commerce presented on the Defense Community Compatibility Account, which funds projects that reduce conflicts between military installations and nearby communities. The program currently has 10 projects across five legislative districts, including school and child care improvements, water wells, land acquisition, and a joint firefighting training center in Everett. The presenter said the main challenge is that DCCA projects often need non-state funding secured before they can compete, which can make it hard to leverage federal Defense Community Infrastructure Program dollars; he recommended more flexible state timing to help projects qualify for federal funding. In closing discussion, members raised possible future agenda items including child care near bases, veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, Navy Day, military family housing, and a possible Department of Licensing issue involving guard and reserve designations on driver’s licenses. No formal votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after members were invited to suggest topics for the October and December committee meetings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our 136 beds care for patients as young as four on our child and adolescent unit in Amesbury.
• My social work and case management team tell me that this is the worst part of the job.
• “My team tells me that it feels that way.
• It is available to help people with psychosis ...a multidisciplinary team.
• In April of 2023, my first child was stillborn at 38 weeks of my normal, healthy pregnancy.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on a large group of behavioral health and insurance-related bills. Topics included expanding access to mental health services by allowing physician assistants to authorize Section 12 emergency holds and be recognized as licensed mental health professionals (H. 1131/S. 773); improving coverage for community behavioral health centers so commercial insurance matches MassHealth’s bundled outpatient and crisis services (H. 1276/S. 703); eliminating cost sharing for certain behavioral health services (S. 718); extending detox and clinical stabilization coverage from 14 to 30 days and adding transitional support services (H. 1319/S. 772); requiring coverage for dual-diagnosis treatment in psychiatric facilities (H. 1277/S. 771); and preserving access to treatment for serious mental illness through coverage of coordinated specialty care and assertive community treatment (H. 1135/S. 709). The committee also heard bills on preventive behavioral health services for children (H. 1228/S. 802) and post-pregnancy mental health care, including postpartum depression and pregnancy loss-related care (H. 1314/S. 823).

Transcript Highlights:

• A child coming into the system and they didn't know where that child ended up.
• Child care. Child care. Okay. $100 million. Child care.
• Child care, okay. $100 million new dollars going into child care. I think it's an Article 9. Yes.
• He was her only child.
• This has to do with AI scam protections.

Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation and then took up several conference committee matters and resolutions. It granted the House request for a conference committee on House Bill 46 and adopted a conference report on Senate Bill 37, which was described as higher education governance reform, including stronger board authority, changes to faculty senates, general education requirements, and a new ombudsman office. Senators also adopted a large package of resolutions and HCRs by voice vote. A major focus was Senate Bill 12, the “Parental Bill of Rights,” whose conference report was adopted after extended questioning. The bill was described as giving parents more access to school materials and grievance procedures, requiring parental consent for student clubs, and restricting school district employees from assisting with social transitioning or related gender-identity instruction. Senators raised concerns about effects on students already socially transitioned and on parental rights in medical or psychological decisions; the author said the House language was retained in key areas and that districts would need policies and parent notification. The report passed 20-11. The Senate then adopted a resolution allowing the conference committee on Senate Bill 1, the state budget for fiscal years 2026-2027, to go outside the bounds, and later adopted the budget conference report. Senators highlighted major funding for public education, property tax relief, public safety, health and human services, child care, water and transportation infrastructure, and the Texas Energy Fund. The budget discussion also covered higher education, mental health facilities, community attendant wages, rural hospitals, DFPS case management, child care assistance, and a study rider on TRS. The report passed unanimously, 30-0. Finally, the Senate suspended rules to take up Senate Bill 8 and adopted its conference report. The bill requires counties with jails or jail contracts to participate in the federal 287(g) immigration enforcement program, with sheriffs choosing among available models and counties receiving tiered grants to help cover costs. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure targeting criminal illegal aliens, while opponents questioned whether it would divert local resources and increase fear in immigrant communities. The report was adopted after debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• child and suggesting to every single child there could have you thought about committing suicide.
• I also sort of the Child Protective Service investigator.
• They are stating to me that they won't report for if they will or protect their own child from their
• I am also a victim of child trafficking as a child.
• about to protect.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You just need that much time to bring the whole team together, make a plan so that the child can be successful
• Um, in the law, the ongoing serious safety threat to the child or serious safety threat to the child
• You just need that much time to bring the whole team together, make a plan so that the child can be successful
• You just need that much time to bring the whole team together, make a plan so that the child can be successful
• Um, you just need that much time to bring the whole team together, make a plan so that the child can

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Education Policy Committee met under a co-chair arrangement and heard opening remarks emphasizing civility, direct testimony from school leaders, and a focus on whether state policy is meeting student needs in the least intrusive and most cost-effective way. Chair Coleman asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and policy-focused, and the committee began with a series of superintendents describing local budget pressures and the cumulative impact of state mandates. Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Corey McIntyre said the district, the state’s largest, is serving about 37,000 students and faces a roughly $26 million deficit even after major reductions, including cutting about $44 million and roughly 250 central office jobs. He cited rising costs tied to compensation, special education and multilingual cross-subsidies, unemployment, paid leave, READ Act implementation, student/staff safety and K-3 discipline requirements, and transportation, saying the district still faces about $50 million in mandate-related shortfalls and may need to reduce class size and student supports. Senator Kunesh responded that summer unemployment claims are paid from a separate state budget line, not the district general fund, and asked about paid leave costs; McIntyre and the chair clarified the district’s concern was the possibility of future costs if state funding ends. Prior Lake-Savage Superintendent Michael Thomas said district revenues are rising only about 2.5% to 3% while expenses are growing 5% or more, driven by inflation and vendor costs. He argued that the state’s inflationary funding tie should be maintained, and asked for an increase in local optional aid of $250 per pupil and more flexibility for districts that struggle to pass local levies. Minnetonka Superintendent David Law argued that schools are being asked to absorb broader community burdens, including food and mental health needs, while still being judged on academics and graduation; he said REACT funding fell short, forcing the district to shift reading funds to staff development, and urged the committee not to roll mandates forward without funding. Fergus Falls Superintendent Jeff Drake said expanded unemployment, earned sick and safe time, and paid family leave are creating staffing and budget challenges for rural districts, estimating unemployment costs could reach $240,000 annually and sick and safe time about $25,000, with added difficulty recruiting support staff and substitutes. No committee votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I've got three of my four members of my team today.
• [applause] four members of my team today. Everyone four members of my team today.
• <01:21:44.080> welfare, with a career spanning child welfare, with a career spanning child
• <01:36:42.560> Our protected and well-managed. Our protected and well-managed.
• 46.719> unreasonable about our protections from unreasonable about our protections from unreasonable

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you. and keeping ratepayers protected.
• It's great to expand the child tax credit. ...to testify tonight. This bill is great.
• the child tax credit to provide direct relief to families.
• Protect minors from unsafe online activity.
• Their compliance team and legal teams are going to have to take another look at this and try to figure

Keywords: 1146, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The child support modernization.
• Parent or is this just more case management of the child support system?
• We started with the food protection system, which was deployed in December of 2025.
• The protections we've had are less effective.
• It's buried in the Teams application.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Arizona PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization.
• Chairman, just add some more protections for La Paz County to protect their water.
• This protects women's sports.
• This protects women and girls in women's locker rooms, and it protects their ability to compete for scholarships
• There was a biological male on the other team.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior journal, and introductions of the Doctor of the Day and various guests in the gallery. Members also adopted a proclamation recognizing February 17, 2026, as Kosovo’s Independence Day in Arizona, with remarks highlighting the Kosovo American community’s contributions to the state. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider measures on the calendar. In Committee of the Whole, HB 2307 received committee amendments and a due pass recommendation. HB 2758, relating to groundwater transportation and La Paz County, drew substantial debate and multiple amendments; supporters described it as a water policy measure with added protections, while opponents warned it would weaken basin protections and benefit private water investors. After a division and recorded vote, HB 2758 failed to receive a due pass recommendation. The committee also gave due pass recommendations to HCR 2003, HCR 2047, and HCR 2002 after debate on issues including transgender participation in sports and the historical/biblical naming of Judea and Samaria. On third reading, the House passed HB 251, HB 262, HB 272, HB 296, and HB 2459, with brief explanations of vote on several measures. HB 262 was described as honoring the Buffalo Soldiers, HB 272 as a public health-related measure tied to provider credentialing, HB 296 as a water infrastructure and finance bill, and HB 2459 as a bipartisan mobile home park tenant protection bill. The House then received the Committee of the Whole report, referred the passed measures to engrossing, and noted that HB 2758 failed to pass. The session concluded with announcements about committee meetings, a Game and Fish Department legislative day, and other personal remarks before adjournment until February 18, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like the field hockey team, the boys cross country team success...
• LIKE THE FIELD HOCKEY TEAM, THE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM SUCCESS Translated into the academic space with
• To our guests, the boys cross country team, winning team from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, and the girls
• If the answer here is for us to actually lessen those protections, as opposed to expanding those protections
• for school children and protection for church grounds.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate first handled routine business, approving the prior journal and taking up several messages and motions. A Rules Committee report was accepted on Senate Print 915, a Cannabis Law bill, and the chamber then moved to debate that measure on the controversial calendar. The bill was described by supporters as clarifying how distances are measured for adult-use cannabis dispensaries near schools and houses of worship, with the sponsor saying it would create statewide consistency and provide clearer direction to the Office of Cannabis Management. Opponents argued it would weaken protections for children and churches, reward agency mistakes, and allow dispensaries to be sited closer to school property than intended. After extended debate, the Senate passed the bill 36-23. The cannabis debate centered on whether the bill merely clarifies legislative intent or substantively changes the law. Supporters said the current language left measurement methods undefined and that the bill would help legal dispensaries, reduce confusion, and push back illicit stores. Opponents said the original law already protected school grounds and houses of worship, and that the new language would allow dispensaries to abut school playgrounds, fields, or church-related property in some cases. Several senators also raised concerns about youth exposure, public consumption, local zoning, and the performance of the Office of Cannabis Management. After the vote, the Senate returned to the calendar and passed additional measures, including Calendar 121 (Public Authorities Law), Calendar 170 (Public Health Law), and Calendar 190 (Labor Law), each by comfortable margins. The chamber also adopted a resolution package honoring Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School’s boys cross country team and girls field hockey team for state championships, with Senator Tedisco introducing the guests. Later, the Senate passed Senate Print 6990A, the Civil Voice Law, which requires state agencies to conduct exit interviews for employees who resign or retire. Supporters said the bill would improve accountability, morale, and retention by standardizing a way to hear from departing workers. The bill received affirmative explanations of vote from Senator Jackson and others, and the Senate continued through the calendar after its passage.

Transcript Highlights:

• on the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development. and the Department of Financial Protection
• And it's also why the GO-Biz team works hard every day to help maintain a robust economic climate that
• Our team has been on the ground.
• I want to welcome the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.
• The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, sexual assault, domestic violence, child, child...
• Let's make sure our laws are as resilient as the people they are meant to protect.
• They are doing their jobs to protect our communities.
• But I think that it's not to punish the child... ...child.
• But I think that it's not to punish the child more, but it's to get quicker intervention to the child

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These are 2 of the biggest signs that a child is being trafficked.
• , save a child, the lifelong trauma of human trafficking.
• But this training is not just about protecting individual children.
• So this is certainly to raise awareness and protect our children.
• We lists collection tracks information on child waiting for services.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Run afoul of the Equal Protection Clause?
• Actually referencing protection for children.
• Their sanctuary should be protected.
• And every child in the classroom and school will be impacted if the child is removed.
• When you have a parent who calls you and says they cannot take their child to a doctor, a child who is

Transcript Highlights:

• doctors, nurses, social workers, child doctors, nurses, social workers, child protection<00:03:22.959
• After my adoption, I continued to deal with child protection, and I turned 18 due to my adoptive family's
• I was dismissed as just another child, a troubled child.
• It is the child. And it should always be the child.
• It is the child. And it should always be the child.

Keywords: 1183, house