Transcript Highlights:

• Raymond Smithy Thompson Turner There being 11 ayes and 2 nays, the motion prevails.
• Lawyers Association, Texas chapter and yourself and you're against the bill. Is that correct?
• It's an 11-member advisory.
• And the 11-year-old didn't want to go to college.
• I do not want to address the fiscal note, there are currently 11 already stations.

Bills: HB256, HB1308, HB1554, HB1743, HB2308, HB2351, HB2858, HB3676, HB3784, HB4312, HB4552, HB4823, HB4852, HB5007, HB5010, HB5520, HB5524, HCR19, HB256, HCR19

Keywords: E-verify, employment verification, illegal employment, state contracts, government entities, license suspension, immigration compliance, state grant funding, E-Verify, compliance, penalties, immigration, government contracts, employee status, state contractors, E-verify program, legally present, employment practices, legal services, public money

Transcript Highlights:

• currently<00:11:46.560> may<00:11:47.000> I<00:11:47.079> think<00:11:47.279>
• coercion<00:11:50.839> look<00:11:51.000> if<00:11:51.120> it<00:11:51.200>
• were<00:11:51.360> up<00:11:51.519> to<00:11:51.680> me<00:11:52.440> the
• prayer<00:11:53.079> wouldn't<00:11:53.279> be<00:11:53.399> said<00:11:
• 00:11:55.600> addresses<00:11:56.440> I<00:11:56.560> think<00:11:56.760> that

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 19, which would require a daily moment of silence or reflection in Kentucky public schools and clarify that students may use the time as they choose without coercion or religious direction. The sponsor and supporters, including representatives of the Kentucky Jewish Council, argued the bill is nonsectarian, intended to promote calm and focus, and supported by research and prior bipartisan backing. Opponents from the Jewish Federation of the Bluegrass said they supported the anti-coercion language but objected to making the moment of silence mandatory rather than permissive, citing concerns about the statute’s interaction with the Lord’s Prayer language already in law. After discussion, the committee voted to pass SB 19 unanimously with favorable expression. The committee then considered SB 83, which revises the KEES scholarship program so homeschool and non-certified school students can receive awards using an ACT-to-GPA conversion and be treated more comparably to public school students. The sponsor described the bill as a recurring measure and walked through how the award amounts would be calculated under the substitute. There was no opposition raised during the hearing, and the committee adopted the substitute and passed SB 83 unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee heard Senate Joint Resolution 55, directing Kentucky public postsecondary institutions to combat anti-Semitism. The resolution would require campuses to adopt policies using the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism, notify students of Title VI and state-law complaint rights, recognize Jewish organizations as community resources on the same basis as other religious organizations, take action against student groups supporting designated terrorist organizations, and collect and report campus anti-Semitism data. The presenters and supporters described a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents on campuses after October 7 and said schools have not responded adequately. The committee adopted the substitute and began hearing testimony on the resolution, but the transcript cuts off before any final vote on SJR 55.

Transcript Highlights:

• :55.320> to<00:11:55.440> that<00:11:55.640> point,<00:11:55.960> and<00:
• 11:56.040> then<00:11:56.200> we<00:11:56.280> go<00:11:56.400> to go to
• <00:11:57.320> So,<00:11:57.520> Senator<00:11:57.960> Rasmussen.
• Thank<00:11:59.120> you,<00:11:59.160> Mr.
• <00:11:59.360> Chair,<00:11:59.520> and<00:11:59.640> thank<00:11:59.800>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in mind, Senate Joint Resolution 87, if approved by the Texas voters, would amend Article 1, Section 11
• We refer to it because of the part of the chapter where it is.
• Alvarado, Bent Court, Boardwell, Bancourt. 20 ayes, 11 nays. The rules are suspended.
• Alvarado, Bent Court, Boardwell, Bancourt. 20 ayes, 11 nays.
• Members, the House amendment adds a provision stating that nothing in this chapter relieves a social

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered an invocation, approved the previous day’s journal, and received a House message announcing passage of HB 4 on public school accountability and assessment. The chamber also recognized the Doctor of the Day, adopted SR 520 honoring Rosser Coke-Newton Sr. for his biography of former Governor Richard Coke, and adopted SR 518 recognizing Texas Moral Injury Awareness Day, with remarks focused on the impact of moral injury on veterans and first responders. The Senate later adopted SR 395 honoring the ninth class of Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholars, and several other resolutions were adopted by voice vote, including college savings awareness recognition and other member-sponsored recognitions. The body then took up several bills and resolutions on the floor. HB 3307, allowing online continuing education for arbitrators in property tax appeals, passed unanimously after suspension of the rules and the three-day rule. HB 913, renaming and reorganizing certain state hospitals, and HB 2970, governing the Gulf Coast Protection District and coastal barrier design, also passed unanimously. HJR 1 and HB 9 advanced a proposed constitutional amendment and statutory change to raise the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000; both measures passed, with HJR 1 receiving one no vote and HB 9 passing unanimously after a clarifying amendment. The Senate also passed HB 1151, which limits child removals and termination of parental rights based solely on parental medical treatment decisions, and HB 116, which revises grounds for involuntary termination of the parent-child relationship by removing the “O grounds” and requiring support from financially able parents whose rights were terminated. HB 1899 lowered the age for pyrotechnic operator licenses and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18. SB 1285, as amended, passed to protect bats by prohibiting entombment while preserving removal options from unoccupied spaces, and SB 2847 passed to promote innovations in core curriculum for faster bachelor’s degrees. On criminal justice, SJR 87, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring denial of bail for certain repeat violent felony offenders, passed after two floor amendments clarifying due process and representation language; Senator Eckhardt spoke against it on final passage, arguing it lacked judicial discretion and a clear-and-convincing standard. SB 3073, requiring magistrates to make written findings in certain criminal proceedings, also passed. Later, SB 128, requiring hospitals to report suspected child abuse-related information to HHSC, advanced on a divided vote, and SB 2619 and SB 2972 passed on public school accountability and expressive activities at public colleges, respectively, with Senator Eckhardt opposing SB 2972 as too restrictive on campus protest rights. The chamber also heard extended debate on HB 21, targeting “traveling” housing finance corporations and their use of tax exemptions for apartment projects, with supporters arguing it curbs abuse of the tax code and critics warning about unintended effects on affordable housing; the discussion continued with questions but no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill creates a new chapter in the property code, Chapter 223, titled Business Entity-Owned Residence
• Currently, Chapter 2258 of the Government Code governs the enforcement of prevailing wage laws. and publicly
• For 34 minutes, we've got two voting heads in D.C., 506 people, the board of directors, and 11 contingents
• On behalf of the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club, you're for the bill, is that correct?
• You're testifying on behalf of the Lone Star Chapter Sierra Club, and you're for the bill.

Bills: HB842, HB1907, HB2844, HB2892, HB3439, HB4211, HB4536, HB5111, HB5138, HB5182, HB5247, HB5269, HB5323, HB5435, HJR201, SB871, HB3896, SJR40

Keywords: power lines, Gulf Coast, weather-related outages, Public Utility Commission, infrastructure, government contracts, Chinese companies, information technology, cybersecurity, state regulations, food safety, mobile vendors, licensing, permitting exemptions, health inspections, nonprofit organizations, personal information, government disclosure, privacy, criminal penalties

Transcript Highlights:

• c> what<00:11:01.760> appeared<00:11:02.000> to<00:11:02.160> be<00:11:02.240
• So<00:11:04.959> this<00:11:05.120> is<00:11:05.279> at<00:11:05.440> the
• <00:11:05.680> end<00:11:05.760> of<00:11:05.920> 12<00:11:06.240> years<
• <00:11:10.880> because<00:11:11.120> I<00:11:11.279> was<00:11:11.440> 38
• /c><00:11:12.480> what<00:11:12.640> the<00:11:12.800> doctor<00:11:13.120> said

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• /c><00:11:06.079> 2<00:11:06.240> to<00:11:06.480> four<00:11:06.640> hours
• :11:08.480> full<00:11:09.200> deedent<00:11:09.839> care<00:11:11.040> um
• Um<00:11:13.200> every<00:11:13.440> person<00:11:13.760> requires<00:11:14.079>
• :11:19.680> time<00:11:20.000> savings<00:11:20.480> as<00:11:20.800> much
• 11:27.840> to<04:11:28.000> sit<04:11:28.160> in<04:11:28.319> this<04:11

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You'll recall there are those, I guess, 11 administrative regions, and there's a presiding judge.
• She was 11 weeks along, which is why they were experiencing such heavy bleeding.
• After the definitions, the very first section is the construction of the chapter related to liability
• It then states that, notwithstanding any law, this chapter may not be construed to impose liability on
• The rate of maternal mortality cases in Texas rose by a staggering 56% compared to 11% nationwide.

Bills: SB10, SB16, SB6, SB 6, SB 10, SB 16

Keywords: trafficking, prostitution, affirmative defense, victims, criminal justice reform, victim rights, criminal justice, judicial reform, court procedures, mental health services, criminal penalties, court security, SB 6, Woman and Child Protection Act, abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, pro-life

Transcript Highlights:

• the<00:11:14.240> reappoint<00:11:15.279> of<00:11:15.600> Justin<00:11:16.079
• :11:57.440> no<02:11:57.679> one<02:11:57.920> seeking<02:11:58.239> recognition
• <03:11:43.120> Chair,<03:11:43.359> hears<03:11:43.600> no<03:11:43.760>
• Thus, the Senate<03:11:45.840> does<03:11:46.080> concur<03:11:46.399> on<03:11:
• > 97<03:11:51.120> as<03:11:51.359> amended<03:11:51.840> by<03:11:52.000

Bills: HB567, HB776, HB2, HB568, HB619

Keywords: open records, public access, transparency, government accountability, public agency, dental practice, licensing, administrative regulations, dental assistants, supervision, Medicaid, community engagement, healthcare, managed care, eligibility, public assistance, insurance, public adjuster, claim process, contract requirements

Transcript Highlights:

• is<00:11:05.760> ongoing<00:11:06.760> for<00:11:07.000> such<00:11:07.200>
• point can<00:11:11.360> you<00:11:11.480> comment<00:11:11.720> to<00:11:11.920
• > that<00:11:12.240> what<00:11:13.240> and<00:11:13.399> I<00:11:13.519>
• c><00:11:32.040> we<00:11:32.279> recommending<00:11:32.880> that<00:11:33.079><
• 00:11:43.360> I'm<00:11:43.519> opposed<00:11:43.880> to<00:11:44.000> the

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee held its first hearing of the 2025 session and began with housekeeping on testimony deadlines, hybrid participation rules, time management, and expectations for civility. The chair said testimony posted at least 24 hours in advance would be available to members and the public at the same time, late testimony would still be processed, and decision-making would generally be deferred to later in the day so morning hearings could adjourn before the noon floor session. The first bill heard was HB 673 on emergency management. Hawaii Emergency Management Agency administrator James Barros testified in opposition, saying the bill could undermine the executive’s unity of command during emergencies and objecting to provisions allowing the legislature to terminate a state of emergency by a two-thirds vote. Members asked about the difference between an emergency order and a state of emergency, whether other states use legislative checks and balances, and whether long-running emergencies such as COVID-19 or homelessness should have clearer end conditions. Barros said the agency, along with the Attorney General’s office and the governor’s office, would review the language and that the issue is setting conditions for when an emergency ends. The committee then heard HB 596, also on emergency management, which would clarify types of events that count as dangers and emergencies. Barros opposed the bill, saying the current list covers known hazards but should remain open-ended for future threats; he cited COVID-19 as an example of an unforeseen event and said the bill could limit flexibility. Members asked whether the list could be expanded, and Barros said the agency would look at that possibility. Testimony included support from the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii and concerns from the Tax Foundation of Hawaii about the bill’s special fund provisions; the committee also corrected testimony that had been submitted for the wrong bill. The final measure discussed was HB 1060 on emergency preparedness and the Community Readiness Center Program. Barros explained the proposal as part of HEMA’s effort to build local readiness centers and community hubs, with an initial target of 10 communities through a federal grant and a longer-term concept of roughly 100 statewide. The Climate Advisory Team supported the bill’s intent but urged that centers be developed with strong community and nonprofit involvement through the HARRP program. The Department of Taxation offered comments on the special fund, and members raised questions about cost, size, use of existing school facilities, public messaging, and equity across communities. Barros said the centers would provide backup communications, power, water, and food for a community group, would not function as general shelters, and would be designed to help communities hunker down and recover after a disaster.

Transcript Highlights:

• Registration will remain open until 11 a.m.
• The association is overseen by an 11-member governing committee.
• And I'm assuming that because of the winter storm year in 21, the lag, the rates went up 11, almost 11
• Well, two years and one of an 11% increase.”
• “Chapter 152 does not meet those qualifications.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• 11:00? Okay, all right, go ahead. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm first... Okay, all right, go ahead.
• Madam Chair's committee members, Atta Chavez from Sanasti Chapter and Guil Pablo.
• The bill itself, we are on page 11.
• I'll just start where Representative Borrego left off on page 11. It...
• I'll just start where Representative Borrego left off on page 11.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• CPAs are Senator Perry: Thank you, Belcher from the San Antonio chapter.
• SR 11 by Perry. Senator: ...the following resolutions. The Secretary will read the resolutions.
• SR 11 by Perry. SR 12 by Perry. Is there objection to the adoption of the resolutions?
• The Senate stands adjourned until 11 AM Wednesday, January 29th. Chair hears none.
• The Senate stands adjourned until 11 AM Wednesday, January 29th.

Bills: SJR36, SR8, SR14, SR15, SR17, HCR54

Keywords: accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, advocacy, legislation, business issues, memorial, law enforcement, sacrifice, tribute, community support, service, community, Holocaust, remembrance, antisemitism, human rights, education, Holocaust Remembrance Day, memorialization, sexual assault

Transcript Highlights:

• So if you look to section two, this is in the obscenity control chapter.
• So if you look to section two, this is in the obscenity control chapter.
• Section 11 does the same thing, swapping out the sexual performance by a minor for...
• But ultimately, he ended up getting sentenced to 20 years on the 8th felony with 11 suspended, if I'm
• that we're using in that chapter, and we're not having to page through 13 different chapters in order

Summary: The committee first approved the December 16 minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and their economic and public-system impacts. She explained that ACEs are population-level risk indicators, not individual diagnostic tools, and said higher ACE exposure is associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare and justice involvement, and lower workforce participation. She cautioned that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across the life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based interventions and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, trends in ACEs, and home visiting; she emphasized supportive relationships, protective factors, and the importance of positive childhood experiences. The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco, along with a recorded family story from Abby, about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota. Abby described how Healthy Families North Dakota supported her family after a premature birth and NICU stay by providing weekly in-home coaching, developmental screenings, postpartum mental health check-ins, referrals, and parenting support. The presenters explained that home visiting is voluntary, relationship-based, and usually begins prenatally or shortly after birth, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, pregnancy navigators, human service zones, self-referrals, and other community partners. They said North Dakota currently has four main evidence-based models operating through 12 organizations, with Healthy Families available in all 53 counties, though only a fraction of eligible families are served. Funding was described as a patchwork of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E, Medicaid, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and other grants; members discussed whether the Legislature or agencies should expand support and how to improve outreach and sustainability. Finally, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, focusing on AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and chatbot-related risks. The report summarized federal and state law, including North Dakota’s existing computer-generated image provisions, the federal PROTECT Act, the Take It Down Act, and recent federal executive orders on AI policy. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI’s effect on critical thinking and misinformation. The committee then heard from BCI Special Agent Cassidy Halsef, who said AI is already driving a sharp rise in child exploitation cases in North Dakota, including AI-generated explicit images of real minors and school-based incidents involving mass-shared manipulated images. She said investigators are seeing more cyber tips, more difficult forensic work, and lasting harm to victims and families, and urged stronger legal penalties, specialized training, victim services, and prevention education in schools and communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• that was voted out of the House and Senate before conference committee gave them the power under chapter
• We even give it to franchise corporations for ferry systems in chapter 268 or corporations do that do
• ... chapter 268 or corporations do that do railway systems in chapter 273, and we give it to departments
• Article 11, section 1 of the Hawaii State Constitution and the oath of office we all took to support
• On the very last page, page four, section number 11, the court states, and I'm quoting here, this court

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• [00:11:15] Of your legislation. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• its capabilities to bring in, you know, whether or not it's health care providers or educators, [00:11
• that this committee saw last year, which moves the regulation of ambulatory surgery centers out of Chapter
• Chapter 395 was originally written.
• I'm here today representing the Florida chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Bills: S1082, S1168, S1756, S1156, S1480

Keywords: provider disputes, health plan, dispute resolution, Medicare, Medicaid, healthcare regulation, background screening, athletic coaches, youth sports, criminal history, expungement, Florida statutes, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions, ambulatory surgical centers, patient safety, licensure

Summary: The committee took up several health-related bills. SB 1082, on a statewide provider and health plan claim dispute resolution program, was presented as a way to let providers and insurers use the federal independent dispute resolution process for emergency out-of-network claims under state-regulated commercial plans. A late-filed amendment clarified when providers and health plans could access the state program, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. SB 1168, which would centralize background screening clearinghouse functions at the Agency for Health Care Administration, also passed as amended after an amendment requiring sealed and expunged records to be included in screenings for qualified entities. Supporters said centralization would improve turnaround times, reduce duplication, and save costs; the sponsor said the bill also addresses coaches’ background screening language from last session. The committee then approved SB 1156, which moves ambulatory surgery center regulation out of the hospital-focused chapter of law into a standalone section, and SB 1480, as amended by a strike-all, which would grandfather certain temporary certificate holders practicing in areas of critical need if federal designation changes affect those areas. Testimony on SB 1480 emphasized continuity of care for patients in underserved communities, and the bill was reported favorably. The final and most heavily debated measure was SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require state-approved educational materials on childhood vaccines, require practitioners to provide those materials and alternative schedules before vaccination, expand school immunization exemptions to include conscience-based objections, clarify that the Surgeon General cannot order vaccination during a public health emergency, and authorize pharmacists to provide ivermectin behind the counter without a prescription with written information and safeguards. The sponsor argued the bill strengthens parental choice and informed consent. Committee members raised concerns about vaccine-preventable disease risks, immunocompromised children, school outbreaks, and the impact of adding a new exemption. A Department of Health representative said the department would need to provide details on the history of exemption consultations and noted that removing the earlier consultation requirement had not been shown to increase outbreaks. The committee adopted a friendly amendment to give physicians the same liability protection as pharmacists for ivermectin dispensing, but rejected a substitute amendment that would have required a consultation for exemption requests. Public testimony was overwhelmingly opposed to the bill, with physicians, pediatric specialists, cancer advocates, parents of immunocompromised children, and public health groups warning that it would lower vaccination rates and endanger vulnerable Floridians. The bill remained pending after testimony, with the committee continuing to hear public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:11:28.880> able<00:11:29.279> to<00:11:29.399> get<00:11:29.600> pots
• <00:11:29.839> of<00:11:30.000> money<00:11:30.200> it<00:11:30.320> was<
• civil<00:11:33.079> Legal<00:11:33.440> Services<00:11:34.240> Statewide<00:11:
• > to<00:11:44.320> each<00:11:44.600> provider<00:11:45.560> so<00:11:46.320
• :11:06.360> I<02:11:06.440> am<02:11:06.559> the<02:11:06.679> first<02:11

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs heard House Bill 4000, the Judiciary’s biennium budget bill for FY 2026-2027. Judiciary Director of Policy and Planning Brandon Kimura testified in strong support, outlining operating requests of about $6.17 million in FY 26 and $6.25 million in FY 27, 17 permanent positions and one temporary position, plus $9.9 million in capital improvements. He described funding needs for specialty courts, preparations for the Wahiawa District Court, an additional district court judge and staff for Kona, cybersecurity upgrades, the Criminal Justice Research Institute, statewide priority items, and restoration of several essential staff positions. He also said the Judiciary was seeking an additional $2 million for the Children’s Justice Center relocation lump sum because updated estimates had risen to about $8 million. The committee also discussed potential impacts from uncertain federal funding and asked for written follow-up on those risks and on the capital request, including coordination with Budget and Finance. Several organizations and individuals testified in support of the Judiciary budget, including the Hawaiʻi State Bar Association, Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi, and legal service providers. Mioko Eto asked for an additional $1 million for civil legal service providers, explaining that the current funding is spread across multiple providers and that the need remains high. David Copper of Legal Aid supported the request, citing statewide demand, 105 staff, 7,100 cases closed in the past year, and 15,000 calls received, while noting that many people seeking help cannot be served because of capacity limits. He also said recent federal funding disruptions and proposed cuts could affect legal services and related programs. Committee members asked about the Criminal Justice Research Institute’s mission; Kimura said its primary statutory role is to build a database focused on pre-trial reporting and data analysis, though it is also working on probation and mental health-related projects. No vote or final action on HB 4000 was taken in the hearing excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• This<00:11:30.720> mediated<00:11:31.360> agreement<00:11:31.680> in<00:11:31.920
• > board<00:11:35.200> of<00:11:35.360> regents<00:11:35.760> on boards of
• <00:11:38.160> In<00:11:38.399> addition<00:11:38.560> to January 30, 2026.
• In addition to affirming<00:11:39.200> the<00:11:39.440> University<00:11:39.760> of
• Minnesota Medical<00:11:40.720> School's<00:11:41.120> critical<00:11:41.440> role<

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• :10.480> such<00:11:10.680> a<00:11:11.519> a<00:11:11.680> measure<00:11
• :11.959> was<00:11:12.120> going<00:11:12.279> to<00:11:12.360> be<00:11:
• :12.839> should<00:11:13.000> be<00:11:13.160> made<00:11:13.519> by<00:11
• ><00:11:24.320> cost<00:11:24.519> would<00:11:24.680> have<00:11:24.800> to<
• <00:11:25.600> by<00:11:25.760> the<00:11:25.880> rate<00:11:26.200> payers

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chapter 35.02 relates to the initial incorporation.
• Chapter 35.02 relates to the initial incorporation of a city, so it's independent of annexation, and
• Chapter 3... or town into another city.
• Chapter 35.16 and 35A.16, those relate to reducing city boundaries. Some call that de-annexation.
• Finally, Chapter 36.93 RCW relates to the boundary review boards.

Keywords: 904, all