Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a former public school librarian and also a Catholic. high school teacher before that.
• Well, I taught it at my Catholic school. High School.

Bills: HB14, HB 106, HB146, HB267, HB274, HB 1127, HB1359, HB1393, HB1584, HB1640, HB1710, HB2152, HCR101, HJR8, HR51

Keywords: nuclear energy, advanced reactors, energy security, grant programs, Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, HB 106, oil and gas, Railroad Commission of Texas, overhead electrical lines, electrical distribution system, power line maintenance, administrative penalty, Natural Resources Code, oil and gas lease, well operator, energy safety, utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, cleanup fund, oil and gas regulation and cleanup fund

Transcript Highlights:

• This was a concern that also was brought up by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, which I thought
• concern that also was brought up by the concern that also was brought up by the Roman<04:16:18.239> Catholic

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This version is supported by the Catholic bishops, by the pro-life groups.

Transcript Highlights:

• the O Farran Gym, which was built by Georgia O'Keeffe before I was even born in the 60s, and the Catholic
• clause in there that if that gym board ever ceased to exist, that building would revert back to the Catholic
• Well, the Catholic Church does not have the means to run the place, and we use it for funerals, weddings

Transcript Highlights:

• Molly Sheehan with the California Catholic Conference: our letter was late, but we are in support of
• Molly Sheehan with the California Catholic Conference.
• Molly Sheehan with the California Catholic Conference.

Summary: The committee met on April 1, 2025, first adopting its rules and then taking up AB 89, a bill to require CIF to align girls’ high school sports with federal policy and restrict participation to biological females. The author and supporters argued the bill was needed to protect fairness, safety, privacy, and competitive opportunities for girls, citing individual student-athlete stories and examples of transgender participation. Opponents, including parents, athletes, advocates, and technical witnesses, argued the bill would stigmatize transgender youth, invite invasive scrutiny and harassment, and solve a problem they said was extremely rare or unsupported by data. After lengthy public testimony and debate, the committee rejected AB 89 on a 2-7 vote and sent it to the Committee on Education as a failed motion. The committee then heard AB 844, a related measure framed by the author as restoring competitive integrity, protecting student privacy, and bringing California into compliance with Title IX and federal directives. Supporters, including Matt Walsh and a student athlete who said she lost a varsity spot to a transgender student, argued that sex-based sports rules are necessary because biological males retain athletic advantages and that California risks federal funding if it does not change course. Opponents, including educators, parents, LGBTQ advocates, and trans youth, said the bill would increase bullying, harassment, and exclusion, and that existing policies have worked without evidence of harm from transgender athletes. Public comment was again heavily divided, with many speakers on both sides. The transcript ends during public testimony on AB 844, before any final committee vote or action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Shannon Jaquette, and I am the Policy and Education Analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference
• The church's service and ministry to the poor and vulnerable through Catholic Charities, St.
• I do want to mention one thing to our friends, the Catholics. the bishops.

Bills: HB1453, HB1718, HB2043, HB2207, HB2798

Keywords: local governments, anticipation notes, certificates of obligation, public works, flood control, financial management, local government, municipal financing, private activity bonds, closing definition, real estate finance, bond issuance, government regulation, bond election, general obligation bonds, GO bonds, political subdivision, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds

Transcript Highlights:

• In Italy, you had to be Catholic. And so.
• I, myself, was raised Catholic.
• I believe that our law as Catholics is the Beatitudes, not the Ten Commandments.

Bills: SB 10, SB 11

Keywords: human trafficking, trafficking victim, compelling prostitution, affirmative defense, criminal defense, coercion, force fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation, victim protection, Penal Code, Texas criminal law, prosecution, party liability, affirmative defense statute, survivor rights, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Maggie Hanje, and I'm here from the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the public policy voice
• of the Catholic Church in Minnesota, to share our support for Senate File 4696, the Stop the Harms of
• :15:56.600> from<00:15:56.760> the<00:15:56.839> Minnesota<00:15:57.200> Catholic
• and I'm here from the Minnesota Catholic and I'm here from the Minnesota Catholic Conference,<00
• > Church<00:15:59.920> in<00:16:00.000> Minnesota,<00:16:01.079> to the Catholic

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alana K., Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi, in support. members are needing
• <02:02:45.480> Charities<02:02:45.880> of support okay Catholic Charities of support
• okay Catholic Charities of Hawaii<02:02:46.280> in Hawaii in Hawaii in support<02:02:48.239><
• Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi is in support. Hawaiʻi Guerrilla Video is in support.
• Charities of Hawaii in support Catholic Charities of Hawaii in support<02:07:24.920> Hawaii<02

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Housing held a public hearing on January 31 and heard testimony on a series of housing and building-code bills. The first major item, HB 1 relating to building codes, drew sharply divided testimony. Supporters, including BIA Hawaii, Grassroot Institute, Dr. Horton, and several builders and trade groups, argued the current code-adoption process is slow, fragmented, and costly, and that reform would help housing production. Opponents, including Sierra Club Hawaii, AIA Hawaii, ICC, and labor representative Kiko Bosi, said the bill would weaken public safety, reduce statewide consistency, and could leave tenants and first responders at greater risk. No vote was taken during the hearing, and members asked questions about the effect of a governor’s emergency proclamation suspending the Building Code Council and about county authority over code amendments. The committee then heard HB 745 and HB 1321, both also relating to building codes. Grassroot Institute supported both measures, saying the system is broken and needs streamlining, while BIA Hawaii and others emphasized the cost burden of repeated code updates. Opponents, especially Bosi and ICC, argued that the bills would undermine the State Building Code Council’s role, create confusion, and prioritize cost over safety; Bosi also said labor should be included in any code discussions. Members questioned whether counties can remove state code provisions and whether the state code already supersedes county codes, and one member noted the need for clarity and consistent enforcement rather than a wholesale overhaul. Later, the committee heard HB 284 on housing, HB 761 on county permitting and inspection, and HB 738 on historic preservation. HB 284 drew support from several housing and real estate groups, while DLNR opposed it. On HB 761, HHFDC supported the bill, DLNR warned that the proposed changes could jeopardize Hawaii’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program, DAGS said it would likely need to duplicate county permitting staff, and the Department of Planning and Permitting opposed it; Grassroot Institute and NAIOP supported it. For HB 738, HHFDC, DLNR, Grassroot Institute, Hawaii YIMBY, NAIOP, and others supported the measure, with Grassroot and NAIOP suggesting clarifications so expedited review would also cover mixed-use projects and better define the scope of work. The transcript does not show any final votes or committee action on these bills during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me ask that. make sure that the church Catholic make sure that the church Catholic Catholic<00:45
• 34.720> church<00:45:34.960> picnics<00:45:35.600> were<00:45:35.720> not Catholic
• church picnics were not Catholic church picnics were not affected<00:45:36.400> by<00:45:36.560

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Yes, we have Joseph Harmon, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, speaking.
• Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops? You're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Chair, members.
• My name is Joseph Harmon, and I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Joseph Harmon, Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. Thank you, Mr. Chair and members.
• My name is Joseph Harmon, and I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• John Paul II Catholic School. And I want you to know that you're going to do just fine.
• John Paul<00:24:53.600> 8<00:24:54.240> Paul<00:24:54.480> II<00:24:55.200> Catholic
• <00:24:56.480> And<00:24:56.720> I Paul 8 Paul II Catholic School.
• And I Paul 8 Paul II Catholic School.
• John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Anita Davis, and I'm the principal of Holy Trinity Catholic School in South St. Paul.
• My name is Michael Rogers, and I'm the president of Risen Christ Catholic School in South Minneapolis

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops. You're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair and members.
• I represent the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and advanced a series of criminal justice bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll-call votes. Among the bills approved were CS/SB 468 on fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, which increases offense levels and allows impoundment of involved vehicles; CS/SB 1136 on age as an element of a criminal offense, which strengthens protections for minors and was amended to adjust age thresholds and luring/enticement language; CS/SB 144 on criminal justice, which was narrowed by substitute amendment after discussion with law enforcement and includes provisions on kill switches, body cameras/AI, first responder recognition, and other corrections-related items; and CS/SB 1782, which creates penalties for dangerous excessive speeding. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, CS/SB 1450 on arrest and detention of individuals with significant medical conditions, CS/SB 612 on murder involving unlawful drug distribution by minors, CS/SB 1838 on tampering with or harassing court officials, CS/SB 716 on enhanced penalties for sexual offenses by repeat offenders, CS/SB 1604 on corrections, and CS/SB 1360 on xylazine, which preserves veterinary use while increasing penalties for illicit trafficking and possession for sale. Several bills drew substantive testimony and debate. CS/SB 1838 prompted concerns from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers that the tampering language could be applied to prosecutors or defense attorneys; the sponsor said he would work to refine the language. CS/SB 964 received support from criminal defense advocates and a witness who argued Florida’s parole system needs revision due to prison overcrowding and staffing issues. CS/SB 1604 generated questions about inmate access to courts, the statute of limitations for confinement claims, and involuntary mental health treatment; the sponsor said the bill aims to balance inmate rights with timely reporting and to address bad actors in corrections. CS/SB 1360 was supported as a response to the spread of xylazine on the street, while noting its legitimate veterinary use. The most contested measure was CS/SB 1804 on capital sex trafficking. The bill would create a capital offense for adult trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person under specified circumstances, with a life-felony fallback if capital punishment is later found unconstitutional. Supporters argued it targets especially heinous conduct and closes a gap in existing law; opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and anti-death-penalty advocates, argued it expands the death penalty beyond homicide, raises constitutional concerns, risks retraumatizing victims, and would be costly to litigate. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House companion and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, despite objections from some members who voted no. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for the session, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to say, uh, welcome to the outstanding students of the 7th grade class at Notre Dame Catholic
• Notre Dame Catholic School, a pillar of faith-based education, has long fostered academic excellence,

Transcript Highlights:

• You're a policy analyst and that you're testifying on behalf of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops
• As you stated, I'm Jenny Andrews, and I'm a policy analyst at the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• answer to the question is that on a routine basis, if you are moving your child from Saint Mary's Catholic
• this legislation does is to say that when a little Julia Gates moves from a, you know, Saint Mary's Catholic

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• one renewal, and it provided financing for new not-for-profit institutions, including the Roman Catholic
• one renewal, and it provided financing for new not-for-profit institutions, including the Roman Catholic

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• on behalf of Catholic Charities New Hampshire to respectfully register our opposition to HB 548.
• Catholic Charities is the largest non-governmental provider of nursing home care in the state.
• on behalf of Catholic Charities New Hampshire to respectfully register our opposition to HB 548.
• Catholic Charities is the largest non-governmental provider of nursing home care in the state.
• Catholic Charities is the largest non-governmental provider of nursing home care in the state.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a senior at Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School, and my future plans include attending Baylor in

Bills: SB1265, SB1198, SB2046, SB1415, SB1714, SB1962, SB26, SB172, SB260, SB264, SB1525, SB1332, SB1998, SB1378, SB1771, SB1919, SB2018, SB1936, SB1612, SB1543, SB1260, SB1988, SB1859, SB2041, SB1257, SB1726, SB1236, SB1633, SB1413, SB1317, SB1360, SB1342, SB1477, SB1189, SB1546, SB1524, SB1338, SB1193, SB1812, SB1617, SB1638, SB504, SB2072, SB1283, SB1216, SB1655, SB2011, SB1643, SB1446, SB1256, SB1258, SB1441, SB1224, SB1448, SB1496, SB1597, SB1621, SB1827, SB2066, SB2104

Keywords: healthcare authority, property lien, county treasury, local government, Oklahoma, municipalities, campsite regulation, Department of Environmental Quality, unauthorized camps, public safety, environmental standards, nondisclosure agreements, state employment, employee rights, transparency, government accountability, employee suggestions, cost savings, state agencies, incentives