Transcript Highlights:

• The bill concerns abortion and authorized procedures.
• regarding abortion and authorized procedures.
• With abortion regarding abortion and authorized procedures we will start as a subcommittee until we have
• So why does abortion get special exemption?
• Second- and third-trimester abortions.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee heard a long agenda of health-related bills, with most items presented for later vote once quorum was reached. Early in the hearing, the committee adopted a consent calendar of multiple bills with motions for due pass to Appropriations, and it noted that AB 2029 had been pulled from the agenda. The committee also took up AB 1973, a bill by Aguiar-Curry to expand who may provide procedural abortion care. Supporters, including physicians and certified nurse midwives, argued the bill would align law with current training and improve access, while opponents said later-term abortion procedures require physician-level surgical training and raised safety concerns. The author emphasized hands-on training, consultation, and transfer protocols, and the bill was held pending quorum with a motion and second recorded. The committee then heard AB 1558 by Arambula, which would adopt the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act to speed the use of out-of-state licensed volunteers during declared disasters. Supporters from the Uniform Law Commission and the Red Cross said the bill would reduce delays and clarify legal authority for volunteer health workers; there was no opposition testimony. AB 2282 by Alanis, a temporary rural emergency stabilization center for Patterson while a permanent hospital is built, drew support from local emergency responders and a late opposition from the California chapter of ACEP. The chair praised the bill as a creative local solution and agreed to coauthor it; a motion and second were recorded, with the vote to occur later. Several public health access bills followed. AB 1843 by El-Hawari would limit prior authorization and align hepatitis C treatment coverage with medical guidelines; supporters said it would remove barriers to a curable disease, while health plans opposed it as a mandate, citing premium impacts and the recent SB 306 prior-authorization process. AB 2247 by El-Hawari would create the THRIVE program for mental health services for youth affected by gun violence; Youth Alive and other supporters described trauma-informed, community-based care, and the chair and another member asked to be added as coauthors. AB 2138 by Krell would expand access to certified peer support specialists in enhanced care management and remove automatic disqualifications based solely on criminal history; supporters said peers are essential to engagement and recovery, and the bill was held with a motion and second. Later, AB 1682 by Hart would require coverage of scalp cooling for chemotherapy patients, with emotional testimony from cancer survivors and clinicians; insurers opposed it as another mandate, but the author stressed the modest per-member cost and the bill was moved with a motion and second. AB 1879 by Dixon would standardize data reporting for alcohol and drug treatment facilities, including private providers, to improve statewide information on outcomes and access; the bill drew broad support from recovery organizations and the prior opposition was withdrawn after amendments. AB 1906 by Aguiar-Curry would require coverage of at-home cervical cancer screening kits without cost sharing; supporters cited improved access for rural and working Californians, insurers opposed it on affordability grounds, and the bill passed on a recorded roll call after quorum was established. Finally, AB 1556 by Haney would clarify and support drug-free recovery housing and return-to-use policies; supporters said it would expand sober housing options, while opponents warned it could allow evictions after relapse and conflict with Housing First principles. The hearing ended with the bill still under discussion and opposition-unless-amended concerns noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• NUMBER TWO, AT LINES 70 THROUGH 72 THE PROTECTIVE CARVED OUT FOR THE ABORTION INDUSTRY MUST BE REMOVED
• BUT YOU BROUGHT UP SPECIFICALLY I THINK YOU SAID ABORTION CLINICS WHICH CAUGHT MY ATTENTION.
• YOU ARE SAYING LINES 70 TO 72 WOULD BRING IN ABORTION CLINICS. >> YES BECAUSE THE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
• IF YOU HAVE A BAD ACTOR, AND ABORTION FOR INSTANCE, THERE WAS A TERRIBLE CASE OUT OF ILLINOIS RECENTLY
• THIS BILL IS A TROJAN HORSE THAT IS PART OF A LONG-TERM STRATEGY NATIONWIDE TO BAN ABORTION ENTIRELY

Transcript Highlights:

• this somehow you're in favor of abortion, and nothing could be further from the truth.
• In favor of abortion, and nothing could be further from the truth.
• I would encourage everybody to think about the reality that you are being fleeced by an anti-abortion
• This was not about abortion services. This was not about abortion services. This was a...
• This was not about abortion services. This was not about abortion services.

Transcript Highlights:

• And, um, I find it interesting because the evangelicals were for abortion when Roe v.
• </c><00:02:17.440><c> when</c><00:02:18.080><c> row</c> evangelicals were for abortion when row evangelicals
• were for abortion when row vade<00:02:19.360><c> was</c><00:02:19.599><c> first</c><00:02:20.800><c>
• </c><00:04:44.800><c> But</c><00:04:45.040><c> he</c> nothing about abortion. Nothing.
• But he nothing about abortion. Nothing.

Bills: HB0117 , HB0126

Committee: House Labor, Health & Social Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Abortion and reproductive health care services at the national level.
• O-rate increases for primary or specialty care, family planning, abortion care in 2025.
• So, currently, we have some abortion reimbursement issues.
• I know we can't use federal funds for abortion care.
• Of the proposed cut, how much is for abortion services specifically? About 9.5 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• abortion.
• Is it safe to have an abortion? Is it too late to have an abortion?
• patients, and that anti-abortion extremists are among their buyers.
• With a federal administration that poses an existential threat to abortion access, anti-abortion politicians
• privacy. or who visited abortion clinics.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity

Summary: The committee hearing focused on a package of Massachusetts privacy and technology bills, especially measures to ban the sale of location data, establish a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, and regulate biometric recognition and surveillance pricing. Chairs and sponsors argued that self-regulation has failed, that data brokers and large tech companies routinely collect and monetize sensitive information, and that state action is needed because federal protections are weak or absent. Several speakers tied the bills to reproductive health, gender-affirming care, domestic violence, children’s data, and other sensitive uses of location and biometric information. Supporters included legislators and advocates who backed H. 86/S. 197 (Location Shield), H. 78/S. 45/H. 104/S. 29 (comprehensive privacy bills), H. 99/S. 47 (surveillance pricing in grocery stores), and H. 36/S. 36 (biometric recognition accountability). They emphasized data minimization, bans on selling sensitive data, consumer rights to access, delete, and opt out, and in some cases a private right of action. Several witnesses said Massachusetts should lead or align with other states, while others argued that stronger protections are needed because data can be weaponized by stalkers, anti-abortion actors, abusive partners, insurers, or law enforcement. Industry and coalition witnesses urged the committee to favor a more standardized, interoperable framework modeled on laws already adopted in other states, warning that novel definitions, data-minimization rules, and private rights of action could create compliance burdens, confusion, and costs for businesses, including small businesses. They argued that entity-level exemptions for sectors already covered by federal laws like HIPAA or GLBA promote consistency, and that Attorney General enforcement is preferable to private lawsuits. Committee members questioned witnesses on patchwork concerns, the scope of exemptions, and whether the proposed bills would harm or help consumers and small businesses. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; written testimony was noted as due later, and the committee continued taking testimony from multiple panels and virtual witnesses.

Transcript Highlights:

• Since you mentioned abortions after six weeks, I don't know if you've come across, because it's been
• You have been very vocal in your anti-abortion stance.
• I'm sure some of you've heard about what's happening with chemical abortion.
• I'm sure some of you've heard about what's happening with chemical abortion.
• I'm very concerned about the positions on abortion.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The committee first considered the confirmation of Dr. John Lattell to the Florida Board of Medicine. In questioning, senators focused heavily on his views on abortion, vaccines, ivermectin, hormonal birth control, and the role of CDC/FDA guidance in board discipline cases. Dr. Lattell said the board should apply Florida statutes, described himself as strongly pro-life and skeptical of some federal health guidance, and said he would be sympathetic when judging fellow physicians because of his own experience in practice. Supporters praised his medical background, military service, and family medicine experience, while opponents argued his stated views could affect his ability to fairly discipline other doctors. The committee voted 5-2 to recommend confirmation, with Senators Polsky and Rouson voting no. The committee then took up the confirmation of Taylor Hatch as Secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. Hatch outlined her background at DCF and APD and described department priorities including streamlining services, improving child welfare and behavioral health systems, expanding peer support, and reducing SNAP error rates. Members asked detailed questions about Hope Florida, the number and role of Hope Navigators, agency responsiveness on bill analyses, and accountability for community-based care contractors. Hatch said Hope Florida is a partnership-based navigation effort aimed at self-sufficiency, that 143 Hope Navigators are in place, and that the department is working to improve transparency and oversight through contracts, audits, and a proposed funding model. Senators also pressed Hatch on the Hope Florida Foundation’s compliance history and on forensic audits of community-based care agencies, especially Northwest Florida Health Network. Hatch said the foundation is now in compliance and under audit, and that the contractor had completed corrective actions and was operating within current accountability limits. She said DCF had not yet conducted new forensic audits under her tenure but was preparing another round and was considering using contracted-services dollars to support that work. The discussion ended with continued questioning on oversight, staffing, and whether the agency could provide more formal bill analyses going forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> suffering from the result of an abortion suffering from the result of an abortion that<00:14:02.600
• We've talked, you've heard a lot about abortion today, but this bill doesn't just cover abortion.
• We've talked, you've heard a lot about abortion today, but this bill doesn't just cover abortion.
• We've talked, you've heard a lot about abortion today, but this bill doesn't just cover abortion.
• We've talked, you've heard a lot about abortion today, but this bill doesn't just cover abortion.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn. Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff. Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, and I think this is not just for the sake of getting an abortion.
• So, and I think this is not just for the sake of getting an abortion.
• Only the parent shall consent to treatment regarding a minor obtaining abortion.
• One of my issues with this bill was abortion.
• We want you to have an abortion. And according to this, then she would have to have an abortion.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• Wade has reduced access for individuals seeking abortion.
• Sixty percent of abortions are done by using medication abortion, so it is crucial...
• Sixty percent of abortions are done by using medication abortion, so it is crucial that we ensure continued
• A so-called medical abortion is a gruesome two-step process.
• That a woman hears near an abortion business is that abortion is the solution to an unplanned pregnancy

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills focused on reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, privacy, reparations, and AI transparency. AB 54, AB 1137, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 62, and AB 853 were all presented with testimony from authors, state agencies, advocates, and industry representatives. Supporters generally framed the measures as protecting access to care, shielding vulnerable communities, improving online safety for children, limiting government or commercial misuse of sensitive data, addressing historical harms, and increasing transparency around AI-generated content. Opponents raised concerns about safety, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, privacy, law enforcement access, and the impact on existing industry practices or state privacy law. AB 54 would protect medication abortion access and shield providers and others from liability related to transporting and administering abortion medication; it passed to Appropriations, with one no vote. AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and audit requirements for child sexual abuse material on social media platforms, allowing broader reporting and public third-party audits; it passed unanimously to Appropriations. AB 49 would restrict immigration enforcement activity at California public schools and require warrants and school approval before such actions on campus; it passed to Appropriations with one no vote and one member not voting. AB 82 would protect health data and expand Safe at Home and related confidentiality protections for gender-affirming care providers and patients; it passed to Appropriations. AB 1355, the California Location Privacy Act, would restrict collection, use, and sale of precise location data; after extensive debate over privacy, security, and law enforcement concerns, it passed as amended to Appropriations. AB 62, addressing restitution for families displaced by racially biased eminent domain, also passed to Appropriations. AB 853, requiring more provenance transparency for AI-generated and authentic content on platforms and devices, passed to Appropriations after discussion of technical feasibility and First Amendment concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2411, Coerced Abortion / Abortion-Inducing Drugs, creates a new criminal
• and with the intent to cause an abortion.
• Madam Chair Members, House Bill 2411 Coorce Abortion Abortion Inducing Drugs creates a new criminal penalty
• intent to cause an abortion.
• And with the intent to cause an abortion.

Summary: The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills. Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests. A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It does not abort a pregnancy.
• That's what you're doing by taking off that abortion-inducing drug.
• That's what you're doing by taking off that abortion-inducing drug.
• So no abortions.
• Like I said before, it is not an abortion pill.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• AB 1854 turns California into a legal fortress for abortion. treatment.
• AB1954 turns California into a legal fortress for abortion.
• targeting abortion providers and, increasingly, patients themselves.
• targeting abortion providers and, increasingly, patients themselves.
• This is an infant safety and birth parent privacy bill, not an anti-abortion measure.

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of public safety bills, with several measures pulled off calendar and one consent calendar adopted. AB 2419 by Assembly Member Quirk-Silva would extend body-worn cameras to Los Angeles County juvenile probation officers. Supporters said cameras would improve accountability, youth and officer safety, and public trust; opponents argued the bill would not solve deeper problems in juvenile halls and raised concerns about officer discretion, privacy, and labor issues. The bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote. AB 1902 by Assembly Member Pellerin, co-sponsored by Santa Cruz County, would revise the juvenile detention extension hearing process in response to the Madison Middleton case. Supporters, including the victim’s mother and county officials, said the bill would clarify jurisdiction, allow continuances, permit hearsay at the probable cause stage, extend the maximum detention period, and better protect the public and victims from repeated trauma. Opponents from public defender, youth justice, and civil liberties groups argued the bill expands civil commitment, reduces review frequency, and could lead to inappropriate adult placement. The committee approved the bill to Appropriations, with some members noting remaining concerns. AB 2052 by Assembly Member Stephanie would allow continuity in prosecution for elder and dependent adult abuse cases, including a limited continuance so the same prosecutor can stay with a case. Supporters said older victims and those with dementia or other impairments benefit from a single point of contact and less repeated trauma; opponents said the bill could undermine speedy-trial rights and was broader than necessary. The bill passed to Judiciary. AB 1588, also by Assembly Member Stephanie, would strengthen sideshow and street takeover enforcement by adding motorcycles and dirt bikes to the law and increasing penalties. Supporters framed it as a public safety and accountability measure, while opponents warned it would expand punishment, surveillance, and fines without addressing root causes; the bill was sent to Transportation on a roll call vote. AB 1753, another Stephanie bill, would tighten firearm relinquishment and protective-order enforcement, expand remote hearing access, and align firearm prohibitions across protective order categories; it passed to Judiciary. The committee also heard AB 1739 by Assembly Member Ward, which would criminalize clergy sexual exploitation when clergy provide therapeutic services, with survivors and advocates testifying in support.

Transcript Highlights:

• best they can be, but we are in a position where we can’t give you better resources because of a spontaneous
• give you better resources because<01:02:32.039><c> of</c><01:02:32.160><c> a</c><01:02:32.359><c> spontaneous
• </c><01:02:33.039><c> governor</c><01:02:33.400><c> who</c> because of a spontaneous governor who because
• of a spontaneous governor who has<01:02:33.880><c> no</c> has no has no foresight<01:02:35.920><c> thank

Committee: House Commerce Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• Wade in 2022, abortion access has been under attack nationwide.
• Sixty percent of abortions are done by using medication abortion, so it is crucial...
• Sixty percent of abortions are done by using medication abortion, so it is crucial that we ensure continued
• A so-called medical abortion is a gruesome two-step process.
• business is that abortion is the solution to an unplanned pregnancy.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, health privacy, location data, digital provenance, reparations, and age assurance. AB 54 would protect the medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and others from liability; AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and enforcement tools for child sexual abuse material on social media; AB 49 would limit ICE activity at California public schools; AB 82 would expand privacy and safety protections for gender-affirming care patients and providers; AB 1355 would restrict the collection, use, and sale of precise location data; AB 853 would expand provenance requirements for AI-generated and authentic content; AB 62 would create a pathway for restitution for racially biased eminent domain takings; and AB 1043 would create a device-based age assurance framework for online services. Supporters generally framed the bills as necessary responses to current harms: reproductive rights advocates emphasized California’s role as a safe haven; child safety witnesses described the persistence and re-victimization caused by CSAM online; immigrant rights and education advocates said schools should remain safe from immigration enforcement; health and LGBTQ+ advocates stressed privacy and safety risks tied to tracking and harassment; privacy and consumer groups backed limits on location data and stronger provenance tools; and reparations advocates said AB 62 would help address historic injustices. Opposition came from family policy, tech, business, law enforcement, and industry groups, who raised concerns about safety claims, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, transparency, law enforcement access, and the need to preserve existing privacy frameworks and voluntary standards. The committee members largely expressed support for the policy goals while noting implementation concerns on some measures. Several members asked for or were offered coauthor status on bills. AB 1137, AB 54, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 853, and AB 62 all received do-pass votes to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. AB 1355 and AB 853 were advanced with amendments or ongoing work promised with opponents, and AB 1043 was presented with discussion of possible amendments on parental consent and age assurance details, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• bans. ...on the contours of EMTALA as it impacts states with abortion bans.
• Fifty miles or so where there's no birth care nor abortion services provided. That is correct.
• . the abortion trust funds to make sure that we're supporting individuals who are seeking abortion across
• And so it's with that in mind that To investigate doctors who provide emergency abortion care.
• , track anti-abortion centers, raise money, and educate and engage our communities.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on the Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on several Judiciary bills, with the largest portion focused on S. 1178/H. 2052 to reduce mass incarceration and end life without parole. People incarcerated at MCI Framingham, MCI Norfolk, and NCCI Gardner described personal growth, rehabilitation, restorative justice work, family separation, and the belief that parole eligibility after long sentences would better reflect public safety and human development. Speakers emphasized that life without parole removes hope and can undermine rehabilitation, while supporters argued that many lifers are older, less likely to reoffend, and could contribute positively if given a chance at parole review. Committee members did not take votes during the hearing. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1139 to restore the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims involving tobacco use, with Sen. Keenan explaining that a recent SJC decision had cut off claims where the injured person did not sue within three years before death. He said the bill would restore families’ ability to seek redress in cases involving long-latency tobacco harms like COPD. Another major topic was S. 1205, which would add abusive litigation to the definition of coercive control in domestic violence law; Sen. Michael Moore said the bill would stop abusers from using repeated court filings to harass and financially burden survivors. The committee also took up S. 1114 on automatic record sealing, with Sen. Friedman and others arguing that the current petition-based process is slow, burdensome, and disproportionately harms people with criminal records, especially Black and Latino residents. Testimony also supported H. 1965/S. 1132 on compensation for wrongful conviction, with advocates and sponsors describing a faster administrative claims process, transitional support, and higher compensation without the current cap. Sen. Payano testified for S. 1241 to expand educational programming for incarcerated emerging adults, saying education reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes. A substantial portion of the hearing focused on S. 2522, an update to Massachusetts’ shield law for reproductive and gender-affirming care. Sen. Friedman, the Attorney General’s office, and DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the bill is needed to strengthen protections against out-of-state legal attacks, protect patient and provider data, clarify enforcement authority, and add a state-level EMTALA-style emergency care requirement. Committee members asked detailed questions about prescription labeling, the prescription monitoring program, attorney discipline, custody and full faith and credit issues, and whether the bill’s enforcement language could create unintended limits or conflicts. The Attorney General’s office said it would provide follow-up written testimony on several technical questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to end the use and distribution of medication abortions in Texas so the abortion.
• Most Texans don't really understand that you are ten times more likely to die from a medication abortion
• than you are from a surgical abortion.
• kills the bill that would protect tens of thousands of innocent children from the murder that is abortion

Transcript Highlights:

• It also prohibits facilitating access to abortion services funded with public monies, meaning taxes.
• It also prohibits facilitating access to abortion services funded with public monies, meaning taxes.
• There are a lot of people who do not want to use their public taxes to fund abortions or fund murder
• clinic or organization that performs, induces, provides, or refers for abortion services.
• Under what circumstances do you think an abortion should be permissible? Pardon?

Transcript Highlights:

• Um the previous abortion bill is.
• </c><00:42:53.520><c> is</c> right now today in Wyoming abortion is right now today in Wyoming abortion
• Chemical abortion is the number one method of aborting a preborn baby.
• ><c> number</c><00:54:04.319><c> one</c> chemical abortion is the number one chemical abortion is the
• </c> method of aborting a preborn baby. method of aborting a preborn baby.

Transcript Highlights:

• Provider employed by a health care institution that provides abortion or sterilization services as a
• For example, abortion has been redefined. I mentioned that at the beginning. Yes, it did.
• I'm not trying to be argumentative. ...abortions, and they don't advertise that.
• So it really doesn't pertain to a Catholic hospital that has a policy against providing abortion.
• </c> participate in in any way in an abortion participate in in any way in an abortion or or or sterilization

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised. After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting. HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.