Video & Transcript Research : 'batterers intervention program'

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MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Election Laws

Transcript Highlights:
  • They have left prison and established programs.
  • They have left prison and established programs that help individuals to come home to.
  • and social programs that exist behind the wall are supposed to do.
  • I am an attorney at Campaign Legal Center and in its voting rights program.
  • With the intervention of a legislator, she was released within days.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The committee heard extensive testimony on S. 7 and H. 63, proposed constitutional amendments to restore voting rights to people incarcerated for felony convictions. Sponsors Rep. Erica Iderhoven and Sen. Liz Miranda argued that Massachusetts should reverse the 2000 disenfranchisement change, describing it as a recent and racially discriminatory policy that excludes thousands of residents—disproportionately Black and Latino—from civic participation. They said the amendment would put the question before voters, likely in 2028, and noted that implementation details such as domicile and where incarcerated people would register to vote would be handled separately through legislation and existing jail-based voting work. A large number of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people testified in support, many speaking remotely from MCI Norfolk, MCI Shirley, and MCI Framingham. They said voting would affirm dignity, accountability, rehabilitation, and connection to community, and several described civic education programs inside the facilities that had helped them engage with public policy. Witnesses repeatedly characterized disenfranchisement as “civil death,” linked it to racial injustice and the legacy of slavery, and urged the committee to advance the bills favorably. A few speakers also addressed practical questions about voting location and domicile, with sponsors saying those issues are not specified in the constitutional amendment and would be worked out later. Committee members asked several questions, including whether incarcerated people would vote in the community where they were incarcerated or where they previously lived, and whether future legislation could include carve-outs based on offense type or time served. Testifiers and sponsors generally said the amendment itself does not decide those implementation questions, and some said they would oppose carve-outs. One member raised a broader moral objection about allowing people convicted of serious crimes to vote; supporters responded that punishment should not erase democratic rights and that voting can support rehabilitation and reentry. No vote or final committee action was taken during the transcript provided. The hearing also briefly included testimony on a separate matter, S. 521, a proposed ratification of the federal Child Labor Amendment. Witnesses supporting that measure warned against renewed child labor rollbacks in other states and argued Massachusetts should reaffirm protections for children and education. That portion of the hearing was separate from the voting-rights discussion.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama House Apr 15th, 2025

Alabama House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ... ...programs in the state with runner-up finishes in 1991 and 1995, rounding out his legacy.
  • Alabama underwent an extensive whitetail deer restocking program during the... deer restocking program
  • All states have a monitoring program. Monitoring is one thing.
  • And this ID can also include those here on a temporary visa or some other work type program.
  • But the... some other work type program. But the point is they're not U.S. citizens.
Keywords: 1136, house, all
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Legislative Finance Jul 23rd, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • , implement a new program, replace federal funds for a program that may have been eliminated by the federal
  • There's still programs out there that we can tap into.
  • One is the Community Development Block Grant Program, the CDBG program.
  • , the capital outlay development program fund.
  • Our program evaluation team over the years has looked at these programs, and we have consistently found
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee 2/11/25

Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:
  • um, mediation, which is something that I mentioned, um, I really love to talk about our mediation program
  • We have a really high success rate when it comes to cases that go through our mediation program because
  • 09:10.279> through<01:09:10.440> our<01:09:10.560> mediation<01:09:11.080> program
  • <01:09:11.640> um um go through our mediation program um um go through our mediation program
  • <01:24:33.520> on responsive and restorative programs on responsive and restorative programs
Keywords: 1183, house
Summary: The Judiciary and Civil Law Committee met to hear an informational presentation from the Board of Judicial Standards. After brief member and staff introductions and a review of committee rules, the board’s executive secretary, Sarah Bas, and Mary Pat Maher explained the board’s history, mission, and operations. They described the board as an independent state agency that handles complaints about judicial misconduct and disability, issues advisory opinions, and educates judges on ethics. The presentation covered the board’s composition, complaint intake and screening process, and the levels of discipline available, ranging from summary dismissal and letters of caution to private admonitions, deferred disposition agreements, public reprimands, and formal complaints that can lead to Supreme Court review. Members asked about the board’s budget, public access to discipline records, confidentiality of complaints, and how the board balances accountability with protecting public confidence in the judiciary. The board said public discipline is posted on its website, while private admonitions, deferred dispositions, dismissals, and letters of caution remain confidential. It also said judges generally are told who complained so they can respond, though the board can withhold the source for good cause. Questions also focused on whether attorneys are underreporting misconduct, how many complaints are nuisance complaints, and whether the online complaint system changed the types of complaints received; the board said nuisance complaints make up more than half, the complaint types have not changed much, and it does not have data comparing complaint sources to outcomes. No votes or formal committee actions were taken.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Intergovernmental Affairs Mar 11th, 2025

Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • the chopping block, GT programs, dual language programs, librarians. communities and schools, and the
  • . programs.
  • to expand that program?
  • I remember you and I visited about this program back in 2021, or a related program, and I'm curious how
  • There has also been programs that y'all have funded, the jail-based competency restoration programs.
Keywords: 1184, house, all
MN

Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session

Committee on State and Local Government - 04/03/25

State and Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • 08.880> care, Early childhood programs, child care, Early childhood programs, child care, child
  • Um the funding has not been programmed Um the funding has not been programmed or<00:26:13.360>
  • program program evaluations.<00:37:05.680> Section<00:37:06.160> three<00:37:06.480>
  • There are PCAs in two other related programs: the traditional PCA program and the CFSS agency model.
  • programs. the PC traditional PCA program programs. the PC traditional PCA program and<01:13:32.000
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
UT

Utah 2025 Regular Session

Education Interim Committee - November 19, 2025

Education Interim Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • It would be kind of a program within a program at this point because currently Utah Fits All does have
  • ... ...kind of a program within a program at this point because currently Utah Fits All does have eligibility
  • So this separate program that we're kind of...
  • So, to Jeff's point, it is a program within a program.
  • vendor for that online program.
Keywords: 985, all
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
  • I also want to highlight a complementary program.
  • , and the program no longer received state funding again, and the funding for the program has decreased
  • Nurse Home Visitor Program proposed in HB 2828 and the Healthy Families Arizona program. ...and the
  • Healthy Families Arizona program.
  • They're just providers that administer the program.
Keywords: 1182, all
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2307, as amended, which would require the Department of Health Services to contract with out-of-state secure mental health facilities when Arizona beds are unavailable for certain involuntary commitment cases involving defendants found dangerous and incompetent. The sponsor and supporters framed it as an emergency stopgap to prevent individuals who are deemed non-restorable from being released because Arizona lacks secure behavioral health beds, while opponents argued it would raise due process, disability rights, family access, and cost concerns, and questioned whether the state could even implement such interstate placements. After debate, the committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and advanced HB 2307 on a 6-5 due pass vote. The committee then heard House Bill 2083, which updates diabetes-related coverage language in health plans to include newer devices and supplies such as continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and smart insulin pens. Supporters said the bill modernizes outdated statutes and improves access and outcomes for people with diabetes, while an insurer representative offered soft opposition, warning that writing these items into statute could create a state mandate and potential cost exposure, especially if the language is read to include GLP-1 medications. The committee adopted the strike-everything amendment and moved HB 2083 forward on an 11-1 due pass vote. Next, House Bill 2673 was heard, addressing mental health screening and treatment for incarcerated people. The sponsor said the bill was being reworked into a study committee concept after stakeholder feedback, but the underlying proposal would require prompt evaluation of prisoners showing mental disorder symptoms and faster referral for treatment. A family member testified about her son’s severe deterioration in jail and death, while an attorney opposed the bill as overbroad and legally problematic. Despite the sponsor’s indication that the bill would become a study committee, the committee voted 12-0 to give HB 2673 a due pass recommendation. The committee also advanced House Bill 2923, which revises timelines, procedures, and notice requirements for judicial review of court-ordered mental health treatment; supporters said it clarifies outdated language and improves communication with families, while opponents argued it shifts burdens onto patients and could prolong confinement. HB 2923 also received a 12-0 due pass vote.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session Apr 22nd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • : the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program.
  • Senate Bill 586, relating to establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program.
  • Senate Bill 586, relating to establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program.
  • Senate Bill 217 creates the historical Texas-Freedmen Cemetery designation program.
  • I move to suspend the regular order of business. program.
Summary: The Senate opened with an invocation by Pastor Jim Harris of Tilden Baptist Church, followed by remarks from Senator Zaffirini recognizing his service and retirement as an agricultural teacher. The chamber also received a message from the governor on appointments to the Coastal Water Authority Board of Directors. Senators then adopted SR 434 honoring Goodwill Industries of San Antonio’s 80th anniversary, with Senators Gutierrez, Menendez, and Zaffirini praising its workforce training and second-chance employment mission; SR 435 recognizing Dr. Christine Ramos Camacho as Doctor of the Day; and a group of additional resolutions adopted by voice vote. Senator Zaffirini also introduced the McMullen County Day delegation, and Senator Gutierrez introduced the Doctor of the Day. The Senate then took up and passed several bills. SB 1951 addressed penalties for late property rendition filings and removed a financial incentive for appraisal districts; SB 1261 related to financing water supply projects in the state water plan; SB 1620 created a Texas Forensic Analyst Apprenticeship Pilot Program; SB 530 updated higher-education accreditation rules; SB 2183 standardized fireworks sales periods statewide; SB 2368 strengthened the Lone Star Infrastructure Protection Act and added foreign-affiliation safeguards for electricity market participants; SB 1398 limited children without placement (CWOP) practices and added community-based care transparency; and SB 1960 established digital replication rights for voice and visual likenesses. Each of these bills advanced through suspension of the regular order, passage to engrossment, suspension of the three-day rule, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few measures. The chamber also debated SB 825, which would require an annual study of the economic, environmental, and financial impacts of illegal immigration. Senators Middleton, Hinojosa, Gutierrez, and Eckhardt debated whether the study should include positive as well as negative impacts; an amendment to require that broader analysis failed, and the bill was left pending after passage to engrossment. Other measures passed included SB 2010, prohibiting political subdivisions from operating guaranteed income programs; SB 546, requiring reporting and continued implementation of school bus seat belts; SB 586, establishing the Historical Texas Cemetery designation program; SB 1150, requiring inactive oil and gas wells to be plugged or returned to production under a compliance plan; SB 1184, lowering the minimum age of wine eligible for sale by wine collection sellers; SB 2185, clarifying bilingual education allotment funding; SB 1923, making child support follow the child in certain temporary placements; SB 2252, expanding early literacy and numeracy supports and screening tools; SB 1870, barring local decriminalization of drugs; and SB 2405, the major TDCJ sunset bill, which included facility planning, parole and rehabilitation reforms, and an amendment protecting parole board discretion. Most of these bills were adopted after floor amendments and passed with recorded votes, often along party-line or near-party-line divisions.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House and Governmental Affairs Apr 29th, 2026

House and Governmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • Despite this, there was no meaningful enforcement, no intervention, no accountability. 105 days after
  • The office sent police out first, but that was a state program that wasn't initiated by the judges.
  • The office sent police out first, but that was a state program that wasn't initiatives by the judges.
  • The program that wasn't initiated by the judges.
  • In December of 2024, the Governor created the fiscal responsibility program by executive order, which
Summary: The House and Governmental Affairs Committee heard Senate Bill 123 by Sen. Morris, a proposed constitutional amendment to create a legislative-address process for removing certain judges for cause, with the governor certifying removal after a legislative vote and Senate trial. The bill was presented as a way to address perceived gaps and ambiguity in the current Constitution between impeachment provisions and the Judiciary Commission’s authority over judicial discipline. The committee also adopted a technical amendment (Amendment Set 4708) that renumbered paragraphs for clarity. Sen. Morris and supporters argued the measure is needed because current mechanisms have not adequately held judges accountable in serious cases. They cited several criminal cases, especially involving juveniles and electronic monitoring failures, and said the bill would provide a last-resort remedy for gross misconduct, incompetence, or malfeasance. Multiple family members of murder victims testified in support, including Anna Carter, James Carter, and Tracy Carter, who described the death of Jacob Carter and said the case showed a failure of oversight and accountability. Reverend Rodney Wood also spoke in support, describing another case he believed reflected a grave injustice. Committee members raised concerns about separation of powers, due process, political misuse, and whether the bill would reach beyond judges to district attorneys. Some questioned the mechanics of the proposed process, the role of the governor, the Senate trial, and whether the Judiciary Commission and existing impeachment provisions should instead be strengthened or clarified. The ACLU testified in opposition, saying the bill had technical inconsistencies in its vote threshold language, could be addressed by testing existing impeachment authority first, and should not single out judicial discretion while excluding DA discretion. No final vote on the bill was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • At the request of Chair Ramos, we will also explore ways in which our UC field courses and programs can
  • There are some very technical requirements for their background, and this is why the academic program
  • The UCs have moved forward with a certificate program to start to bring in those.
  • So identifying barriers like the certificate program, different barriers that are there.
  • But I also hope that if we are able to develop this educational program, that their sons and daughters
Summary: The joint hearing of the Select Committee on Native American Affairs and the Joint Legislative Audit Committee focused on the University of California’s compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA and the return of Native American human remains and cultural items. Senators and Assembly Members opened by emphasizing the sacredness of repatriation, the ongoing trauma caused by delayed returns, and the need for stronger systemwide accountability. The State Auditor presented the third audit of UC’s repatriation efforts, concluding that UC still lacks the urgency, oversight, and clear timelines needed to promptly return remains and belongings. The audit found thousands of remains and hundreds of thousands of cultural items still in UC custody, new undisclosed collections at several campuses, weak budgeting and underspending, and repatriation plans that often lacked concrete deadlines. The auditor recommended stronger UCOP oversight, performance metrics, proactive searches for undiscovered items, and possible legislative action to tie funding to measurable progress. UC officials responded that the system is committed to full compliance and has accelerated its work since adopting a new policy in 2022. UC Provost Catherine Newman said the system repatriated more than 2,800 ancestors and nearly 80,000 funerary belongings in the past year, and that UC now says 80.3% of Native American remains are either repatriated or available for repatriation. UC announced a new systemwide plan to complete repatriation of human remains by the end of 2028, to finish high-risk campus reviews by June 2026, to recall all loans by January 2026, and to require quarterly reporting to UCOP. UC also said it will spend an additional $8.8 million over three years, expand staffing, improve databases, support tribal consultation costs, and identify potential reburial sites on UC land. Berkeley and San Diego described increased staffing, consultations, and repatriation activity, while Santa Barbara said it had corrected earlier omissions, notified tribes about previously unreported ancestors, and was working toward completing repatriations and updated inventories. Committee members pressed UC on why progress has been so slow, why the audit’s timelines differed from UC’s public reporting, and whether the 2028 goal applies only to human remains rather than all cultural items. UC said the 2028 target is for human remains, while cultural items will take longer, and acknowledged that more work remains. Members also asked about the technical expertise needed for repatriation, the role of tribal experts, and whether repatriation should be embedded more permanently in UC governance or statute. Tribal leaders and representatives then testified that remains and belongings were taken without consent and must be returned with tribal consent and leadership. They criticized the repeated delays, stressed that tribes are the experts on their ancestors and cultural heritage, and urged UC to treat repatriation as a top priority and to return all associated items, not just human remains, so ancestors can truly rest.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session - part 2 May 5th, 2025

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • It contains some provisions that tweak the medical program.
  • ; $5 million from a wetland restoration program at DNR.
  • We increase program integrity for substance use disorder.
  • We implement an early and ongoing training program.
  • That's a new program. Cannabis has 150 new employees.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2/24/26

Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:21:41.200> once very rigorous monitoring program once very rigorous monitoring program
  • <00:58:36.319> in benefits of a similar program in benefits of a similar program in California
  • <01:09:23.920> some<01:09:24.159> of programs are not cost-effective. some of programs
  • work through this net metering program work through this net metering program and<01:13:36.719><
  • certification program for plug-in solar. certification program for plug-in solar. and<01:30:30.000
Bills: HF2986, HF3555
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

Senate Chamber Mar 5th, 2025

New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • and delivering quality services and programs for girls.
  • Yes, so this program, They're beyond, you know, what they do for a community.
  • are available through the EQIP programs.
  • I worked eight years in Washington, traveling there with the co-op program.
  • or graduating from those teacher preparation programs.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

JHA Public Hearing - Wed Mar 18, 2026 @ 2:00 PM HST

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • programs and stabilization facilities? programs and stabilization facilities?
  • costs. to improve how the program functions in to improve how the program functions in practice. practice
  • <02:13:39.440> more would help make the program more would help make the program more practical
  • It simply overall program costs.
  • <02:17:58.800> Um participate in the program. Um participate in the program.
Keywords: 910, house, all
Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 3123, which would treat free tuition or school-conditioned enrollment at private educational institutions as a conditional gift rather than a contractual obligation unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Office of the Governor supported the bill, and Kamehameha Schools and the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools strongly backed it, saying it would protect donor intent, preserve school-ohana relationships, and help maintain tuition assistance and educational access for families. A committee member commented favorably on the unity among school organizations, and there were no objections raised before the committee moved on. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2438, which creates a civil cause of action for interference with constitutional and statutory rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion, with private and government enforcement options and protections for constitutionally protected speech. Testifiers from the Community Alliance on Prisons and a know-your-rights educator supported the measure as a civil rights protection grounded in the Hawaii Constitution. No opposition testimony was presented during the hearing, and the measure appeared to receive general support from those who testified. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 3142, which establishes offenses for dangerous and habitual dangerous intoxication and allows civil protective custody and emergency examination in lieu of arrest in certain cases. The Attorney General, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Health, and Department of Human Services supported the bill as a treatment-oriented diversion tool for people who are dangerously intoxicated and at risk to themselves or the public. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, warning it could expand police discretion, burden emergency rooms, and function as a loss of liberty without sufficient treatment resources, while committee members questioned whether the bill would simply cycle people through emergency rooms and back onto the street. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided; the chair said decision-making would occur at the end of the agenda.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Human Services - 03/19/25

Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • ensuring that the elderly waiver program ensuring that the elderly waiver program receives<01:19
  • , into us throughout our entire program, into us throughout our entire program, from<01:44:00.880
  • assessments in an 18 to 24month program assessments in an 18 to 24month program at<01:48:38.080>
  • degree nursing program. degree nursing program.
  • . operated program.
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
MD

Maryland 2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session, 3/21/2026 #1

Maryland House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • ,<01:21:03.520> Favorable Authorized Program, Favorable Authorized Program, Favorable Amendments
  • It authorizes the establishment of an affordability program for the Maryland Automobile Insurance Program
  • It authorizes the establishment of an affordability program for the Maryland Automobile Insurance Program
  • So, um, what this bill does is it authorizes an affordability program, right?
  • So, um, what this bill does is it authorizes an affordability program, right?
Summary: The House convened with 126 members present, heard the prayer, approved the previous day’s journal, and then took up a series of Senate messages and committee reports. Senate bills on consent calendars 21 and 22 were read the first time and referred to committees. The House then adopted favorable reports, often without amendment, on a wide range of bills including workers’ compensation evaluation procedures (HB 1325), a state shark designation (HB 97), several local alcoholic beverages measures, commemorative months for Muslim American Heritage and Jewish American Heritage (HB 661), and local license commissioner changes in Anne Arundel, Worcester, Harford, Baltimore City, and Prince George’s counties. Several bills were amended before being ordered printed for third reading. HB 121 (Baltimore County alcohol sales) was amended to change the sponsor to the Baltimore County delegation. HB 1335 on Department of Information Technology workforce recruitment and retention was amended to convert the measure into a study and recommendations report. HB 1037 on PSC oversight of broadband and VoIP was similarly amended from direct oversight to a study and report. HB 1164 on water and sewage rate consolidation and limited-income mechanisms was amended to remove rate-consolidation provisions, require a PSC study, and delay implementation. HB 1381 on stopping or parking in bike lanes added exceptions for emergency, transit, disability pickup/drop-off, disabled vehicles, loading/unloading, and construction or maintenance; HB 1504 prioritized sidewalk and bicycle pathway projects near highways with complete streets or Vision Zero policies; HB 912 adjusted community cat trap-neuter-return rules; and HB 969 clarified electric vehicle charging billing and service fees. The most extended debate centered on HB 639, the Transportation Aviation Passenger Health and Safety Act. After amendments turned it into a reporting measure for fixed-base operators and aviation service companies regarding flights carrying detained individuals, warrants, refueling, and emergency-response documentation, members questioned its practical operation, safety implications, and possible federal preemption issues. The floor leader explained the bill as amended was intended to gather information for Maryland safety and emergency planning. On motion of the committee chair, the House agreed to special order HB 639 until the end of the session for further clarification. The House also amended and advanced HB 1063 on hunting management, including deer damage permits and Sunday hunting rules, and heard a brief statement from an Eastern Shore delegate about the Rural Caucus’s approach to offering amendments rather than opposing bills outright. The session ended with HB 972, creating the Maryland Fair and Agricultural Education Promise Fund, amended to rename the bill in honor of the late Delegate Charles Otto and to replace lottery funding with an annual appropriation; the House adopted the amendments and the favorable report.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Apr 14th, 2025

Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • could be used in churches and would make it easy for people to be killed faster before any type of intervention
  • Public Policy at the Texas Council on Family Violence, the statewide coalition of domestic violence programs
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education May 21st, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • and competitive academic programs.
  • At one point in time, we had the TOPS program that would cover 100% of your tuition.
  • Individualized education program or plan.
  • This program did literally 1,000 assignments, which this program did.
  • That would trigger an optimization program or an optimization policy.
Keywords: 974, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Education May 21st, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • and competitive academic programs.
  • athletic programs while we're asking the parents to please pay more, please pay more. ...programs while
  • This program did literally 1,000 assignments, which This program did literally 1,000 assignments, which
  • That would trigger an optimization program or an optimization policy.
  • That would trigger an optimization program or an optimization policy.
Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.