Transcript Highlights:

• It's Chapter 161.001B10 of the Family Code. 161.001 of the Family Code, and it allows a parent's rights

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended. Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary. Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.

Transcript Highlights:

• She married the love of her life, John Teague, marking the beginning of a beautiful chapter filled with

Bills: SJR 2, SB 4, SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 42, SR 74, SR 76, HCR 5, SB 710, SB 710

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:34:07.520> located<00:34:08.000> in<00:34:08.560> 12 undergraduate chapters
• located in 12 undergraduate chapters located in 12 nations<00:34:09.720> and<00:34:09.840>
• They are sponsored by the Mu Omega Omega Chapter and Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter.
• <00:36:39.520> Uh Chapter and Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter.
• Uh Chapter and Epsilon Nu Omega Chapter.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As you enter this next chapter of life, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Brazoria
• As you enter this<00:23:21.520> next<00:23:21.760> chapter<00:23:22.080> of<00:23
• of life, I want to this next chapter of life, I want to express<00:23:23.520> my<00:23:23.840
• <02:10:51.920> Pursuant<02:10:52.480> to chapter. I yield back.
• Pursuant to chapter. I yield back.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 28, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I’m the vice president of the American Academy of Pediatrics New Hampshire chapter, and I’m speaking
• on behalf of myself and the chapter.
• I’m speaking on behalf of myself and the chapter.
• Our state chapter had already flagged this bill as something we wanted to make sure that we opposed,
• <02:25:48.160> and<02:25:48.560> um<02:25:48.680> I'm New Hampshire chapter

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, it's named the West Libby Grand Rapids and Northern Lakes chapter is named after my dad, who
• I'm Peter Wigginis, legislative director at Sierra Club North Star Chapter.
• legislative director at Sierra Club<00:50:51.400> North<00:50:51.600> Star<00:50:51.760> Chapter
• <00:50:52.880> Thank<00:50:53.160> you<00:50:53.400> to Club North Star Chapter
• Thank you to Club North Star Chapter.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• require MDE to consult with the Maryland Realtors on the development of all regulations implementing Chapter
• 01:09:24.359> implementing of all regulations implementing of all regulations implementing chapter
• chapter 419 of 2022. chapter 419 of 2022.
• Making changes to Chapter 419 of 2022.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Monday, March 23, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, opened with an invocation, and welcomed guests including the doctor of the day, a Johns Hopkins student, and visiting scouts. The chamber then moved through first-reading introductions of several House bills, including measures on bullying and harassment reporting, the Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act, Baltimore County nuisance actions, parole hearing commission procedures, a blockchain technology task force, and a task force on deed fraud, all of which were referred to standing committees. The main floor action centered on layover bills. Senate Bill 932, concerning social media platforms displaying a user’s usual location, was amended to broaden the protected location reference and to protect participants in the Secretary of State’s address confidentiality program; after discussion about whether minors and child-abuse victims were covered, the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 623, creating a premium cigar lounge alcoholic beverage license, drew multiple county-specific amendments. Howard County and Baltimore County amendments sought to give priority to existing local tobacco businesses for the new licenses. Supporters said the changes would protect established local shops from out-of-state entities, while opponents argued the bill should remain statewide and not be amended county by county. A motion to special order the bill failed, and the amendments were adopted before the bill was ordered printed for third reading. Senate Bill 84, on collective bargaining for graduate assistants, also advanced after a committee amendment was adopted. A District 2 amendment was offered to clarify that graduate assistants are employed as teaching, administrative, or research assistants, but the floor leader opposed it, saying the bill’s definition was already clear and the change would create confusion. The minority leader questioned the definition and the relationship between graduate assistants and employees, prompting discussion of collective bargaining as bargaining by employees through representatives. The transcript cuts off before final disposition of that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is regulated by a different chapter, not the relief association chapter, and PAR is the kind of administrator
• It is regulated by a different chapter, not the relief association chapter, and PAR is the kind of administrator
• wait for a global decision because they're needing to close this and get on with the next phase or chapter

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, Madam Chair, not in chapter 13.
• >> Um, Madam Chair, not in chapter 13.
• >> Um, Madam Chair, not in chapter 13.
• I I largely don't like these chapter 13. Um the records retention is chapter 13.

Bills: HF3477, HF3414, HF103, HF3661, HF3146

Keywords: civil rights, law enforcement, federal collaboration, accountability, state law, constitutional rights, color of law, 42 U.S.C. 1983, section 1983, civil action, damages, injunctive relief, attorney fees, law enforcement task force, federal-state cooperation, intergovernmental agreement, federal agency partnership, Minnesota Constitution, U.S. Constitution, police accountability

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, the purpose of this chapter is to protect the constitutional rights of Wyoming residents and business
• Uh, the purpose of this chapter is to protect the constitutional rights of Wyoming residents and business
• Uh the purpose<01:09:23.679> of<01:09:23.839> this<01:09:24.000> chapter<01:09:24.239
• > is<01:09:24.400> to<01:09:24.560> protect purpose of this chapter is to protect
• purpose of this chapter is to protect the<01:09:25.040> constitutional<01:09:25.520> rights

Bills: HB0103, HB0070, HB0091

Keywords: First Amendment, free speech, lawsuits, immunity, public participation, strategic lawsuits, foreign censorship, digital innovation, constitutional rights, Wyoming GRANITE Act, extraterritorial laws, civil actions, speech protection, legal jurisdiction, joint liability, artificial intelligence, social scoring, biometric data, privacy rights, government regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• rules adopted there, authorizes the person to provide the health care services described in this chapter
• 00:11:24.320> described<00:11:24.880> in<00:11:25.120> this<00:11:25.360> chapter
• <00:11:26.560> as<00:11:27.040> a services described in this chapter as a services
• described in this chapter as a um<00:11:27.920> legislative<00:11:29.360> representative
• move this forward as a House draft, making it clear that the new positions created are exempt from chapter

Bills: SB2936, SB2850, SB2851, SB2521

Keywords: accessible parking, disability, kupuna, public accommodations, small business exemptions, Hawaii Revised Statutes, parking permit, blind, deaf, accessibility, deafness, traffic safety, law enforcement, vehicle registration, communication, emergency services, commercial driver's license, first responders, public safety, authorized emergency vehicle

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several health-related bills. HB 1871, establishing a maternal health monitoring pilot program, drew support from the Department of Health, the Hawaii State Commission on Status of Women, and the Hawaii affiliate of the American College of Nurse Midwives, with testimony urging provider-neutral language so midwives and other qualified providers would not be excluded. HB 1977, requiring a maternal and infant health information mobile app, received support from ACNM and Philips, which said similar apps in other states improved awareness of services and helped families navigate care; a member asked the Department of Health about implementation time. HB 1858, relating to certificates of fetal deaths, was supported by the Department of Health and clinicians, who said the current statute is outdated and inconsistent with CDC guidance; the department and a physician testified that the bill should shift documentation responsibilities to physicians and APRNs, and members discussed optional versus mandatory issuance language and whether the bill would improve data on home births and transfers. The committee also heard HB 1591, expanding definitions for preceptor and volunteer-based clinical training to improve income tax credits. The Department of Health supported the measure but preferred a similar, broader bill; Taxation suggested clarifying terms; the University of Hawaii and the State Center for Nursing supported it. ACNM asked that midwifery preceptors and Hawaii-based students enrolled in mainland programs be included, while the Hawaii Public Health Institute supported expansion of the program as a workforce solution. HB 1574, on the health care education loan repayment program, also drew broad support, including from the governor, SHPDA, OHA, and health organizations, but ACNM raised concerns that the bill’s 30% Medicaid-client threshold could exclude many providers and limit participation. For HB 1575, creating a feasibility committee on Parkinson’s patient air transport, the Department of Health supported the intent but said transportation is more likely an insurance or benefit issue and suggested redirecting funds to Parkinson’s research; the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Hawaii Parkinson Association supported the bill, citing inter-island travel barriers and high costs for patients and caregivers. HB 1854, establishing certification of community behavioral health clinics, was supported by the Department of Health and DHS, which said certification would help clinics qualify for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement and expand access; the Attorney General’s office raised a legal concern about the special fund language and recommended a purpose section, and the committee discussed whether the fund would be self-sustaining and noted a possible amendment to change membership language and reduce the board size if the amendment moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• My name is Terry Wilder, and I'm the chair of Emmy Action Minnesota, one of the state chapters that is
• /c><00:43:38.720> of<00:43:38.880> the<00:43:39.040> state<00:43:39.280> chapters
• Minnesota, one of the state chapters Minnesota, one of the state chapters that<00:43:40.079>
• I'm the vice president of public policy for the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter of the Alzheimer's Association

Bills: HF2435

Keywords: healthcare, dementia services, public health funding, opioid prevention, women's health, community health boards, mental health, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Logan Narikawa for Japanese American Citizens League Honolulu chapter in support.
• /c> Japanese American Citizens League Japanese American Citizens League Honolulu<00:05:07.280> chapter
• <00:05:08.880> Former Honolulu chapter in support. Former Honolulu chapter in support.
• Um, and about those roughly the same time they were born, she became president of the local chapter of

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard Governor’s Message 790, the nomination of Karen T. Nakasone to serve as chief judge of the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals for a 10-year term. The chair announced that no vote would be taken that day and that the committee would vote on Thursday. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with the chair reading that there were 103 supporters, zero opposed, and one comment. Supporters included current and retired judges, public defenders, bar association representatives, former elected officials, and community members. They described Nakasone as intelligent, fair, hardworking, well respected, and a strong leader with deep legal experience. Several speakers emphasized her judicial temperament, her work as an advocate and judge, and her community involvement, including leadership in civic and civil rights organizations. One pro se litigant also testified that she had been treated kindly and respectfully by Nakasone in prior interactions. The Hawaii State Bar Association reported that it had conducted an interview and review process and found her qualified for the position. In her own remarks, Nakasone introduced family and colleagues, described her 30-year legal career, and said her first job after law school was as an ICA law clerk. She highlighted the court’s backlog reduction efforts under Acting Chief Judge Katherine Leonard, saying the number of older pending appeals had dropped significantly through team-based reforms, and stated that she would continue that work if confirmed. The hearing ended without questions from the committee and with the nomination held for a later vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The term analysis is not defined in Chapter 49.
• It's not clear to me from the statute or the chapter what the criteria is for an analysis that meets
• In Chapter 724 of the Transportation Code, that's where it lays out the type of breath specimens that
• We have a buildout chapter 9 of the Penal Code covers deadly force use.
• Of a buildout, Chapter 9 of the Penal Code covers deadly force use in our state.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2777 by Representative Rose, which would bar the death penalty for defendants who can prove by clear and convincing evidence that they had schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and active psychotic symptoms at the time of the offense. Rose said the bill would still hold defendants accountable through life without parole, would save money by avoiding lengthy capital litigation, and would address cases where severe mental illness was not adequately considered. Supporters from NAMI Texas, the Catholic bishops, and a forensic psychologist said the bill is narrowly tailored, consistent with neuroscience and moral principles, and would prevent executions of people whose psychosis substantially impaired reality testing. Committee members questioned how the bill interacts with existing competency and insanity law, whether the diagnosis is sufficiently defined, and whether the statute requires active psychosis at the time of the offense. An opponent argued the death penalty should remain available for juries to decide in all cases. The bill was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 1221 by Representative Lozano, which would raise the cap on pretrial intervention program fees from $500 to $1,200. Lozano and a district attorney witness said the increase is needed because program costs have risen and the fees help make diversion programs self-sustaining, allowing first-time or low-level offenders to complete rehabilitation and potentially obtain expunction. Opponents from the Texas Fair Defense Project argued the higher fee could make diversion unaffordable for indigent defendants and undermine an important alternative to incarceration, especially where related supervision and monitoring costs already add up. Members discussed whether the fee applies only to PTI participants, how payment plans and waivers work, and whether ability to pay should be addressed more explicitly. The bill was left pending. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1738 by Representative Jones, which would repeal Penal Code Section 21.06 and related Health and Safety Code references concerning homosexual conduct. Jones said the law is unconstitutional under Lawrence v. Texas, remains harmful on the books, and has led to confusion and unnecessary costs even though it is unenforceable. Supporters said the bill simply removes outdated language and protects civil liberties, while opponents from Texas Values argued the statute still serves as a statement that homosexual conduct is unacceptable and should remain as a warning, even if unenforceable. Members debated whether the law’s remaining language is merely symbolic or still harmful, and whether other criminal statutes already cover conduct such as prostitution, incest, and offenses involving minors. The bill was left pending after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• This modifies the definition of neglect in chapter 260E for purposes of child maltreatment reporting
• This modifies the definition of neglect in chapter 260E for purposes of child maltreatment reporting
• definition<00:14:01.360> of<00:14:01.519> neglect<00:14:01.920> in<00:14:02.160> chapter
• <00:14:02.480> 260E definition of neglect in chapter 260E definition of neglect in chapter

Bills: HF2436

Keywords: child welfare, economic assistance, child care, grant program, video security cameras, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• licensed practical nurse to conduct focused assessments consistent with their scope of practice under Chapter
• licensed practical nurse to conduct focused assessments consistent with their scope of practice under Chapter
• consistent with their scope of<01:37:09.080> practice<01:37:09.600> under<01:37:09.880> chapter
• <01:37:10.520> 148 of practice under chapter 148 of practice under chapter 148 171<01:37:13.040

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 749, I would encourage the members of this committee to look at it holistically within the chapter
• It is the purpose of this chapter to ensure that appropriate means are established to provide an adequate
• the purpose community involvement it is the purpose of<01:14:41.760> this<01:14:42.000> chapter
• <01:14:42.360> to<01:14:42.560> ensure<01:14:42.960> that of this chapter to
• ensure that of this chapter to ensure that appropriate<01:14:43.719> means<01:14:44.159> are

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 749, which would require high schools to provide at least one hour of instruction on the nature and history of communism. The prime sponsor said the bill was prompted by concerns that students lack basic historical knowledge about communism and its effects, and argued that a short, flexible requirement could be embedded in an existing course without creating a new full class. He described communism as a totalitarian ideology and cited historical examples including the Soviet Union, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Cold War, and current events involving Russia, Ukraine, and Taiwan as reasons students should understand the topic. Members asked whether the subject is already covered in current social studies standards, whether one hour is enough, and whether the bill would apply to public, private, parochial, and charter schools. The sponsor said he did not believe communism is specifically required in current standards, that he would prefer a full course but was proposing a minimal requirement, and that he intended the bill to apply broadly to schools under the Department of Education’s umbrella, though he acknowledged the wording may need clarification for charter schools. He also said the proposal was both reactive and proactive, based on anecdotal concerns and his teaching experience. A second supporter testified that he was born in the Soviet Union and favored the bill, but suggested the instruction should emphasize critical thinking and explain both why communism can appeal to some people and why it can have harmful consequences. No vote or final committee action was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• career-long prosecutor and defense attorney, it is rare to have legislative intent for any section in chapter
• career-long prosecutor and defense attorney, it is rare to have legislative intent for any section in chapter
• chap<00:24:50.520> any<00:24:50.760> section<00:24:51.360> in<00:24:51.600> chapter
• ><00:24:52.200> 609<00:24:53.200> but<00:24:53.399> here chap any section in chapter
• 609 but here chap any section in chapter 609 but here it<00:24:53.720> helps<00:24:54.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• on the slide, self-insurers, fraternal benefit plans, joint self-insurance plans regulated under chapter
• 13:15.560> plans<00:13:16.120> regulated<00:13:16.600> under<00:13:16.880> chapter
• insurance plans regulated under chapter insurance plans regulated under chapter 62h<00:13:17.880
• My name is Lisa Talcott, and I am the president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Association

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a reinsurance overview from Deputy Commissioner Julia Dryer of the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the Minnesota Premium Security Plan. She explained that reinsurance helps stabilize premiums in the individual market by reimbursing insurers for high-cost claims, and said Minnesota’s program has lowered premiums, preserved carrier participation, and helped maintain consumer choice. She warned that without continued funding, the program would be depleted and individual-market premiums could rise by about 25%, with potential losses in coverage and access to care. She also described the program’s structure under a federal 1332 waiver, the role of MCHA in administering the program, and the state’s receipt of more than $650 million in federal pass-through funds to date. Dryer said the current program is funded through the end of 2025, though the federal waiver authority runs through 2027. The governor’s proposal would create a new assessment on insurers, estimated at roughly 2% to 3%, to fund the state share of the program and avoid another full waiver submission. She noted that the proposal assumes MinnesotaCare funding would be held harmless and that the program would be reduced if federal basic health plan funding were negatively affected. She also said projected costs changed because individual-market enrollment has grown and enhanced federal subsidies were removed from the estimate. Members raised concerns about the proposal’s impact on premiums and the history of the fund. Senator Rasmusson argued the new assessment amounts to a large tax increase on health insurance and questioned who would be assessed and whether the surcharge would be capped. Dryer responded that the assessment would be based on annual claims experience and market conditions, with final amounts determined at the end of each year, not monthly. Senator Duckworth and Senator Frentz supported reinsurance as a way to keep premiums lower, while also questioning how the program should be financed. Senator Green asked about the mechanics of the assessment and the role of the department in setting it, and Senator H questioned why the fiscal note assumed 12% annual growth for program costs when general premium growth was lower. No vote or formal action was taken in the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 1, sponsored by Senator Townsend, amends Titles 16, 18, 29, and 31 of the Delaware Code and Chapter

Bills: SB219, SB9

Keywords: military pension, military retirement pay, veterans, retiree tax relief, income tax exemption, pension exclusion, Delaware income tax, retirement income, state tax subtraction, armed forces retirement, National Guard, Space Force, Coast Guard, NOAA, Public Health Service, taxable income, Title 30, Section 1106, wetlands protection, nontidal wetlands

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met to hear several bills, with members repeatedly reminded to focus on fiscal impacts rather than policy merits. The committee first considered SB 9 on freshwater wetlands, which would combine tidal and non-tidal wetlands programs into one permitting framework; supporters said the bill resulted from a two-year consensus process and that the governor’s office and DENREC would absorb a significant share of the cost. Public testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing flood control and ecosystem services, though one speaker opposed the spending. The committee voted to release SB 9. The committee then heard SB 278 on child care assistance, which would preauthorize summer camp for eligible school-age children and create a separate lower co-payment for half-day care. The sponsor and the YMCA of Delaware said the change would better align family co-pays with provider reimbursement and make before- and after-school care more affordable for working families. The committee also released SB 278, SB 168 on alcohol delivery for package stores, SB 120 on health insurance coverage for certain testing and treatment, and HB 4, a pilot program for artificial intelligence and extended reality in schools; HB 4 was described as having a near-$3 million fiscal note and a one-year implementation delay because it was not funded in the budget. Later, the committee approved SB 219, which gradually increases the military pension income tax exclusion from $12,500 to $25,000 over three years and includes related joint-filing and residency changes. Supporters argued it would help attract and retain military retirees and bring federal dollars into the state. The committee also released SB 1, a major primary care reform bill that would increase primary care spending and implement hospital payment reforms, with projected long-term savings to the state employee health plan, and SB 325, which expands background checks and wrap-back monitoring for fire service personnel and adds an investigator position for the Fire Prevention Commission. In each case, public commenters and committee members generally supported the bills, and all were released from committee by recorded vote.