Transcript Highlights:

• ,<00:19:16.160> personnel,<00:19:16.960> and<00:19:17.360> and<00:19:17.760>
• .<00:19:27.520> That's<00:19:27.840> the<00:19:28.720> basics<00:19:29.200> of
• >> We<00:19:35.360> have<00:19:35.440> a<00:19:35.600> motion<00:19:35.919
• > to<00:19:36.080> second<00:19:36.320> and<00:19:36.559> I<00:19:36.720>
• >> Cast<00:19:57.919> my<00:19:58.080> vote<00:19:58.160> and<00:19:58.320

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:06 Attendance Roll Call: 00:11 SB 53 Discussion: 01:54 SB 53 Vote: 09:09 SB 192 Discussion: 10:15 SB 192 Vote: 13:42 HB 290 Discussion: 15:02 HB 290 Vote: 16:08 HB 314 Discussion: 16:45 HB 314 Vote: 19:38 Adjournment: 21:32, 958, all

Summary: The Senate State and Local Government Committee met with a quorum and considered three bills. Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Senator Thomas, addressed Fayette County planning and zoning procedures after a 2024 law was interpreted to limit public comment at certain hearings. Thomas, along with witnesses Walt Gaffield and Zachary Davis, argued the bill would clarify that residents have a right to speak for or against planning matters affecting their homes and neighborhoods. The committee voted favorably on SB 53, with all members present voting yes. The committee then took up Senate Bill 192, sponsored by Senator Bledsoe, which would allow smaller cities to use agreed-upon procedures instead of full audits under certain conditions, with standards set by professional accounting rules and oversight by the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Department of Local Government. Supporters said the bill would help small and midsize cities facing audit costs and a shortage of auditors without reducing accountability. The committee adopted a substitute and passed SB 192 unanimously, with several members explaining their support. House Bill 290, sponsored by Representative Wilson, would change how county law library funds can be used, allowing bar associations to spend money on online legal research tools rather than only books. The sponsor said some local associations have unused funds and need more practical options. The committee passed HB 290 unanimously. Finally, House Bill 314, sponsored by Representative Lockett and Senator Williams, would reorganize oversight of the Kentucky Wired network by consolidating authority and personnel into the Commonwealth Office of Technology amid concerns about KCNA’s management. The bill drew criticism from Senator McDaniel, who called Kentucky Wired a boondoggle and questioned its costs, but the committee still passed HB 314 with favorable expression 9-2 and sent it to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• :00.320> or<00:19:00.640> proven<00:19:01.200> ineffective<00:19:01.919> in
• ><00:19:12.320> that<00:19:12.559> schools<00:19:12.880> have<00:19:13.120> strong
• <00:19:20.880> It<00:19:21.120> noted<00:19:21.440> that<00:19:21.679> many
• It<00:19:30.480> also<00:19:30.960> identified<00:19:31.440> some<00:19:31.760><
• An analysis<00:19:44.960> of<00:19:45.120> student<00:19:45.440> discipline<00:19

Keywords: Meeting start 00:00:09 Roll call 00:00:24 Election of Co-Chairs 00:01:11 Office of Education Accountability Annual Report 00:04:41 Office of Education Accountability District Data Profiles, School Year 2024 00:23:50 Update from the Education Professional Standards Board 00:58:19 Adjournment 01:08:00, 958, all

Summary: The subcommittee opened its first meeting with roll call and procedural business, including elections of co-chairs. The House elected Representative Truett as House co-chair, and the Senate elected Senator Denine as Senate co-chair. After the organizational votes, the committee heard the Office of Educational Accountability’s annual report, beginning with Brian Jones and Deborah Nelson describing OEA’s investigations and research divisions and recent staffing turnover. On the investigations side, OEA said it handled complaints only when submitted in writing and generally opened cases only when it had enough facts to evaluate. Jones reported complaint volume declined from 805 in 2023 to 738 in 2024, with 325 in the first half of the current year. He outlined the kinds of matters OEA investigates, including school-based council issues, open meetings, board eligibility, nepotism, conflicts of interest, certification, activity funds, and surplus property, while noting that routine personnel matters, bullying, child interviews, and cases tied to litigation are generally handled locally or referred elsewhere. He also said OEA refers special education, assessment/testing, discrimination, and serious misconduct matters to the appropriate agencies, and that he did not see a need for statutory changes to improve OEA’s work, though he said cases should move more quickly. The research division presentation focused on OEA’s district data profiles and annual research agenda. Nelson explained that OEA reviews KDE-reported data and underlying datasets to verify accuracy, analyze trends, and produce reports for the General Assembly. She highlighted 2024 publications on district governance models and student achievement, and said this year’s agenda includes district data profiles, student discipline analysis, and a review of early childhood regional training centers. She also noted OEA received an NCSL notable document award for its 2023 staffing shortages report, its 10th such award. Sabrina Smith then walked through the district data profiles, which compile demographic, staffing, finance, and performance data for all 171 districts, plus statewide and comparative data. She noted changes in the report format, the continued availability of an online interactive version, and several trends: adjusted average daily attendance declined statewide from 2015 to 2024; the counselor-to-student ratio has improved but has not yet reached the statutory goal of one counselor per 250 students; the share of teachers moving from rank three to rank two has declined; special education identification has risen from 13% to 16%; and starting teacher salaries vary widely by district, with Kentucky’s average starting salary around $40,000 ranking near the bottom compared with surrounding states and the nation. Members asked about the history of the research division and whether the paper copies of the district profiles would continue, and staff said the printed versions would continue unless legislators asked otherwise.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:19:03.840> Brown<00:19:04.720> I'd<00:19:04.880> like<00:19:05.000> to
• > right<00:19:18.280> I<00:19:18.400> will<00:19:18.799> uh<00:19:18.919>
• <00:19:20.960> special<00:19:21.320> committee<00:19:21.760> as<00:19:21.919
• as of uh called<00:19:23.520> as<00:19:23.640> of<00:19:23.840> now<00:19:24.720
• <00:19:28.520> are<00:19:28.760> are<00:19:28.919> no<00:19:29.240> other

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:05 Roll Call 00:13 HB 7 Passover discussion 02:45 HB 490 Passover 03:22 HB 744 Discussion 04:08 HB 744 Vote 08:25 SB 10 Discussion 10:25 SB 10 Vote 12:03 SB 25 Discussion 14:30 SB 25 Vote 16:54 Adjournment 19:47, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Local Government met with a quorum present and began with roll call and a brief introduction of a page, William Huffman, a fifth grader from Lexington. The chair announced that House Bill 7 and House Bill 490 would not be considered that day, with HB 7 described by its sponsor as a housing-related proof-of-concept measure that needed more interim study before returning next session. The committee then heard House Bill 744, sponsored by Representative Richard White, with testimony from Brown County officials. The bill would allow counties to pay routine vendors electronically under a standing order, while still requiring appropriate signatures, to address delayed mail delivery, lost checks, and check-washing concerns. The committee substitute and title amendment were both adopted, and the bill received favorable expression to pass the House floor by roll call vote. Senate Bill 10 was presented by Senator Robbie Mills with support from representatives of the sheriff, firefighters, police chiefs, and cities organizations. The bill would enhance retiree health benefits for CERS career retirees by better aligning the subsidy with under-65 health costs. Members voiced support, including one member explaining a yes vote based on the bill’s benefit to retirees, and the committee voted favorably with a title amendment adopted. Senate Bill 25 was then heard from Senator Mills as part of broader housing legislation; it would expand the use of industrial revenue bonds for large multifamily housing projects of at least 48 units to help address Kentucky’s housing shortage. The committee approved the bill with favorable expression, and at the end members who had arrived late recorded attendance and votes before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, House Bill 24 is very simple.
• Next up we have House Bill 304.
• Ryan Bivens, House District 24, here to represent House Bill 304 today. Thank you.
• House Bill 304 is simple language.
• Next up is House Bill 186, Representative Duvall.

Keywords: 00:00 – Introduction 00:20 – Attendance Roll Call 1:32 – Discussion of HB 24 03:00 – Roll Call Vote 04:00 – Discussion of HB 304 07:19 – Roll Call Vote 08:54 – Discussion of HB 186 09:46 – Roll Call Vote 11:00 – Discussion of HB 315 13:09 – Roll Call Vote, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, heard brief announcements, and moved quickly through four House bills. House Bill 24, as amended by a committee substitute, would raise the audit threshold for conservation districts from $750,000 to $1 million and also clarify that temporary roads, highways, and structures may be built on certain easements if they are removed when work is complete. The substitute was adopted, the bill passed on a roll call vote, and a title amendment was also adopted. House Bill 304, presented by Rep. Ryan Bivens with support from the Kentucky Soybean Association, would adjust soybean checkoff language so the state checkoff could rise from one-quarter to one-half percent if the federal checkoff ever ends, keeping funding levels effectively the same and allowing the state board to continue promotion, research, and education work. Members asked about the cost impact on farmers, and sponsors said there would be no added cost because the language is intended as a backup to match the current federal rate. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression. House Bill 186 would streamline rules for churches and nonprofits providing food to homeless shelters or people displaced by declared natural disasters, reducing regulatory barriers for safe, wholesome food service. The sponsor argued current requirements are too restrictive for simple food distribution. The bill passed. House Bill 315, with a committee substitute, would protect agricultural land from entities tied to designated hostile governments, while also allowing some land to be used or leased for research purposes; the sponsor noted the substitute reflected prior work and concerns from bankers about lien priorities, which he said he would address later on the floor. The committee substitute was adopted and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then adjourned.

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWmA8LOfP4c, 2026-07-02T01:23:19+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:30 - GM 705 58:22 - DM CPN 9:30 AM Hearing Notice: CPN 9:30 AM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_CPN_04-11-24_DEFER_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD4q_OhRdAY, 2026-07-02T01:23:19+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - start 00:49 - GM 599 06:09 - DM AEN 1:30 PM Hearing Notice: AEN 1:30 PM http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_AEN_04-08-24_.PDF, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: HI Senate YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1jh9fgQhU4, 2026-07-02T01:23:19+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, 00:00 - Start 0:30 - DM WAM-CPN 10:00 AM Hearing Notice: WAM-CPN 10:00 AM https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2024/hearingnotices/HEARING_WAM-CPN_04-02-24_.pdf, 912, senate, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj4TgdWn2p4, 2026-06-21T07:17:06+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Roll Call – 00:00 SB 240 Testimony - 00:49 SB 240 Vote – 04:19 SB 255 Testimony – 06:10 SB 255 Vote – 09:25 Other Business – 10:17, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaLPw47EUVQ, 2026-06-21T07:17:04+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:06 SB 282 Discussion 01:19 SB 282 Vote 05:46 SB 268 Discussion 07:42 SB 268 Vote 10:24, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrH3d7FqNjY, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00 ROLL CALL 00:34 HB 264 DISCUSSION 03:07 HB 264 VOTE 16:05 HB 313 DISCUSSION 17:51 HB 313 VOTE 19:17, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vauYEUL8cCw, 2026-06-21T07:17:03+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00 ROLL CALL 01:10 HB 394 DISCUSSION 02:32 HB 394 VOTE 06:13 HB 483 DISCUSSION 08:09 HB 483 VOTE 19:04, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vM-tVftTO1A, 2026-06-21T07:17:02+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, MEETING START 00:00 ROLL CALL 00:00 SB 99 DISCUSSION 00:52 SB 99 VOTE 09:02 SB 112 DISCUSSION 09:36 SB 112 VOTE 11:19, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7wlXSojIQI, 2026-06-21T07:17:00+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:19 HB 306 Discussion 01:43 HB 306 Vote 05:16 SR 234 Discussion 06:09 SR 234 Vote 06:27, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt2LdUGRSmk, 2026-06-21T07:17:00+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Meeting Start 00:00 Roll Call 00:10 HB 6 Discussion 01:19 HB 6 Vote 03:22 SB 164 Discussion 04:18 SB 164 Vote 12:36, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Keywords: KY LRC YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWuqG0SKzWw, 2026-06-21T07:16:57+00:00, 2.2.24, Data collected via generic collector engine, Roll Call 00:10 SB 102 Discussion 01:19 SB 102 Roll Call Vote 04:52 SB 82 Discussion 6:46 SB 82 Roll Call Vote 22:24, 958, all, 2.2.42, 2.1.47

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Guillaume Moose that House Bill 143 as substituted be reported favorably to the full House
• Representative Hall moves that House Bill 144 for as substituted be reported favorably to the full house
• Okay, Chair lays out House Bill 267.
• As a 19 year old nursing student.
• House Bill 267 is left pending.

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

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Introduction of House Resolutions.
• A House Resolution by Representative Beaham to adopt the House Rules of Order, House Rule 7.20, relative
• Introduction of House Resolutions.
• House Resolution by Representative Beaullieu to adopt the House Rules of Order, House Rule 7.20, relative
• House Resolution by Representative Beaullieu to adopt the House Rules of Order, House Rule 7.20, relative

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• They only had vehicles and they only had a house, no minor children.
• Chairman, I move that House Bill 2371 be returned with a do pass recommendation.
• You have chosen, you have House Bill 24-09 do pass recommendation.
• House Bill 2457, please. Mr.
• Chairman, I move that House Bill 2457 be returned with a due pass recommendation.

Bills: HB2311, HB2371, HB2409, HB2410, HB2456, HB2457, HB4005

Keywords: artificial intelligence, disclosure requirements, data privacy, minor protection, online safety, HB2371, Arizona divorce, family law, dissolution of marriage, AI arbitration, AI-assisted arbitration, automated dispute resolution, online arbitration, binding determination, recommendation, superior court appeal, de novo review, marital dissolution, spousal consent, minor children

Summary: The committee met in a special morning session and first heard HB 2371, a pilot proposal to allow consenting divorcing parties without minor children to use AI-assisted arbitration in simple divorce cases. Rep. Martinez described it as a voluntary, fairness-focused tool for people who cannot afford lawyers, with the judge retaining final authority. Members raised concerns about the bill’s binding-language, privacy, and the need for clearer guardrails on assets and support, but the sponsor said amendments were welcome. The committee voted 7-0 to give HB 2371 a do pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2311, which requires conversational AI systems to notify minors they are interacting with AI, restrict sexual content, prohibit deceptive human impersonation, and require self-harm response protocols. Google testified in support, saying its Gemini product already uses similar safeguards and that the bill would set an industry-wide floor; a speaker also noted similar measures are being considered in several other states. After adopting a committee amendment clarifying customer-service AI and limiting developer liability, the committee voted 7-0 to recommend HB 2311 do pass as amended. Next, the committee heard HB 2409, creating a voluntary statewide summer AI education program focused on digital hygiene, civic integrity, privacy, media literacy, critical thinking, and algorithmic bias. Supporters argued Arizona needs to prepare residents for AI-driven job disruption and help people use the technology to become more self-sufficient, while opponents objected to the program’s funding and potential unfunded mandate to the education department. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2410, which would treat communications with AI as privileged like communications with human professionals, also passed after testimony from the sponsor and a criminal defense advocate who argued the measure would protect sensitive legal and personal conversations; the vote was 6-0 with one member present. The committee then approved HB 4005, requiring school districts and charter schools to provide instruction on ethical, moral, and educational uses of AI, by a 4-2-1 vote after some members said schools lacked resources and should not be mandated to add curriculum without funding. Finally, the committee considered HB 2456 and HB 2457, both related to small modular nuclear reactors and utility siting/streamlining for energy development tied to large power users. Supporters framed them as necessary for future energy demand, data centers, and economic growth, while opponents raised concerns about local zoning authority and environmental oversight. Both bills were amended and advanced on 4-3 votes, and the meeting adjourned after the final roll calls.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1916.
• There being 4 ayes and no nays, House Bill 1916 will be reported favorably.
• As a matter of pending business, the Chair lays out House Bill 2530.
• As a matter of pending business, the Chair lays out House Bill 3180.
• House Bill 3180.

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Summary: The committee considered several House bills dealing with family law and civil procedure. House Bill 1916, concerning a court’s jurisdiction in suits to divide property not divided on dissolution of marriage, was reported favorably on a 4-0 vote and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. House Bill 1973, addressing proof of the identity of a child’s parents in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship, was also adopted with a committee substitute, reported favorably 4-0, and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. House Bill 2524, on recovery of fees, court costs, and expenses in family law proceedings, and House Bill 2530, on special appointments in suits affecting the parent-child relationship, each received favorable 4-0 votes and were likewise recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The committee then took up House Bill 3180, which was reported favorably 4-0 and recommended for the local and uncontested calendar. The most detailed discussion centered on House Bill 40, relating to updates to business courts. Senator Hughes explained a committee amendment that made conforming changes requested by the Finance Committee and removed language creating two new judgeships, replacing it with a different judge allocation. The amendment was adopted, the amended committee substitute was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably on a 4-0 vote and sent to the local and uncontested calendar. At the end of the meeting, members briefly clarified procedural details about the House Bill 40 amendment and then closed out the agenda. The committee also noted a correction to an earlier reference to Bartleby the Scrivener, and the Chair recessed the Committee on Jurisprudence subject to the call of the chair.

Transcript Highlights:

• Any questions for the Dean on House Bill 1973? We'll open public testimony on House Bill 1973.
• The Chair lays out House Bill 2530.
• Chairman and members, House Bill 4213 by Representative Dutton relates to the accrual of interest House
• Chairman, House Bill 2524.”
• Well, when we do it, we'll open testimony on House Bill 318. House of 1330?

Bills: HB40, HB1916, HB1973, HB2524, HB2530, HB3180, HB3421, HB3783, HB4170, HB4213

Keywords: business court, civil procedure, litigation, jurisdiction, arbitration, divorce, property division, family law, court jurisdiction, marital assets, parent-child relationship, birth certificate, identity proof, Family Code, court process, attorney fees, court costs, legal expenses, dispute resolution, child support

Summary: The committee heard several House bills, most of them relating to family law and court procedure, and left each bill pending after testimony. House Bill 1916 would clarify that the court that issued a final divorce decree retains exclusive jurisdiction over later actions involving undivided property. House Bill 1973 would require a certified birth certificate, if reasonably available, to be filed with a SAPCR petition or allow alternative proof of parentage while keeping the information confidential. House Bill 2530 would add qualifications and procedural safeguards for appointing amicus attorneys in SAPCR cases, including notice and hearing requirements, minimum qualifications, conflict rules, and limits on what amicus attorneys may do. House Bill 2524 would make Family Code references to attorney’s fees consistent by using “reasonable and necessary” language. House Bill 3180 would correct a scrivener’s error in the civil discovery rules by changing “settlement” to “statement.” The committee also heard House Bill 4213, which would change the interest rate on overdue child support from the current 6 percent simple interest to a fixed 5 percent and require the Attorney General to report on the impact of the change. Testimony was sharply divided: supporters argued lower interest could improve collections and help low-income obligors catch up, citing research and the size of child-support arrearages; opponents said lowering the rate would reduce incentives to pay and harm custodial parents and children. The Attorney General’s office raised implementation concerns about a House version that would have created a variable rate, while the committee substitute was described as restoring a simple fixed rate. After testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also discussed House Bill 40, updating business court provisions and supplemental jurisdiction; House Bill 3421, streamlining probate procedures for original wills and copies; and House Bill 417, clarifying venue for lawsuits involving private transfer fees on real property. Each drew limited testimony and was left pending. Finally, House Bill 3783 drew extensive testimony on court-ordered counseling and reunification therapy in family cases. The sponsor and supporters said the bill would protect children and abuse victims from coercive, unregulated reunification practices, while opponents argued it was too broad, could interfere with legitimate therapy and judicial discretion, and might affect military families and other high-conflict cases. The committee heard testimony from judges, therapists, parents, survivors, and advocates, but took no final action and left the bill pending.