Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a minimum contract that minor leaguers who play professional baseball have as a salary?
• </c> Leaguers who play a professional Leaguers who play a professional baseball<00:05:20.880><c> have
• So, if we could, I would entertain a motion now. Senator Girdler, you got a question now?
• We represent hundreds of disability field professionals, and they represent thousands of job seekers
• We represent hundreds of disability field professionals, and they represent thousands of job seekers

Summary: The Senate Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor heard two bills. Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Bledsoe, was presented with testimony from Major League Baseball in support of exempting minor league baseball players from Kentucky wage-and-hour treatment. Witnesses said the bill would preserve the negotiated collective bargaining structure for players, avoid impractical time-tracking requirements, and keep Kentucky aligned with other states. Senators discussed minor league salary levels, the importance of baseball to Kentucky communities, and the bill’s relationship to minimum wage law. The committee then took a roll call vote and passed the bill with unanimous support from members present. The committee next heard Senate Bill 103 from Sen. Danny Carroll, which would require the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to adopt regulations under Chapter 13A, limit reciprocal agreements with other states until in-state provider contracts are exhausted, establish procedures for service fee memos before a new fiscal year, and require an annual report with operating and financial information. Testimony from community rehabilitation providers and disability advocates emphasized that the bill would increase transparency, protect local providers, and improve services for people with disabilities seeking competitive employment. They said Kentucky has a large disability population, that many working-age individuals with disabilities are not employed, and that better oversight could help address workforce shortages and reduce reliance on public assistance. Senators asked about the disability population, age ranges served, funding, and recent changes to provider rates and selection processes. The committee then voted to pass Senate Bill 103 unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• the Assembly Select Committee on the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Assembly Arts, Entertainment
• I would also like to recognize Chair Chris Ward and members of the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports
• , with which the event will be held in the entertainment capital of the world.
• We had a sports and entertainment procurement summit, which we hope to make into an annual event.
• Sports and entertainment and tourism-related investments as well. Amazing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, I just have a question on the qualified mental health professional.
• I pulled all that and it just says a qualified professional, but all I'm seeing... ...qualified professional
• I am not a medical professional. I'm barely a lawyer.
• I am not a medical professional. I'm barely a lawyer.
• Happy to entertain a motion? Anyone else? Happy to entertain a motion.

Bills: SB3 , HB70 , HB49 , HB60 , HB151 , HB164 , SB17 , SB35 , SB164

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 3, which revises definitions in the Mental Health Code and Assisted Outpatient Treatment Act related to “likelihood of serious harm” and decisional capacity. The sponsor said the goal was to make the standards more workable for courts and treatment providers in civil commitment and assisted outpatient treatment cases. Members adopted a friendly amendment that narrowed and clarified the language, including adding “intentionally,” tying decisional capacity language to a mental disorder, and specifying that a qualified mental health professional makes that determination. A second friendly amendment was then adopted to make the bill’s language consistent throughout the code by adding “serious” before references to harm to self or others in several places. Public testimony on SB 3 was mixed. Disability advocates, the ACLU, and Disability Rights New Mexico expressed continued concern about involuntary treatment, civil liberty implications, possible overuse of commitment as a shortcut around guardianship or capacity procedures, and the risk that some people could remain in the system for a long time. Supporters included the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, police, and firefighters, who said the bill would provide clearer standards, better tools for crisis response, and alternatives to repeated arrest or emergency hospital transport. After debate, the committee voted 10-0 to give SB 3 a due pass as twice amended. The committee then took up House Bill 70, which was presented with a committee substitute intended to make the bill “sleeker” and address concerns raised by members. The substitute restored existing limits on commission decision-making, strengthened hearing examiner independence, reinstated current ex parte and Open Meetings Act guardrails, removed a proposed consumer advocate provision, and changed one provision from “may” back to “shall.” Members asked a few clarifying questions, including about advocacy staff and hearing examiners, and the sponsor said the changes improved the bill. The committee voted 9-0 to do not pass the original bill and due pass the committee substitute. The chair announced the committee had completed its two bills and adjourned after discussing upcoming meeting times.

Transcript Highlights:

• I entertain a motion. Representative Coll... ...I entertain a motion.
• So with that, I'd be glad to entertain any questions.
• I was very amenable to that to entertain that, to allow that.
• Specifically, what it does is it enables the school district to hire additional professionals or counselors
• So, unlike guidance counselors who are typically confined to the school environment, these professionals

Bills: HB205 , HB226 , HB234

Committee: House Ways and Means Education

Keywords: sales tax, use tax, exemption, tax conformity, tangible personal property, Alabama Department of Revenue, retail tax, consumer use tax, nonresident, religious publications, church magazines, Bible class materials, Sunday school materials, tax administration, indirect tax, state revenue, HB226, homestead exemption, ad valorem tax, property tax

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Senator Laird. Can we please call the roll? Limon. Aye. Grove.
• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Senator Reyes. Can we please call the roll? Limon. Aye. Jones.
• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you. I have a motion by Senator Jones. Can we please call the roll?
• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Senator Laird. Can we please call the roll on that? Limon. Aye.
• I'll entertain a motion. Thank you, Senator Reyes. Can we please call the roll? Limon. Aye. Grove.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Rules established a quorum and first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Rick Simpson to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and Trinidad Solis, M.D., and Gerald Talbert, M.D., to the Medical Board of California. The committee also approved reference of bills to committees and floor acknowledgments before moving to State Bar appointments requiring testimony. The committee heard from George Cardona, reappointed as Chief Trial Counsel of the State Bar, who described reforms made after the Girardi matter, efforts to reduce discipline disparities, backlog reduction measures, and staffing shortages tied to a vacancy rate and increased incoming complaints. Senators questioned him about safeguards against misconduct, the John Eastman disbarment case, discipline disparities affecting Black and Latino attorneys, unauthorized practice of law by notarios, and the use of AI in complaints and pleadings. Public witnesses from the State Bar, SEIU Local 1000, and others supported his confirmation, and the committee voted 3-0 to advance him to the full Senate. The committee then heard from Laura Enderton Speed, nominated as Executive Director of the State Bar. She emphasized restoring public trust, improving operations, addressing the February 2025 bar exam problems, and strengthening discipline and admissions processes. Senators asked about the State Bar’s structural budget deficit, the ongoing audit and investigations related to the bar exam, conflict-of-interest safeguards after Girardi, and plans for the future of the bar exam. Public testimony was uniformly supportive, and the committee voted 5-0 to advance her nomination to the Senate floor. The meeting concluded with final votes on the earlier items, thanks to Senator Jones for his service on the committee, and adjournment to executive session after a cake presentation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you elaborate for the entertainment development dedicated fund account?
• Can you elaborate for the entertainment development dedicated fund account?
• So the 75% is that just for film-related, or is it for any entertainment? Development fund.
• So the 75% is that just for film-related, or is it for any entertainment?
• I was going to ask about the entertainment industry development and promotion.

Committee: House Appropriations

Summary: The committee first heard the FY27 executive budget review for Louisiana Economic Development (LED). House Fiscal outlined a $59.4 million LED budget, with major funding from state general fund, self-generated revenue, federal funds, and a marketing dedication, and explained reductions tied largely to the removal of one-time funding and carryforwards. The Secretary highlighted recent economic development results, including major capital investment announcements, job creation, the high-impact jobs program, Louisiana Fast Sites, and efforts to support existing businesses and small business growth. Members repeatedly asked for clearer public-facing materials on the tax and economic benefits of incentives, the use of the entertainment development fund, the structure of the high-impact jobs and Fast Sites programs, and how LED competes with other states. LED also discussed its Storyteller Initiative, regional project distribution, and the role of major events and film-related incentives. The committee then reviewed Louisiana Works’ FY27 budget of $352.7 million. Staff explained that the budget is driven mainly by federal funds and statutory dedications, with changes largely attributable to the One Door to Work Act and the transfer of workforce functions and positions into the department. The Secretary noted a planned $5 million move for the Louisiana STEM Council and a small request for elevator repairs, and members discussed the unemployment insurance trust fund’s improved balance, which lowered employer tax rates and increased benefits. Questions focused on workforce shortages, coordination with LCTCS and other training partners, the new Louisiana Talent Accelerator and workforce modernization efforts, the need for marketing to attract workers back to Louisiana, and remaining gaps in funding for rehabilitation services and disability employment programs. Finally, the committee took up the Department of Conservation and Energy’s FY27 budget of $201.3 million. Staff described decreases tied to the end of the Solar for All grant, lower orphan well spending as prior balances were drawn down, and reductions in some one-time funding and interagency transfers. The Secretary said the department’s reorganization is now largely complete and emphasized a focus on eliminating duplicative functions, strengthening enforcement and permitting, and using available funds more efficiently. Members questioned the reduction in orphan well funding, the impact of the Solar for All repeal, the use of settlement dollars, and the department’s plans for AI-assisted permitting and modernization of the Sunrise database. They also discussed ongoing work on seismic activity in Red River Parish, commercial fishermen’s claims for gear damaged by energy infrastructure, and efforts to improve financial security requirements for operators so future orphan well liabilities are better covered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I would entertain a motion to approve the consent agenda.
• At that point, we hired a design professional.
• professional designing the building, so we separated that process.
• I don't know when the right time to entertain a motion, Mr.
• And we did ask at that time, OK, we have a design professional.

Committee: House Public School Capital Outlay Oversight Task Force

Transcript Highlights:

• Regents program, a short 30-minute public comment period, and remarks from me and my UC graduate and professional
• ACA 18 ensures that both undergraduates and graduate and professional students have a voice and a vote
• We'll entertain add-ons at this moment. Mr. Secretary, roll call, please. File item 1, ACA 18.
• We'll entertain add-ons at this moment. Mr. Secretary, roll call, please. File item 1, ACA 18.
• We'll entertain add-ons at this time. Mr. Secretary, roll call, please.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee met for a hearing with one item on the agenda, ACA 18, a constitutional amendment to expand student representation on the University of California Board of Regents. The authors, Assemblymembers Celeste Rodriguez and Anamarie Farías, said the measure would double the number of student seats on the board and ensure both an undergraduate and a graduate student voice, arguing that students are the primary stakeholders and should have more meaningful input on decisions affecting tuition, housing, basic needs, and other campus issues. The authors accepted committee amendments that cleaned up language and the appointment process for student regents and their nonvoting designates. Supporters included UC student leaders, alumni, and advocacy groups. Testimony emphasized that the UC system has far more students than the current single voting student regent can represent, that student input has helped shape policies on housing, basic needs, campus policing, and tuition, and that the UC should align with the CSU and community college systems, which already have two student voting members. No opposition testimony was presented. Committee members voiced support, with several noting the importance of student voice and representation. The committee then voted to pass ACA 18 as amended and re-refer it to the Committee on Appropriations. The roll call ultimately finished at 9-0 in favor, and the measure was reported out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, I would entertain any questions. Do we have any questions or comments?
• How about entertaining the motion? Okay. We have a first and a second. All in favor say "Aye."
• Uh, so I'll be happy to entertain any questions on this bill. Okay.
• Do we entertain a motion? Okay, we... Okay. Do we entertain a motion?
• It currently exists mostly of tax professionals, and it's just put some everyday taxpayers on the committee

Bills: HB162 , HB376 , HB425 , SB96 , HB426

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: homelessness, homeless individuals, unsheltered, transient, shelter, encampment, street outreach, relocation, displacement, law enforcement, municipal government, county government, local government, interjurisdictional transport, Class A misdemeanor, criminal penalties, public safety, social services, Alabama Code 15-20A-4, environmental regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• And obviously we're going to entertain any suggestion.
• Personally, I'm mindful... ...to entertain any suggestion.
• Okay, thank you for entertaining that, and I appreciate everybody's patience.
• Professional development opportunities for K through 12 educators.
• Professional development for teachers matters.

Summary: The meeting opened with approval of the July 9, 2025 minutes and a roll call confirming quorum. DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez gave his first official testimony, affirming the department’s commitment to preventing antisemitism and societal bias in schools, saying DESE supports the commission’s recommendations and will add staff resources to help develop and disseminate guidance and instructional materials. He said DESE’s rubric and guidance for identifying effective curricula and resources should be finalized in late fall, and commissioners welcomed the partnership and asked about the ongoing Section 98A work. The commission then heard from Professor Eitan Hirsch of Tufts, who presented research on antisemitism and campus climate. He described survey findings showing sharply different Jewish and non-Jewish views on Israel, increasing social pressure on Jewish students, and a growing tendency for Jewish students to hide their identity or feel penalized for participating in Jewish life. He argued that colleges need to do more to teach students how to handle dissent and build cultures of viewpoint diversity, and commissioners asked about best practices, regional differences, and the role of campus climate surveys. Rabbi Fine of UMass Amherst Hillel and student Sky Landau testified about antisemitism at UMass, especially since October 7. Fine described both a thriving Jewish student community and serious incidents including harassment, vandalism, classroom issues, protests, and students hiding Jewish identity; he said the university is working with Hillel and DEI leadership on goals and strategy for Jewish inclusion, and he urged more training and structured dialogue. Landau described antisemitic incidents she experienced or witnessed, including hostile BDS meetings, exclusion of Zionist students, Holocaust denial, threats, and social ostracism, and said Hillel was the only consistently safe space for her. Commissioners discussed reporting pathways, affinity groups, mental health supports, and ways to distinguish criticism of Israel from antisemitism. Later, the commission moved to its recommendations and made several edits before voting, including deleting offensive wording in a footnote, adding a citation to recent FBI hate crime data, and restoring language tied to an existing DESE regulation, 603 CMR 26.05, on classroom neutrality and fact-based instruction. Commissioners also reiterated that criticism of Israel’s government is not inherently antisemitic. The meeting included a brief interruption by a protester, after which the commission recessed and then resumed its work on the draft recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:05:10.800><c> They</c><00:05:11.039><c> are</c> professional geologist board.
• They are professional geologist board.
• Seeing no further questions, I'd entertain a motion on the bill.
• So I would go ahead and entertain a motion to adopt the sub."
• a motion to adopt ahead and uh entertain a motion to adopt the<00:14:25.839><c> sub.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Together, we provide a safe, world-class sports and entertainment environment for all.
• That's over 90 events a year, only 10 of which are related to professional football.
• That's over 90 events a year, only 10 of which are related to professional football.
• That's over 90 events a year, only 10 of which are related to professional football.
• ,<00:53:59.040><c> nightlife,</c><00:53:59.680><c> culture,</c> entertainment, nightlife, culture, entertainment

Committee: Senate Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• advocacy, It's a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization of legislative staffers, advocates, and other professionals
• Pacific Islander, and Southwest Asian and North African members of the capital community through professional
• For these students, complex vocabulary is transformed into electrifying entertainment.
• For these students, complex vocabulary is transformed into electrifying entertainment.
• Higgins, professionally known as Dr. John Paul.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, that's what the bill does and I would be glad to entertain any questions. Senator Thomas.
• would</c><00:02:58.880><c> be</c><00:02:59.000><c> glad</c><00:02:59.200><c> to</c><00:02:59.280><c> entertain
• </c><00:02:59.640><c> any</c> and I would be glad to entertain any and I would be glad to entertain any
• . professionals. professionals.
• Like I said, I'd be happy to answer any questions or entertain a motion.

Committee: Senate Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• These platforms are not merely entertainment apps.
• We fundamentally disincentivize the professional scalpers.
• Do you finance tours or any part of the entertainment industry at all? No.
• Video games have become one of the largest entertainment markets in the world.
• Jennifer Gibbons with the Entertainment Software Association.

Summary: The committee heard AB 1988, which would require AI companion chatbots to respond to credible self-harm or violence-related crisis expressions by displaying the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, warning users, and pausing the chat for human review after repeated crisis signals. The author and supporters said the bill is a measured safety standard to redirect vulnerable users to human help, citing research and cases where chatbots worsened suicidal ideation or violent behavior. Support came from crisis and medical advocates, while no opposition testimony was offered. The chair and members expressed strong support, and the bill was held pending quorum before later action on the agenda. The committee then took up AB 1709, which would set a minimum age of 16 for users to create or maintain accounts on social media platforms with harmful addictive features and would create an E-Safety Advisory Commission in the Attorney General’s office. The author argued the bill targets product design, not speech, and is intended to curb compulsive features such as infinite scroll, autoplay, and algorithmic feeds while allowing safer or non-addictive platforms to remain available. Supporters, including a psychologist and the Organization for Social Media Safety, described cyberbullying, predation, compulsive use, and mental health harms; opponents, including EFF, ACLU-Cal Action, TechNet, and youth advocacy groups, warned about privacy, First Amendment, and access-to-community concerns, especially for LGBTQ youth and other marginalized groups. Committee members debated whether the bill is a ban or a delay, how age assurance would work, and whether the proposal would be effective or could push youth to less safe spaces. Several members said they would support the bill as a first step, while others raised concerns about enforceability, privacy, and constitutional issues. The author emphasized that the bill is limited to specific harmful design features, not content or general internet access, and that the new commission would monitor evolving technology and recommend future updates. No final vote was taken during the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the gallery today are some of the professionals committed to developing their leadership potential
• It's impacting musicians, performing artists, and professional athletic teams in the state by banning
• Our entertainment industry is a huge economic driver of tourism for our state, and this bill will go
• As the chair of arts and entertainment mentioned, this bill has seen robust debate in the House.
• Seeing and hearing no further business, I’m ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• at Baylor College of Medicine, where she is helping to educate the next generation of medical professionals
• And so you provide- It's such great family, wholesome entertainment, something that every Texan can be
• And so, thank you for entertaining my questions. I don't think I'll change your mind.
• Is a primary component of the entertainment.
• Good professional development experience for you? Very impressive. Okay. Okay. Good.

Bills: SJR18 , SCR5 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SB3 , SB6 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB18 , SB35 , SB388 , SB412 , SB441 , SB495 , SB666 , SB687 , SB706 , SB740 , SB815 , SB842 , SB917 , SB925 , SB995 , SB1006 , SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1379 , SB1451 , SB1902 , SJR36 , SJR18 , SJR12 , SCR13 , SCR25 , SCR5 , SCR22 , SB565 , SB372 , SB495 , SB842 , SB765 , SB62 , SB19 , SB18 , SB666 , SB707 , SB888 , SB687 , SB706 , SB847 , SB290 , SB11 , SB10 , SB13 , SB412 , SB441 , SB1248 , SB740 , SB14 , SB1006 , SB504 , SB917 , SB925 , SB388 , SB1902 , SB1121 , SB995 , SB857 , SB305 , SB296 , SB284 , SB35 , SB6 , SB815 , SB3 , SB1281 , SB1379 , SB1300 , SB1497 , SB1499 , SB1498 , SB1451 , SB1061 , SB15 , SB65 , SB241 , SB304 , SB402 , SB499 , SB621 , SB974 , SB1023 , SB1024 , SB1025 , SB1106 , SB686 , SB112 , SB371 , SB204 , SB400 , SB609 , SB1447 , SB670 , SB502 , SB427 , SB850 , SB854 , SB413 , SB1555 , SB1362 , SB1346 , SB1033 , SB1220 , SB1073 , SB810 , SB987 , SB1539 , SB893 , SB447 , SB875 , SB406 , SB509 , SB985 , SB965 , SB17 , SB1119 , SB1505 , SB12 , SB24 , SB57 , SB1194 , SB1253 , SB1215 , SB1532 , SB1268 , SCR12 , SCR24 , SB1302 , SB856 , SB650 , SB583 , SB673 , SB840

Transcript Highlights:

• Video games have become one of the largest entertainment markets in the world.
• As people increasingly consume entertainment via licensed digital goods, furthering consumer protections
• Jennifer Gibbons with the Entertainment Software Association.
• Furthermore, BPC Section 651 penalizes health care professionals who use deceptive marketing.
• Furthermore, BPC Section 651 penalizes health care professionals who use deceptive marketing.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1921 on video game shutdowns. The author and Consumer Reports supported requiring game operators to give 60 days’ notice before ending server support and to offer a menu of remedies, including refunds or playable/offline alternatives, while the Entertainment Software Association opposed the bill as an unwarranted new standard for digital products and raised safety and legal concerns about community servers. Members questioned the scope of refunds, copyright, and community-server issues, and the author said he was open to further amendments. The bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. AB 1965, dealing with cannabis testing, was presented as a measure to strengthen the Department of Cannabis Control’s authority over testing labs and improve product safety and transparency. The California Cannabis Operators Association supported the bill, saying it would help ensure consistent standards and protect consumers in a market with a large illicit component. There was no opposition, and the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2141, which would allow the Board of Pharmacy to resolve certain disciplinary matters through a voluntary pre-accusation settlement process. The author and a supporting pharmacist said it would speed resolution of smaller, technical cases and reduce costs, while a member raised concerns about transparency and whether the public would have less information about licensee misconduct. The bill passed the committee on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, with Senator Menjivar voting no, and was placed on call. AB 2163, creating strategic clean energy and critical mineral development zones, was supported by the author and Imperial County as a way to prioritize geothermal and lithium development in areas like the Salton Sea region; it passed on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations and was placed on call. Later, AB 1990 on compounded weight-loss drug advertising drew significant debate. Supporters argued it would curb misleading ads and require disclosures about risks and non-FDA approval, while opponents from the compounding pharmacy community said it would create burdens, duplicate existing false-advertising law, and could harm patient access. Members questioned whether the bill actually addressed targeting minors and whether it would force use of FDA-approved labeling; the author said the bill was meant to add specificity and guardrails. The bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Senate Judiciary, with some no votes, and placed on call. The committee also heard AB 2783 on court reporters, which would add a national certification pathway and extend a remote reporting pilot; it drew support from court reporting stakeholders and passed unanimously on a due-pass motion to Senate Appropriations, placed on call. Finally, AB 2771, the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education sunset bill, and AB 2772, the interior design certification sunset bill, were presented and heard with mixed testimony: AB 2771 received support from student and borrower advocates and was moved to Senate Education, while AB 2772 drew both support and strong opposition over CCIDC governance and accountability, with the committee hearing extensive public comment before the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I'm happy to entertain any questions.
• But I'm happy to entertain any questions. They will apply for grants out of this commission.
• But I'm happy to entertain any questions.
• But I'm happy to entertain any questions.
• But I'm happy to entertain any questions. Okay. Representative Pollock. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: House Families & Children

Transcript Highlights:

• Tabitha has built an extraordinary career defined by professionalism, institutional knowledge, and a
• Tabitha supported members, staff, and the public with professionalism and generosity.
• Arts, Entertainment, and Sports and Tourism Committee.
• He led with professionalism, integrity, and deep respect for the people he served.
• Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn.