Video & Transcript Research : 'relative custody'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board Mar 31st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Legacy and Budget Stabilization Fund Advisory Board
Transcript Highlights:
- So right now we're going to be taking data from our custodial bank.
- That typical plan has somewhere between two and six basis points of oversight and custody fees.
- So in a sense, you almost have a zero percent oversight and custody cost net of security lending that
- So in a sense, you almost have a zero percent oversight and custody cost net of security lending that
- So it's still a similar, relatively apples-to-apples.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- House Bill 2148 grants the legislature the authority to appropriate non-custodial federal monies.
- The bill outlines numerous requirements relating to legislative appropriations of non-custodial federal
- The bill outlines numerous requirements relating to legislative appropriations of non-custodial federal
- I just have a question because I'm relatively new. I'm new to appropriations and... Mr. Chair.
- I just have a question because I'm relatively new to appropriations and I'm new to the legislature.
Keywords:
stormwater, recharge mapping, water resources, groundwater, appropriation, Arizona, HB2116, Colorado River, litigation fund, water rights, Arizona water law, general fund appropriation, state budget, interstate water compact, Colorado River Compact, water litigation, A.R.S. 45-119, natural resources, water policy, river management
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Jul 1st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- The same concerns over a chain of custody extend to these records as well.
- To lose custody of the ballots invites all kinds of potential challenges.
- We need to maintain that custody to ensure fair and accurate elections.
- To lose custody of the ballots invites all kinds of potential challenges.
- We need to maintain that custody to ensure fair and accurate elections.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity.
Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no.
The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards.
The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Transportation (02/18/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Members of the committee, I'm here to courteously introduce House Bill 94, relative to the definition
- Um, we have people who are currently in OR custody if they're unaccompanied refugee minors.
- Um, we have people who are currently in OR custody if they're unaccompanied refugee minors.
- Um, we have people who are currently in OR custody if they're unaccompanied refugee minors.
- Um, we have people who are currently in OR custody if they're unaccompanied refugee minors.
Summary:
The committee first heard House Bill 758, which would establish a study committee on airport operation hours and possible noise abatement measures, including whether New Hampshire should prohibit departures between midnight and 6 a.m. The sponsor said the committee would examine the pros and cons and consult stakeholders. The Bureau of Aeronautics testified neutrally, noting that New Hampshire has 25 public airports, 12 with federal funding and grant assurances that may require them to remain open during those hours, and that cargo operations, including at Manchester, commonly occur overnight. Members also discussed existing noise abatement programs and how mitigation is determined by noise contours and FAA funding decisions. No vote was taken; the chair closed the hearing after testimony.
The committee then heard House Bill 489, allowing voluntary emergency workers to use rear-facing blue lights on private vehicles when responding to emergencies. The sponsor said the bill corrects an oversight in existing law, would not cost the state or towns money, and would improve visibility and safety, especially in rural areas. Supportive testimony from a volunteer responder emphasized that blue lights help cut through fog, snow, and nighttime conditions, and that the bill would only add a single rear-facing blue light to existing red, amber, and white emergency lighting. The New Hampshire State Police opposed the bill, arguing that expanding blue lights to private vehicles would confuse the public and desensitize drivers to blue lights, which are associated with law enforcement. The hearing closed without action.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 533, which the sponsor and State Police clarified is actually two separate changes: one authorizing civilian automotive equipment inspectors to assist with vehicle inspection work, and another expanding language in motor carrier enforcement to include new entrant safety audits and compliance reviews. The State Police explained that civilian inspectors are hired and trained through the department and that any findings of state-law violations would be referred to troopers; they also said the new motor carrier language was requested to satisfy federal audit concerns about right of entry. The New Hampshire Motor Transport Association said it had no position if the civilian inspectors were not doing commercial truck inspections, but would oppose the bill if they were. Members asked about the difference between audits and compliance reviews, and the State Police said audits are for newer carriers and are non-enforcement, while compliance reviews look for violations. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 533.
After a brief reset, the committee opened House Bill 594, which would repeal an alternate definition of “way” for the driving-after-suspension statute. The sponsor said the change was requested by the Department of Justice. Representative Erica Leon opposed the repeal, explaining that the prior language was intended to avoid criminalizing people who mow lawns or perform similar work near property edges while suspended, but she worried the repeal could create a loophole allowing driving on places like highway medians. Members questioned whether the issue was limited to mowing or broader vehicle use on property edges, and Leon said she would work with agencies to clarify the language so it protects lawful mowing without allowing misuse. No vote was taken in the portion provided.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- , half are going to lose, and especially in high-profile assignments like family law, where child custody
- We think taken together, challenges, recalls, physical threats, and relatively low pay are gradually
- The same concerns over a chain of custody extend to these records as well.
- To lose custody of the ballots invites all kinds of potential challenges.
- We need to maintain that custody to ensure fair and accurate elections.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- if any, attention has been given to the men and women on the front lines who provide direct care, custody
- But what has not been emphasized enough is this: every individual in our custody has been sentenced for
- Now let me be clear: every individual in our custody should be treated with dignity and respect.
- Less funding means less training, which correlates to more problem inmate space while in custody.
- Less funding means less training which correlates to more problem inmate space while in custody.
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation in public safety held a hearing focused on correctional labor testimony, with union leaders and officers from multiple county facilities and the Department of Correction describing staffing, safety, wellness, and programming concerns. Speakers emphasized that correctional officers face high levels of workplace violence, exposure to synthetic drugs like K2, inmate suicides and assaults, and significant mental health strain. They also raised concerns about gender-identity housing policies, arguing that current practices can create unsafe conditions for staff, and urged stronger debriefing and wellness supports after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of programs like OnSide Academy.
Several witnesses from unions including KCU/NCU and local county bargaining units argued against consolidating sheriff’s offices or merging them with the Department of Correction. They said consolidation could weaken collective bargaining, harm retention and recruitment, increase commute times, and disrupt locally tailored programming and reentry services. Multiple speakers stressed that county facilities are distinct and should be evaluated individually, not by a single formula, and that staffing levels, training, and facility-specific needs must drive any policy changes. One witness described innovative programming such as welding and shed-building partnerships, while another highlighted Norfolk County’s accreditation, budget stability, and reentry efforts.
Commission members largely thanked the witnesses and echoed concerns about officer safety and wellness. They discussed the need for more facility tours, including Norfolk, and debated whether the commission should seek an extension beyond its September 30 reporting deadline. After discussion, the commission voted to request an extension to November 30, with the understanding that the report would still be completed and filed later. Members also discussed the possibility of examining the Norwegian correctional model and reaching out to the judiciary for additional testimony. The hearing concluded with an adjournment after public testimony closed.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Correctional Consolidation and Collaboration May 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- But what has not been emphasized enough is this: every individual in our custody has been sentenced for
- Let me be clear: every individual in our custody should be treated with dignity and respect.
- My job and the job of my fellow officers in care and custody.
- Less funding means less training, which correlates to more problem inmate space while in custody.
- Less funding means less training which correlates to more problem inmate space while in custody.
Summary:
The special commission on consolidation and cooperation among public safety agencies held a hearing focused on correctional labor perspectives, with testimony from union representatives and correctional officers from state and county facilities. Chair Dan Hunt and Senator Brownsberger opened by noting the commission’s extensive site visits and prior testimony, and they recognized Correctional Officers Week. Witnesses emphasized that officers are central to any reform discussion and described the daily realities of staffing shortages, violence, mental health crises, substance use, and the need for better wellness support.
Kevin Flanagan of the correctional officers’ union said officers face serious safety risks, citing weapons recovered, assaults, suicides, and the spread of synthetic drugs like K2 that are often introduced through paper soaked with chemicals. He urged stronger contraband controls, including paperless systems and technology to detect synthetic drugs, and criticized policies he said can be manipulated in gender-identity housing and search situations. He also argued that staffing shortages, forced overtime, and low morale are worsening retention, and that officers need more support after traumatic incidents, including fuller use of the OnSide Academy program.
Other union representatives, including NCU and county officers, opposed consolidating sheriffs’ offices or merging them with the Department of Correction, warning it could weaken collective bargaining, reduce local accountability, and harm programming and reentry work. They argued that county facilities are distinct and should be funded and staffed based on local needs, not a one-size-fits-all model, and several speakers supported expanding vocational and reentry programming. Commissioners responded with support for officer wellness and asked for more information on EMS transports, medical interventions, and possible models from other jurisdictions, including Norway and Germany.
At the end of the hearing, the commission discussed extending its reporting deadline beyond September 30, with members agreeing to seek an extension to November 30. The commission also agreed to continue site visits, including the upcoming Barnstable visit, and adjourned after adopting the motion to request the extension.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- > drug use professionals, and relative to drug use professionals, and relative to the<01:30:27.320><c
- </c><01:31:15.960><c> to</c><01:31:16.040><c> the</c> Bill 1555, relative to the Bill 1555, relative
- c> 1219 relative to immunization 1219 relative to immunization requirements<01:35:46.240><c> in</c><01
- ><c> disclosure</c> Bill 1523, relative to disclosure Bill 1523, relative to disclosure requirements<
- ><c> gifts</c><03:55:03.960><c> and</c> Bill 1768, relative to gifts and Bill 1768, relative to gifts
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a small expense relative to the overall budget of the cath lab. Thank you. All right, Rep.
- We're here to defend our Native relatives from a system that failed our people.
- When risk is miscalculated and wide-ranging actions are taken, it is our relatives, far from home and
- Most importantly, before we lost countless Native relatives to exploitation, relapse, and death.
- So it's separate from the children that are already in DCS care and custody, right?
Bills:
SB1052, SB1115, SB1118, SB1120, SB1121, SB1124, SB1171, SB1172, SB1174, SB1175, SB1214, SB1233, SB1235, SB1316, SB1345, SB1372, SB1399, SB1458, SB1494, SB1496, SB1564, SB1602, SB1621, SB1628, SB1630, SB1631, SB1668, SB1672, SB1814, SB1821
Keywords:
assisted living, health care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, physician orders, informed consent, AHCCCS, remote work, state agency, employment, public health, housing, zoning, middle housing, urban development, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, historic preservation, radiation protection
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs & Elections Jan 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- At the time, I knew nothing about the state custodial school.
- At the time, I knew nothing about the state custodial school.
- And so that took me on a journey of finding out about what the state custodial school was.
- And so Grace was on the records from the state custodial school.
- So basically she was connected with the state custodial school for 10 years of her life.
Summary:
The committee opened its first hearing of the 2006 session with member and staff introductions, then took up five bills. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8406 would reestablish and expand the Joint Select Committee on Civic Health through the start of the 2029 session. Lieutenant Governor Heck, Senator Lovick, and Senator Muzzall testified in support, emphasizing respectful civic discourse and bipartisan cooperation. The bill drew 20 pro and 53 con sign-ins, but no questions or vote were taken at the hearing.
Senate Bill 5825 would authorize the Washington State Leadership Board to solicit gifts, grants, and endowments. Senator Claire Wilson and board representatives said the change would help sustain youth leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement programs, with an initial fundraising goal of under $50,000 and policies to be developed with OFM and legal counsel to manage donor expectations. Testimony from board members and volunteers was strongly supportive, and the sign-in sheet showed four in favor and one opposed.
Senate Bill 5842 would exempt display of previous campaign memorabilia in legislative offices from the prohibition on using public resources for campaigns. Senator Wagoner said the bill was meant to clarify ethics rules and allow harmless historical or decorative items, but members and staff raised concerns about what counts as “previous” campaign material and suggested tightening the language. The hearing on Senate Bill 5863 focused on preserving Lakeland Village historical records until at least fiscal year 2030 and allowing archival access after 75 years; Senator Kauffman and disability advocates described the bill as an act of respect and historical accountability, and testimony from family members and advocates was unanimously supportive. Finally, Senate Bill 5840 would change campaign finance reporting schedules to fixed monthly dates and require more regular C-4 filings; the PDC said the goal was greater transparency and easier compliance, while several treasurers supported simplification but warned about burdens from zero-activity filings and some timing provisions. The committee noted the bills were scheduled for executive action on Friday and adjourned after the final hearing.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Jun 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Transcript Highlights:
- Today we're going to be hearing a number of different issues relative to gaming and racing.
- an act establishing a standardized problem gambling disclaimer and helpline, and S. 241, an act relative
- to problem gambling in the Public Health Trust Fund, S. 241, an act relative to problem gambling and
- animal in a cruel or inhumane manner in a race, game, or contest, and whoever, having the charge or custody
- owner or otherwise, inflicts unnecessary cruelty upon it... ...and whoever, having the charge or custody
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a range of gaming, racing, horse protection, problem gambling, and lottery bills. A major focus was H. 356 and related horse-racing legislation, which drew strong support from residents and animal-welfare advocates who argued that proposed racetrack and simulcast developments should require upfront traffic, environmental, public health, and economic studies, plus stronger local approval and transparency. They said past proposals in several communities had lacked adequate information and had imposed costs on towns. Opponents, including the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, argued that the bills would harm racing, breeding, farms, and related jobs, and said horse racing is already heavily regulated and that claims about slaughter and safety were overstated. Several speakers also supported S. 280, which would protect horses and phase out or restrict horse racing, citing animal cruelty, injuries, and deaths.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 235 and HB 332 to authorize regulated online casino gaming (iGaming). DraftKings, FanDuel, IDEA, and the Sports Betting Alliance supported the bills, saying iGaming is already occurring illegally in Massachusetts and should be brought into a regulated, taxed market with age verification, responsible gaming tools, and consumer protections. They projected substantial annual tax revenue and argued legal iGaming would not cannibalize brick-and-mortar casinos, instead creating a “rising tide” effect. Opponents, including Local 26, the National Association Against iGaming, and problem-gambling advocates, warned of job losses, casino cannibalization, increased addiction, and greater harm to vulnerable players, citing experiences in other states and rising helpline calls. The committee asked for follow-up information on revenue and market-size estimates.
Later, Rep. Scanlon testified in support of S. 240 and S. 241, which would standardize gambling disclaimers and require annual reporting on problem-gambling treatment funded through the Public Health Trust Fund. He said the bills would make it easier for people to find help and improve oversight of treatment programs. Rep. Garcia testified in support of H. 434, which would change the formula for distributing lottery revenues, arguing that gateway and lower-income communities such as Chelsea contribute heavily to lottery sales but receive too little back in local aid. After hearing additional testimony and reading into the record bills that received no testimony, the committee recessed briefly, then closed the hearing by motion and vote.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- I've handled child custody case... ...of mental health professionals in child custody cases.
- I've handled child custody cases in over 50 Louisiana courts, and I've actually tried child custody cases
- That's how this obsession with the 50-50 custody has affected... ...with the 50-50 custody has affected
- I got the presumption of 50-50 custody. I got the presumption of 50-50 custody.
- , this is cases where you have joint custody.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Early Learning & Human Services Jan 27th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When a child is taken into custody under one of those methods, or when a petitioner is seeking out-of-home
- harm due to child abuse or neglect, or the parent, guardian, or custodian has been charged with custodial
- tools, to give them some guidelines so they know how to move forward, you know, this seems like a relatively
- seen innumerable children die with safety plans in place, even safety plans requiring a friend or relative
- By way of background, as we were just discussing, when a child is taken into custody or there's a request
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on House Bill 2511, which would define “imminent physical harm” in the child welfare context as a substantial risk of serious harm arising from home conditions, caregiver conduct, neglect, substance abuse, unsafe environments, or other circumstances likely to cause significant injury. Representative Tom Dent, the sponsor, said the bill was intended to give caseworkers clearer tools to protect children while still recognizing the importance of keeping families together. Supporters, including some foster parents, kinship caregivers, advocates, and individuals with lived experience, argued that the current standard is too vague and has contributed to child fatalities and near-fatalities, especially in cases involving fentanyl exposure, chronic neglect, and abuse. They said clearer language would help courts and caseworkers intervene earlier and more consistently. Opponents, including legal aid, public defense, and child welfare policy groups, argued the bill is legally problematic, could conflict with existing statutes and ICWA-informed language, and would not address root causes such as service gaps, training, and inconsistent implementation. DCYF testified “other,” saying the bill could add clarity but that the language needed refinement; the sponsor said he was open to working on changes. No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing.
The committee then heard House Bill 2660, which would allow courts at shelter care hearings to order parents of children under age five to comply with safety-related conditions, evaluations, or services when the child is returned home, with referrals required within seven days and participation not treated as an admission of abuse or neglect. The sponsor, Representative Ortiz-Self, said the bill is aimed at critical incidents and would give caseworkers and courts more ability to require safeguards for very young children when families are not voluntarily engaging in services. DCYF and the Office of the Family and Children’s Ombuds supported the bill, saying it could help prevent tragedies by allowing earlier court-ordered services and safety conditions. Some advocates and parents also supported it, describing cases where removal or court intervention helped protect children. Opponents, including public defense and some family-support organizations, raised constitutional and due process concerns, argued that services are not the same as immediate safety, and warned the bill could shift problems without fixing underlying service shortages. The sponsor and DCYF discussed the need for follow-up on language and implementation, but no committee action or vote was taken in the hearing.
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Corrections and Public Institutions Mar 10th, 2026
Corrections and Public Institutions
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, it's relatively high when we're, I mean, I'm new to the budget committee, so... ...it's relatively
- Everybody under our supervision or in custody is under the controlling authority of either the courts
- And then individuals that are in the custody of the Department of..."
- And so you're assigned to different institutions based on your custody level.
- And the more time you have, the higher your custody level is.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children (11-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Mother had three other children, all of which were placed in relative care.
- </c> realize they're in our state's custody. realize they're in our state's custody.
- And all of these families were able to retain custody of their child.
- We have four youth who are custody.
- </c> grandparents and and by other relatives grandparents and and by other relatives and<01:46:58.400
Summary:
The committee approved the October 22, 2025 minutes and then heard a presentation from the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel on accidental ingestion of illegal drug products by children. Panel members said pediatric ingestions have become the most common case type they review, with the highest-risk children ages one to four, and that fatal cases have increased in recent years. They reported that the substances most often involved are fentanyl, cannabinoids including THC products, methamphetamine, and increasingly xylazine; they also noted a decline in buprenorphine-related ingestions, which they viewed as a positive trend.
The panel used several case examples to highlight recurring problems in investigations and medical response, including delayed DCBS involvement, failure to administer Narcan, inadequate drug testing, lack of child abuse team involvement, and limited or absent law enforcement investigation. They said law enforcement issues are especially common in pediatric ingestion cases and are concentrated in Jefferson County and the Bluegrass/KIPA regions. One example involved a one-year-old who died from fentanyl and Benadryl intoxication; another involved a two-year-old who died after ingesting multiple substances; and a third involved a four-year-old with near-fatal THC gummy ingestion where delayed treatment worsened the child’s condition. They also described a 10-month-old THC ingestion case that resulted in a criminal abuse conviction, which they presented as an example without missed investigative opportunities.
Committee members discussed possible policy responses, including creating a more specific criminal child abuse offense or clarifying existing abuse and neglect definitions to cover unsafe access to illegal drugs, while preserving room for true accidents and prescribed medications. Members also raised the need for statewide standardization in reporting, investigation, and medical response, and suggested the panel should be able to call in agencies such as law enforcement, DCBS, judges, and hospitals for closed-session review of selected cases. The panel chair said they were already pursuing meetings with LMPD and would provide Jefferson County-specific breakdowns, and members expressed interest in additional data and agency follow-up before considering legislation.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Commerce May 20th, 2026
Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm reading the title of this provides relative to the Louisiana Board of Hearing Aid Dealers.
- Third, there's a three-year custodial hold. The custodian holds the asset for at least three years.
- aligned on the core framework: the three-year dormancy period, in-kind delivery, the three-year custodial
- So California did sign SB 822 in October 2025, becoming the first state to mandate in-kind custody.
- No, none have come into our custody at all. Oh, okay, not like unclaimed property that you get.
Keywords:
economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price
Summary:
The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud.
The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection.
The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.
FL
Bills:
S0050, S0054, S0176, S0178, S0198, S0290, S0420, S0502, S0538, S0706, S0834, S0936, S0962, S1004, S1080, S7022
Keywords:
veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, cognitive function, psychotropic drugs, violent offenders, autopsy procedures, medical records, school safety, campus safety, higher education, university safety, college safety, student safety, threat assessment, violence prevention, credible threat, campus security
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced several bills, beginning with CS for CS for SB 54, which requires district medical examiners to perform toxicology screenings for psychotropic drugs and intoxicating substances in autopsies of violent offenders and report findings to state agencies. It was reported favorably after brief discussion about how the data would be used. CS for SB 176 also passed, requiring public postsecondary institutions to make campus safety reporting and response procedures clearer and more accessible for students, faculty, and staff who receive threats. Both bills were approved without opposition in the meeting.
The committee then took up the large Florida Farm Bill, CS for CS for CS for SB 290, which drew extensive testimony and multiple amendments. The bill includes changes to fair associations, a preemption on local restrictions affecting gas- and diesel-powered farm equipment, surplus of certain state-owned lands for agricultural use, a food animal veterinary loan repayment program, permanent authorization for Farmers Feeding Florida, expanded Florida Forest Service training, a ban on signal jamming devices, tougher CDL English-proficiency penalties, protections for food safety inspectors, biosolids provisions, and contractor payment enforcement. Amendments expanded veterinary loan eligibility to equine veterinarians, merged citrus research entities, made technical corrections, and revised contractor payment language; a late-filed amendment removed the bill’s disparagement clause after significant First Amendment concerns and public testimony. A separate amendment delayed biosolids compliance deadlines. The bill was reported favorably as amended.
Also approved were CS for CS for SB 834, which repeals a restriction on health care sharing ministries partnering with licensed insurance agents, while adding a disclaimer requirement; SB 936, allowing temporary door locking devices at any height above the floor and directing the Building Commission to add standards to the code; and CS for SB 50, expanding veterans’ courts statewide. Later, CS for CS for SB 1004 advanced with a strike-all regulating dog and cat sales, requiring disclosure of medical records and financing terms, a three-day waiting period for financed purchases, and consumer protections against deceptive pet sales; an amendment removed an appropriation section. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 178, which directs the FHSAA to adopt rules allowing coaches to provide limited good-faith support to student-athletes, and CS for CS for SB 198, regulating virtual currency kiosks with registration, warnings, transaction limits, receipts, and refund protections. Each of these bills was reported favorably by recorded vote.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/04/2026 - Senate Health and Human Services
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- court finds that the child continues to be dependent, it must enter orders concerning the placement, custody
- Determine whether DCS has identified and assessed whether placement with a relative or other person with
- The hospital must immediately take custody of the infant if the parent advises a staff member that the
Keywords:
informed consent, surgical procedures, healthcare professionals, patient rights, regulatory compliance, child welfare, dependency hearings, foster care, court procedures, parental rights, healthcare compliance, behavioral health technicians, licensing, monitoring, administrative burdens, basic first aid, good samaritan, medical licensing exemption, Arizona medical board, A.R.S. 32-1421
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- the 2020 general election exposed massive failures in one county's ability to demonstrate chain of custody
- So I think that what's there is plenty adequate for the chain of custody.
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission
TX
Keywords:
SB 801, birth certificate, birth record, certified copy, homeless, homelessness, unhoused, vital records, state registrar, local registrar, county clerk, fee waiver, identity documents, ID access, housing insecurity, shelter, transitional housing, Health and Safety Code, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission