Transcript Highlights:

• We have a definition of what an abortion is.
• That is the purpose of the definition of an abortion, as well as the Definition of why what you would
• I was just curious in the definition of abortion.
• Why do we need to include that as a definition? Think that question.
• We have always included those in our definition of an abortion.

Bills: HB1168

Keywords: abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, medication abortion, mifepristone, misoprostol, methotrexate, pro-life, pro-choice, reproductive health, unborn child, trafficking, felony, contraception, pharmacist, pharmacy, Title 63, Oklahoma statutes, abortion pill, drug distribution, criminal penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• I was just going to say, if it wasn't clear, these definitions are New Mexico definitions.
• They're not federal definitions. Thank you. Yes.
• But in the personal income tax, statutes again in the definitions, we've got the definition of adjusted
• Base income—that's an important definition.
• All those definitions that we ran through with you before.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill will strengthen and expand the definitions of nationality and religion, create a more robust
• We strongly urge you to oppose this bill because it changes the definition of not allowed.
• The IHRA definition might be a term that we've heard in this committee, or otherwise.
• , or a similar definition of antisemitism, has come to the desk.
• That definitely happens through the teaching of ethnic studies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I heard you say that you're cleaning up the definition language.
• Given the broad scope of this and the loose definition...
• Yes, most definitely. As you mentioned, this bill was... It was filed late, HB5600.
• and mining industry rely on that definition.
• Section 75 has become the de facto definition of what is a mineral in Texas.

Bills: HB3619, HB3652, HB4572, HB4891, HB4941, HB5103, HB5105, HB5106, HB5224, HB5600

Keywords: surface estate, well plugging, Railroad Commission, landowner rights, liability, strategic reserve, gas supply, petroleum products, disaster response, Railroad Commission of Texas, energy security, emergency planning, oil and gas waste, environmental regulation, waste management, mining pits, groundwater monitoring, regulation, commercial disposal facilities, environmental standards

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:39:51.599> of morals clarifies that the definition of morals clarifies that the definition
• The bill would also clarify certain definitions and consolidate them in the definitions statute.
• We'll move the definition of seeks medical or law enforcement assistance into the definition section
• of amendments we'll move the definition of amendments we'll move the definition of<00:58:03.520>
• <00:58:06.240> section assistance into the definition section assistance into the definition

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken. SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases. The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• definition section of that statute. definition section of that statute.
• So, this just um definition in rule.
• <00:25:52.320> into puts that that uh definition into puts that that uh definition into statute
• There we go. definition. definition.
• um this definition of individual. Mr. um this definition of individual. Mr.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DEQ is definitely involved in those situations.
• The first several amendments deal with definitions.
• It removes the definition of RECAP. It removes the definition of statewide order 29B.
• This is a definition. Yeah.
• The definition itself. Yes. Right. Right.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• On this one, we are definitely awaiting clearance from Finance and Ways and Means.
• 04:09.360> awaiting<02:04:10.239> um one, we are definitely awaiting um one, we are definitely
• , making some amendments to definitions, making some amendments to definitions, etc.<02:47:39.040
• <03:02:24.880> of paragraph one of the definition of paragraph one of the definition of sexual
• It says um definition to stay the same.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This straightforward definition in the statute does not include employment.
• This straightforward definition in the statute does not include employment.
• This straightforward definition in the statute does not include employment.
• This straightforward definition in the statute does not include employment.
• job take the vote there would definitely job take the vote there would definitely be<00:26:13.520

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Definitely, most of the cost has been in having the ability to do maintenance here.
• We definitely need to revisit that piece, and we can provide...
• That would definitely be something for us to consider.
• Not saying that layer two and three are not important, because they definitely are.
• We definitely looked at different options to do that.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, so that's the same definition from SB 2900. Yeah, yeah. That is in it, SB 2900.
• <00:26:58.320> of<00:26:58.720> a language of the definition of a language of the definition
• <00:27:10.320> Yeah,<00:27:10.640> so put in the wrong definition.
• Yeah, so put in the wrong definition.
• that's the same definition from SB 2900. that's the same definition from SB 2900.

Bills: HB1618

Keywords: cesspool conversion, cesspool replacement, wastewater, sewer connection, sewerage systems, septic system, pollution control, water pollution control revolving fund, Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, HGIA, low-interest loans, forgivable loans, homeowner financing, environmental infrastructure, public health, wastewater treatment, low- and moderate-income households, revolving loan fund, Department of Health, memorandum of agreement

Summary: The committees held a joint hearing on HB 1618 HD1, which would create and fund a cesspool conversion revolving loan fund administered by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority to help homeowners upgrade, convert, or connect cesspools. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support from state agencies and advocacy groups, with witnesses emphasizing that cost is the main barrier to cesspool conversion and that recent Kona flooding underscored the public health and pollution risks of cesspools. One testifier suggested the fund should actively pursue outside funding sources, and another urged an effective date that would allow counties to contribute sooner. A member raised concerns about whether loans would be affordable and whether other financing tools, such as tax credits, should also be considered; another member opposed the bill as not adequately addressing district-level sewer and septic issues. The committees ultimately recommended passage with amendments, including changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, and the motion was adopted. The joint Judiciary and Ways and Means committees then considered HB 2592 on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority. The chair outlined amendments to clarify that the authority would assume property and liability associated with transferred assets, preserve existing liability rules, transfer conditional use permits if not already transferred, allow lease extensions before transfer, and set reversion triggers if the authority fails to adopt a management plan by June 30, 2028, or administrative rules by December 31, 2029. Members asked about preserving the public trust and whether the amendments would keep the Board of Land and Natural Resources’ role intact; the chair confirmed the fee and board role would remain unchanged. The committees voted to pass the bill with amendments, and the recommendation was adopted. The committees also took up HB 2033, making further amendments to clarify the definition of state, delay certain effective dates, allow rental and U-Drive lessors to avoid liability by identifying renters, delete one section, and add administrative hearing language and bus-camera clarifications. HB 1888 was amended to expand protections for educational workers to include sports officials, define sports official, make intentional bodily harm a felony with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses, and authorize the attorney general to assist with restraining orders. Both measures were recommended for passage with amendments and adopted. Later, several bills were moved with little or no discussion: HB 1515, HB 1713, HB 1718, HB 2022, and HB 2385 were recommended for passage unamended; HB 2375 was deferred; and HB 1741 was amended to reflect Honolulu’s concerns, narrow study requirements, add exemptions and a delayed implementation date, and was recommended for passage with amendments. The committees adopted the recommendations on these measures, with some members noting reservations or prior opposition on certain bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• left out. ...definition that we inadvertently left out.
• So on page two, among the other definitions, we are putting number E and F.
• We would definitely like to meet with them.
• We left out those definitions." Mr. Chairman, nothing has changed.
• We've left out those definitions inadvertently. We've just put them back in.

Bills: SB64, SB19, SB44, SB83

Keywords: special education, office of special education, deputy secretary, public education department, IEP, individualized education program, students with disabilities, IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, dyslexia, dyslexia screening, structured literacy, reading intervention, multilayered system of supports, MTSS, student assistance team, free appropriate public education, FAPE, special education compliance, charter schools

Transcript Highlights:

• this is definitely something I support. this is definitely something I support.
• <01:11:04.480> and wanted to know what the definition and wanted to know what the definition
• And so when you remove that definition and then he adds his definition, why are you removing the word
• <01:44:58.639> for but it doesn't have a definition for but it doesn't have a definition for
• <01:46:18.639> for clarify or it gives a definition for clarify or it gives a definition for

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um there's no definition of services.
• Um and equally in that definition.
• Um, I..." definitions of cherish in there, nothing definitions of cherish in there, nothing has<02:00
• look at someone and use one definition look at someone and use one definition of<02:16:21.840>
• <02:22:06.479> which know so that particular definition which know so that particular definition

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first recessed for a subcommittee meeting on HB 313, which concerned an open-meetings-related issue. In the subcommittee, members discussed concerns that the bill might be unnecessary because current law already allows a person to request an open meeting in advance; the subcommittee then voted ITL on HB 313 by voice vote and closed its work session. The full Judiciary Committee then reconvened and took up CACR 6, the proposed constitutional amendment on a “right to compute,” with members debating whether the language was too broad and could create unintended consequences. Supporters framed it as a forward-looking protection for computation resources and strong encryption, while opponents said it was too open-ended and better addressed by future legislation. The committee voted ITL on CACR 6 by a 17-0 roll call. The committee next turned to HB 232, as amended, concerning the rights of conscience for medical professionals. The amendment narrowed the bill to abortion-related objections, removed sterilization and artificial contraception, aligned the abortion definition with existing state law, and reduced damages from treble damages to actual damages. Supporters said the bill would protect conscience rights, give physicians and patients more choice, and could help attract providers to New Hampshire. Opponents argued it was overly broad, unclear in key definitions, and could interfere with employers’ ability to assign staff, especially in rural health settings. Members also raised concerns about the bill’s scope and enforcement, including the broad definition of “participate,” the lack of clarity around exceptions for providers whose services include abortion as a “major part,” emergency determinations, and the inclusion of nursing homes in the definition of health care institution. Some members argued the bill singled out abortion while other controversial medical procedures were not treated similarly, and others criticized the minimum-damages provision as potentially punitive and designed to deter participation. The discussion continued without a final vote shown in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• interesting definition to utilize only because, um, in the section of law it says that this housing
• interesting definition to utilize only because, um, in the section of law it says that this housing
• interesting definition to utilize only because, um, in the section of law it says that this housing
• Um, I want to mention two RSA 674:58, IV, which is the workforce housing definition, and that's kind
• The RSA 72:23, III is the definition above, so it's still limited to the church purposes, right?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• well, now we need another definition." well, now we need another definition."
• was not in the definition. was not in the definition.
• definitely don't have a reluctant. definitely don't have a reluctant.
• . definitions. definitions.
• for those who fit different definition for those who fit this<02:13:56.079> definition.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We definitely are asking you to please support this bill.
• We definitely are asking you to please support this bill.
• Um, under the definition of what a portable health plan would be on pages nine and 10 of the measure,
• Under the definition of what a portable health plan would be on pages nine and 10 of the measure, it
• not the right person to definitely not the right person to answer.<00:42:59.119> Okay,<00:42:

Bills: SB2141, SB2593, SB2824, SB2135, SB2115

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so adding a definition of safety.
• definition definition by<01:37:01.199> utilization<01:37:01.840> of<01:37:02.480> this
• That is a a pretty good definition.
• So currently we definition of an act.
• ><02:28:39.200> when<02:28:39.439> it definitely the better expert when it definitely the

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• A lake is deeper than a pond, but you got to have parameter definition here.
• A lake is deeper than a pond, but you got to have parameter definition here.
• A lake is deeper than a pond, but you got to have parameter definition here.
• A lake is deeper than a pond, but you got to have parameter definition here.
• lack of clarification and definition lack of clarification and definition here,<00:15:46.000>

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call establishing a quorum of 35 members, and approval of the previous day’s journal. The chamber also received messages from the House that it had passed House Bills 43, 139, 297, 414, and 485 and requested concurrence. Second reading reports placed several bills in the Rules Committee, including measures on property disposition, children, school district sick leave, unemployment insurance, and status offenses, and a new resolution was introduced honoring the 10th anniversary of the 2016 session and its bullying-prevention legislation. The main floor action was on Senate Bill 39, relating to fishing in privately owned lakes and ponds. Senators debated multiple floor amendments, with several withdrawn and floor amendment 6 adopted. Supporters said the bill clarified private property rights and allowed stocking of F1 Florida bass without changing existing license requirements, while opponents and some supporters emphasized protecting the public trust, conservation funding, and the North American wildlife management model. After extended debate, the Senate passed SB 39 as amended by a vote of 29-8. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 154, relating to elections. The sponsor said it would strengthen election integrity by removing non-photo identification options, specifically Social Security cards and EBT SNAP cards, from the list of acceptable voter verification methods. Opponents argued the bill would make voting harder without evidence of fraud, citing that many Kentuckians used those IDs in the last election and that transportation and access barriers already exist. The transcript cuts off during debate on SB 154 before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't have the specific definition for what constitutes a major party.
• I can certainly put in those definitions to clear that up.
• But I'll make sure to tie in some definitions in order to certainly make that concrete.
• I can certainly put in those definitions to clear that up.
• But I'll make sure to tie in some definitions in order to certainly make that concrete.

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several election- and ethics-related bills, along with a block of gubernatorial confirmations. Senate Bill 572, by Senator Harrell, updated ethics statutes so the definition of “relative” would include foster parents and foster children; the Commission on Ethics supported the change as a recommendation, and the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 414, by Senator Bracey Davis, would have allowed campaign funds to be used for campaign-related child care expenses, but the sponsor said it lacked the votes to advance and temporarily postponed it. The committee also heard Senate Bill 500, by Senator Avila, which would provide FDLE protective security details for major-party nominees for governor, lieutenant governor, and cabinet offices through the election and transition period. Senators raised questions about definitions, current protections, and public disclosure of travel information; despite some opposition over taxpayer funding, the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 620, by Senator Mayfield, required candidates to disclose any non-U.S. citizenship when qualifying for office; testimony from a dual citizen criticized the bill as unnecessary and stigmatizing, while supporters framed it as transparency. The bill also passed favorably. Chair Gates then presented CS for SB 92, creating whistleblower-style protections for public employees who file ethics complaints based on firsthand knowledge, including remedies for retaliation; the Commission on Ethics supported it and it passed favorably. The committee also approved a slate of gubernatorial appointments en bloc. Finally, Senate Bill 564, by Senator Yarborough, would allow registered or pre-registered high school students to volunteer at polling places for community service hours; testimony from a supervisor of elections and advocacy groups supported the civics benefit, a senator asked about how it would interact with existing community service requirements, and the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned.