Video & Transcript Research : 'codified laws'
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FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Feb 18th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- WE CODIFIED COLLABORATION WITH STATE AGENCIES. SIMILAR TO WHAT SENATOR BURGESS BILL WAS DOING.
- TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT CODIFIES THAT FORMAL RELATIONSHIP.
- HELPED GET IT CODIFIED UNTIL THE BALL ROLLS. WE TRY TO MAINTAIN THE FLEXIBILITY AND INNOVATION.
- HELPED GET IT CODIFIED UNTIL THE BALL ROLLS. WE TRY TO MAINTAIN THE FLEXIBILITY AND INNOVATION.
- IT WAS ADDED TO THE SCHOOL BRIDGE BECAME CODIFIED IN FEDERAL LAW BACK IN 22.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Combatting Antisemitism Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm a professor of law at Boston University School of Law.
- securities law, corporate law.
- Those are kind of secondary bodies of law: securities law, corporate law.
- of law that play into it.
- of law that play into it.
Summary:
The meeting began with roll call, approval of the May 5 minutes, and opening remarks thanking commissioners and the public for their attendance. The commission then heard testimony from former Ambassador Alan Solomont, who argued that antisemitism is rising in multiple forms, including white nationalist antisemitism and antisemitism tied to anti-Israel rhetoric after October 7. He said campus antisemitism should be addressed with nuance, distinguishing protected political speech from conduct that targets Jewish students, and warned against weaponizing antisemitism to attack higher education, civil liberties, or federal research funding. He urged the commission to use multiple definitions and frameworks, including IHRA, Nexus, and the Jerusalem Declaration, and to focus on campus-specific solutions, civic education, and civil discourse. Commissioners asked him about Tufts’ antisemitism training, the role of the federal government, the use of the IHRA definition, and how to improve civic education; he emphasized local campus responses, broader civics instruction, and protecting democracy and due process.
The second major witness was Professor David Weber of Boston University, who testified on the BDS movement and anti-BDS laws. He described BDS as a campaign targeting Israeli businesses, universities, and institutions, and argued it functions as a propagandistic and discriminatory effort that fuels antisemitism and chills dialogue on campuses and in public life. He cited examples such as SodaStream, Ben & Jerry’s, and Brown University, and said anti-BDS laws in 37 states have been effective and constitutional because they regulate government economic activity rather than suppress speech. Weber urged Massachusetts to adopt an anti-BDS statute or executive order, saying the state’s large Jewish population and economic ties to Israel make the issue especially important. Commissioners questioned him about which states have such laws, the impact on dialogue and campus culture, possible legal frameworks, and whether BDS is really aimed at the Israeli government or at individuals and institutions; he maintained that BDS targets people and entities connected to Israel and that anti-BDS measures can help draw a line against illiberal conduct.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- THIS PROVIDES AN EXCEPTION FOR NURSING HOMES OPERATED BY STATE AGENCIES FROM THE REQUIREMENTS CURRENT LAW
- APPROPRIATE AND NECESSARY AUTHORITY TO ENSURE QUALITY CHILDCARE REGULATION WILL STREAMLINE CURRENT LAW
- WELFARE SYSTEM ACROSS THE STATE AS AMENDED IT RECOGNIZES THE NEEDS OF MILITARY FAMILIES SEEKING TO CODIFY
- MY UNDERSTANDING IS WHEN IS ISSUED FOR A CHILD THE DEPARTMENT CANNOT FIND OR ACCESS LAW ENFORCEMENT IS
- CONCERNING THE MISSING CHILD REPORTS AND TRYING TO CLEAR UP THE AMBIGUITY OF WHICH LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government (3-5-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- the pension board is this is codifies the pension board is this is codifies the<00:03:05.760>
- The current law prohibits foreign donations to candidates or super PACs, and this law seeks to put ballot
- prohibits favorable uh the current law prohibits favorable uh the current law prohibits foreign<00
- I want to say that this law is not about the smoker.
- Chair. there is a non-codified section that any there is a non-codified section that any teacher<00:39
Keywords:
Meeting Start: 00:05
Attendance Roll Call: 00:17
HB 30 (Rep. Blanton): 01:12
HB 27 (Rep. Osborne: 05:22
HB 45 (Rep. Hodgson): 08:29
HB 211 (Rep. C. Lewis): 15:54
HB 441 (Rep. Tipton): 36:38
Adjournment: 41:20, 958, all
Summary:
The Senate State and Local Government Committee met and first took up House Bill 30, which addresses pension spiking and retired state troopers returning to work. The sponsor and Kentucky Public Pensions Authority staff said the bill would codify court language clarifying that across-the-board raises from the General Assembly do not count as pension spiking, and the committee substitute would also give retired troopers rehired on a year-to-year basis the same vacation, sick leave, and bereavement benefits as new troopers. The committee adopted the substitute and a title amendment, and HB 30 passed 9-0.
The committee then considered House Bill 27, which removes an arbitrary 2023 date from the Planned Communities Act that had created confusion over political signage rules in HOA and planned community phases. The sponsor said the change would preserve HOA authority to regulate sign size, duration, and placement while eliminating inconsistent treatment of neighboring properties. The bill passed 10-0.
House Bill 45 followed, proposing to ban foreign funding in Kentucky elections and ballot measures and to require disclosure for express advocacy ads related to ballot measures. Supporters said the bill would put ballot measures on the same footing as candidate and PAC restrictions and prevent foreign nationals from influencing Kentucky elections; one senator raised concerns that the language could unintentionally chill participation by noncitizens, especially in one-on-one discussions, and the sponsor said he would work on that issue. The committee adopted the bill as amended, and it passed 8-1.
The final major item was House Bill 211, which would create a narrow exemption allowing cigar bars under defined conditions, including a revenue threshold, age restrictions, ventilation requirements, and local permitting options. The sponsor said the bill would not roll back general smoke-free laws but would allow tightly regulated cigar bars and grandfather existing ones from some requirements. Public health witnesses, including a nurse, a physician, and a thoracic surgeon, opposed the bill, warning it would weaken strong smoke-free protections, harm workers and patrons, and reverse progress against tobacco-related disease. The transcript provided did not include a final vote on HB 211.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So at the end of the day, House Bill 2641 simply codifies the federal law, plus that, you know, that
- So if the feds do amend the hemp law, our law will stay in alignment with them.
- State and local law enforcement enforces state law.
- We're simply codifying Missouri law to align with federal law because, in the absence of that alignment
- yet, how come we are attempting to codify something that actually isn't federal law yet?
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-02-04 (4:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This codifies current law. So current law addresses things like clothing.
- All of this is already in the law. The goal is to stop this law from being ignored.
- We already have laws, and I thank this legislature for those laws, and I thank God.
- Like, we don't get involved in litigation as lawmakers, but for you to take the case law and codify it
- This statute is already Florida law. The enhancements are already law.
Summary:
The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Washington County administrator Alan Massey, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several gallery recognitions. The chamber adopted the special order report and then took up a series of bills on the special order calendar. Early measures included CS/HB 967 on electronic payments to local governments, which passed 110-0, and HB 127 requiring cursive writing instruction in grades 2-5, which passed 111-0 after members spoke about literacy, signatures, and heritage. CS/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 111-0 and would allow certain students to use Special Olympics participation for PE credit and marching band for PE and arts credit. The House also passed CS/HB 237 on use of professional nursing titles, which requires APRNs using the title doctor to clarify they are APRNs, by 111-0.
The chamber then debated HJR 583, a proposed constitutional amendment on religious expression in public schools. Supporters said it would codify existing statutory protections for student and school personnel religious expression and let voters decide; opponents argued it was unnecessary, could create confusion, and risked constitutional problems involving school-sponsored prayer and the separation of church and state. After structured debate, the resolution passed 93-17. The House next passed CS/HB 363 on dental therapy, which creates a licensed mid-level dental provider and drew sharp debate over access to care versus patient safety; it passed 80-29. HB 375 on autonomous practice by certified registered nurse anesthetists passed 78-28, and HB 301 on psychiatric mental health APRN autonomous practice passed 88-18.
Later, the House passed HB 863 on arbitration for Citizens Property Insurance disputes, giving policyholders a choice between arbitration and court, by 105-3, and HB 1399 on property insurance affiliates, which increases oversight of insurer-affiliate transactions, by 160-3. Members also heard and advanced a local claims bill, HB 6517, for relief of Eribeito and Sanchez Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg, describing severe injuries allegedly caused during an arrest and transport; the bill was rolled over for third reading at the end of the transcript. Throughout the day, members also paused for multiple recognitions of visiting students, local officials, professional groups, and community organizations.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Government Oversight Government Oversight will be meeting AFTER the Rules Committee Adjourns Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- piece of legislation that essentially tries to… …is a piece of legislation that essentially tries to codify
- some of the findings of a recent law report when it comes to streamlining different governmental agency
- I think what I'm hearing is more than likely it's a situation where law enforcement has an encounter
- It's just that we're kind of codifying it now. Already doing.
- It's just that we're kind of codifying it now, putting it in statute. There's a list.
Summary:
The committee heard and advanced a series of Senate bills dealing with county government, elections, licensing, property liens, and financial protections. SB 1877 would streamline and make more transparent the reporting of governmental agency reports to the legislature. SB 483 would allow counties to create voluntary relocation assistance programs, with supporters describing it as a way to help people in crisis connect with family or services rather than simply moving them along; it passed after questions about nonprofit involvement, tracking, and safeguards. SB 1198 would address county-held tax-delinquent properties by requiring Oklahoma Health Care Authority liens to be resolved in the county sale process, and SB 1286 would require political subdivisions to provide polling-place rooms at no cost when needed as a last resort, especially where private sites like churches are no longer available.
The committee also advanced SB 1287, which clarifies that abstractor licenses do not have to be issued to people not lawfully present in the United States; members asked about TPS, visas, and remote work, and the bill passed. SB 1451 would add notification and reporting provisions to help counties and states maintain voter registration rolls and communicate when voters move, with discussion focused on duplicate registrations, name mismatches, and the end of Oklahoma’s participation in ERIC. SB 1581 would extend the time to gather signatures for a county grand jury petition from 45 to 90 days and add a 10-day protest period, and SB 1623 would update the state charter framework. SB 2067 would create a framework for financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation of protected adults and seniors, and SB 2135 would authorize county purchase agents to use county P-cards under rules similar to state purchasing procedures.
Most bills were reported due pass by wide margins, including unanimous votes on SB 1286, SB 1623, SB 2067, and SB 2135. SB 1877 passed 14–1–1, SB 483 passed 15–2, SB 1198 passed 16–1, SB 1287 passed 15–2, SB 1451 passed 14–3, and SB 1581 passed 15–2. SB 2139 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene the following day.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Generally then, Senate Bill 1574 would codify. by the Centers of Excellence Program that identifies,
- I'm Victor Villarreal, judge of Webb County Court at Law II in Laredo.
- Now, in my eighth year of judicial service, I preside over criminal misdemeanors, family law programs
- , the first county. court of law in Texas to attain the designation.
- Senators, it's a pleasure to preside over the laws that you pass and to uphold them.
Keywords:
hydraulic fracturing, sales tax exemption, oil and gas, environmental impact, water reuse, justice, judicial council, centers of excellence, court operations, recognition program, franchise tax, retail trade, tax classification, business regulation, economic impact, SB 2873, Texas Tax Code, electronic filing, e-filing, tax reports
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
JDC, JDC DEFER Public Hearings 03-24-2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Lars Troutman, for the Policing Project at NYU School of Law, in support.
- Number one, this creates dangerous barriers to necessary law enforcement.
- And they're not necessarily beholden... ...to what's actually codified in law and having to demonstrate
- And you're saying that all this evil will follow from that - Because it's codified law, sir?
- - Well, it's codified now that they can arrest them with a citation.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several nominations and bills. It first recommended advise and consent for Governor’s Message 573, confirming Luann Blake to the Statewide Elections Accessibility Needs Advisory Committee after she described her experience as a blind voter and her goals of improving outreach and accessibility for voters with print disabilities. The committee then took up the judiciary supplemental budget bill, HB 2095, with testimony from the courts and several supportive organizations. The courts requested funding for security, cybersecurity, substance use treatment contracts, public guardian services, staffing, and capital projects; members questioned the lump-sum CIP request, the substance use contract funding, and the Kamanu Hale elevator project. The committee later voted to pass HB 2095 with amendments, including changes to cybersecurity funding, security-related report language, and other committee-report notes.
The committee also heard HB 1520, which changes the five-year statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of campaign finance violations to begin upon discovery by the Campaign Spending Commission. The commission supported the bill, saying it would prevent delayed reporting from avoiding prosecution, while one senator raised concerns about due diligence, tolling, and the difference between administrative and criminal enforcement. The bill drew broad support from advocacy groups and was advanced with an amendment clarifying “criminal prosecution.” HB 1548, which reduces the maximum sentence for misdemeanors and other offenses punishable by up to one year to 364 days, received strong support from the Public Defender, immigrant-rights groups, OHA, and others, who said the change would reduce immigration consequences for noncitizens. The committee later amended and passed the bill, limiting it to non-violent offenses.
HB 2050, increasing partial public financing limits and available public funds, was supported by the Campaign Spending Commission and good-government groups, while OHA asked for parity with lieutenant governor races. The committee passed it with amendments increasing the public-fund match and funding levels, and requested additional appropriations in the committee report. HB 2494, which would set factors for warrantless arrests for petty misdemeanors and violations and require documentation of the justification, drew strong support from the Public Defender and civil-liberties advocates but opposition from the Attorney General’s office, prosecutors, police, and some business groups, who warned it would restrict officer discretion and trigger litigation. The committee nevertheless passed it with amendments. In a final decision-making agenda, the committee also passed HB 2250 with amendments, adding blank appropriations and committee-report language related to claims against the state, including claims involving exonerees and a disputed USEPA-related claim.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Williams responded that the law and rules regarding the Livestock Loss Board are fairly clear.
- As described, the bill does codify an existing policy statement.
- What's the impact of codifying this existing policy, and would it harm water management in any way?
- It's essentially codifying current practice. All right. Mr. Chairman? Yes. Thank you. Mr.
- The state fair or petting zoo cannot be sued because they have a liability law to protect them.
Keywords:
petting zoos, animal encounters, public health, handwashing, supervision, sanitization, safety regulations, civil penalties, water supply, groundwater, Phoenix, certificates, long-term storage credits, water conservation, municipal provider, replenishment obligation, water banking, annual report, Arizona Water Banking Authority, water supply management
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine S.124, to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for disciplinary procedures for supervisors and managers at the Department of Veterans Affairs and to modify the procedures of personnel actions against employees of the Dep Mar 11th, 2025 at 09:30 am
Senate Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Engelbaum, and you can decide who should answer, current law prohibits surviving spouses to maintain
- I'm not prepared to testify about that act, but several provisions have already been signed into law
- In other words, we've made some changes in the law.
- Nowhere could we find anywhere where, in law, it said that.
- That's why we support codifying them. They've been the standard for half a dozen years.
Keywords:
Department of Veterans Affairs, disciplinary procedures, accountability, personnel actions, whistleblower protection, cancer, military, aircrew, veterans, health study, toxins, morbidity, mortality, service members, mental health, community care, accessibility, treatment programs, substance abuse, appointments
Summary:
During the meeting, various members engaged in extensive discussions surrounding 15 proposed bills related to veterans' affairs. Notably, concerns regarding recent VA workforce changes sparked debates, particularly about potential cuts and their implications for veterans' care and benefits. Chairman Moran emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms and coordination with stakeholders, urging responsible measures to prevent negatively impacting service delivery. The meeting highlighted a significant bipartisan effort to enhance veterans' access to essential health services, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by the VA workforce. Senator Blumenthal's assertions about the urgent plight of veterans due to cuts in personnel drew strong reactions, showcasing the deep concern among committee members regarding the current state of veteran services.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband May 2nd, 2025
S/C on Telecommunications & Broadband
Transcript Highlights:
- Does this law codify current law?
- So if this law were enacted, it would settle the law.
- Clarification of the law, it is a wholesale change in the law that has been in the statute for 20 years
- And as the first person who testified, the lawyer who testified, Texas law is unlike the laws in other
- The law is not that you have to own, operate, or control old facilities. That's not Texas law.
Keywords:
broadband, internet access, digital equity, tax reduction, government funding, rural counties, fiber-optic, state funding, infrastructure, digital divide, economic development, fiber-optic cable, excavation, utilities, civil penalties, municipal regulations, video services, regulation, public right-of-way, franchise authority
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Utilities and Energy Committee and Natural Resources Committee and Transportation Committee Aug 20th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- They're not subject to the labor laws in California.
- Bolstering and codifying existing law to ensure that this measure doesn't undermine the health and safety
- I mean, the 3,200-foot setback is the law of the land.
- A city or county ordinance can't override the law of the land.
- Christina Skorind with the Center's Climate Law Institute.
Summary:
The joint informational hearing of the Assembly Committees on Utilities and Energy, Transportation, and Natural Resources focused on California’s transportation fuels sector, especially the state’s response to refinery closures and the broader transition away from fossil fuels. Opening remarks emphasized the tension between climate and air-quality goals, fuel affordability, refinery jobs and local tax bases, and the need to avoid crisis-driven responses as Phillips 66 and Valero consider shutting refineries in Wilmington and Benicia. Professor Emily Grubert framed the issue as a long-term managed transition in which the public already bears much of the risk and should also capture benefits from a well-planned shift.
CARB Chair Leanne Randolph reviewed the state’s emissions and fuel policies, including AB 32, the low-carbon fuel standard, clean vehicle programs, and the at-berth regulation for ocean-going vessels. She said California’s transportation sector remains the largest source of greenhouse gases and a major source of smog-forming pollution, but that the state has made substantial progress and still needs to reduce demand for fossil fuels while maintaining compliance with federal air-quality standards. Randolph also said CARB’s recent LCFS amendments had not caused the predicted spike in gas prices and explained that compliance pathways for the at-berth rule include emissions-reduction technologies or payments into a remediation fund.
CEC Vice Chair Gunda described declining gasoline demand, shrinking in-state refining capacity, and growing dependence on imports, arguing that the state is in a “mid-transition” period that requires both support for legacy infrastructure and continued investment in cleaner alternatives. He outlined the administration’s petroleum market stabilization proposal, which aims to return California crude production to 125 million barrels a year through four components: codifying the ban on fracking, validating the Kern County oil-and-gas permitting ordinance, creating a temporary CEQA exemption paired with a two-for-one plug-and-drill framework, and strengthening pipeline and spill-safety requirements. Department of Conservation Director Jennifer Lucasey said the proposal is intended to stabilize crude supply and pipeline throughput while preserving health and environmental protections, and noted that CalGEM would still review permits and enforce other requirements.
Mayor Steve Young of Benicia testified that a Valero closure would significantly reduce city revenue and leave the community facing years of cleanup and redevelopment challenges. He said the city supports environmental protection but is worried about the economic hit, the possibility that Benicia becomes a fuel-import terminal, and the lack of local influence over refinery decisions. Members pressed the panel on the CEQA exemption, tribal and habitat review, disclosure of closure liabilities, fuel-demand projections, and whether the proposal should include more demand-side measures. No formal votes were taken; the hearing was informational, and officials said some proposals, including a margin-cap pause and further transition planning, would be taken up later in the process.
IN
Transcript Highlights:
- Some may be one hour in law enforcement or a criminal code, one may be one hour in EVOC training.
- Are we requiring any sort of document... ...with prior law enforcement employers.
- Just because on their military base, they don't enforce different laws.
- Because on their military base, they don't enforce different laws.
- They may have different probable causes, but it's still the same law enforcement officer, still law enforcement
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210, 3 March, 2026; 2:30 P.M.
Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency
Transcript Highlights:
- Section 9 directs the new health care professions board provisions to be codified by Mississippi code
- <00:12:36.880>
to amends Medicaid related law to amends Medicaid related law to require<00 - provisions to be codified by Mississippi code. code. code.
- There are two different legislative subpoena code sections in current law.
- <00:15:50.120>
This current law. This current law.
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 1596, which Senator Johnson explained as a companion to another crypto-kiosk bill. He said the measure was being used to open the code and remove new kiosk language temporarily while lawmakers work on a regulatory framework for crypto kiosks, which are being used in scams involving callers posing as law enforcement and directing victims to deposit cash into kiosks. Members discussed the lack of reporting and registration data, the estimated number of kiosks in the state, and whether regulation might require identification and registration of the devices. The committee adopted the motion for title sufficient, do pass as amended, and reported the bill out.
The committee then considered House Bill 859, which would eliminate the in-person absentee voting envelope while keeping the 45-day in-person absentee voting period and existing excuse requirements. Senator England said voters would still complete an affidavit and cast the ballot directly into an OMR machine, and he noted that circuit clerks preferred this version. The committee asked a few clarifying questions and then passed the bill, reporting it out.
Next was House Bill 925, the CLEAR Act, which Senator McMahan described as a revised PEER-related bill that had been worked on with the governor’s office after a prior veto. He outlined provisions creating a PEER review program for agency rules, Medicaid transportation evaluations, a State Board of Health Professions, changes to the corporation work initiative program, and PEER subpoena and enforcement language. An amendment was adopted to delete the subpoena-related sections that had raised constitutional concerns and to retain the reverse repealer. After questions about the advisory role of the new board, the committee passed the bill as amended.
The committee also heard House Bill 1171, a strike-all that Senator Sparks said would mirror a Senate bill on grant transparency. The measure would require clearer grant objectives, objective eligibility criteria, disclosure of conflicts and board relationships, reporting by grantees and subgrantees, and signed documentation under penalty of perjury with CPA review. Members asked about enforcement, and Senator Sparks said improper reporting could lead to loss of funds, audits, and possible criminal consequences. The committee adopted the strike-all and reported the bill out. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 1393, which would create an energy development fund at the Mississippi Development Authority for long-term infrastructure planning tied to large industrial energy users. Members asked whether the fund would cover water resources as well as electricity; the sponsor said it was intended for energy infrastructure, not water, and was aimed at large industrial projects such as steel mills. The committee adopted the strike-all and moved to report the bill out.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy (3-12-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:03:45.560>
protecting stringent than federal law protecting stringent than federal law - <00:03:53.000>
the tape second the bill codifies the tape second the bill codifies the definition - It's required by law to report and monitor that data.
- As I said, I'm the director of policy at Appalachian Citizens Law Center, our public interest law firm
- <00:20:26.120>
which for decades under our state laws which for decades under our state laws
Keywords:
Meeting Start 00:00
Attendance Roll Call 00:04
SB 89 Discussion 00:59
SB 89 Roll Call Vote 24:49, 958, all
Summary:
The committee met in a special called session, confirmed a quorum, and took up Senate Bill 89. The sponsor, Scott Maiden, said the bill was intended to address permitting issues affecting coal and other industries, and he described it as supported by a broad coalition of business, agriculture, and industry groups. He said the bill would align Kentucky’s definition of “waters of the Commonwealth” with federal definitions and would codify the existing definition and calculation method for long-term treatment bond requirements at mine sites. He also emphasized that the bill would not eliminate groundwater protections, drinking water protections, or prohibitions on hazardous substance dumping.
A committee amendment was discussed and adopted to add and clarify definitions, including navigable waters, sinkholes with open drains, certain springs, and wellhead protection areas. The sponsor said the amendment was intended to address concerns that the bill was too broad and noted that it was worked on with Louisville Water and other stakeholders. Testimony in opposition came from Rebecca Shelton of Appalachian Citizens Law Center, who argued the bill would leave private wells and groundwater vulnerable and cited groundwater contamination data. Nick Hart of Kentucky Waterways Alliance urged the committee to preserve the current definition and requested a statutory review and economic impact analysis. Audrey Ernsberger of Kentucky Resources Council said the bill would strip protections from most groundwater, ephemeral streams, karst aquifers, and many private wells, and warned of higher water-treatment costs and pollution risks.
Members asked questions about the meaning of “carcinogenic” and the difficulty of cleaning up contamination in private wells. During roll call, several members explained their votes, with supporters saying the amendment protected water while preserving needed flexibility for industry, and opponents saying they could not risk weakening water protections or harming private wells and agriculture. The committee voted to pass SB 89 as amended with a favorable recommendation to the Senate, and then moved to roll the committee amendment into a committee substitute.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Apr 23rd, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- And then after that, the law did change.
- In 2022, under that law in prison.
- And then after that, the law did change.
- Right, for law enforcement. For law enforcement. That's the only way they know. Right. Thank you.
- These are for-profit businesses that can rely on contract law and civil law and various other debt collection
Bills:
HB91, HB123, HB167, HB255, HB264, HB321, HB884, HB955, HB967, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB994, HB1005, HB1104, HB1107, HB1109, SCR3
Keywords:
criminal procedure, disclosure, criminal records, witness protection, trial rights, electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice
Summary:
The committee first handled housekeeping by voluntarily deferring HB 123, HB 255, and HB 994 without objection. It then took up SCR 3 by Sen. Myers, which sought to delay implementation of a State Police rule change affecting criminal history background checks for certain health care workers and authorized agents until October 1, 2026, to avoid hiring delays. An amendment was adopted to remove language authorizing parish and local law enforcement to perform checks during the interim. After testimony from health care stakeholders who supported the delay, SCR 3 as amended was reported favorably.
The committee next considered HB 978 by Rep. Lecombe, which as amended changed the bill from a town-of-Addis-specific exception to a broader adjustment in the population threshold for municipalities required to remit special costs to the district indigent defender fund, raising the threshold from under 5,000 to under 9,000 population. Supporters said the change would relieve small mayor’s courts and similar local courts of a $45-per-violation burden that was not well suited to those systems. The bill drew support from local officials and was reported favorably as amended.
HB 967 by Rep. Moore, which would have expanded parole eligibility for certain long-serving offenders convicted before July 2, 1973 by removing language limiting eligibility to those who had pleaded guilty, generated extensive debate. Supporters argued the bill would only allow elderly prisoners to be considered by the parole board and would not guarantee release, while opponents, including district attorneys and the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, argued the 2022 law already covered those who pled guilty and that the bill would extend relief to people convicted at trial of serious violent crimes. After discussion, the motion to report HB 967 favorably failed on an 8-3 vote.
The committee then heard HB 1107 by Rep. Melancon, a post-conviction procedure bill for capital cases involving claims of intellectual disability. The bill, as amended, raised the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence, required expert reports and IQ information, applied Daubert-style reliability screening, and clarified that it only applies in death penalty cases. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys said the bill would create a clearer procedure and speed resolution of Atkins claims; opponents from disability-rights, criminal defense, and medical groups argued it would replace clinical standards with a rigid statutory definition, rely too heavily on a 75 IQ cutoff, and risk excluding people with genuine intellectual disabilities. Testimony continued through the end of the transcript, with no final committee vote shown on HB 1107.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing: Human Services Committee and Health and Human Services Committee - Part 1 - 05/04/26
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:02:22.400>
By <00:02:22.720>codifying impose prepayment review. - By codifying impose prepayment review.
- Therefore, I think we should be thinking clearly about how to codify that.
- thinking clearly about how to codify thinking clearly about how to codify that.<00:04:33.199>
- And if the administrative law fraud.
Summary:
The joint hearing opened with chairs explaining that the program integrity omnibus bill is a combined draft assembled from individual member bills and governor proposals, many of which had already been heard in committee. Members emphasized the compressed end-of-session timeline, said the language was not yet ready for enactment, and invited continued revisions as the bill moves next to judiciary and finance. Several speakers stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration, while also warning that the Legislature must act this session on program integrity rather than defer reforms.
The fiscal staff then walked through a spreadsheet showing the bill’s overall budget effects and major provisions. The package includes DHS proposals on transforming human services, market- and receipt-based rate reform, enhanced program and payment integrity, uniform service standards, nursing facility rate changes, ICS reforms, and a repeal/redesign of housing stabilization, along with child care assistance integrity and human services redesign items in DCYF. Staff highlighted that the bill combines multiple sources, including governor proposals and member bills, and noted several items that are also in the supplemental human services budget.
Committee discussion focused heavily on prepayment review, remote supports, ICS, and provider accountability. Chairs said the bill would codify prepayment review with a 60-day notice requirement after providers were caught off guard by prior rollout, and that remote supports and ICS language were placeholders or under active debate. One member argued the system needs stronger standards but cautioned against harming compliant providers, while another urged the committee to learn from good providers and warned against repeating failed implementations. Staff also reviewed thematic indexes covering billing and service delivery oversight, EVV, administrative reform, licensing and background studies, provider enrollment, sanctions, and child care provider compliance training.
No formal votes were taken in the portion provided. The hearing ended with staff beginning the index walkthrough and members indicating that posted amendments would be considered as the bill advances through the remaining committees.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Most of those, I'm assuming should be laid out in law as far as what the LMHA should be doing, what the
- The bill codified SB 24, codified the alternatives to abortion program, which had always existed in previous
- Uh, in codifying the program, SB 24 specified the following.
- This proven and long-standing program was then codified in the eighty-eighth legislature as Thriving
- Current law enables TDLR to issue dietitian licenses.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Health and Human Services - Part 1 - 03/17/26
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyone with a drug under current law.
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- inspiring future child labor laws. inspiring future child labor laws.
- , rely on this same immunization law, rely on this same immunization law, eliminating<00:47:40.440
- state law. state law.