Video & Transcript Research : 'Catholic'
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LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ross Cockrell, Holy Family Catholic School, would like to speak.
- African American Catholic school in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
- Francis Xavier Catholic School provides a superior quality Catholic education along with a safe environment
- Francis Xavier Catholic School.
- Francis Xavier Catholic School. My name is Christopher J.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic schools in Texas are growing and are ready to serve.
- Catholic schools in Texas are growing and are ready to serve.
- And so in the Catholic Church, we have an accreditation commission, the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation
- So this is not just that the Catholics do it this way.
- What is it as it relates to the Catholic Charities?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Members from both parties emphasized education as a major issue, while several Republicans framed the committee’s work around school choice and parent empowerment. Senator West and other Democrats stressed protecting public schools, listening to Texans, and considering the effects of vouchers or education savings accounts on school districts and communities.
Chairman Creighton laid out Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, describing it as a universal education savings account program modeled on similar programs in other states. He said the bill would provide about $200 million for a universal eligibility pool and additional funding for students with disabilities and lower-income families, with priority weighting for former public school students. He also highlighted anti-fraud measures, vendor pre-approval, criminal background checks, cybersecurity protections, annual testing requirements for participating students, and the use of the Comptroller rather than TEA to administer the program. Creighton repeatedly said the bill is not a voucher and argued it would not take money from public schools, which he said would receive separate historic funding increases.
Members questioned Creighton about the 500% of federal poverty line definition, the adequacy of the $10,000 ESA amount, whether the program would favor students already in private school, how microschools and homeschool pods would fit, and whether the bill protects religious liberty and private-school autonomy. Democrats raised concerns about disability protections, 504 students, foster children, public-school funding, open records, and the historical context of vouchers. Republicans generally supported the bill as a way to expand options for parents and students, while also asking about administration, fraud prevention, and data security. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, with EdChoice President Robert Inlow presenting in support of SB 2 and citing the growth and reported success of school choice programs nationwide.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- So, John Yupp is president of Catholics for Catholics.
- He spent 15 years serving the Catholic Church as a religious seminarian.
- In 2022, he co-founded Catholics for Catholics with the goal of mobilizing the Catholic community to
- They have shaken the Catholic political landscape, as noted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal
- for Catholics.
Summary:
The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, guest introductions, and approval of the journal. Members then adopted motions to extend the second regular session, suspend the seven-bill limit for budget-related measures, and request the Senate return SB 1786 (Artificial Intelligence Content Verification) for reconsideration. The House also moved into Committee of the Whole to consider calendar items.
In Committee of the Whole, members advanced SB 1057 with a do-pass recommendation. SB 1171, dealing with health and human services, was amended on the floor amid discussion of fingerprinting and fraud prevention, with supporters saying it would help address Medicaid fraud and improve accountability; it was then recommended do pass as amended. SB 1424, an education bill requiring age-appropriate firearm safety instruction and guidance on safe storage, drew extended debate. Supporters framed it as common-sense gun safety and child protection, while opponents argued it was an unfunded mandate, infringed on parents’ rights, and diverted attention from core academics. A proposed Gutierrez floor amendment to shift the focus toward secure storage responsibility was rejected by division vote, 23-31, and the bill was then recommended do pass. SB 1515, concerning public safety pay, was amended to create a public safety parity fund using rainy day fund interest and was recommended do pass as amended.
After the Committee of the Whole report was adopted, SB 1171, SB 1424, and SB 1515 were deferred to engrossing, SB 1178 was retained on the calendar, and SB 1057 was placed on third reading. The House then held an additional Committee of the Whole on SB 1552, adopted a minor floor amendment, and recommended the bill do pass as amended. On third reading, SB 1021 failed 22-35, while SB 1215, SB 1345, SB 1456, and SB 1493 all passed. The House also received several appropriations bills on first reading and adjourned until Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after announcing a special Joint Appropriations Committee hearing for the next morning.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Gun Violence Prevention Working Group - 09/15/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- My daughter Vivian is a third-grader at Annunciation Catholic School.
- My daughter Vivian is a third-grader at Annunciation Catholic School.
- I AM BROCK SAVED THE FATHER OF TWO ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC TWO ANNUNCIATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS ESTELLA
- The Minnesota Catholic Conference and the Archdiocese of Minneapolis and St.
- Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Minnesota Catholic Conference have supported common-sense gun
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Senate Committee on Education K-16 Jan 28th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic schools in Texas are growing and are ready to serve.
- Catholic schools in Texas are growing and are ready to serve.
- And so in the Catholic Church, we have an accreditation commission, the Texas Catholic Conference Accreditation
- So this is not just that the Catholics do it this way.
- What is it as it relates to the Catholic Charities?
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Education K-16 convened with a quorum, adopted its committee rules, and heard opening remarks from members introducing staff and outlining priorities for the session. Several senators emphasized support for public education, teacher pay and safety, parental choice, and the combined K-16 jurisdiction of the committee. The chair also reviewed hearing procedures, including public testimony registration and time limits.
The main item was Senate Bill 2, the Texas Education Freedom Act, laid out by Chairman Creighton. He described the bill as an education savings account program intended to expand school choice, with a $200 million universal eligibility pool and an additional $800 million targeted to students with disabilities and lower-income families. He said the bill includes anti-fraud safeguards, criminal background checks for vendors, reporting requirements, data protections, and annual testing for participating students, while not imposing STAAR on private schools or homeschoolers. He also said the bill removes a prior hold-harmless provision for public schools and is separate from public school funding and teacher pay legislation.
Members questioned the bill’s income threshold, lottery and priority structure, treatment of homeschoolers, microschools, charter schools, religious freedom protections, citizenship/lawful presence language, cybersecurity, open records, and disability-related issues, including whether 504 students and foster children should be included. Creighton said the bill is designed to prioritize former public school students with disabilities or lower incomes, while also allowing universal eligibility within the program’s first funding tier, and that the Comptroller would oversee vendor screening and cybersecurity rules. He said the bill does not direct curriculum or interfere with religious beliefs and that amendments may be offered later on citizenship and other issues. After member questions, the committee began invited testimony, starting with EdChoice representative Robert Inlow, who testified in support of SB 2 and cited national growth in school choice programs and studies he said show positive effects for students and public schools.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Ross Cockrell, Holy Family Catholic School, would like to speak.
- African American Catholic school in the Diocese of Baton Rouge.
- Francis Xavier Catholic School provides a superior quality Catholic education along with a safe environment
- Francis Xavier Catholic School.
- Francis Xavier Catholic School. My name is Christopher J.
Summary:
The committee met for public testimony on the Finance budget, with the main discussion focused first on funding for disability services and then on the LA GATOR scholarship program. Several individuals testified in support of fully funding Families Helping Families and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), describing how advocacy, transition services, and direct support workers help people with disabilities access education, employment, and independent living. Witnesses urged the committee to preserve or increase state general funds to draw down federal matching dollars, and provider groups said current reimbursement rates and staffing shortages are leaving agencies in deficit, creating waitlists, overtime costs, and difficulty retaining workers. Committee members thanked the speakers and noted that the testimony would be used to compare the governor’s, House, and remaining budget requests.
The committee then heard extensive testimony in support of increasing funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program. Supporters included policy groups, school leaders, parents, and students who argued that the program expands educational choice, helps low-income and special-needs students find schools that fit their needs, and should be fully funded at the level of demonstrated demand. Speakers from Catholic and Christian schools said GATOR funding had helped students thrive academically and spiritually, but that shortfalls left many eligible students without awards, hurt kindergarten enrollment, and forced schools to raise private donations to cover gaps. Several witnesses emphasized that the program is not a zero-sum attack on public schools, but a way to let education dollars follow students.
A few committee questions focused on the fiscal impact and on whether choice programs improve outcomes without harming public schools. Testimony cited enrollment growth, parent demand, and data from other states to argue that school choice can improve student and parent outcomes and may also strengthen traditional public schools through competition. No votes or formal actions were taken during the public testimony portion of the meeting.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- part of the many issues that they try to educate Catholics on.
- part of the many issues that they try to educate Catholics on.
- part of the many issues that they try to educate Catholics on.
- part of the many issues that they try to educate Catholics on.
- many issues that they try to educate Catholics on.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
ACT 310, SLH 2025 Nonprofit Grants Program Informational Briefing 11-20-2025
Hawaii Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- million Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, $400,000 Bridge House, $150,000 Castle Medical Center, $500,000 Catholic
- million Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, $400,000 Bridge House, $150,000 Castle Medical Center, $500,000 Catholic
- million Boys and Girls Club of Hawaii, $400,000 Bridge House, $150,000 Castle Medical Center, $500,000 Catholic
- Catholic<00:04:39.280>
Charities <00:04:39.759>Hawaii, <00:04:40.320>300,000. - Catholic Charities Hawaii, 300,000. Catholic Charities Hawaii, 300,000.
Summary:
The hearing was an informational briefing on Act 310, which set aside $50 million for nonprofit and community organizations facing uncertainty, especially amid federal funding disruptions. Speakers thanked Aloha United Way for handling applications, as well as the governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leadership, and legislative staff for helping craft the measure and review more than 200 applications totaling over $150 million in requests. They noted the funding was intended as a safety net for organizations serving at-risk populations and those that had lost federal support, with priority given to healthcare, human services, education, the arts, and food distribution.
The co-chair then presented the recommended award list, describing it as aimed at programs with broad reach and high impact. The list included a large number of nonprofits and community providers across the state, such as food banks, health centers, youth and family services, domestic violence and legal aid organizations, cultural and educational groups, and hospitals. Several of the larger awards mentioned included Hui Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, West Hawaii Community Health Center, The Food Basket, and multiple Maui and Oahu service organizations.
After the full list was read, the chair asked for discussion or objections. Hearing none, the committee adopted the list of nonprofit awards as read. The briefing then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Executive director of Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying for House Bill 1388.
- The Catholic Church in Texas, through Catholic Charities, religious orders, parish ministry, and pregnancy
- Anyone's allowed, but who, who are currently, who are the current religion, Catholic Charity.
- Um, and we don't, you know, from a Catholic perspective, Catholic Charities delivers our services because
- we're Catholic, not because our clients are.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic hospitals in an emergent situation, having worked in mostly Catholic hospitals by chance in
- severe injury or death Catholic severe injury or death Catholic Hospitals<04:06:22.399>
in having worked in mostly Catholic having worked in mostly Catholic Hospitals<04:06:26.680>by< - But to your point that people know Catholic hospitals don't do that, I don't agree with that.
- it really doesn't pertain to a Catholic it really doesn't pertain to a Catholic Hospital<04:11:37.319
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, a bill allowing classification by biological sex in limited settings such as multiple-use bathrooms, certain sports, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters said it was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for minors, and argued it was consistent with recent federal and state developments. Opponents said the bill was poorly defined, unnecessary, and could create discrimination or confusion, especially because it did not define “biological sex” in the text. The committee voted 10-8 ought to pass, and the chair said a minority report would be written.
The committee then considered HB 254, a bill concerning medical aid in dying. The chair moved ought to pass and described the bill as a matter of liberty for terminally ill patients within six months of death, arguing it should not be treated as suicide. Opponents raised religious, ethical, and policy concerns, including worries about a slippery slope, misuse by vulnerable people, and the effect on death records and public health data. The committee voted 11-7 ought to pass, and the chair said a majority report would be written with a minority report by Representative Perez.
Finally, the committee turned to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment dealing with recoupment of costs for appointed counsel. The chair explained the amendment would restore the law to its pre-2020 form, allowing the Office of Cost Containment to seek repayment from some recipients of appointed counsel services, including those found not guilty, if they had the ability to pay. Supporters said the prior change had sharply reduced collections and that the state should not treat indigent defendants differently from people who hire private counsel. Opponents argued the policy unfairly bills innocent people and children who were entitled to counsel. The transcript cuts off during debate on the amendment, before a vote is shown.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic Catholic School<01:07:54.119>
Mr <01:07:54.400>kist School Mr kist School Mr - Thirty-one percent of our students are not Catholic.
- advancement for Ascension Catholic advancement for Ascension Catholic Academy<01:23:58.480>
as - <01:25:06.000>
Academy Excellence at Ascension Catholic Academy Excellence at Ascension Catholic - <01:25:29.119>
School four schools Ascension Catholic School four schools Ascension Catholic
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic Conference of Bishops testifying in support of Senate Bill 1388.
- The Catholic Church in Texas, through Catholic parish ministry and pregnancy support centers, has been
- There are dozens of Catholic service providers currently providing holistic case management services
- **Catholic Charities** - They provide various pregnancy support services through their extensive network
- From a Catholic perspective, Catholic Charities delivers our services because we are Catholic, not because
Keywords:
SB 670, investigational sun protection products, sun protection, sunscreen, FDA approval, clinical trial, phase one trial, patient access, informed consent, physician prescription, Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Medical Board, compassionate use, experimental treatment, medical freedom, patient autonomy, healthcare regulation, dietitian, dietitians, licensed dietitian
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Judiciary (03/03/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic hospitals in an emergent situation, having worked in mostly Catholic hospitals by chance, in
- <04:05:16.120>
Hospitals Catholic Hospitals Catholic Hospitals um<04:05:18.680>exercise severe injury or death Catholic severe injury or death Catholic Hospitals<04:06:22.399>- Catholic hospitals in an emergent situation, having worked in mostly Catholic hospitals by chance, in
in having worked in mostly Catholic having worked in mostly Catholic Hospitals<04:06:26.680>by<
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee met in executive session and first took up HB 148, which would allow classification by biological sex in limited circumstances such as multi-use bathrooms, certain athletic events, and involuntary commitment facilities. Supporters argued the bill was needed to protect privacy and safety, especially for women and girls, and said it was consistent with recent federal actions and prior legislation. Opponents said the bill lacked a clear definition of biological sex, could create confusion and discrimination, and was unnecessary because existing law and sports rules already address the issues raised.
After debate, the committee voted 10-8 to recommend ought to pass on HB 148. The chair asked for a majority report and noted that a minority report would likely be filed. The committee then considered HB 254, a bill related to end-of-life medical decision-making. Supporters framed it as a matter of liberty and relief from suffering for terminally ill patients, while opponents raised moral objections, concerns about suicide being normalized, and worries about deceptive wording and death-certificate reporting.
HB 254 was approved on an 11-7 vote for ought to pass, with the chair indicating he would write the majority report and Representative Perez the minority report. The committee then moved to HB 611 with Amendment 2025-0638, a replace-all amendment restoring prior law on recoupment of appointed-counsel costs from indigent criminal defendants and juveniles. The chair explained the amendment as reversing 2020 changes that had limited cost recovery, and the discussion focused on financial affidavits and the Office of Cost Containment’s ability to review indigency claims. The transcript cuts off before the committee vote on HB 611.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- and Catholic schools or parochial schools and non-parochial schools.
- We've had deadly violence occur on Catholic campuses.
- and Catholic schools or parochial schools and non-parochial schools.
- We've had deadly violence occur on Catholic campuses.
- And so consequently, the Catholic schools, ...on Catholic campuses.
Keywords:
recreational vehicle parks, special assessments, property tax, occupancy rates, commercial assessment, school safety, guardian program, firearms, crimes near schools, security assessments, public postsecondary education, medical freedom, vaccination, ivermectin, healthcare practitioner liability, immunization exemptions
Summary:
The committee first took up CS for SB 896, a school safety bill expanding the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions. The bill requires active assailant response plans, security risk assessments, threat-management protocols, use of the suspicious activity reporting tool, and allows voluntary participation in Guardian for colleges and universities. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty are not eligible for Guardian. Members debated campus carry concerns, storage of firearms, and whether the bill could lead to broader gun access on campuses. Several faculty and gun-safety advocates testified against the bill, while supporters argued trained guardians can deter violence. The committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote.
The committee then approved CS for CS for CS for SB 1690 on child care and early learning services. The bill updates child care laws, clarifies regulations, and reduces overregulation of before- and after-school programs. An amendment expanded authority for the Florida Education Foundation to fundraise for early learning from birth to VPK. Testimony was largely supportive, emphasizing affordability, access to quality child care, and relief for working families, though one speaker opposed the bill as an expansion of government. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee passed CS for CS for SB 118, which clarifies how non-ad valorem special assessments are applied to recreational vehicle parks and limits the square footage used for assessment purposes to the maximum size of an RV space. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which addresses seaport and airport planning, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, advanced air mobility, toll programming, and other transportation-related changes. Amendments modified provisions on personal delivery devices, utility permits, autonomous vehicle penalties, and law-enforcement cruiser lights. Both bills were reported favorably.
Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756, the medical freedom bill, which proposes new vaccine information requirements, conscience-based school immunization exemptions, limits on compelled vaccination during public health emergencies, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin for adults. The sponsor and supporters framed the bill as strengthening informed consent and parental rights, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about vaccine hesitancy, herd immunity, and the inclusion of ivermectin. Public testimony was extensive and sharply divided. The transcript ends during continued testimony and debate on SB 1756, before a final vote is taken.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, please join me in welcoming participants in Catholic Days at the Capitol, seated in both chambers
- President, members, please join me in welcoming our visitors for Catholic Days.
- President, members, please join me in welcoming our visitors for Catholic Days.
- President, members, please join me in welcoming our visitors for Catholic Days.
- Welcome to the Florida Senate. ...welcoming our visitors for Catholic Days.
Summary:
The Florida Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing visiting groups and guests, including college students and leaders, health and nonprofit organizations, Catholic Days at the Capitol participants, foreign dignitaries from Morocco, and others. Senators also observed a moment of silence for the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, with remarks honoring the Parkland community and the school safety law that followed.
The chamber then took up a special order calendar of bills, beginning with several claims bills and local relief measures. SB 14 for Jose Correa against Miami-Dade County passed 37-1, and HB 6517 for A. Sanchez-Mayan against the City of St. Petersburg passed after substitution. HB 6515 for Lordes Latour and Edward Lator against Miami-Dade County also passed 38-1. The Senate then approved SB 52 on volunteer armed security at places of worship (39-0), SB 124 updating Florida Virtual School statutes (39-0), SB 504 on code inspector body cameras (39-0), and SB 506 on related public records (38-1).
A lengthy debate centered on SB 7040, which recreates the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund through December 31, 2027. Several senators argued for tighter oversight and supported an amendment by Senator Berman that would have limited fund use and required Legislative Budget Commission approval for continued spending; that amendment failed 12-27. The underlying bill then passed 29-10. Senators also adopted SB 594 on local housing assistance for mobile home owners (39-0), SB 656 strengthening Internet Crimes Against Children programs (39-0), SB 806 creating right-to-repair protections for wireless devices and agricultural equipment (39-0), SB 816 establishing the University of Florida Diabetes Institute (39-0), SM 1186 urging Congress to increase Florida National Guard force structure by voice vote, SB 308 creating the Florida Museum of Black History with a late-filed amendment clarifying ex officio nonvoting legislative members (39-0), and SB 572 updating ethics law to include foster children and foster parents, as amended (38-0). The Senate also withdrew SB 1360 from further consideration, certified passed bills to the House, and adjourned until February 19.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- But if I want my child to go to the Catholic school right now, I need to use the EFA program.
- But if I want my child to go to the Catholic school right now, I need to use the EFA program.
- But if I want my child to go to the Catholic school right now, I need to use the EFA program.
- But if I want my child to go to the Catholic school right now, I need to use the EFA program.
- But if I want my child to go to the Catholic school right now, I need to use the EFA program.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
EIG-HHS-HOU, HOU-HHS, HOU DEFER Public Hearings 03-19-2026
Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- Catholic Charities Hawaii in support. Aloha Chair and Vice Chair.
- I'm Betty Lou Larson with Catholic Charities Hawaii. We strongly support this bill.
- Catholic Charities Hawaii in support. Aloha Chair and Vice Chair.
- I'm Betty Lou Larson with Catholic Charities Hawaii. We strongly support this bill.
- Catholic Charities Hawaii in support. Aloha Chair and Vice Chair.
Bills:
HB1700
Keywords:
housing, expedited permits, disabilities, access, functional needs, local government, affordable housing, reporting requirements, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint committees on Housing and Health and Human Services, along with related committees, heard and later took action on three housing bills. HB 1700 HD1, relating to housing and expedited permitting, received support from disability advocates, including the Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and a self-advocate who said faster permitting would help people with disabilities access more independent living options. The chairs said they would add amendments to ensure expedited permitting would not compromise ADA or Fair Housing Act protections and to require reporting on the number, type, and geographic distribution of projects so the program could be evaluated over time. The measure was recommended and adopted with amendments by the participating committees.
HB 1777 HD2, which would require tenant protections for residents displaced by HHFDC-supported redevelopment projects, drew support from HHFDC, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Parents and Children Together, and numerous other organizations. Testimony emphasized the need for a right of first offer, replacement housing payments, relocation information, and tracking procedures to reduce displacement harms, especially for Native Hawaiian and public housing residents. In decision-making, the committees amended the bill to incorporate the Senate companion measure, rename the working group as the tenant protection working group, broaden its duties, and include a $75,000 appropriation for working group expenses. The committees also noted concerns about unequal treatment between tenants in publicly supported projects and private redevelopments, and referenced the KPT low-rise redevelopment as an example where required relocation assistance still did not proceed smoothly. The bill was recommended and adopted with amendments.
HB 1975 HD1, relating to kupuna housing, would repeal the sunset on the state rent supplement program for kupuna, appropriate funds to HPHA, and add positions to support the program. HPHA, the Executive Office on Aging, OHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, AARP Hawaii, Aloha Independent Living Hawaii, and others testified in support, with Catholic Charities describing how the subsidy helped a senior remain housed through major medical issues. The committees later recommended passage with amendments, including a technical correction to the number of positions and a date fix, and the recommendation was adopted.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- President, the Archbishop, who is seated to your right, by Catholic rules, I guess, as I understand it
- And the Catholic Church, under his leadership, has taken a very different direction.
- Santa Fe is sometimes a political thing, and the Catholic Church is tied into that history.
- That's just one of the many examples of an individual who, when I came here 25 years ago, the Catholic
- of Guadalupe Catholic Church at 7 a.m. by invitation, and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant legislative
ND
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the executive director of the North Dakota Catholic Conference.
- The North Dakota Catholic Conference strongly supports common-sense legislation to fight against the
- All three of the last popes and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have publicly decried
- Just a quick question: Are you aware of either the Catholic Church or other ministries in North Dakota
- Are you aware either the Catholic Church or other ministries in North Dakota that actually do directly
Bills:
HCR3028
Keywords:
human trafficking, victim services, re-entry programs, legislative study, public safety, mental health, law enforcement, 908, all
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard and acted on several measures related to human trafficking, criminal procedure, and child protection. It first took up House Concurrent Resolution 3028, which would direct a legislative study of human trafficking victim services and re-entry programs. The sponsor and supporters emphasized helping victims rebuild basic life and workforce skills and better understanding existing services; YouthWorks and the North Dakota Catholic Conference described current programs and the trauma victims face. The committee discussed overlap with other interim studies, then voted unanimously to give the resolution a due pass, with Senator Braunberger designated to carry it.
The committee then considered House Bill 1263, concerning sealing criminal records, and moved it forward without changing the House version after members noted the House had removed presumption language and reduced the waiting period. That bill also received a due pass recommendation. Next, House Bill 1226, which revises the state’s mask law for public places, drew testimony from the sponsor and an expert witness who argued that masking to conceal identity during group criminal conduct undermines public safety and law enforcement. Members debated the House-added requirement that law enforcement request unmasking; the committee adopted an amendment to remove that language, then passed the bill as amended, with Senator Luick to carry it.
Finally, the committee heard House Bill 1410, a study resolution on criminal conduct against children, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the use of artificial intelligence in exploitation crimes. Supporters from the Child Sexual Assault Prevention Task Force, YouthWorks, and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Dakota said the study would help update outdated terminology, review AI-related issues, and improve investigation and prosecution tools. The committee approved the resolution with a due pass recommendation, and Senator Cory was assigned to carry it. The committee also received a brief report that, in a quick review, there were 82 active studies introduced, including 10 shall studies and 35 shall-consider studies, with limited overlap identified beyond the trafficking-related measures.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- that day when all of God's children—Black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics—will
- men Jews and Gentiles<00:02:38.400>
Protestants <00:02:38.920>and <00:02:39.239>Catholics - <00:02:39.920>
will Gentiles Protestants and Catholics will Gentiles Protestants and Catholics
Summary:
The House convened with a silent reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance, then the clerk took the roll and noted Representative Oumou Verbeten was absent. Members explained that the House was meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day only to satisfy the constitutional requirement to meet every three days, and all absent members were excused. A member delivered remarks honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting his commitment to justice, equality, nonviolence, his visits to Minnesota, and his legacy of judging people by the content of their character.
No bills or substantive legislative business were taken up. The majority leader moved that when the House adjourned it would stand adjourned until noon Wednesday, January 22, 2025; the motion prevailed by voice vote. A subsequent motion to adjourn also prevailed, and the House adjourned until noon Wednesday, January 22, 2025.