Transcript Highlights:

• It would require that if indigency is shown and the appointed attorney is not part of a public representation
• I am the director of family protection representation at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and I'm
• I am the director of family protection representation at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission, and I'm
• criminal indigent defense fee schedules when we've asked them to submit their family protection representation

Bills: SB387, SB1650, SB1838, SB1839, SB1923, SB1940, SB2052

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Summary: The Senate Committee on Jurisprudence heard several family-law and probate bills. Senate Bill 2052 would codify a rebuttable presumption that a parent acts in the best interest of a child and require clear and convincing evidence to overcome that presumption in disputes involving non-parents; the author and several witnesses supported the bill as a clarification of existing case law, while one witness suggested refining the modification language. Public testimony was closed and the bill was left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1923, which would allow child support to follow a child placed temporarily with kin or fictive kin under a parental child safety placement or authorization agreement; the bill’s author and a grandparent caregiver testified in support, while one witness suggested the Attorney General could handle the change administratively. That bill was also left pending. Senate Bill 1838 would standardize fee schedules and compensation rules for attorneys ad litem and related court-appointed counsel in DFPS child-protection cases. The author said the bill would clarify unclear current law, and witnesses from the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and family-defense bar supported it, though one asked that expert-witness expenses be expressly included. Senate Bill 387 would raise the bond requirement for county judges handling guardianship proceedings to at least $500,000; the author described it as a refiling of a prior bill that passed unanimously but was vetoed, and a statutory probate judge testified in support. Senate Bill 1839 would require original or paper wills to be delivered to the transferee court when probate proceedings are transferred; the committee substitute broadened the delivery methods, and the district clerk witness supported the change. All three bills were left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 1536, which had previously been voted out with the wrong committee substitute; members reconsidered the vote, adopted the corrected substitute, and then voted 3-0 to report the bill favorably to the full Senate, with local and contested calendar certification. Finally, Senate Bill 1940 would create a transfer-on-death mechanism for manufactured homes classified as personal property, similar to existing tools for real property and vehicles; the author and an estate-planning attorney testified that it would streamline transfers and reduce probate costs. A non-substantive committee substitute was still being prepared, and the bill was left pending.

Bills: HB 102, HB 126, HB 271, HB 290, HB 300, HB 538, HB 718, HB 1022, HB 1330, HB 2110, HJR 5

Keywords: military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, tuition assistance, military, Texas State Guard, education, mandatory fees, scholarship, Texas Armed Services, student access, academic records

Bills: HB 102, HB 126, HB 271, HB 290, HB 300, HB 538, HB 718, HB 1022, HB 1330, HB 2110, HJR 5

Keywords: military education, early registration, ROTC, corps of cadets, higher education, military academy, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, tuition assistance, military, Texas State Guard, education, mandatory fees, scholarship, Texas Armed Services, student access, academic records

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 2258 adds La Paz County to Area 4 of the six geographical planning areas of Arizona for representation
• Representative Biasiucci, could this be colloquially known as the 'No taxation without tourism representation

Bills: HB2065, HB2066, HB2071, HB2106, HB2237, HB2258

Keywords: appropriation, housing, Apache Junction, affordable housing, rehabilitation, blight abatement, broadband, fiber optic, technology, connectivity, infrastructure, rural development, workforce hub, health services, tourism, recreation, Superstition trails, funding, HB2258, Arizona tourism

Summary: The Committee on Rural Economic Development met briefly, adopted its committee rules, and heard several bills focused largely on Apache Junction, La Paz County, broadband, transportation, and rural economic development. HB 2258 would add La Paz County to Area 4 for representation on the Tourism Advisory Council and was described as correcting an omission; it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2065 appropriates $9.5 million for Apache Junction housing infrastructure, rehabilitation, and blight abatement; members discussed statewide housing shortages and the need for targeted rural-adjacent investment, and the bill passed 6-1. The committee then considered HB 2066, which appropriates $8 million for broadband and fiber optic expansion in Apache Junction. The sponsor emphasized rural connectivity and safety concerns, especially for the Navajo Nation and students, and expressed openness to federal BEAD funding and amendments; the bill passed 6-1. HB 2106, an emergency measure to direct undistributed county transportation excise tax revenues to ADOT for Pinal County road projects, was explained as a way to use escrowed funds for the voters’ intended purpose after litigation over the tax; it passed unanimously 7-0. Finally, HB 2071 would appropriate $15.5 million for a rural business and workforce hub, infrastructure revitalization, and a rural health and community services facility in Apache Junction. Members discussed whether the proposal should be broadened to other rural areas and the need for accountability and possible amendments, including for the Navajo Nation; it passed 6-1. The chair noted that one remaining bill would be held for the next agenda, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• It would require that if indigency is shown and the appointed attorney is not part of a public representation
• I am the director of family protection representation at the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and I'm
• criminal indigent defense fee schedules when we've asked them to submit their family protection representation

Bills: SB387, SB1650, SB1838, SB1839, SB1923, SB1940, SB2052

Keywords: judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation

Bills: HB 109, HB 136, HB 694, HB 1201, HB 1716, HB 2071, HB 2216, HB 2358, HB 2807, HB 2886, HCR 78

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, child welfare, notification, Department of Family and Protective Services, conservatorship, parental rights, legal representation, child placement, doula services, pilot program, medical assistance, mortality rates, child protection, healthcare procedures

Bills: HB 109, HB 136, HB 694, HB 1201, HB 1716, HB 2071, HB 2216, HB 2358, HB 2807, HB 2886, HCR 78

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, child welfare, notification, Department of Family and Protective Services, conservatorship, parental rights, legal representation, child placement, doula services, pilot program, medical assistance, mortality rates, child protection, healthcare procedures

Bills: HB 109, HB 136, HB 694, HB 1201, HB 1716, HB 2071, HB 2216, HB 2358, HB 2807, HB 2886, HCR 78

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, child welfare, notification, Department of Family and Protective Services, conservatorship, parental rights, legal representation, child placement, doula services, pilot program, medical assistance, mortality rates, child protection, healthcare procedures

Bills: HB2148, HB2993

Keywords: federal funding, state budget, appropriation, block grants, noncustodial funds, legislative authority, Arizona attorney general, Department of Public Safety, DPS, consumer fraud revolving fund, consumer protection fund, gang and immigration intelligence team enforcement mission fund, public safety appropriation, supplemental appropriation, outside counsel, state agency legal representation, legal services, state settlement proceeds, general fund, A.R.S. 41-192

Summary: The Committee on Appropriations, Transportation and Technology heard a presentation on advanced air mobility, featuring video and remarks about new aircraft technologies, including drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing craft. The presentation emphasized potential uses such as medical delivery, rescue operations, passenger and cargo transport, quieter flight profiles, and the need for coordination among industry, government, NASA, the FAA, and other partners. Members also noted an upcoming display of a Pivotal aircraft on the Senate lawn. The committee then considered House Bill 2148, which would grant the legislature authority to appropriate non-constitutional federal monies and require the legislature to specify the purposes for which those funds are spent, with a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. Supporters described it as a transparency and separation-of-powers measure, while opponents argued it would interfere with existing federal funding structures and state programs. The bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-4 vote. House Bill 2993 was also heard. It would appropriate $6.4 million from the Consumer Protection/Consumer Fraud Revolving Fund to the Department of Public Safety for FY 2026 and exempt DPS from the statutory restriction on employing legal counsel without approval. Testimony from the Arizona State Troopers Association supported the funding as an emergency need to avoid cuts to recruit classes, overtime, and patrol car purchases, but several members objected to combining the appropriation with the outside-counsel policy change. The committee approved the bill on a 6-4 do-pass vote. The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming committee events and adjournment.

Bills: SF856, HF3168, HF3528, HF389

Keywords: Inspector General, fraud prevention, state audit, public funds, misuse, transparency, government accountability, ethnic councils, diversity, governance, state participation, community representation, barbering, licensing, examinations, barber schools, public safety, certifications, Barber Examiners Board, Minnesota Historical Society

Bills: SB1312, SB1323, SB1599, SB1863, SB1932, SB1950, SB1956, SB1958, SB1966, SB1970, SB2052

Keywords: vehicle registration, automatic payments, Service Oklahoma, taxes, motor vehicle, prepayment program, memorial designation, highway, Sheriff Marty Grisham, transportation, Oklahoma Statutes, memorial bridge, dedication, Oklahoma, commemoration, memorial highway, road designation, John Skelley, motor carrier, administrative hearing

Bills: SB238, HJR1, SM21, SM22

Keywords: Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone

Bills: HB33, HB298, HB 1024, HB 1234, HB 1261, HB1696, HB298

Keywords: electronic monitoring, parole supervision, law enforcement, warrant execution, public safety, handgun license, judgment evaluation, medical advisory board, application denial, gun law procedures, abandoned property, unclaimed property, disposition, handgun, driver's license, commercial driver's license, weapon carry, gun rights, Texas legislature, legislative attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• Labor and Industry, which is made up of 50% union and 50% management, and we have metro and rural representation
• Labor and Industry, which is made up of 50% union and 50% management, and we have metro and rural representation
• Labor and Industry, which is made up of 50% union and 50% management, and we have metro and rural representation
• Labor and Industry, which is made up of 50% union and 50% management, and we have metro and rural representation
• Labor and Industry, which is made up of 50% union and 50% management, and we have metro and rural representation

Bills: HF846, HF1538, HF1959

Keywords: education, special education, apprenticeship, funding, grants, intermediate school districts, teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district

Bills: SF0114, SF0102, SF0117

Keywords: elections, Wyoming House of Representatives, state representatives, multi-member districts, county-based districts, party list voting, list voting, proportional representation, Jefferson method, greatest divisors method, ranked choice voting, RCV, primary elections, party conventions, minor parties, major parties, ballot design, apportionment, redistricting, nomination procedures

Bills: SF0114, SF0102, SF0117

Keywords: elections, Wyoming House of Representatives, state representatives, multi-member districts, county-based districts, party list voting, list voting, proportional representation, Jefferson method, greatest divisors method, ranked choice voting, RCV, primary elections, party conventions, minor parties, major parties, ballot design, apportionment, redistricting, nomination procedures

Bills: HF4561, HF4343

Keywords: homeless prevention aid, homelessness, housing stability, rental assistance, family homelessness, unaccompanied youth, housing navigation, legal representation, family outreach, county aid, Tribal governments, local government aid, general fund appropriation, unspent funds, aid redistribution, sunset repeal, Minnesota property tax aid, services for persons experiencing homelessness, sales tax, use tax

Bills: HB128, SB297, HB128, SB297

Keywords: HB128, Alabama Board of Nursing, Sunset Law, sunset review, nursing board, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, advanced practice nursing, certified registered nurse anesthetist, CRNA, consumer member, board appointments, congressional districts, geographic representation, nursing regulation, nursing education programs, licensure compact

Transcript Highlights:

• get that amendment passed and repeal the 17th Amendment so that we don't have to worry about representation

Bills: HB2424, HB2608, HB2775, HB2805, HB2908

Keywords: Arizona political parties, precinct committeeman, precinct committeemen, proxy voting, party bylaws, county committee, state committee, qualified elector, election administration, political party rules, precinct representation, adjoining precinct, county party meeting, proxy attestation, notary public, witnesses, transitional housing, military veterans, grant program, housing services

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2908, which would impose criminal penalties on faithless Arizona Article V convention delegates, require delegates to take an oath, and direct the legislature and governor to ratify any approved amendment through the normal legislative process. The sponsor argued the bill adds guardrails to any future convention, while Common Cause Arizona opposed it as ineffective and insufficient to prevent a runaway convention. After debate about whether the bill could meaningfully constrain delegates, the committee voted 5-2 to return HB 2908 with a do pass recommendation. The committee then considered HB 2608, a veterans housing measure creating a military transitional housing grant program at the Arizona Department of Housing with a $7 million General Fund appropriation in FY 2027 and changes to the military transitional housing fund. Testimony focused on revisions to the bill, including limiting use of funds to new construction and requiring veteran-led or veteran-managed organizations. Several members said the bill was too similar to prior versions and had not gone through the Veterans Caucus process. On a motion to table, the committee voted to lay HB 2608 on the table. After a recess, the committee took up HB 2805, as amended, which creates a secure online portal for nomination petition signatures for local governing board candidates and related election administration changes. The sponsor said the bill was intended to give school board candidates and other local candidates equal access to the state’s electronic signature system, while members debated whether requiring candidates to declare party affiliation would undermine nonpartisan races. The Gillette amendment was adopted, and the committee then voted 5-2 to return HB 2805 as amended with a do pass recommendation. Finally, the committee heard HB 2775, which would bar the state and its subdivisions from using state assets or money to implement or enforce rules, taxes, or policies of international organizations, and would add restrictions on Arizona public universities’ dealings with certain foreign entities. Members discussed a proposed amendment to create oversight of foreign funding at Arizona State University and the Board of Regents, but raised concerns about rulemaking authority and constitutional issues. The committee ultimately voted to hold HB 2775 for further work, and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• you; it's a lot of new groups to do it, but I think the benefit of it is that you have local representation

Bills: HB30, HB120, HJR1, SB210, SB306

Keywords: teacher residency, Teacher Residency Act, public schools, teacher preparation, educator pipeline, teacher recruitment, teacher retention, student teachers, apprenticeship, co-teaching, mentor teachers, residency stipend, teacher salary, level one teacher, charter schools, school districts, New Mexico education, teacher workforce, principal stipend, cohort model