Transcript Highlights:

• Association of Family Defense Attorneys and yourself, and you are neutral on the bill.
• I'm an attorney in Galveston.
• been practicing for almost 28 years, and I'm President of the Texas Association of Family Defense Attorneys
• It could be through the children's attorney, or whichever relative comes forward and wants a child.

Bills: SB2041, SB1777, SB1681, SB2311

Keywords: child welfare, foster care, Department of Family and Protective Services, DFPS, Family Code, conservatorship, placement selection, contract residential care, kinship care, relative placement, designated caregiver, best interest of the child, least restrictive setting, placement stability, child protective services, residential treatment, group home, family reunification, Texas foster system, residential care

Transcript Highlights:

• The attorney general has given three different opinions on historical horse racing that confirm its legality
• And committee members, I do have copies And committee members, I do have copies of each one of the attorney
• The attorney general's opinions that you would have, if you look at some of the cases that are cited
• A few moments ago, Senator Singleton mentioned that there's an attorney general's opinion regarding historical

Bills: SB268, SB262

Keywords: mixed spirit beverages, alcohol regulation, licensing, excise tax, distribution agreements, retail sales, wholesalers, SB262, White Hall, Lowndes County, pari-mutuel wagering, simulcast, historical racing, historical horse racing, dog racing, horse racing, charitable bingo, off-track betting, OTB, gambling

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:29:25.160><c> breach,</c><01:29:26.080><c> and</c><01:29:26.200><c> the</c><01:29:26.280><c> attorney
• </c> days of a breach, and the attorney days of a breach, and the attorney general<01:29:27.000><c> within
• formerly at the FTC Division an attorney formerly at the FTC Division of<01:36:18.560><c> Privacy</c
• <01:36:23.560><c> General,</c><01:36:24.160><c> Attorney</c><01:36:24.480><c> General's</c> Attorney
• General, Attorney General's Attorney General, Attorney General's office, office, office, founder<01:36

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It just changes the name of the Attorney General to the Office of the Attorney General.
• It just changes the name of the Attorney General to the Office of the Attorney General.
• general to the office of the attorney general to the office of the attorney<00:21:51.679><c> general
• </c> attorney general. I move the amendments. attorney general. I move the amendments.
• It's kind of a belt seek attorneys fees.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 960, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Larry Freeman, Chief Deputy Attorney General.
• Members, Matthew Stafford, Director of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
• That the Attorney General may— a person can go to the Attorney General at the end of the day and file
• All right, so it says that the Attorney General may be awarded attorney's fees and costs.
• All right, so it says that the Attorney General may be awarded attorney's fees and cost.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 and approved the minutes from the prior week before taking up a series of House bills, many of them with testimony from sponsors, agency officials, and stakeholders. Early action included HB 971, which would direct LDH to equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent rural health clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; the sponsor described a significant payment disparity and the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee also deferred HB 1030 and HB 796 until the following week before moving to other items on the agenda. Several bills dealing with Medicaid and provider regulation were advanced. HB 414, as amended, closes a loophole so health care providers cannot hire unlicensed workers with certain serious out-of-state convictions; amendments addressed effective dates, FBI background-check issues for therapeutic group homes, and delays for direct support professional applicants caused by minor record issues. HB 740, as amended, creates an independent review process for Medicaid claims disputes in the coordinated system of care for behavioral health providers, with amendments clarifying applicability dates and program definitions. HB 786, which prohibits extrapolation in managed care claims recoupments and requires recovery to be based on actual overpayments or underpayments, was also reported favorably. HB 915 set timelines and accountability standards for prior authorization and utilization management in Medicaid managed care and was reported favorably after testimony about delays in care. The committee also heard and passed several bills affecting health professions and facilities. HB 405 simply updates the name of the national acupuncture certification body. HB 1095 allows nursing homes to use alternative power sources while keeping existing generator and fuel requirements. HB 557 defines long-term care pharmacies for policy purposes. HB 779 authorizes expedited partner therapy prescriptions for certain sexually transmitted diseases. HB 933 creates an optional commemorative birth certificate, with part of the fee going to the Office of Women’s Health. HB 796, carried by another representative for the author, establishes a chiropractic preceptorship program with on-site supervision requirements and was reported favorably after questions about student training and patient safety. The committee also heard emotionally charged testimony on HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation and patient communication. Several witnesses described the distress caused by current coding language, and supporters said the change would make records more compassionate and understandable; the bill was reported favorably. HB 403 increased the cottage food gross-sales cap, and after testimony from small producers and the committee’s discussion of other states’ higher limits, an amendment raised the cap to $150,000 before the bill was reported favorably. HB 930 modernizes cosmetic-product regulation and creates a small home-based producer exemption under a wholesale-sales threshold; it was also reported favorably. Finally, HB 1041, a no-mandate bill restricting discrimination based on medical intervention status, prompted extended debate over exemptions for schools, hospitals, and other entities, with one amendment failing on a roll-call vote and the discussion continuing over the scope of the bill and federal funding concerns.

Transcript Highlights:

• 951, by the Appropriations Committee, an act relating to the appropriation to the Office of the Attorney
• General, appropriating additional monies to the Office of the Attorney General for fiscal year 2027,
• emergency and providing effective dates. ...appropriating additional monies to the Office of the Attorney
• bring this up to $15,000, just to make sure that people don't have to always go out and hire an attorney
• And the third part, the attorney general wanted us to add there on line 36, is that any amounts that

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received messages from the governor and Senate, including notice that Governor Little signed House Bill 556 and that several enrolled Senate and House measures were transmitted for signatures or filing. The chamber also handled numerous committee reports, including printing House Resolution 33 and House Bills 944-951, enrolling and engrossing several previously passed bills, and advancing Senate Bill 1294 from the Health and Welfare Committee. Several bills were returned to committee by unanimous consent, including House Bills 649, 567, 627, 530, 903, 763, 857, and 614. A major floor debate centered on House Bill 940, which would restructure Idaho Digital Learning Alliance funding and use. Supporters said the bill would realign IDLA to its original purpose of supplementing, not supplanting, local schools, curb double-dipping and duplicate funding, eliminate or reduce uses such as driver’s education, LaunchPad, and some virtual-school and private-school access, and preserve core services for rural districts. Opponents argued the bill would cut a successful program too deeply, harm rural and small districts, reduce access to advanced and required courses, and unfairly affect students who rely on IDLA. After extended debate and a roll call, the House passed HB 940 by a vote of 48-22. The House also debated Senate Concurrent Resolution 123, recognizing the International Year of Rangeland and Pastoralists. Supporters framed it as a tribute to Idaho ranchers and rangeland heritage, while opponents objected to its connection to a United Nations initiative and raised sovereignty concerns. The resolution passed after a roll call vote of 39-28. Earlier, the House concurred without objection in Senate amendments to House Bills 629, 678, 522, 684, 561, and 860, and later the chamber recessed and reconvened, received additional governor and Senate messages, and continued with first readings of new bills and resolutions, including measures on public utilities, elections, and fisheries task force membership.

Transcript Highlights:

• Section 2041 of the bill adds the ability for the state's attorney or attorney general... deceptive and
• </c><00:40:10.000><c> or</c><00:40:10.640><c> attorney</c><00:40:11.119><c> general</c> The state's attorney
• or attorney general may institute an appropriate action for violations of Chapter 35, Title 17, under
• And lastly, section 2042 gives authority to the attorney general and the state's attorney to conduct
• Section 2042 gives authority to the attorney general and the state's attorney to conduct civil investigations

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the Attorney General to maybe be on the lookout for, be a little more on the lookout for any kinds
• The Attorney General because he said that in the past the Attorney General has had to intervene when
• They will file two claims, and if they get two rejections, then they go find an attorney that they know
• We have some of those attorneys already in New Mexico.
• opinion, we need to be looking at legal action with the federal government and working with the Attorney

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it's going to go to the attorney general to do an investigation.
• The attorney general shall adopt rules.
• The attorney general shall adopt rules.
• That would be up to the attorney general's office. It's very risky. Thank you. Thank you, Mr.
• </c> that would be up to the attorney that would be up to the attorney general's<04:01:36.160><c> office

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up SB 297 and a new amendment, 2462, which combined the original Senate bill with the Carson amendment and added a proposed alternative regulatory system, RSA 420R. The chair and members discussed that the amendment was intended to give the Senate what it had asked for while also creating a dual system for public entity risk pools. Members asked whether the new structure would affect ownership or governance of health trusts, and the chair explained that 420R would be a separate regulatory statute while existing 420J-style arrangements could remain in place. The committee also noted that a paragraph had been accidentally deleted from the amendment and that another amendment would be prepared to correct it, with the subcommittee recessed while that was done. Public testimony focused on School Care, represented by Executive Director Lisa Ducette, who opposed the shift to Department of Insurance oversight under 420R. She argued that public entity risk pools are not insurance companies, that they are accountable to member entities and taxpayers, and that the proposed dual regulation would add unnecessary costs through examinations, higher reserves, and additional accounting requirements. She said the change could threaten tax-exempt status and create an uneven playing field, and she urged the committee to support SB 297 with the Carson amendment instead of moving to 420R. Committee members questioned whether the amendment would actually affect pools that stayed under the Secretary of State model, and one member cited support from the New Hampshire Municipal Association for the dual system. The discussion then shifted to amendment 245 on ambulance reimbursement and contracting timelines. Members reviewed a provision giving insurers 45 days and ambulance providers 60 days in the contracting process, and one member suggested making both periods 60 days. The chair and others said the current language was intentional and part of a broader compromise aimed at ending balance billing and forcing insurers to establish reimbursement rates. Members noted that the measure was unusual and that its effects would be reviewed over the next two years, with one member saying the bill would likely be difficult to roll back later. No final vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The attorney general's office, uh, department, with comments.
• Randall Watt, Deputy Attorney General, Department.
• </c> Our first testifier is the attorney general with comments.
• Randall Watt, Deputy Attorney General, Department.
• </c> the attorney general's suggested the attorney general's suggested amendments<00:47:55.520><c> to

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint House committees on Housing and Education heard HB 1713, HD1, which would repeal school impact fees and transfer remaining balances in the school impact fee and certain fair share accounts to the school facilities special fund. The Department of Education testified in opposition, while the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, the Attorney General’s office (with comments and suggested constitutional amendments), the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, the School Facilities Authority, Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, NAP Hawaii, Avalon Development Company, Mark Development, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Landis Research Foundation, BIA Hawaii, and others testified in support. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii offered comments. The DOE said the bill would weaken a key tool for matching school facilities to residential growth, while supporters said the current program leaves funds unused or restricted in ways that limit their effectiveness. A lengthy discussion followed about the difference between the older school impact fee program and the separate fair share agreements tied to land use entitlements and change-of-zone approvals. DOE Deputy Superintendent Jesse Suki explained that fair share funds are tied to the district where they were collected, may be too small to build a full school on their own, and are held until needed for projects such as Core Ridge, Central and West Maui, and other planned schools. Committee members pressed DOE on why funds had remained unspent for years, how much money was in the accounts, and whether the department had reviewed audit findings about the program. Members also questioned whether homeowners ultimately bear these costs through developers passing them along. The committee did not take a vote during the portion of the meeting provided. The discussion ended with members and DOE debating whether the current statute should remain in place, whether past entitlements should be affected, and whether the bill should be amended to better address remaining construction-related obligations and the use of collected funds.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:38:06.720><c> general</c> we have department of attorney general we have department of attorney
• Next we have the Attorney General. >> Attorney General, are you present? >> I am present.
• Come on up. >> Good afternoon, Chair Janina Dwey, Deputy Attorney General.
• Next we have Attorney General... >> Good afternoon, Clint Piper, Department of Taxation.
• Dave Day, special assistant to the Attorney General of the Department of the Attorney General, stands

Bills: SB3263, SB3261

Keywords: student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing. The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured. For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• These were requested by the Attorney General's office.
• These were requested by the Attorney General's office.
• These were requested by the Attorney General's office.
• These were requested by the Attorney General's office.
• The attorney general's office.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:02:07.119><c> US</c><01:02:07.359><c> attorney</c><01:02:07.680><c> came</c> the federal attorney
• US attorney came the federal attorney US attorney came and<01:02:08.079><c> just</c><01:02:08.319><c
• They were previously federal Medicaid relations attorneys.
• I'm not going to relations attorneys.
• I'm not going to tell<01:27:41.520><c> an</c><01:27:41.760><c> attorney</c><01:27:42.080><c> joke,</c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, you guys are attorneys.
• And have you ever seen, you’re an attorney, are you not?
• courts ignoring—not all of the time, just like there are good and bad legislators and good and bad attorneys
• And as an attorney, I’m sure you would agree.
• Not only is he our sheriff, but an attorney as well.

Summary: The Committee on Government Efficiency first established a quorum and then went into executive session, where it voted House Bill 2809 do pass by an 11-0 vote, with two members present. The committee then moved to public hearings after noting House Bill 3108 would not be heard that day. Senator Nick Schroer presented Senate Bills 977 and 1011, which were described as “American law for American courts” measures restating that the U.S. Constitution, the Missouri Constitution, and state law cannot be superseded by foreign laws, foreign treaties, or outside organizations, except in narrow circumstances such as voluntary business agreements and certain Hague-related matters. Supporters said the bills were needed to prevent courts or local governments from relying on foreign or religious law in ways that could override fundamental rights, while opponents and questioners raised concerns about private arbitration, family-law contracts, tribal jurisdiction, and whether the bills were unnecessary or targeted specific religions or organizations. A witness from Liberty Link Missouri testified in favor, saying the law should be restated even if it is technically unnecessary. No vote was taken on the Senate bills during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bill 2589, which would require only a rear license plate on vehicles. The sponsor argued the change would save money and align Missouri with many other states, while noting he had consulted a sheriff who did not object. Members raised concerns about law enforcement, camera enforcement, stalking victims, and whether some vehicles or commercial categories would still need two plates. Supporters cited fiscal savings and convenience, while opponents emphasized public-safety and identification concerns. No vote was taken on House Bill 2589, and the hearing was closed after no additional witnesses came forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we took it to our legislative council attorney to see if this was past constitutional muster.
• Just to comment on the motion, back to Representative Skaug's point, I'm in no means an attorney, but
• Then we took it to our legislative council attorney to see if this was past constitutional master.
• She said that she thought it would. attorney to see if this was past constitutional master.
• Just to comment on the motion back to Representative Skog's point, I'm in no means an attorney, but the

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 11 and 12. It then introduced RS 33275C1, a proposal to let the Densurist Board raise licensing dues and fees to higher statutory caps so the board can cover operating costs; the sponsor said the board is currently about $6,000 in the red, and members asked who controls fee increases and what the current balance is. One member supported introduction but said he was not committed to supporting it later. The committee next considered RS 33380, which would prohibit out-of-state contributions and expenditures in Idaho elections, alongside existing bans on foreign contributions. The sponsor argued outside money is distorting Idaho campaigns, while members raised concerns about constitutional issues, loopholes for entities forming Idaho corporations, and whether the bill would also block family members or legitimate business interests from donating. Despite those concerns, the committee voted to introduce the RS, though one member said it was only a start and another warned it could be struck down. The committee also introduced RS 33385, which would require cities with populations over 25,000 to use district-based city council elections rather than at-large elections. The sponsor said this would improve local accountability and lower campaign costs. The committee then heard H.J.R. 8, revised as RS 33415, a constitutional amendment to prioritize ongoing revenue generation on state endowment lands, while still protecting public access and traditional uses such as timber, mining, and grazing. Testimony from recreation businesses supported the measure, while members debated the effects on land sales, public access, and the endowment fund; the committee held H.J.R. 8 in committee and introduced RS 33415 with an amendment changing ballot language to “ongoing revenue generation followed by public access.” Finally, the committee introduced RS 33373, a “shot clock” bill requiring initial plan reviews for public works projects to be completed within 30 days. The sponsor said it would speed permitting, and a member noted the statement of purpose needed updating. The sponsor also disclosed a Rule 80 conflict related to a public works license.

Transcript Highlights:

• Save that for your attorney, save that for the courtroom.
• It's about the elected state attorney in the Seventh Circuit.
• It's about the elected state attorney, saving face for the job that he didn't do.
• under subsection 4 of the current manslaughter statute, there is an enhancement that the elected attorney
• to $500 per day if the nuisance activity is not abated within one year, allows for the award of attorney

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and took up a long agenda of bills, most of which were reported favorably. Early measures included CS/SB 62 on candidate qualification, which would allow qualified candidates or political parties to sue over violations of party-affiliation qualification requirements, and CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Raynor Act, which would clarify resistance-to-officer language and impose a mandatory life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. SB 156 drew strong support from the City of Daytona Beach and law enforcement groups, while the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers opposed parts of it, arguing the bill removed existing limits on force and erased sentencing distinctions. The committee also approved several open-government sunset review bills, including CS/SB 7014, SB 7016, CS/SB 7012, SB 7000, SB 7002, SB 7004, SB 7006, and SB 7008, all of which extend or preserve public records or meeting exemptions for topics such as social media investigations, small business loan records, motor vehicle enforcement records, emergency shelter information, military affairs records, conviction integrity unit materials, Public Service Commission proceedings, and Gaming Control Commission records. The committee also approved SB 624, allowing batterers’ intervention programs to offer optional faith-based activities, with supporters saying faith-based counseling can help reduce domestic violence and opponents not appearing in the excerpt. HB 167 on former phosphate mining lands was reported favorably after supporters from the Florida Chamber and Associated Industries backed the bill, which limits strict liability claims involving natural geological substances on former phosphate mines but not phosphogypsum stacks. CS/SB 48 on housing, as amended, would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units, limit certain local barriers, and extend housing incentives; it drew broad support from housing, business, real estate, and advocacy groups. SB 288 on rural electric cooperatives, CS/SB 364 on CPA licensure modernization, SB 292 on public records protection for appellate court clerks, CS/SB 296 and CS/SB 298 on domestic and dating violence protections and related public records exemptions, and SB 386 on farm equipment warranty protections were also reported favorably, generally with supportive testimony from affected industries, advocacy groups, or public safety stakeholders. Later, the committee approved SB 168 expanding public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increase penalties and enforcement tools. It also heard but temporarily postponed CS/CS/SB 290 on the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services after the chair allowed public testimony because many stakeholders had traveled to attend; one opponent, a longtime builder, argued the bill could criminalize contractors who withhold payment for deficient subcontractor work. The meeting concluded with members recording additional votes on selected bills and then adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• it allows debt collectors to communicate certain information to debtors who are represented by an attorney
• I am a consumer protection attorney down in Tampa, Florida.
• I'm not that consumer protection attorney she was just talking about, thankfully.
• I'm the state attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit.
• Chairman Leak and members of the committee, my name is Ed Brodsky, I'm the state attorney for the 12th

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism met with a quorum present and considered several bills. It first took up SB 232 on debt collection, where the sponsor explained a strike-all amendment and the committee adopted a Gruters amendment clarifying that email communications may be sent at any hour while other off-hours communications remain restricted. Testimony was sharply divided on a proposed change from “any person” to “debt collector,” with consumer advocates, legal aid, and the Florida Justice Association warning it would narrow Florida’s consumer protections, while supporters said the bill and amendment would address ambiguity affecting businesses. After debate, the committee rejected the broader amendment, adopted the email-only clarification, and reported CS for SB 232 favorably by roll call vote. The committee then heard and unanimously reported favorably CS for SB 126, which would allow prescription hearing aids to be sold and distributed by mail after a Florida-licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist conducts the required examination, including remotely through telehealth. Supporters said the bill would improve access and reduce barriers for seniors and others with hearing loss, and no opposition was heard. The committee also heard SB 600 and SB 602 on manufacturing, which would create and fund a statewide Office of Manufacturing, a promotional campaign, workforce grants, and related fees; multiple industry and economic development groups appeared in support, and both bills were reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 92 on hit-and-run accountability in vehicle repair shops. The sponsor described the bill as a response to rising hit-and-run incidents and explained that repair shops would have to complete a transaction form or retain a crash report for certain repairs, with a clarifying amendment adopted without objection. Prosecutors and law enforcement supporters said the bill would help identify offenders, while auto dealer representatives argued it could impose burdens and penalties on repair shops. The committee nevertheless reported CS for SB 92 favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 412, the Motorized Wheelchair Right to Repair Act, which would require manufacturers to provide repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts to owners and independent repair providers under fair and reasonable terms. Disability advocates and wheelchair users testified that repair delays can leave users stranded for weeks or months, and the committee reported the bill favorably by roll call vote before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• looks like all four of those conditions have to be met, and I guess my concern is as a family law attorney
• looks like all four of those conditions have to be met, and I guess my concern is as a family law attorney
• looks like all four of those conditions have to be met, and I guess my concern is as a family law attorney
• 00:08:21.440><c> law</c> guess my concern is as a family law guess my concern is as a family law attorney
• that handles adoption sometimes attorney that handles adoption sometimes I<00:08:23.720><c> don't</c

Keywords: 00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 01:32 Discussion on 25RS HB 164 10:07 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 164 11:30 Discussion on 25RS HB 242 13:09 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 242 15:08 Consideration of Referred Administrative Regulations 17:37 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children held its first meeting of 2025, with the chair welcoming new members and Vice Chair Wilson. After roll call, the committee took up House Bill 164, sponsored by Representative Wesley, which concerns an honorary adoption situation. The committee adopted a House committee substitute clarifying that any survivor benefits or inheritance would not go to honorary adoptive parents, and heard emotional testimony from Caitlyn Rollins about fostering and adopting a child who later died before a scheduled adoption date. Members discussed the bill’s purpose as providing closure and ensuring legal parentage is recognized in life and death, while also noting a possible drafting issue about whether all listed conditions must be met. The committee agreed to address that concern through a possible House floor amendment, and HB 164 passed favorably 16-0. The committee then heard House Bill 242, sponsored by Representative Sam, and testimony from child welfare researcher Matthew Walden. The bill is intended to increase transparency in Kentucky’s child welfare system by making program data available to researchers while protecting privacy. With no questions from members, the bill passed the committee favorably by a 16-0 vote. Finally, the committee reviewed referred administrative regulations and considered agency amendment 490 related to adoption assistance and Title IV-E adoption assistance. CHFS representatives explained that the amendment removes a civil determination requirement from certain sections because the cabinet cannot make such determinations and already relies on substantiations and other safety checks. The committee approved the agency amendment by voice vote, then concluded its review of the remaining regulations without further action. The next meeting was announced for February 20, 2025, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to address concerns in the medical lien industry and their relationship to attorneys, while
• It makes it unlawful for an attorney representing a person Based on provider for the assignment.
• It makes it unlawful for an attorney representing a person under a contingency fee agreement to refer
• the client to a health care provider in which the attorney or a family member of the attorney has a
• , the attorneys at the Secretary of State's office.

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session honoring Sister Michelle Gorman, the Senate chaplain, on her final day after 11 years of service. Members from both parties praised her prayers, compassion, humor, and steady presence, and several noted her long career in education and religious service. The chamber also welcomed delegations from the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California and the Japanese Business Association of Southern California, as well as a delegation from Morelia, Mexico, in connection with Sacramento’s sister-city relationship. The Senate then handled several procedural items, including Assembly messages and motions to remove or withdraw certain bills from consent or committee. The chamber adopted a motion to move Budget and Fiscal Review Committee measures to third reading, and later approved author’s and floor amendments. The main floor action was on ACA 20, the Save for California Futures Act, which would expand the state Rainy Day Fund target from 10% to 20% of general fund taxes, change how reserve deposits count under the Gann limit, and extend and broaden debt repayment provisions, including federal unemployment insurance debt. Supporters argued it would strengthen fiscal stability and reduce volatility; opponents said it was too complicated, still allowed too much borrowing, and did not sufficiently prioritize paying down existing debt. The measure passed 29-2. The Senate also took up SB 623, a compromise measure addressing transportation network company accident cases and medical lien practices. The bill would cap certain lien-based medical charges, restrict attorney referrals and kickbacks tied to lien providers, require more standardized billing, and add rideshare safety requirements such as background checks and additional disqualifying offenses; it passed 36-0. The chamber then considered SB 417, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, an $11.25 billion housing bond with $10 billion in general obligation bonds and $1.25 billion for veterans home loan assistance. Supporters said it would fund shovel-ready affordable housing, preservation, homeownership, youth housing, infrastructure, and veterans’ housing; opponents criticized it as a “bait-and-switch” that used veterans to justify broader housing debt and argued the state should focus on existing programs and private financing. Despite the opposition, the measure passed 29-2.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the same article cited a surrogacy attorney who has seen a 20% growth in his Chinese clientele over
• Senators Tom Cotton and Rick Scott have requested that Attorney General Pam Bondi investigate surrogacy
• And the same article cited a surrogacy attorney who has seen a 20% growth in his Chinese clientele over
• And we're going to see Daniel later on as an entertainment or intellectual property attorney.
• And we're going to see Daniel later on as an entertainment or intellectual property attorney.

Keywords: 998, house, all