Video & Transcript : 'assassination attempt' :
Page 32 of 475
MO
Missouri 2026 Regular Session
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform Apr 2nd, 2026
Special Committee on Property Tax Reform
Transcript Highlights:
- In recent years, a handful of counties have utilized this practice in an attempt to tax these properties
- rental properties, which are always classified at the residential rate, yet have not faced the same attempt
- Residential rate, yet have not faced the same attempt at reclassification by county officials.
- This case was addressing an attempt to define STRs as non-residential or commercial use in regards to
- Silver Creek County of Mnium Owners, where there was an attempt to change zoning based on a single-family
Summary:
The committee held a public hearing on Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for Senate Bills 1066 and 1088, sponsored by Sen. Ben Brown, dealing with the property tax classification of single-family short-term rental homes. Brown argued the bills would stop counties from reclassifying short-term rentals as commercial property and taxing them at the higher commercial rate, saying such homes remain residential in use under Missouri case law, IRS guidance, and zoning principles. He said the substitute language was narrowed to single-family homes owned by individuals, partnerships, or LLCs, and further limited to owners with 15 or fewer short-term rental properties.
Members questioned how the bill would affect local zoning and assessor practices, including mixed-use buildings and the requirement that assessors conduct an in-person consultation before reclassifying property. Several lawmakers said the bill should preserve local control over zoning while preventing inconsistent tax treatment. Some members also raised concerns that the consultation language could interfere with assessors’ work, and Brown said he was open to revisiting that provision because it was added by another senator and was not central to the bill’s intent.
Supporters testified that short-term rentals are often family homes used to generate needed income, not commercial enterprises, and that higher commercial taxation could be financially devastating. One witness described using a family home as a short-term rental to help pay for a mother’s care and support a granddaughter with special needs. Opponents, including the Missouri Hotel Lodging Association, argued that short-term rentals function as businesses because they collect sales tax and compete with lodging providers, and they said the 15-property limit was ineffective because owners can place homes in separate LLCs. The association said it could suggest alternative language to better target large-scale operators. No vote was taken, and the hearing concluded after testimony.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This amendment merely attempts to standardize the data broker law with our neighbor state, Oregon, by
- I appreciate all of the conversation around this bill, and the attempt of it essentially is to make what's
- Representative Kloba continued: “The attempt of it essentially is to make what’s invisible visible.
- We only need to remember the Cambridge Analytica scandal and how that was an attempt to change people
- I’m looking to my right to see if I can attempt a voice vote. Looks like I can.
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee met on February 4, 2026, and removed House Bill 2629 from consideration. The committee received briefings on House Bill 2428, which would require insurers to give 30 days’ written notice before an individual life insurance policy lapses for nonpayment and to notify policyholders of the right to designate a third party for lapse notices; an amendment clarified the notice requirements and proof-of-delivery language. The committee also reviewed House Bill 2399, which would prohibit assignment of post-loss property insurance benefits, and House Bill 2087, which would enact the Washington Travel Insurance Act and regulate travel insurance products, producers, retailers, and administrators. Members also noted they had already been briefed on House Bills 2483 and 2477 before taking executive action after caucus.
House Bill 2428 was amended and passed out of committee unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Supporters said it would help prevent unintentional life insurance lapses and protect consumers, especially older policyholders and families relying on coverage later in life. House Bill 2399 also advanced, but only after a divided vote of 8-7; supporters described post-loss assignments as predatory and harmful to insured homeowners, while opponents argued the bill was too broad and could hinder homeowners who use contractors to repair damaged property and resolve insurance disputes.
House Bill 2087, as a proposed substitute, was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 12-3 vote. Members said the substitute reflected stakeholder and Office of the Insurance Commissioner work to resolve conflicts in the underlying travel insurance framework and add guardrails for consumers. House Bill 2483, dealing with data broker registration, was amended several times to narrow exemptions, add Department of Licensing implementation details, and make the registry public; it then passed 8-7 after debate over privacy, public safety, and whether the bill was too limited or too broad. House Bill 2477, which concerned appraisal-related liability and reports, was amended to clarify appraiser liability and intended users, then passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Banking and Finance Committee Apr 28th, 2025
Banking and Finance
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been attempts to update the federal CRA, and there have been various drafts that would include
- Broker to speak to, just if you would kindly provide the information about any attempts at the federal
- I understand the attempt to ensure that communities like mine don't get left behind when it comes to
- I know that this is an attempt to do some of that, so I do applaud your efforts to... ...try to bring
- Ponzi schemes, frivolous patent litigation abuses, and attempts to avoid state-sponsored sanctions by
Committee:
House Banking and Finance
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- session because this is a different product than what was presented by Senator Gruters last year in his attempt
- session because this is a different product than what was presented by Senator Gruders last year in his attempt
- In other words, the moment a victim attempts to leave is often the most dangerous time.
- It was her seventh attempt. Women will try at least, most of them, at least seven times.
- I sat down with the Raynor family over the summer, and this is the third attempt at this bill.
Committee:
Senate Criminal Justice
Summary:
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee met with a quorum present and took up several bills, beginning with SB 350 on public records for crime victims. Senator Graal explained that the bill clarifies victim privacy protections under the Florida Constitution and extends temporary confidentiality to the identity of an officer involved in a use-of-force incident for 72 hours, with a possible 60-day extension by written agency findings. Supporters including Marcy’s Law representatives and the Florida PBA said the measure protects victims and officers while preserving public access, and the committee reported the bill favorably.
The committee then heard SB 296 and SB 298, both by Senator Berman. SB 296, as amended, directs a feasibility study for a secure web-based silent alert system for domestic violence victims and expands Florida’s address confidentiality program to dating violence victims. SB 298 similarly extends address confidentiality protections to dating violence victims. Both bills received supportive testimony from advocates, including survivors and organizations such as Florida NOW and the Alliance for Safety and Justice, and both were reported favorably.
Members also approved SB 398, which replaces references to “child pornography” in Florida statutes with “child sexual abuse material,” and SB 168, which expands public nuisance law to include gambling houses and increases enforcement tools such as penalties, attorney fees, and foreclosure on unpaid fees. SB 54, as amended, was also reported favorably; the amendment broadened the bill’s scope from “mass shooter” to “violent offender,” clarified medical examiner duties, and added reporting requirements related to toxicology and psychotropic substances.
The most debated measure was SB 156, the Jason Raynor Act, which would revise resistance-to-arrest provisions and add an automatic life sentence for manslaughter committed against a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement groups supported the bill, but the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and some senators raised concerns about removing judicial discretion and eliminating language about unlawful arrests. After debate, the committee reported SB 156 favorably, with Vice Chair Smith voting no. Several other members later asked to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on multiple bills before adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 14th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an intentional attempt to silence us.
- It is an attempt to erase Black political power.
- This is an attempt, a coordinated attempt, and consolidation of white nationalism.
- It is an attempt to erase black political power.
- This is an attempt, a coordinated attempt, and consolidation of white nationalism.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after initially lacking a quorum, then completed the prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, journal motions, and a long series of procedural actions, including suspending rules to move bills and approve a large Appropriations Committee hearing list. Members also made several guest introductions, including Shannon Lee, district staff from Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s office, and later guests tied to agritourism and education recognitions.
The floor debate centered heavily on AJR 31, a resolution urging Congress to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Supporters argued that recent Supreme Court decisions and redistricting efforts in other states were weakening Black and other minority representation and that California should take a clear stand for voting rights. Opponents argued the measure promoted racial division, conflicted with equal protection principles, and that districts should be drawn based on place or communities of interest rather than race. After a contentious debate with repeated parliamentary warnings over decorum, the Assembly suspended the rules to take up the resolution, added coauthors, and passed AJR 31 by a vote of 58-8.
The Assembly then moved through a series of bills and resolutions, generally approving them with little or no opposition. These included AB 2341 clarifying emergency language translation rules for local agencies; AB 1816 extending court supervision for certain sex-offender rehabilitation programs; AB 2561 protecting consumer privacy settings on phones and digital devices; ACR 167 recognizing World Agritourism Day; ACR 190 recognizing California Day of the Teacher; AB 1581 improving identification of Native American students in public schools; AB 1586 requiring opioid overdose prevention training for school resource officers and safety planning; AB 1665 requiring mental health training for school coaches; AB 1693 streamlining retail tenant-improvement permitting; AB 1768 authorizing a local tax measure related to health funding; AB 1712 facilitating a water-system sale for Santa Fe Springs; AB 1792 addressing sexually exploitive AI imagery in health education; and AB 1822 prioritizing school projects that address extreme heat. Most measures passed overwhelmingly, several unanimously, and the resolution on agritourism and the teacher day were adopted by voice vote.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House environment panel considers HF3007 4/3/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Please attempt to keep your comments to about a minute and a half. Hi, everyone.
- Please attempt to keep your comments to about a minute and a half. Hi, everyone.
- Please attempt to keep your comments to about a minute and a half. Hi, everyone.
- Please attempt to keep your comments to about a minute and a half. Hi, everyone.
- Please attempt to keep your comments to about a minute and a half. Hi, everyone.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Our attempts to regulate the platforms are being challenged by the platforms and their trade associations
- AB 882 attempts to address The protection of a record altogether.
- And I also just want to highlight who attempt to block access to reproductive health care.
- And that’s actually basically, who attempt to block access to reproductive health care.
- are likely at work, or they make multiple attempts at exactly the same time on multiple days.
Committee:
House Judiciary
Summary:
The committee first heard AB 2, which would impose enhanced financial penalties on large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters, including Common Sense Media and education and child advocacy groups, argued that social media algorithms and design features amplify harmful content and that existing remedies are not enough to deter misconduct. Opponents from TechNet, CCIA, the Chamber of Commerce, EFF, and others warned the bill was vague, could chill content moderation and encryption, invite litigation, and be preempted by Section 230. Several members raised concerns about defining “harm,” but the bill passed on a roll call vote and was sent onward.
The committee then took up AB 282, which would allow landlords and housing providers to establish preferences for tenants who use housing vouchers or other rental assistance, clarifying that such preferences are not unlawful source-of-income discrimination. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, AARP, legal aid groups, and housing nonprofits said the bill would help voucher holders find units and improve voucher utilization. There was no opposition testimony, and the bill passed with a roll call vote and was sent to Appropriations.
Next was AB 882, dealing with court reporter availability and the use of electronic recording in certain cases when an official court reporter is unavailable. The author and supporters, including court reporter and labor representatives, said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage while preserving accurate records. Opponents from consumer attorneys, defense counsel, the Judicial Council, and others argued the bill was too narrow, could harm access to justice, and should be expanded or revised. Members from both parties expressed mixed views but generally supported continuing the conversation; the bill passed and was placed on call.
The committee also heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, which would update antitrust law to address collusion through pricing software and digital tools. Supporters said the bill targets modern forms of cartel behavior and closes loopholes that let companies coordinate prices through algorithms. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Civil Justice Association, TechNet, retailers, hospitals, and others argued the conduct is already illegal, the bill is overbroad, and its definitions and burden-shifting provisions need work. Members requested clarifications to key definitions and pleading standards, but the bill passed as amended and was placed on call. The committee then briefly heard AB 935, which would strengthen civil rights data collection and transparency, especially for educational settings; it had no opposition, passed, and was placed on call. Finally, AB 67 was presented to let the Attorney General enforce the Reproductive Privacy Act and seek penalties against local governments that interfere with abortion access. Supporters framed it as an enforcement tool to protect reproductive rights, while opponents from California Family Council and others denounced it as expanding state power to protect abortion access; the transcript cuts off during that item.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee 3/12/25
Elections Finance and Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- :05:14.919><c> subject</c><00:05:15.320><c> matter</c><00:05:15.680><c> experts</c> Despite many attempts
- House File 2105 proposes specific common-sense updates, attempting to exempt the following individuals
- to influence legislation then attempting to influence legislation then of<00:06:48.080><c> course</c
- </c> three on the 20% that's been an attempt three on the 20% that's been an attempt to<00:38:09.560>
- </c><00:59:56.280><c> to</c> to know who is attend attempting to to know who is attend attempting to
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Education Policy and Administration (01/27/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><01:12:52.320><c> to</c> here I think this bill attempts to here I think this bill attempts to engage
- </c> individuals who appear to be attempting individuals who appear to be attempting to<01:13:57.520>
- </c><01:14:10.840><c> to</c> issue this resolution is attempting to issue this resolution is attempting
- </c> um you know I find this a gross attempt um you know I find this a gross attempt to<01:37:22.920>
- </c><04:36:18.760><c> because</c> by uh new Innovative attempts because by uh new Innovative attempts
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 129, which would redefine “evidence-based” in public education to require objective, science-based evidence for pedagogical methods. The prime sponsor said the bill is a verbatim reintroduction from the prior session and argued that current federal definitions are too vague, allowing subjective surveys and other weak evidence to justify teaching methods. He said the bill is limited to pedagogy, not subject matter, and is intended to improve student outcomes, reduce fad-driven practices, and potentially save money by limiting unnecessary retraining and new materials.
Members asked repeatedly about the bill’s scope, including whether it would affect classroom teachers, curriculum content, and existing instructional approaches such as phonics versus whole language or queuing. The sponsor said the bill applies to state and local education bodies and educator training policies, not individual teachers in their classrooms, and that teachers would retain flexibility. He also said standardized testing could be part of a scientific study but is not itself a study, and that textbook providers could be asked to furnish the studies supporting instructional guidance included in their materials.
Several members raised concerns about the fiscal note and possible cost shifts to local districts and taxpayers. The sponsor disputed the idea that the bill would necessarily create major new costs or require additional staff, saying any costs would likely be limited and that the department is already applying federal evidence-based rules. He also said if some current methods are not science-based, updating them would be justified even if there were some initial expense. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.
WY
Transcript Highlights:
- well, okay, of course they're trying to govern within their own jurisdictions, but they're also attempting
- to use their but they're also attempting to use their power<00:03:46.000><c> to</c><00:03:46.480><c>
- </c> what what it is doing it is attempting what what it is doing it is attempting to<00:47:56.079><c
- He said that last year the panel raised concerns and they attempted to address many of them.
- and we attempted to address many<02:34:19.280><c> of</c><02:34:19.439><c> them.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Georgia, conspiracy theorists seeking to undermine long ago certified election results seized and attempted
- AB 282 seeks to prevent the gravest threats to our elections by preventing any attempts.
- AB 282 seeks to prevent the gravest threats to our elections by preventing any attempts to seize ballots
- the will of the voters of all political parties is respected, and we must be a step ahead of any attempts
Committee:
House Elections
Keywords:
referendum, fiscal impact, voter information, elections, ballot measures, state finances, legislative analysis
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on August 28, 2026, with a quorum present and heard five bills focused on election integrity, campaign transparency, and misleading political content. Chair Pellerin and Assembly Member Berman presented AB 1130, which would strengthen disclosure rules for campaign spending on social media influencers and impose civil penalties for violations, and AB 686, which extends existing law targeting deceptive or manipulated audio/video of political candidates, including deepfakes. Both bills were described as needed to improve transparency and protect voters from deceptive campaign media.
The committee also heard AB 282, which would make it a felony to seize or interfere with ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified, and AB 1853, which would give elections officials more authority to reject or alter candidate statements in the voter information guide when they contain hateful, irrelevant, or inappropriate material. Supporters of AB 1853, including a representative from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, argued that official voter materials should not be used to spread hate or extremist rhetoric. AB 502 was presented as a narrower, constitutionally safer version of AB 2839, limiting remedies and shortening the protected time window for deceptive AI-generated campaign content while preserving protections against deepfakes.
All five bills were moved with recommendations that Senate amendments be concurred in; AB 282 was also re-referred to the Committee on Public Safety. The recorded committee votes showed broad support, with AB 1130 passing 7-0, AB 686 5-2, AB 282 5-2, AB 1853 5-0, and AB 502 5-2. After the initial votes, the absent member later added an aye vote on each item, and the chair thanked members and staff before adjourning the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- When, for example, Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically seize...
- Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically seize ballots and potentially disrupt even a past election, I believe
- Dilution attempts under Kern County's supervisorial map.
- Last year, we joined an amicus brief challenging the attempt in Huntington Beach to enact a voter ID
- to reduce election, poll, electronic Attempts to reduce election, electronic poll work, poll books,
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg proposed expanding polling-place buffer zones, limiting certain law enforcement activity near polling sites, increasing ballot drop boxes and vote center access, and extending the vote-by-mail receipt deadline; supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation, while county election officials opposed it as operationally difficult and costly. The bill was amended in committee to allow county supervisors discretion over expanding the buffer zone and to permit law enforcement entry for crimes against persons or property. It was ultimately passed out of committee on a 4-1 vote after members’ roll calls were completed later in the day. SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes would expand California voting-rights protections by codifying and broadening anti-dilution and anti-suppression rules, adding preclearance for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to favor voting access; it drew strong support from civil rights and voting-rights groups, while one city raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. The committee advanced the bill to Judiciary on a 4-1 vote after later roll call completion.
The committee also considered SB 900 by Senator McNerney, which would streamline political advertisement disclosures by shortening required disclaimer language, allowing standard abbreviations, and increasing the number of top funders disclosed on political mailers from three to five. Supporters from the outdoor advertising industry and campaign finance reform groups said the bill would preserve transparency while making disclosures more readable; it passed unanimously and was sent to Appropriations. In contrast, SB 1225 and its companion SCA 3 by Senator Niello would transfer responsibility for drafting ballot titles and summaries for initiatives and referenda from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Supporters argued this would improve neutrality and public trust, while opponents said the current elected Attorney General system is accountable and efficient; both measures were advanced on narrow votes after roll calls were completed later.
Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, would expand language-access requirements for election materials by lowering the threshold for coverage, adding a petition process, and extending protections beyond current federal language categories. Voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups strongly supported the bill, while county election officials opposed it unless amended, citing concerns about the precinct-based determination model and implementation details. The committee passed SB 1360 to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote after the later roll call. The committee also approved a consent calendar of seven measures at the start of the hearing.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- When, for example, Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically seize by— Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically
- In 2018, a court found that Latino voters faced similar dilution attempts under a county supervisorial
- We've also seen increased efforts. ...dilution attempts under Kern County's supervisorial map.
- Last year, we joined an amicus brief challenging the attempt in Huntington Beach to enact a voter ID
- We've seen attempts to reduce election poll workers and poll books, which can create long lines in certain
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments heard several election-related measures. SB 884 by Senator Umberg would expand electioneering buffer zones around polling places and ballot-processing sites, restrict law enforcement activity near voting locations except for crimes against persons or property, expand ballot drop box and vote center access, and extend the vote-by-mail receipt deadline. Supporters said it would protect voters from intimidation and interference; county election officials opposed it as operationally burdensome and difficult to enforce. The committee discussed amendments narrowing some provisions, and the bill was ultimately advanced on a 4-1 vote, with Senator Choi voting no.
The committee also heard SB 1164 by Senator Cervantes, part of the California Voting Rights Act of 2026 package, which would codify and expand state voting-rights protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, add preclearance for certain jurisdictions with recent violations, and direct courts to interpret election laws in favor of voter access. Support came from civil rights and voting rights groups, while one city representative raised concerns about effects on pending litigation. Senator Choi questioned the bill’s concepts, but the measure was moved to Judiciary and later recorded as passing 4-1.
SB 900 by Senator McNerney would shorten and streamline campaign-ad disclosure language, allow abbreviations, and increase the number of top funders listed on political mailers from three to five. Outdoor advertising and good-government groups supported the bill as improving readability while preserving transparency. It passed to Appropriations on a 5-0 vote. The committee also considered SB 1225 and SCA 3 by Senator Niello, which would shift responsibility for initiative titles and summaries from the Attorney General to the Legislative Analyst’s Office; supporters argued this would improve neutrality, while labor groups opposed the change as unnecessary and less accountable. Both measures were advanced to Appropriations after divided votes. Finally, SB 1360 by Senator Cervantes would expand election language-access requirements beyond current federal thresholds and add a petition process for undercounted language communities. It drew broad support from civil rights and advocacy organizations, with county election officials seeking amendments over implementation details; the bill passed 5-0 after the committee completed roll calls on the absent members.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Elections and Constitutional Amendments
Transcript Highlights:
- When, for example, Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically seize by...
- Sheriff Bianco attempts to basically seize ballots and potentially disrupt even a past election, I believe
- We've also seen increased efforts. ...dilution attempts under Kern County's supervisorial map.
- Last year, we joined an amicus brief challenging the attempt in Huntington Beach to enact a voter ID
- We've seen attempts to reduce election, poll, electronic ...attempts to reduce election, electronic poll
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on State and Local Government - 05/07/26
State and Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- The two work groups here were also bills that were brought forward with an attempt to pass them this
- The two work groups here were also bills that were brought forward with an attempt to pass them this
- The two work groups here were also bills that were brought forward with an attempt to pass them this
- The two work groups here were also bills that were brought forward with an attempt to pass them this
- The two work groups here were also bills that were brought forward with an attempt to pass them this
Committee:
Senate State and Local Government
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Law & Justice Jun 4th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There was an attempt; the decision makers were attempting to predict the future.
- There was an attempt: the decision makers were attempting to predict the future based on the sentences
- A person's conduct in prison or any attempt at reformation did not impact the release date.
- There wasn't an attempt... ...codification of past practices.
- There wasn't an attempt to change the practice, but just what they had been doing.
Summary:
The committee held a work session on tort liability and parole, with the chair explaining that the topics were linked because criminal justice reform and state liability often intersect, especially in cases involving child welfare and corrections. Staff first outlined Washington’s tort liability framework, including the state’s broad waiver of sovereign immunity, statutes governing mandatory reporting and investigation of abuse, the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations, and the lack of caps on non-economic damages. Staff and presenters also compared Washington to other states and noted that Washington remains among the broadest states for state liability and childhood sexual abuse claims.
Presenters from the Attorney General’s office, Washington State Association for Justice, DCYF, DSHS, and DOC discussed how tort exposure has grown, especially in claims involving DCYF, historical child abuse, juvenile rehabilitation, vulnerable adults, employment discrimination, medical negligence, and negligent supervision. DCYF and AG staff said claims and payouts are rising, with many claims tied to older abuse and new theories of liability, while defense counsel emphasized the human harm behind the claims and argued that tort cases have historically driven accountability and reform. Agency witnesses said they face large volumes of old claims with limited records, rising verdicts and settlements, and staffing and systems challenges, and they highlighted efforts such as early resolution programs, electronic health records, medication-assisted treatment, and improved incident review processes.
The committee then shifted to parole. Sentencing experts reviewed Washington’s move from indeterminate sentencing to the current determinate sentencing system under the Sentencing Reform Act, and explained how parole could be integrated with sentencing guidelines through different models used in other states. They also summarized Criminal Sentencing Task Force recommendations related to a determinate-plus approach for three-strikes and persistent offender laws and a second-chance review process, noting there was no consensus on those ideas. Judges from the Minority and Justice Commission and the Superior Court Judges Association said a parole system could support rehabilitation and reduce disparities if it includes data collection, fairness, transparency, due process, and meaningful judicial review; they also pointed to research suggesting parole and structured reentry can reduce recidivism and costs, while warning that access and outcomes can vary by geography and other factors.
AL
Alabama 2025 Regular Session
Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Apr 8th, 2025
County and Municipal Government
Transcript Highlights:
- to address um some of the attempt to address um some of the attempt to address um some of the concerns
- I want to say this is just an attempt to want to say this is just an attempt to want to say this is just
- It was my understanding there were attempts to change the language in were attempts to change the language
- in were attempts to change the language in this tax.
- Those attempts were this tax. Those attempts were this tax. Those attempts were unsuccessful.
Committee:
Senate County and Municipal Government
Keywords:
primary election, election calendar, off-presidential year, May primary, second Tuesday in May, fourth Tuesday in May, runoff primary, special primary, presidential primary, election administration, candidate filing, ballot access, political parties, county election officials, state election law, Alabama elections, sheriffs, term of office, Alabama law, local government
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Texas House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I would encourage everybody to know that this is the state's attempt to recognize those individuals as
- sacrifice in January of last year when he selflessly dove into swelling waters on a mission in an attempt
- Gage's leading Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer, Officer Chris Chambers fell into the water while attempting
- mentioned by the senator and representative, Without hesitation, Gage leapt into the water in an attempt
- It's his last act. before he jumps in the water in an attempt to save the life of his teammate.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Texas Legislative Medal of Honor Committee May 13th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- You know, this is the state's attempt to recognize those individuals as the museum does back in Arlington
- sacrifice in January of last year when he selflessly dove into swelling waters on a mission in an attempt
- boarding, Gage's leading Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer Chris Chambers, fell into the water while attempting
- Without hesitation, Gage leapt into the water in an attempt to save his teammate's life.
- It's his last act before he jumps in the water and attempts to save the life of his teammate.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Mar 24th, 2026
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- Electoral Count Reform Act, which eliminates the risk of alternate slates of presidential electors being attempted
- again. ...which eliminates the risk of alternate slates of presidential electors being attempted again
- And what this particular language does is establish a statutory remedy if a presidential elector attempts
- If an elector attempts to vote in violation of that pledge, the bill will treat the elector as having
Committee:
Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws
Summary:
The Committee on Election Laws held a hearing with three bills on the agenda, though the transcript focuses primarily on House Bill 5086, a measure to reform the handling of presidential electors. Testimony from Public Citizen, the Uniform Law Commission, and Protect Democracy supported the bill, describing it as a way to prevent “faithless electors,” require a pledge of faithfulness, replace any elector who violates that pledge, and ensure Massachusetts meets updated federal Electoral College deadlines. Witnesses also emphasized concerns about political coercion and threats against public officials, and several noted that similar laws have been adopted in many other states.
Committee members raised questions about how the bill would interact with Massachusetts’ participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. Witnesses responded that the bill is intended to be fully compatible with the compact, but suggested a minor amendment to make that clearer and avoid any mistaken reading that the bill weakens or rejects the compact. They also explained that the bill would not change how Massachusetts currently appoints electors under the compact framework, but would protect those electors from pressure or coercion.
After questions concluded, the chair noted that testimony had also been heard from Representative Breguire, the Governor’s office on the other two bills, and Representative Hogan. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the committee adjourned.