Transcript Highlights:

• And I just certainly to do is sell selection is is not picking and choosing if you will, based on on race
• And so there are race and ethnicity, information that that we collect.
• And so the Hispanic non-Hispanic is considered an ethnicity rather than a race.
• Thank you know, where do they fall on the race?
• So they're not on the chart there because the demographics look at race and we reported by racing, not

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And it's caused an arms race where people are having to raise more money.
• They don't have to spend $100 million against you in your next race.
• And so, I mean, you can, in some ways... ...in your next race.
• I'll tell you, in my city council first race and in my Assembly race, we had a local billionaire who
• Races would be so much more affordable for working-class people.

Summary: The Committee on Banking and Finance met as a subcommittee at first due to a lack of quorum, then established quorum and proceeded with an informational hearing on AB 1984 by Assemblymember Rogers. The bill was presented as an effort to reduce the influence of money in politics by limiting political spending by corporations and other state-created entities, with supporters arguing that Citizens United has fueled dark money, eroded public trust, and distorted democracy. Testimony in support came from the author, Tom Moore of the Center for American Progress, Nancy Price of the Alliance for Democracy, and several advocacy groups and individuals, who emphasized corruption concerns, the need for transparency, and the view that the bill would make elections more accountable and less dominated by anonymous spending. Committee members raised concerns about constitutionality, the definition of covered entities, and whether the bill could unintentionally favor wealthy individuals or independent expenditures over ordinary candidates. Assemblymember Rubio argued that the measure could disadvantage candidates from poorer districts and shift power toward self-funded or IE-backed campaigns, while Assemblymember Schiavo and others noted the corrosive effect of dark money and the difficulty of running in a system shaped by large outside spending. The author and witnesses responded that the bill would not eliminate all spending, but would require spending to come from identifiable individuals and reduce anonymous corporate and dark-money channels. Opposition testimony came from the California Chamber of Commerce, which argued the bill would be unconstitutional under First Amendment precedent and would silence businesses and nonprofits rather than solve the underlying problem. Additional opposition was voiced by the California Building Industry Association and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association. The committee also briefly considered and passed the consent calendar, including AB 2607, by roll call vote. The hearing on AB 1984 remained informational only, and no vote was taken on the bill before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, whoever wins that race, the AI race, may be the winner when it comes to national defense.
• there's tremendous opportunities for monies from the government, not just the ... whoever wins that race
• whoever wins that race the<00:10:51.320><c> AI</c><00:10:51.640><c> race</c><00:10:52.560><c> um</c>
• the AI race um the AI race um may<00:10:53.600><c> be</c><00:10:53.760><c> the</c><00:10:53.880><c>

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• George Floyd’s death forced this country to confront race and justice.
• Just this week, the Attorney General issued an opinion calling race-based protections unconstitutional
• This should give all of us pause about how race, rights, and rhetoric are being treated in this moment
• That moment forced this nation to confront race and justice in a very real and new way.
• That moment forced this nation to confront race and justice in a very real and new way.

Bills: S0194, S1246

Keywords: Charlie Kirk, remembrance, free speech, civic engagement, youth leadership, nursing shortage, health care, education funding, workforce development, LINE Fund, monetary contributions, nonmonetary contributions

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary met with a quorum and first considered SB 1246, which would expand Florida’s Line Fund for health service workforce shortages. Senator Davis explained that the bill would broaden eligibility beyond nursing to include health science education programs and students, allow matching funds from private contributions, and permit use of funds for scholarships, faculty recruitment, equipment, simulation centers, and facility renovations. Senator Harrell asked for more specificity about which professions would qualify, and Davis said the bill was intended to add flexibility but could be made more concrete. Several witnesses supported the bill, and the committee reported SB 1246 favorably without additional funding being requested. The committee then took up SB 194, which would designate October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. Senator Martin said the bill would recognize Kirk’s influence on civic engagement, youth leadership, and constitutional education without creating a state holiday. The bill drew both support and opposition from public speakers, with supporters emphasizing Kirk’s advocacy for free speech and unborn children, and opponents arguing that his public statements on race, civil rights, and Black leaders made him an inappropriate figure for state honor. Members also debated whether statute was the right vehicle for such recognition and whether the bill could encourage future requests for similar commemorations. A late-filed amendment by Senator Jones would have added George Floyd to the remembrance language, framing the issue as selective remembrance and pointing to Floyd’s death as another national reckoning. Senator Martin opposed the amendment as unfriendly, and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then debated SB 194 at length, with supporters describing Kirk as a defender of open debate and opponents saying the bill would legitimize divisive rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported SB 194 favorably, with Senators Berman, Harrell, and Jones voting no, Senator Rodriguez and Chair Simon voting yes, and Chair Calatayud casting the deciding favorable vote. The committee then adjourned after a motion to record Tab 2 in the affirmative was adopted.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the electorate, or is it just that they happen to get in the race for a two-person race and they
• of the electorate, or is it just that they happen to get in the race for a two-person race and they
• of the electorate, or is it just that they happen to get in the race for a two-person race and they
• of the electorate, or is it just that they happen to get in the race for a two-person race and they
• </c> licenses of historic horse racing licenses of historic horse racing facilities<02:30:15.000><c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• color ethnicity religion sex gender race color ethnicity religion sex gender sexual<00:56:47.520><c>
• and sex in 2014 under the instance race and sex in 2014 under the women's<01:00:26.000><c> Economic<
• Around hiring, firing, or disciplining cannot be made because of, for instance, my race.
• </c> dozen students um because um of her race dozen students um because um of her race um<01:11:44.920
• policing as part practice of race-based policing as part of<01:16:09.679><c> our</c><01:16:09.880><c

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Bruce Johnson, North Dakota Racing Commission, regarding the auditor's report. The floor is yours.
• Bruce Johnson of the North Dakota Racing Commission. Chairman Murdole, members of the committee.
• That is the commitment you have from me and the Racing Commission.
• And a horse that races without it is not eligible for an award.
• No, and I’m appointed by the Racing Commission, by the commission itself. I’m sorry, committee.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c><00:24:22.080><c> ethnicity,</c> account of a person's race, ethnicity, account of a person's race
• ,</c> law on account of a person's race, law on account of a person's race, ethnicity,<00:26:13.679><
• ,</c><00:30:35.279><c> ethnicity,</c> account of a person's race, ethnicity, account of a person's race
• ,</c> on account of a person's race, on account of a person's race, ethnicity,<00:32:42.799><c> sex,<
• , sex, gender identity, based on race, sex, gender identity, national<00:35:31.599><c> origin.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, this deals with racing fuel, so I'll be fast.
• simply offers our retail gas stations The opportunity to have an additional storage tank that includes racing
• just want to include that this only relates to retail gas stations within five miles of a motorsport racing
• They wanted to offer the racing fuel that this bill deals with, but because of that, they were only eligible
• We removed the original language to keep it narrow and just have it within close proximity of racing

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:25:24.880><c> And</c><00:25:25.280><c> I'd</c> their cars that they're racing.
• And I'd their cars that they're racing.
• </c> stop stop um racing. Motion on the bill. stop stop um racing. Motion on the bill.
• What's the definition of drag racing? So that's not changed under the bill. It's valid 189045.
• </c> what's the definition of drag racing? what's the definition of drag racing?

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in addition to their congressional races.
• Each party can pick what they want, but among the races for that party, it has to be the same.
• SSC races, those are also closed party primaries and they always have been.
• , their PSC races.
• But she ran in 1991, but she could not get past Edwin Edwards because Edwin entered the race.

Summary: The Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee met on May 20, 2026, with a quorum present and no minutes available for approval. The committee first heard HB 181, which would let the legislative auditor review income tax data to verify eligibility for Medicaid and, at LDH’s request, SNAP. The auditor said the work would be limited to internal data testing under sharing agreements and not disclosed to third parties. After questions about privacy and duplication, the bill was reported favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then took up HB 906 on presidential preference primaries and party nominating petitions. The Secretary of State and bill author said the measure would let major parties decide whether unaffiliated voters may participate in their primaries, with 180 days’ notice to the state, and would keep party rules consistent within presidential years so elections can be programmed properly. Several senators raised concerns that the bill would disenfranchise no-party voters and give parties too much control, but supporters said both major parties had approved the approach. The committee voted 4-3 to report the bill favorably. Members also advanced HB 398, which would require the judiciary to use the federal GSA meal per diem rate instead of the current higher state judicial rate; HB 1052, which strengthens confidentiality protections for child abuse investigations handled by child advocacy centers and multidisciplinary teams; HB 1245, which protects witness criminal history records from unintended public release in clerk of court records; HB 202, which requires state civil service or hiring agencies to notify applicants when a vacancy is filled or they are rejected; HB 540, which requires disclosure of paid digital election advertising; HB 9, designating stuffed shrimp as a Louisiana specialty; HB 1057, extending the validity of absentee-by-mail applications for military voters from one year to two; HB 225, proposing a constitutional amendment to limit governors to two lifetime terms; HB 177, allowing retired court reporters to contract with former public employers; and HB 459, requiring disclosure when campaign materials use AI, with amendments adopted after discussion of First Amendment and campaign finance concerns. The committee also rejected an amendment to HB 1057 that would have expanded Sunday early voting in certain parishes. After the bills, the committee held confirmation hearings for James Kelly and Charles Wilkinson to the Board of Supervisors of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, both of whom described education and workforce development backgrounds and were favorably received.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have classrooms filled with students of different races, cultures, religions, identities, and abilities
• We are seeing attempts right now to silence conversation about race, identity, and lived experience,
• they are dedicated, trained individuals focused on addressing discrimination in all forms, including race
• About someone's religion or their race.
• . about someone's religion or their race.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 998, which would clarify and expand school discrimination prevention coordinator roles, including new coordinators focused on disability and anti-AAPI discrimination. The author and supporters said the bill would strengthen school climate, provide clearer guidance and training, and help schools address discrimination before it escalates. Support came from education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ groups, while some witnesses expressed support if amended but raised concerns about gubernatorial appointments and preferred civil service hiring. Several senators debated whether the bill duplicated existing protections and whether it diverted attention from academic priorities, but the chair and coauthors emphasized it as follow-up legislation tied to prior civil rights commitments. The committee voted SB 998 out on a due pass motion to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the bill was placed on call. The committee then took up SB 1082, which would streamline inter-district transfer appeals by requiring faster district action, concurrent review, and clearer notice when applications are incomplete. The author and sponsor said families often face long delays and inconsistent practices, and supporters argued the bill would improve fairness and reduce administrative burden without changing local approval authority. The California School Boards Association had an oppose-unless-amended position but said it was re-evaluating after amendments, and some other groups said they were removing opposition. The committee approved the bill on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee and placed it on call. Next, the committee heard SB 960 on community college baccalaureate degrees. The author argued the bill would create a statewide framework allowing community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in unmet workforce areas when CSU programs are unavailable or effectively inaccessible because of impaction, while also limiting growth so community colleges do not drift from their core mission. Supporters said the bill would expand access for place-bound students and align with workforce needs, while CSU and faculty opponents warned it could duplicate programs, affect faculty jobs, and worsen pressure on the CSU system. Members debated the master plan, impaction, funding inequities, and whether the bill would siphon students from CSU. The committee ultimately moved SB 960 out on a due pass as amended motion to the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the bill was placed on call. Finally, Senator Blakespear presented SB 965, which would make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to obtain public library cards without a parent or guardian physically present. The author and her son described inconsistent local rules and said the bill would reduce barriers while preserving local library policies on checkout and liability. The transcript ended during testimony on SB 965, before any committee vote or further action was recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• My first race was in the year 2000, and at that time, the idea of ranked choice voting sounded great.
• And it is so easy to figure out, especially those close races. The person with the most votes wins.
• Callais and a town either deciding themselves, hey, we've got to get race out of this process.
• It doesn't matter what race anybody is. It doesn't matter what their ideology is.
• Any of those means could be happening in one school board race with three different candidates.

Bills: HB2210, HB2123, HB2206, HB2281, HB2411

Keywords: local representation, fair elections, government accountability, voter rights, transparency, foreign nationals, elections, Washington state, voter participation, government oversight, voting rights, uniform standards, overseas voting, civilian voting, state legislation, tribal relations, government, state policy, sovereignty, federalism

Summary: The committee began with member introductions and then heard House Bill 2123 on foreign national participation in elections. Staff explained that current law requires certifications from candidates, political committees, and political advertising sponsors that foreign nationals were not involved in financing or decision-making. The proposed substitute would raise the threshold for when those certifications are required, and an amendment would raise it further, effectively limiting the requirement mostly to ballot measure activity. Prime sponsor Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon said the existing paperwork burden makes campaigns harder without solving much, and that the bill would reduce unnecessary requirements while preserving protections where federal law does not already bar foreign money, especially in ballot measures. The committee then took up House Bill 2210 on ranked choice voting for local elections. Staff described the bill as allowing local governments to adopt ranked choice voting, changing the top-two primary structure to a top-five process for participating jurisdictions, and setting rules for ballot design, tabulation, and voter education. Rep. Lisa Gregerson framed the bill as a temporary tool to protect fair elections amid federal uncertainty and possible Voting Rights Act changes. Supporters, including Fair Vote Washington, Washington Bus, Sightline Institute, and several advocates, argued ranked choice voting could improve representation, expand voter choice, and help communities of color, young voters, military and overseas voters, and underrepresented groups. Opponents, including Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, several county auditors, and other witnesses, said the system is confusing, costly, and may increase ballot errors or lower turnout, especially for language-minority and disabled voters. The hearing on HB 2210 was paused partway through to move to other bills. House Bill 2411, on expanding the state shared leave program, would allow state employees to use donated leave if they are victims of hate crimes or if they or a family member are affected by immigration enforcement actions. Rep. Osman Salahuddin said the bill fills a gap exposed by a recent ICE detention case involving a state employee and would help workers remain employed during traumatic disruptions. OFM, the Office of Equity, and the Washington Federation of State Employees supported the bill, saying it is a low-cost way to help coworkers support one another. Some witnesses questioned whether the bill would apply to people without legal status, while others argued that state employment already requires legal documentation. Online and in-person opponents criticized the bill as unnecessary or as benefiting undocumented people. The committee also heard House Bill 2281, which would strengthen government-to-government consultation with tribes and add protections for tribal traditional cultural places. Staff said the bill would require timely notice, meaningful consultation, and a higher legal standard before state agencies could burden tribal cultural practices, with a possible superior court claim if the standard is violated. Vice Chair Rep. Chris Stearns said the bill is meant to protect Native identity and sacred sites from destruction and to use a strict-scrutiny-like standard when state actions burden tribal religious practices. Tribal and faith-based supporters backed the bill as a needed safeguard for sacred places and sovereignty, while industry groups warned it could create broad veto power, permitting uncertainty, and significant costs. The hearing on HB 2281 was then closed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 2206, which adopts the Uniform Military and Overseas Voters Act to expand and standardize voting access for military and overseas voters in state and local elections. Staff said the bill would broaden the definition of overseas voters and improve ballot access and enforcement. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs strongly supported the measure, and a witness who had lived overseas as a child described herself as one of the small number of people affected and asked for clearer review of UOCAVA status. An opponent argued the bill would allow never-residents to vote in Washington and cited North Carolina court decisions rejecting similar provisions. A Verified Voting representative supported a committee amendment to remove stray electronic portal language. The hearing on HB 2206 was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• House of Representatives race. Thank you, Mr. Just the U.S. House of Representatives race.
• For congressional House races. For all the congressional House races. So when it comes... Not U.S.
• Congressional House races.
• Congressional House races, yes, ma'am. In November. Yes, ma'am. For the U.S.
• Senate race that's currently going on? No, ma'am, it will not.

Bills: HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR281, HR282, HR283, HR284, HCR112, HCR113, HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, SCR63, SCR66, SCR67, SB414, SB484, SB513, HR168, HR174, HR194, HR216, HR264, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR85, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR104, SCR23, SCR29, SCR33, SCR38, HB75, HB705, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, HR188, HR205, HR3, HR197, HR243, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, SCR35, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB39, HB58, HB112, HB134, HB155, HB187, HB287, HB462, HB782, HB825, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB1200, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, HB842, HB633, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB251, HB582, HB646, HB819, HB998, HB1257, SB197, SB436, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: highway maintenance, signage, transportation safety, DOTD, infrastructure, public safety, federal grants, job creation, carbon storage, carbon dioxide storage, carbon capture and storage, CCS, mineral rights, mineral owners, oil and gas, disposal wells, injection wells, advanced drilling, carbon sequestration, Louisiana energy policy

Summary: The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several personal privileges recognizing National Police Week, fallen law enforcement officers, a young Olympic weightlifter, a community sports agent, a deceased coach, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Day, the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association, aviation professionals, and a birthday tribute. The chamber also received Senate messages, committee reports, and a long series of resolutions and bills, many of which were adopted or concurred in without objection. Several measures were returned to the calendar, while others were advanced with technical or clarifying amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on resolutions honoring or commemorating people and groups, including National Police Week, Barron Baker, Paul T. Derezel II, Coach Emilio Tese, Alpha Phi Alpha, Louisiana Realtors Day, Special Olympics Louisiana, and various memorial highway designations. The House also adopted or concurred in resolutions on topics such as DOTD signage, shrimp procurement, geothermal energy, opioid settlement reporting, hospital design standards, Medicaid redetermination flexibility, chronic wasting disease management, remote online notarization, and a task force on intestate succession. Testimony on these items was generally supportive and brief, with sponsors explaining that most were technical, commemorative, or requests for study. The chamber also took up several substantive bills and Senate amendments. Among the measures concurred in were bills on peace officer citizenship requirements, post-conviction bail limits, portable benefits for independent contractors, workforce development, construction debris burning, license plate coverings, insurance and captive insurers, oil field indemnification, and rural infrastructure financing. One notable bill, HB 39 on peace officer citizenship, drew questions about National Guard members and legal permanent residents before the House concurred in the Senate amendments by a 74-22 vote. HB 134 on harmful material and interactive computer services had its Senate amendments rejected, while HB 359 on nonaffiliated candidates was temporarily returned to the calendar. The most extended debate came on the conference committee report for HB 842, which addressed Louisiana election law in response to the federal Callais decision. Members questioned how the report would affect the current congressional election cycle, absentee ballots, qualifying dates, signature requirements, and whether the closed party primary for U.S. House races had been canceled in favor of an open primary in the fall. The sponsor explained that the report cancels the current closed party primary for congressional races, voids ballots cast in that canceled election, returns qualifying fees, lowers petition-signature requirements, and sets new dates for the open primary and runoff. The House suspended the rules to consider the report the same day it was received, and the discussion highlighted concerns about election administration, district maps, and the scope of the changes before the chamber moved forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Kelly says that states can use race in this way if they're doing so in order to comply with Section
• Under Kelly, plaintiffs cannot use race when drawing that map.
• So it's attempting to disentangle race and politics. That is what Kelly is going forward.
• As such, they could continue to allow post-election-day receipt potentially for state and local races
• They are allowed to vote on all races, so that's state and federal.

Keywords: 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Equitable hiring that resulted in an age-, race-, and gender-diverse workplace.
• the five identities and experiences that I feel define the way I move through the world most is my race
• The case saying that you can only file a discrimination case based on race or gender, but she can't do
• Women experience being at the intersection of their race and gender identity.
• organizational representatives that are here, are there people of different gender identities and race

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming Alison Bauer as its first full-time director, effective March 30. Bauer briefly introduced her background in law, social work, public health, state government, philanthropy, and teaching, and said she planned to meet one-on-one with each commissioner. The commission then approved the December quarterly meeting minutes by motion and vote. The main portion of the meeting was a workshop led by Adriana Boulin on diversity, equity, inclusion, power, belonging, and intersectionality. Boulin defined key terms, guided participants through reflection exercises on personal values and conditions that support or undermine power, and discussed the history of intersectionality. Commissioners and guests shared examples of DEI work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, equitable hiring, LGBTQ+ aging advocacy, and community programs. Participants also reflected on how the commission has felt powerful, citing the strategic plan, the hiring of an executive director, the website, listening sessions, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The group then focused on how to apply an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priorities, especially improving representation and inclusion. Commissioners discussed the need for more racial, ethnic, trans, immigrant, and other marginalized representation, as well as barriers such as recruitment challenges, the size of the commission, and CORI/background-check concerns for some governor-appointed seats. They also explored whether an advisory board or expanded outreach to community organizations could help broaden participation. No formal votes or final actions were taken beyond approving the minutes, but the meeting ended with agreement to continue the equity work and with the next quarterly meeting scheduled for June.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, 810 KAR 3:020.
• Allow written request for waiver of licensing requirements for certain racing participants who qualify
• &gt;&gt; Horse<00:08:26.480><c> Racing</c><00:08:26.800><c> and</c><00:08:26.919><c> Gaming</c><00:08
• &gt;&gt; Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, 810 KAR<00:08:30.280><c> 3020.
• </c> requirements for certain racing requirements for certain racing participants<00:08:50.600><c> who

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum, approved the prior meeting’s minutes, and then reviewed a series of administrative regulations from multiple agencies. Most of the regulations were presented as technical updates or policy clarifications, and in each case the committee approved staff-suggested amendments without objection. The Department of Revenue regulation would delete a section on tax credits for trusts and estates to align with statute. The Kentucky Public Pensions Authority package updated definitions, sick leave credit rules, hazardous/non-hazardous employment participation, refund procedures, contribution limits, mortality table references, and incorporated federal tax references. The Board of Medical Licensure regulations addressed renewal and activation of inactive physician-assistant licenses and renewal/reinstatement timelines for athletic trainer licenses. The Fish and Wildlife regulations revised rules for Otter Creek and Peabody areas by deleting definitions and creating shooting-range permit exemptions. The committee also heard emergency vocational rehabilitation regulations that would clarify definitions, due process rights, federal compliance, service fees, in-state service preferences, and service-specific requirements; a workforce insurance regulation updating contribution/reporting rules for professional employer organizations; and a horse racing regulation adding license categories for allied animal health professionals, animal chiropractors, and equine dental providers, while updating fees, application timing, and special events licensing. Members asked questions about the horse racing licensure changes, and the agency explained they were responding to prior session changes and adding guardrails, including veterinarian sign-off for equine therapist licensure on the back side of a racetrack. The Department for Public Health package made several personnel and salary-related changes for local health departments, including salary ranges for new hires, probation and evaluation rules, salary increases after probation, and limits on certain leave payouts for employees who separate without proper notice or are dismissed for cause. The Office of Inspector General regulation added electronic prescription references and removed authority to create a new prescription number for partial dispensing of Schedule II prescriptions. The Department for Medicaid Services regulations updated provider group definitions, removed some service limits, required prior authorization for all genetic testing for non-MCO recipients, changed physician fee schedule updates from quarterly to annually, and added reimbursement for department-approved vaccines. Members asked detailed questions about genetic testing prior authorization and sleep disorder coverage; the agency said prior authorization is intended to take two to five days and that sleep disorder services generally involve sleep apnea-related treatments such as CPAP machines and sleep studies. The committee then adjourned and announced its next meeting for Tuesday, May 12 at 1:00 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Equitable hiring that resulted in an age-, race-, and gender-diverse workplace.
• the five identities and experiences that I feel define the way I move through the world most are my race
• The case saying that you can only file a discrimination case based on race or gender, but she can't do
• Women experience being at the intersection of their race and gender identity.
• organizational representatives that are here, are there people of different gender identities and race

Keywords: 1212, all

Summary: The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging opened its March quarterly meeting by welcoming its first full-time director, Alison Bauer, who introduced her background in state government, public health, philanthropy, teaching, and LGBTQ family advocacy. Commissioners approved the December meeting minutes and then turned to the main presentation, a DEI workshop led by Adriana Boulin of Fenway Health and Boston Pride for the People. Boulin guided members through an interactive “power flower” exercise to define diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and power, and to reflect on personal values, identities, and the conditions that support or diminish power. Commissioners and guests shared examples of successful DEI work in their lives and in the commission’s work, including listening sessions, inclusive trainings, targeted recruitment, the strategic plan, the commission website, and passage of the LGBTQI+ and HIV long-term care bill of rights. The discussion also included the history of intersectionality and how multiple identities can create both barriers and advantages. The group then applied an equity lens to the commission’s strategic priority on representation and inclusion. Members discussed the need for greater racial, ethnic, gender, trans, immigrant, and regional diversity, as well as barriers such as limited seats, appointment procedures, and the challenge of recruiting people who would otherwise be the only person of their identity in the room. Participants explored possible approaches including expanding seats legislatively, using advisory structures, and building relationships with organizations and potential appointers to broaden participation. The meeting ended with appreciation for the workshop and a reminder that the next quarterly meeting will be held in June.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are really not looking, in this case, to race the local DA to the courthouse.
• What we are racing, though..."
• We are really not looking, in this case, to race the local DA to the courthouse.
• What we are racing, though, is a 30-day time limit in order to get that asset forfeiture filed.
• We would not be able to race them to the courthouse on that because we wouldn't know that there was a

Bills: HB115

Keywords: public funds, lobbying, political subdivision, government spending, transparency, HB 115, taxpayer-funded lobbying, local government lobbying, county association dues, municipal lobbying, lobbyist registration, Chapter 305, Government Code Section 556.0056, Local Government Code Section 89.002, county government, city government, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, state association of counties, sheriffs association

Summary: The Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence reconvened with a quorum present and announced it would likely not vote that night because of confusion over the bill list; members were told a definitive list would be circulated the next morning and a formal meeting would be scheduled later. The chair then heard a series of bills, generally taking testimony and leaving each pending without action. House Bill 1847 would set maximum caseload standards for private attorneys handling indigent criminal appointments through the Texas Indigent Defense Commission; House Bill 2417 would expand compensation eligibility for some wrongfully imprisoned people; House Bill 2813 would require earlier and more specific victim notice of scheduled court proceedings; and House Bill 2309 would expand state and local authority in certain civil asset forfeiture cases involving human trafficking, health care fraud, and organized crime. Each bill was laid out by its author or a member, with no opposition witnesses registered, and each was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 4733, which would require sealing records for people acquitted of charges when they were not convicted on the related allegation; House Bill 2328, which would modernize expunction service by encouraging electronic notice, setting a standardized fee when electronic service is unavailable, extending clerk retention of expunction orders, and preserving certain mental health commitment orders; and House Bill 115, which would revise Texas’s “junk science” post-conviction writ law by providing counsel, changing the relief standard, requiring written decisions, and easing procedural barriers. Testimony on HB 2328 was mixed: county clerks supported the bill as a cost-saving modernization, while legal advocates warned that permanent retention of expunction orders could undermine true expunction and create privacy risks. HB 115 drew support from innocence and defense organizations, with some concern about a provision affecting subsequent writs. All were left pending after testimony. Later, the committee heard House Bill 2046, which would allow affirmative family-violence findings for any Penal Code offense rather than only Title V offenses; testimony from a Dallas County prosecutor and a committee member emphasized that family violence can involve arson, burglary, fraud, and other non-Title V conduct, and the bill was left pending. House Bill 1765 would tighten restrictions on no-knock warrants by requiring higher-level approval, judicial review, and identifiable officers; members discussed the dangers highlighted by the Harding Street raid and similar incidents, and the bill was also left pending. The meeting ended with the chair noting that some bills had been removed from the agenda at the author’s request and that members should be prepared to finalize the vote list the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:12:50.719><c> color</c> one or more of the following race color one or more of the following
• race color and<01:12:51.600><c> it</c><01:12:51.760><c> goes</c><01:12:51.960><c> on</c><01:12:52.800
• and we don't want teachers that are other races?
• and we don't want teachers that are other races?
• </c> already uh ruled that race-based already uh ruled that race-based admissions<01:21:06.719><c> policies

Keywords: 1187, senate, all