Transcript Highlights:

• Survivors testified about the violence that they endured, but most will keep their abuse to themselves
• sustain this work with ongoing funding in this year's budget and improve our access to incarcerated survivors
• We fear that the number one recommendation that we hear from survivors has not been prioritized.
• , we hope that you will increase the access of community organizations, provide more services to survivors
• , prevent retaliation, and support survivors. and improve the investigations, reporting, and accountability

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Retirement System 2, or JRS 2, to allow judges to designate a non-spouse beneficiary to receive survivor
• retirement benefits and to ensure that all vested judges can access survivor benefit protections.
• judges may generally designate only a spouse or a registered domestic partner to receive ongoing survivor
• In addition, current law requires judges to serve 20 years before electing a survivor benefit option,

Committee: House Public Employment and Retirement

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> file uh 302 also known as the survivors file uh 302 also known as the survivors Justice<01:50:35.320
• </c><01:52:05.880><c> issue</c> are recognizing this as a Survivor issue are recognizing this as a Survivor
• The Survivor Justice Act is a trauma-informed and compassionate response to justice-involved survivors
• </c> and for um some incarcerated survivors and for um some incarcerated survivors early<01:54:20.040
• </c> my name is Lauren Franzen I'm a Survivor my name is Lauren Franzen I'm a Survivor of<01:55:36.440

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um and what I survivors' experiences.
• </c><01:33:00.080><c> make</c><01:33:00.320><c> those</c> survivor who's able to make those survivor
• </c><01:33:20.840><c> So,</c> the survivor from this situation.
• So, the survivor from this situation.
• </c><01:33:28.080><c> proves</c> contract for deed if the survivor proves contract for deed if the survivor

Bills: SF1750 , HF2700 , HF1606 , HF3356 , HF3946 , HF3970 , HF3658 , HF3875 , HF2627 , SF856 , HF1268 , HF1338

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Keywords: common interest community, CIC, homeowners association, HOA, condominium, planned community, cooperative, unit owner, association board, declarant, declarant control, special declarant rights, assessment lien, foreclosure, late fees, fines, attorney fees, resale disclosure, annual report, maintenance plan

Transcript Highlights:

• What impact is it actually having on survivors and those who cause harm?
• of domestic violence and survivors of domestic violence and actually<00:16:08.160><c> those</c><00:16
• having on survivors and those who<00:16:30.480><c> cause</c><00:16:30.639><c> harm?
• We often hear from survivors that they really just want the violence to end, and is domestic violence
• for whom this relationship is survivors for whom this relationship is not<00:32:03.600><c> going</c>

Bills: HB1546

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: Medicaid, health insurance, healthcare access, insurance subsidies, pilot program, affordable care, preventive services, low-income, community engagement, 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2083, which would add homeless shelters to Hawaii’s drug-free/safe-zone protections. The City and County prosecutor’s office strongly supported the bill, saying service providers asked for the change because drug activity near shelters can undermine recovery efforts. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the measure, focusing on a possible notice problem because many shelters are not readily identifiable and the bill’s 750-foot distance requirement could be difficult to apply. The Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii also opposed the bill, arguing it would expand criminalization of poverty and drug use and that drug-free zone laws are ineffective and disproportionately harmful. The prosecutor’s office said it would do more research on the notice concern. The committee then moved on without taking a vote in the transcript provided. The committee next discussed HB 2087, which would change the treatment of abuse of family or household member cases by ending the deferred-acceptance pilot and returning to the prior statute. The prosecutor’s office supported the bill, saying the pilot had not reduced backlog as intended and that domestic violence cases should remain petty misdemeanors without deferral. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Public Defender’s Office both opposed HB 2087, instead urging extension of the pilot for another five years so the legislature can better evaluate how deferred acceptance is working. They said deferrals can be a useful incentive for behavior change and that more data is needed before ending the program. Committee members questioned the prosecutor about why Hawaii should differ from other counties and whether repeat offenders could keep receiving deferrals; the prosecutor said the deferral is available only once and reiterated support for returning to the old statute. The committee then heard HB 2096 on aggravated circumstances in child protective proceedings. The family court and Attorney General’s Office supported the bill, saying current law limits aggravated-circumstances findings to the early return hearing, which can prevent findings in the most serious abuse cases when key evidence is not yet available. They said the bill would allow such findings later in the case and, with proposed amendments, would let the court consolidate aggravated-circumstances and termination-of-parental-rights hearings to reduce delay and appeals. The Libertarian Party of Hawaii opposed the measure, arguing it would expand state power in family matters and could worsen outcomes for parents and children. Committee questions focused on the amended language, including what “another court of competent jurisdiction” means and whether a charge alone would be enough; the judiciary responded that criminal courts are included, but a hearing and opportunity to defend would still be required. Finally, the committee took up HB 1959, another domestic violence measure. The Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Public Defender’s Office, the Crime Victim Compensation Commission, the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, and county prosecuting offices testified in support. Supporters said the bill would extend the pilot program while keeping deferred acceptance of guilty pleas in place, giving more time to evaluate whether the program is working and whether a more formal diversion model should be developed. The coalition also suggested technical fixes to ensure judiciary data reporting continues and that the deferred-acceptance statute is not inadvertently repealed. No vote or final action was taken in the transcript before the committee moved on to the next bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um however um as has been raised it could be used as a weapon against survivors who want to relocate
• </c> helpful for domestic violence survivors helpful for domestic violence survivors and<01:45:40.239
• </c><01:45:48.400><c> Um</c><01:45:49.040><c> and</c> survivors in family court.
• Um and survivors in family court.
• Um however um as has been survivors.

Committee: House Children and Family Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, of course, is for cancer patients, and as you all know, as a cancer survivor, I've continued
• And as you all know, as a cancer survivor, I've continued to work on this legislation and partnered with
• And, of course, I'm working with former Representative Julie Stokes, who was also a cancer survivor,

Committee: Senate Insurance

Summary: The Senate Insurance Committee met on May 20, confirmed a quorum, and approved the May 13 minutes. The first bill heard was House Bill 591, which would create the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act as a voluntary private-market insurance option for employers, with no mandate, state program, or taxpayer cost. Senator Bass presented the bill, offered technical amendments, and after brief questions about why the framework was needed, the committee adopted the amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. The committee then took up House Bill 76, dealing with coverage for orally administered anti-cancer medications. Representative Amy Freeman and former Representative Julie Stokes explained that the bill updates Louisiana’s oral chemotherapy coverage law, which had not been revised since 2012, and addresses insurer rejection of newer oral cancer drugs. They also explained Amendment Set 4063, which was intended to restore the bill to the proper posture after changes made in the Appropriations Committee and to prohibit copayment adjustment programs such as accumulator or maximizer programs from reducing credit for manufacturer assistance toward deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Senator Bass raised a concern about prior authorization language and possible ERISA litigation, and department staff responded that the bill would not alter ERISA enforceability and that the fiscal note already reflected about $67,000 in OGB costs. After the amendments were adopted, Senator Bass moved to report HB 76 favorably with amendments, and the committee did so without opposition. Senator Carter thanked the bill authors for their advocacy on cancer-related issues and offered to help during the interim. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill, of course, is for cancer patients, and as you all know, as a cancer survivor, I've continued
• And as you all know, as a cancer survivor, I've continued to work on this legislation and partnered with
• And, of course, I'm working with former Representative Julie Stokes, who was also a cancer survivor on

Bills: HB591 , HB766

Committee: Senate Insurance

Keywords: family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, cancer treatment, anti-cancer medications, health insurance, copayment, cost-sharing, health policy, 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And then we have our survivor mentorship program.
• And then we have our survivor mentorship program.
• And then we have our survivor mentorship program.
• And then we also hear from survivors of human trafficking, service providers...
• And to put back to victim services specifically for the survivors.

Committee: Joint Protection and Victim Services Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm also a wildfire survivor. Thank you. Hi, Michelle Stiltskoken.
• and Palisades fire survivors supporting 982.
• by our friends of the San Diego Flood Survivors Group and also Shell.
• Jordan Markwith, Extreme Weather Survivors, strong support.
• I'm with Extreme Weather Survivors and the Dolores Wortha Foundation.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a sexual assault survivor, or attempted assault. I'm a sex abuse survivor.
• I'm a survivor of sexual assault.
• I'm a sexual assault survivor and a transgender woman. I'm against SB 7.
• I have been an advocate standing with survivors of domestic violence. for over 30 years.
• I'm a sergeant in the guard, I'm a firearms instructor, and I'm a rape survivor.

Bills: SB7 , SB14 , SB 7 , SB 14

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct, abortion, civil liability, abortion-inducing drugs, qui tam actions, Texas Citizens Participation Act, Religious Freedom Restoration Act, healthcare regulations, impact fees, water conservation, reuse projects

Transcript Highlights:

• The legislation ensures that VA compensation benefits for veterans and their survivors keep pace with
• VETERANS AND THEIR SURVIVORS KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION AND THE COST OF LIVING.
• TO HONOR THE LIVES LOST AND THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SURVIVORS.
• We are in the midst of fighting for survivors by getting the Epstein files released.
• WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF FIGHTING FOR SURVIVORS BY GETTING THE EPSTEIN FILES RELEASED.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, November 17, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a program that provides a lump by the state for the survivors of certain law enforcement and
• Rates of about 30,000 are survivors of domestic violence. Now, certainly they may have experienced.
• For survivors and stepped up for all crime victims, because today I represent survivors of domestic violence
• These resources not only aid in recovery but also improve outcomes. survivors and increase engagement
• Hi everyone, my name is Kathleen McHurley and I'm a proud Santa. and you found your cancer survivor.

Committee: House Appropriations - S/C on Articles I, IV, & V

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• of domestic violence and their survivors of domestic violence and their children<00:04:05.280><c> in
• And for over 30 years, I have worked alongside survivors of domestic violence and their children.
• And for over 30 years, I have worked alongside survivors of domestic violence and their children.
• This 10-year IPO upon conviction is already available to stalking and sexual assault survivors.
• of these crimes and expands an important tool to help keep all survivors safe.

Committee: House Families & Children

Keywords: 00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call 01:05 - Discussion of 26RS HB 418 21:23 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 418 22:40 - Discussion of 26RS HB 611 26:00 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 611 26:52 - Discussion of 26RS HB 598 51:25 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 598, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before I left, one of the things I asked for was I need a separate room where domestic survivors don't
• It's any survivor of domestic violence, but we do know in this state it's mostly women.
• We've spoken with lots of women, like I said, we've been collecting stories from survivors of domestic
• I am here today in support of House Bill 1872, the Missouri Survivors Act.
• It allows survivors to bring forward evidence, and if that abuse was a substantial contributing factor

Committee: House Children and Families

Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on three bills. House Bill 3470, sponsored by Rep. Schmidt, would create a Missouri partner network linking state agencies, nonprofits, faith-based groups, and private partners through a website and case-management system to connect adults 18 and over who opt in with resources for employment, housing, education, and self-sufficiency. Supporters described the model as already working in 36 counties through the Care Portal and emphasized efficiency, reduced duplication, and stronger family outcomes. Committee members generally supported the concept and asked about opt-in participation, navigators, and how nonprofits would be included as true partners; no opposition testimony was offered. House Bill 3322, sponsored by Rep. Hausman, would extend foster-care school stability timelines from 10 days to 30 days, or 60 days in summer, and increase the mileage limit for remaining in a school of origin from 10-15 miles to 30 miles. The sponsor and witnesses from the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition and Foster Adopt Connect said the current limits can force unnecessary school changes and are especially difficult in rural areas, while the bill would better preserve continuity for children in foster care. Committee members asked about edge cases, transportation, and whether the child’s best interests would still control; there was no opposition testimony. House Bill 1872, presented by Rep. Reuter, would allow survivors of domestic violence to seek resentencing if the abuse was related to the offense, so that the abuse can be considered as mitigating evidence after conviction or plea. Supporters, including a survivor, Missouri Appleseed, Forward.US, and Empower Missouri, said the bill would address cases where abuse was not fully considered at the original sentencing and would provide a second look for people serving long sentences. Several members raised procedural concerns about how the bill would interact with trial strategy, existing battered spouse syndrome law, evidentiary requirements, and appeals; the sponsor said he was open to revisions. No opposition testimony was presented, and the committee adjourned after the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 2441 provides survivors of LEOs that were killed in the course of employment with additional
• According to the state actuary, there are currently about 98 survivors that could be impacted by these
• According to the state actuary, there are currently about 98 survivors that could be impacted by these
• And if you look at your notes from the written testimony submitted in there from survivors, some of the
• This issue came to the board over the legislative interim from letters we received from survivors of

Summary: The committee held a public hearing and briefing on several bills, with House Bill 2441, House Bill 2159, House Bill 2521, House Bill 2531, House Bill 2543, and House Bill 1607 discussed in that order after agenda changes. HB 2441 would expand reimbursement from the LEO retirement fund for survivors of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, covering Medicare Parts A and B premiums and retroactive health insurance premiums during the period before a death is officially determined to be work-related. Staff described a relatively small number of affected survivors and modest actuarial impacts, and the prime sponsor spoke emotionally in support. A representative from the L&I Board also testified that the board had studied the issue and endorsed the bill. HB 2159 would create the Pre-K Promise Account to receive philanthropic funds for ECEAP expansion. Staff explained ECEAP eligibility and the proposed non-appropriated account structure, noting Governor Ferguson’s budget included $34.5 million in non-appropriated authority for about 2,000 new school-day slots. Testimony was strongly supportive from Ballmer Group, DCYF, Head Start/ECEAP advocates, a Yakima provider, and the governor’s office, all emphasizing the public-private partnership, expanded access, and support for children furthest from opportunity. HB 2521 would remove the $18 cap on the State Patrol’s firearm background check fee and allow the fee to be set to cover total program costs. Staff said the fee could rise to about $33 per check based on current costs, and the State Patrol testified that the cap no longer matches actual expenses and threatens staffing and service levels. One member of the public opposed the bill, arguing the state system should be scrapped or capped and that consumers would face higher costs. HB 2531 would freeze the ambulance quality assurance fee at its July 4, 2025 level to comply with federal law and adjust Medicaid add-on payments accordingly; the Washington Ambulance Association strongly supported it as essential to preserving federal matching funds and improving wages and benefits. HB 2543 would update county clerk fees and modernize outdated references, with county officials supporting the changes as necessary to reflect current electronic-record practices. HB 1607, the Recycling Refund Act, drew the most extensive testimony. Staff described a 10-cent refund system for covered beverage containers, a producer responsibility organization, Ecology oversight, and fiscal impacts tied to program administration and lost tax revenue. Supporters, including environmental groups, youth advocates, Seattle Public Utilities, and some industry voices, argued the bill would reduce litter, increase recycling rates, support reuse systems, and complement the existing recycling reform law. Opponents from recycling haulers, grocers, beverage interests, counties, and solid waste providers argued it would function like a tax, raise consumer and retailer costs, duplicate or undermine curbside recycling and EPR, and create siting and implementation problems. No votes were taken on the bills in this transcript; the hearing concluded with public testimony and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• IT IS A CALL TO ACTION TO ENSURE THAT VICTIMS LIVE TO BECOME SURVIVORS.
• HOME HERE IN FLORIDA AND WE STAND BY THE BRAVE AND RESILIENT PEOPLE JUST TRYING TO LIVE TO BECOME SURVIVORS
• JUAN PABLO CHAVEZ CRIME SURVIVORS FOR SAFETY AND JUSTICE WAIVING IN SUPPORT.
• I AM A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR AND THAT'S WHY I'M HERE.
• A FRIGHTENING SCENARIO FOR SURVIVORS OF VIOLENCE AND RAPE.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Despite those efforts, however, survivors continue to face a significant gap between insurance proceeds
• The need for these interventions is both critical and time-sensitive, as survivors must make near-term
• The fund is for disaster survivors who've had their lives upended.
• Rebuilding will still have its complexity, but the Rebuilding Fund will make it easier for survivors
• Or survivors, and we're looking to reduce the risk and the cost of construction financing for eligible

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill by Representative Shast, Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighter System Survivor Retirement
• House Bill by Representative, Shast, Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighter System, Survivor Retirement
• snow couloir to the survivor 100 feet below his position.
• House Bill by Representative Walters: unpaid leave for domestic abuse survivors, 390. Labor.
• House Bill: Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights; certain rights; preservation of assault kits, 579

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then received and processed multiple resignation notices and special-election proclamations for vacant seats. The chamber later recognized and swore in newly elected members Doyle Boudreaux, Reese Broussard, Chassity Verrett-Martinez, and Edwin Murray after no objections were raised to their qualifications. The House also appointed committees to notify the Senate and the governor that it was ready to conduct business for the 2026 regular session, and it adopted the proposed standing committee meeting schedule and referred prefiled bills to committee without objection. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to the introduction and reading of a very large number of House bills and resolutions across many subject areas. Measures included the annual appropriations bill, a proposed constitutional convention, carbon dioxide sequestration and pipeline permitting, retirement-system changes, criminal justice and public safety proposals, education and workforce measures, local government and district creation bills, insurance and liability reforms, and numerous commemorative resolutions. Several prefiled bills were withdrawn, and many introduced measures were assigned to committees or allowed to lie over under the rules. The House then entered a joint session with the Senate for the governor’s address. Governor Jeff Landry outlined his administration’s priorities and praised recent legislative actions on taxes, insurance reform, transportation, education, and fiscal discipline. He urged support for Amendment 3 on teacher pay and retirement, called for further workforce and health initiatives, defended insurance and transportation reforms, and pressed for judicial reform, especially in Orleans Parish, citing the death of Jacob Carter and failures in electronic monitoring as examples. He also promoted replacing the vehicle inspection sticker with a QR code system and highlighted economic growth, lower taxes, and infrastructure investments. The joint session also included a presentation of the colors by the Louisiana National Guard and a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony for Technical Sergeant Adam W. Brister, recognizing his 2018 rescue mission in Alaska. After the governor’s remarks and the military honor presentation, the joint session concluded and the House resumed introducing additional bills, continuing to file measures on topics such as health care, education, ethics, elections, local districts, and constitutional amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill has been championed by survivors of sexual. ...assault seeking expanded accountability and
• healing for other survivors.
• Organizations representing survivors' interests have joined together to support this bill. ...support
• I want to thank the survivors who have shown up to make our system better for future survivors of violence
• Sarah is a survivor. ...and an advocate who founded Break the Silent to support survivors of sexual violence