Transcript Highlights:

• And then, as I began researching it for them, I realized that 1.2 million kids, think about that number
• who were self-participating in research, and one of the things that they noted was that 55% of them
• I began researching it for them and I began researching it for them and realized<00:34:23.280><c> that
• </c><00:34:53.440><c> this</c><00:34:54.240><c> is</c> biggest concerns as I researched this is biggest
• concerns as I researched this is that<00:34:55.119><c> I</c><00:34:55.440><c> read</c><00:34:55.599>

Bills: HB0076 , HB0102 , HB0115

Committee: House Education

Keywords: annexation, landowner rights, municipal law, city planning, property, local government, artificial intelligence, synthetic sexual material, child protection, self-harm, criminal liability, cardiac emergency, defibrillator, school safety, training, public health, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• partly support that, speak to that, as well as help provide some additional data on groundwater research
• And the Houston Advanced Research Center in Houston has delved into data center needs.
• And you know, again, I hate to see them denied any dollars for research.
• All this is undergirded by an established and active research program that continues to look at ways
• Deborah: I don't think there's a way for the state, and I haven't researched this specifically, but I

Committee: House Natural Resources

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any questions for our office program research analysts? I don't see any.
• Are there any questions for our Office of Program Research analysts? I don't see any questions.
• The national research is clear.
• Research also documented youth, young adults, and people with lower incomes.
• Are there any questions for our office program research analysts? No questions.

Summary: The committee heard public hearings on several bills. HB 2675 would eliminate a number of state accounts and transfer remaining balances from two accounts to the general fund, while also changing how revenues in the Salary Insurance Contribution Increase Revolving Account are deposited; OFM testified in support and there was no public opposition. SHB 1903 would create a statewide low-income energy assistance program through the Department of Commerce, funded by the general fund and Climate Commitment Act revenues; supporters said it would address Washington’s underfunded and uneven energy assistance system, while utilities and rural co-ops raised concerns about cost, reporting burdens, utility authority, and implementation details. SHB 2384 would require actuarial reviews for certain continuing care retirement communities with prepaid life care contracts; residents and consumer advocates supported the added transparency, while providers opposed the added review costs and said they already pay for actuarial work. SHB 1982 would expand the ability of tribal members to vacate convictions tied to treaty rights, add OPD representation and a tribal liaison position, and then an amendment was described that would remove the liaison position and eliminate the fiscal impact; the sponsor and OPD supported the bill, and testimony emphasized correcting past treaty-rights convictions. The committee also heard SHB 2389, a broad juvenile justice bill that would expand suspended disposition options, create midpoint review hearings, reduce some robbery ranges, and address juvenile rehabilitation capacity and transfers. Supporters argued it would reduce racial disparities, favor community-based rehabilitation when safe, and improve outcomes, while prosecutors, sheriffs, counties, judges, cities, victim advocates, and some tribal law enforcement warned it would weaken accountability for serious violent offenses, increase court and local government burdens, and shift costs without funding. Several witnesses and the bill sponsor discussed proposed amendments, including removing presumptions and the mid-sentence review. The committee then heard SHB 2439, which would raise tobacco and vapor product license fees, create a responsible vendor program, add manufacturer certification and enforcement provisions, restrict certain products and sales practices, and redirect tobacco tax revenue to public health, cancer research, and youth prevention accounts; public health and prevention groups supported it, while retailers and industry representatives opposed the fee increases and some of the new restrictions. Finally, HB 2681 would sharply increase cannabis license fees and index them to inflation; OFM supported the change as aligning fees with program costs, while cannabis businesses and associations opposed or sought changes to the fee structure and CPI indexing. The committee also heard a briefing on SHB 2215, which would require the Caseload Forecast Council to forecast SNAP and state food assistance caseloads in light of upcoming federal cost-sharing changes; no questions were raised at the briefing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a research fellow at the Mercatus Center, a research center at George Mason University.
• I'm a<01:29:04.560><c> research</c><01:29:04.880><c> fellow</c><01:29:05.199><c> at</c><01:29:05.520>
• <c> Mercada</c><01:29:06.000><c> Center,</c><01:29:06.480><c> a</c> a research fellow at Mercada Center
• , a a research fellow at Mercada Center, a research<01:29:07.040><c> center</c><01:29:07.199><c> at</
• c><01:29:07.440><c> George</c><01:29:07.679><c> Mason</c> research center at George Mason research center

Committee: Senate Commerce

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that in doing a little bit of research for today, there’s definitely the optometric association
• I tend to be more conservative, and some of the research I've done probably indicates that we have a
• There's research to help people stave off many of these other genetic conditions.
• , you know, For the sake of not knowing it and not doing any research.
• And I would just like to say, I hear your research. Senator Hovey, thank you, Chairman Davis.

Committees: Joint Human Services , Joint Human Services Committee

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a 16-year veteran in research system transformation and policy development, focusing on preventing
• I'm a 16-year veteran in research system transformation and policy development, focusing on preventing
• Peer-reviewed research shows these courts normalize hyperpunitiveness among teens, Peer-reviewed research
• We have lots of research, lots of experience, and lots of resources in California that have shown us
• Research proves that people age much faster in prison.

Summary: The committee heard a large public safety agenda and began by announcing several bills off calendar and limiting testimony to two witnesses per side. The first major item was AB 2698, which would authorize local governments to create youth court diversion programs for first-time juvenile offenders. The author and supporters, including Bakersfield Police Department representatives and a student participant, described the program as restorative, record-clearing, and successful in Bakersfield. Opponents argued it was not true diversion because it occurs after adjudication, could widen system involvement, and should instead be replaced by pre-arrest community-based diversion. The bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations, but remained on call with some members not voting. The committee also adopted a consent calendar of ten bills without opposition. The committee then heard AB 1959, which would create a narrow exception allowing resentencing in adult court for certain violent juvenile offenders in a case arising from the Santana High School shooting. The author, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and a survivor/city councilmember argued the bill would close a loophole that could lead to resentencing and early release despite parole denials. Several organizations registered opposition or opposed unless amended, but many noted they were reviewing the amended version. The bill was moved due pass as amended to Appropriations and remained on call. AB 1628, extending California’s safe surrender window for newborns from 72 hours to 30 days, drew broad support from the author, firefighters, medical and child welfare groups, and no opposition; it was moved due pass to Human Services and remained on call. The committee also approved AB 1974, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to create voluntary temporary firearm storage programs. The author and supporters from San Francisco law enforcement, Giffords, and gun safety groups said the bill would expand safe storage options during crises and in custody disputes; there was no opposition, and it passed due pass as amended. AB 2297, requiring restitution in diversion cases, drew support from the author, district attorneys, and victims’ advocates, while opponents argued it was duplicative, could burden low-income participants, and might undermine diversion success. After discussion about restitution law and ability to pay, the bill passed due pass. Finally, AB 2438, which would require people sentenced to more than six years to serve in state prison rather than county jail, drew support from the author and Riverside County Sheriff Bianco, who said realignment had overcrowded county jails and strained resources. Opponents warned it could worsen state prison overcrowding and conflict with realignment’s purpose. The chair recommended no, and the bill was moved due pass and re-refer to Appropriations, remaining on call.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a 16-year veteran in research, system transformation, and policy development, focusing on preventing
• This bill is alternative sentencing, not diversion, and research shows that post-adjudication programs
• Peer-reviewed research shows these courts normalize hyperpunitiveness among teens, Peer-reviewed research
• We have lots of research, lots of experience, and lots of resources in California that have shown us
• Research proves that people age much faster in prison.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have met with researchers who specialize in school shootings, and have learned that our shooter's
• And secondly, we learned that the shooter spent a tremendous amount of time researching on this, and
• guess what specific gun they researched and bought to inflict harm on our children.
• on this, and amount of time researching on this, and guess<00:04:37.680><c> what</c><00:04:37.840><c
• what specific gun they researched guess what specific gun they researched and<00:04:40.240><c> bought

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The SDM is a set of research- and evidence-based assessment tools used by social workers to help support
• And with all the research that's been done, right, those who spend every day in child abuse, such as
• Research shows that... Human comfort, a hug from their mother or father.
• Research shows that in-person physical contact decreases anxiety, soothes the trauma of family separation
• Research shows that diversion programs cut recidivism by half.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• The SDM is a set of research- and evidence-based assessment tools used by social workers to help support
• And with all the research that's been done, right, those who spend every day in child abuse, such as
• Research shows that... ...human comfort, a hug from their mother or father.
• Research shows that in-person physical contact decreases anxiety, soothes the trauma of family separation
• Research shows that diversion programs cut recidivism by half.

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have been researching and writing about health care licensure of alternative medicine providers for
• I have been researching and writing about health care licensure of alternative medicine providers for
• And we've learned through a lot of research that school improvement can work with targeted investments
• results came in for the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees classification for the graduate research
• results came in for the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees classification for the graduate research

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am glad you brought up that you did some research on what the current issues are.
• And just as a curiosity, I did some research and checked some of your campaign websites.
• There's actually a lot of research about childhood sexual abuse.
• Research helped you write 28 pages of...
• Research helped you write 28 pages of...

Committee: House Emerging Issues

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• a huge rehabilitative effort as well, as there's a physical component of this that there is some research
• c><00:38:47.680><c> there</c><00:38:47.920><c> is</c><00:38:48.079><c> some</c><00:38:48.320><c> research
• </c> that that um there is some research that that um there is some research around<00:38:49.599><c>
• </c> >> Fair enough. >> Because I'm also going to have to do research about it. >> You think you'd have
• <00:48:14.720><c> about</c> research about research about &gt;&gt; You<00:48:15.119><c> think</c><00:

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• From the testimony previously provided and Attorney Grant, our researcher, you will have access to the
• Um, you can always go to OS and ask to speak to one of their researchers.
• . that's open to anybody in researchers. that's open to anybody in the the the legislature,<00:27:20.559
• and</c><01:13:12.400><c> really</c><01:13:12.640><c> look</c><01:13:12.800><c> at</c> of do the research
• and really look at of do the research and really look at what's<01:13:13.280><c> going</c><01:13:13.440

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Family Court Subcommittee of the Children and Family Law Committee convened under Chairman Mark Pearson to continue work begun by the prior special committee on the family division of circuit court. Pearson emphasized a collaborative, consensus-based approach with the judiciary and said the subcommittee would build on earlier “low-hanging fruit” reforms while tracking how prior changes are actually working. He also explained that the subcommittee would likely form smaller working groups, with informal meetings allowed so long as they stayed within open-meeting limits. The main policy focus was House Bill 652, which was retained by the committee, along with broader questions about what additional changes family court should make. Members divided the work into two broad areas: pre-trial and trial issues. Pre-trial topics included alternative dispute resolution, mediation training and supervision, counseling/therapy for litigants with issues such as PTSD, and improving materials for pro se litigants, including New Hampshire Bar forms and instructions. The committee also discussed whether to use input from prior testimony, former litigants, other states, and legislative researchers, and whether some of the work should be assigned to two-person subgroups to allow flexible research and outreach. For trial-related issues, members identified additional training for family court judges, whether judges should be dedicated solely to family court, and how to handle the overlap between civil and criminal matters, especially domestic violence and divorce cases. Representative Raymond raised concerns about courtroom recordings and whether judges’ behavior and record preservation were adequate; Aaron Kan of the court system responded that circuit court recording practices and staffing had not changed, that circuit court lacks the court monitors used in superior court, and that resource limits prevent similar staffing. Raymond also raised the cost of obtaining trial transcripts for pro se litigants; Kan explained that transcripts are produced by private vendors because the court system no longer employs court reporters, and that the fees reflect that outsourced service rather than a court-imposed markup. No votes were taken, and the meeting ended with plans to continue gathering information and assigning subtopics for further study.

Transcript Highlights:

• She is kōmāina familiar to research data and strives for restoration of productive and abundant ʻāina
• She is kōmāina familiar to research data and strives for restoration of productive and abundant ʻāina
• I know that she is thorough and meticulous in her research, and she loves to do research on everything
• I know that she is thorough and meticulous in her research, and she loves to do research on everything
• , and she loves to do research on everything.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Water and Land Committee held a hearing on several governor’s messages for confirmation to land and water-related boards and commissions. The first item was GM 745, confirming Nor Abbott to a second term on the Natural Area Reserves System Commission through June 30, 2029. DLNR and other supporters submitted testimony, and Abbott said his focus has been on watching for potential impacts to marine reserves from nearby land activity and helping ensure those impacts are avoided, minimized, or mitigated through a thorough process. The committee then took up GM 783 and GM 762, both involving the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission. Fenton Pang and Jensen Chop were nominated for terms ending June 30, 2028 and June 30, 2029, respectively. Multiple individuals and organizations testified in strong support, including representatives of civic clubs, Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana, and other community groups. Testimony emphasized Pang’s scientific background, cultural values, humility, and service, and described Chop as a long-time Kahoʻolawe steward with strong ties to restoration work and the Protect Kahoʻolawe ʻOhana. Chop said his goal is to help more people build a connection to ʻāina and to continue restoration and cultural education efforts on Kahoʻolawe. The final major item was GM 770, confirming Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management through June 30, 2028. DLNR strongly supported her nomination, describing her as a cultural expert and advocate who can ensure indigenous knowledge is meaningfully included in water policy. Testimony from community members, Earthjustice, Sierra Club, and others highlighted her experience, integrity, and role in protecting customary and traditional water rights, especially for place-based and Native Hawaiian communities. Supporters also said her appointment was important given current water and climate challenges. The chair indicated the committee would proceed to decision-making after the hearing, and no opposition was noted in the testimony summarized here.

Transcript Highlights:

• we have our CA Matt Bowman, our committee legislative assistant, Alex Wheeler, and then, um, DFL researcher
• </c><00:02:59.360><c> Kyle</c> Wheeler, and then um DFL researcher Kyle Wheeler, and then um DFL researcher
• Then going to planning and research, you can see a number of change items there, including operating
• ,</c><00:07:26.639><c> you</c> Then going to planning and research, you Then going to planning and research
• Burrus, House Fiscal and House Research. Uh, thank you to those that have joined us.

Bills: HF2438

Committee: House Transportation Finance and Policy

Keywords: transportation finance, transportation policy, MnDOT, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Metropolitan Council, highway funding, trunk highway fund, county state-aid highway fund, municipal state-aid street fund, state aid roads, local roads, bridge funding, road construction, transit funding, passenger rail, freight rail, aviation, airport development, safe routes to school

Transcript Highlights:

• for legislation to establish quantum investment tax incentive programs for certain quantum science research
• for legislation to establish quantum investment tax incentive programs for certain quantum science research

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several committee and Senate messages, including a Rules Committee report adopting resolutions congratulating Judy and Dick Jolin on their 50th wedding anniversary and commending the National Brain Tumor Society for recognizing May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The chamber also welcomed guests in the gallery for Apraxia Awareness Day and received a gubernatorial message proposing injured-on-duty compensation for Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinalee, which was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The House concurred in Senate referrals for bills on consumer-connected devices, crumbling concrete relief for homeowners, and naming the Hianus Transportation Center, and it also suspended Joint Rule 12 for a petition by Omar Gómez concerning reports of crimes to law enforcement. Another petition, by Michael S. Day on quantum investment tax incentive programs, had Joint Rules 12 and 9 suspended, was then referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies after a division of the question. The House also advanced several bills from the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, including the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, a Holyoke Charter change removing the treasurer as acting mayor, and a Kingston special police retirement-age bill, all ordered to a third reading. The chamber passed to be enacted or engrossed multiple local bills, including measures for Andover, Plymouth, Pembroke, Auburn, New Salem, and Falmouth. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, just be more supportive and expand our abilities to do research for pediatric disease at the
• neighbors in Kansas, but I want Missouri to be a leader in this nation in our fight for pediatric research

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• new cancer and ambulatory facility, our health education building, our ag science building, our ag research
• building, and the other academic and research facilities we have on the hospital side of campus.
• We have spent thousands of hours in research.
• <00:07:34.240><c> in</c> We have spent thousands of hours in We have spent thousands of hours in research
• We have consulted with our research.

Keywords: 0:00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 0:00:54 Approval of Minutes 0:01:08 Information Items 0:03:18 Postsecondary Institutions - UK 0:18:10 Finance and Administration Cabinet 0:30:13 KY Infrastructure Authority 0:37:30 Cabinet for Economic Development 0:52:11 Office of Financial Management 0:59:20 Remaining 2026 Mtg Dates 1:00:49 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved the April 27 minutes and then received several informational reports, including University of Kentucky medical equipment purchases, UK’s use of $200 million in Ever funds for a public-private partnership, school district debt issuances, UK’s planned use of construction manager-at-risk delivery on five projects, Kentucky Communications Network Authority capital projects under House Bill 6, and 14 UK lease improvements. Members were told the House Bill 6 item was also being discussed in the Information Technology Oversight Committee and could return later if needed. The main action item was University of Kentucky’s request to approve a $600 million public-private partnership for central plants and utility infrastructure tied to the Chandler expansion. UK said it would shift $200 million from previously authorized restricted funds into the P3, leaving the project financed through private equity and nonprofit debt with no UK or Commonwealth debt. UK representatives said the project is necessary to support 24/7 hospital operations, expand and modernize utility systems, improve redundancy and efficiency, and reduce long-term operating risk. Members asked about the source of the availability payments, which UK said would come from UK Healthcare revenues, and the committee approved the P3 agreement unanimously. The committee also approved a UK lease renewal for a 20,000-square-foot College of Medicine annex near the Bowling Green Medical Center. UK said the lease costs $38 per square foot, or $912,000 annually, and supports medical education expansion in the region, including growth from 120 to 160 students over four years. Members voiced support for the local impact, and the lease passed unanimously. Later, the committee approved a Transportation Cabinet aviation project for two medium box hangars at Capital City Airport, funded by $1,153,000 in federal money and $950,000 from the Aviation Economic Development Fund, which is supported by a 6% jet fuel tax with a $1 million annual cap per company. Members asked about the fund balance, the cap, and airport revenue sources, and staff said the airport also receives entitlement and federal infrastructure funds and earns revenue from hangar rent and fuel sales. The committee then approved two Finance and Administration Cabinet pool projects: a roof and skylight replacement at the Libraries and Archives building and exterior repairs at several state buildings. Finally, the committee approved six Kentucky Infrastructure Authority action items after hearing about one loan increase for the Springfield Wastewater Treatment Plant and five grant reallocations tied to Cleaner Water Program and county allocation pool funds. Members asked why one project approved in 2024 was only now increasing, and KIA explained that design, water division review, environmental review, and bidding can take one to two years. KIA also reported additional no-action items, including a Brandenburg water grant split among two projects and 17 Kentucky Waters projects provided for information. The meeting ended with approval of the action items and no further action on the informational grants.

Transcript Highlights:

• He said he is an ardent and committed supporter of the right to speak, the right to do research, and
• After extensive research, Louisiana MPEERS is the only retirement system we found in Louisiana, and one
• Emper’s has had to do a lot of research because it has requested the records the law entitles it to get
• From BRAA's internal research, a JOP eviction can take between five to ten days.
• From BRAA's internal research, a JOP eviction can take between five to ten days.

Committee: Senate Judiciary A

Keywords: 974, senate, all