Bills: HB41, HB149, SB230, SB87, SB169, SB238, SB233, HB72, HB41, HB149, SB230, SB87, SB169, SB238, SB233, HB72

Keywords: sexual offenses, penalties, rape, sodomy, criminal justice, Judicial Branch, Alabama State Bar, legal profession, commissioners, government agency, campaign finance, security measures, candidates, elected officials, legislative protection, civil procedure, statute of limitations, real estate appraisers, legal complaints, appraisal board

Bills: SB324, HB395, HB222, HB310, HB285, HB144, HB251, HB380

Keywords: parole, pardons, paroles board, board of pardons and paroles, Alabama criminal justice, sentencing reform, prison reform, reentry, recidivism, risk assessment, validated risk and needs assessment, supervision, probation, parole denial, parole reconsideration, medical parole, violent offense, nonviolent offense, law enforcement member, board appointments

Transcript Highlights:

• By streamlining the process for recognizing and supporting CTE programs, If there is no objection, HB
• That way, we as legislators can then follow how the programs are doing business-wise as well as on the
• The number of available instructors is causing the question of the need for the program.
• HB 4767 abolishes the TDLR ATV and off-highway vehicle training program.
• Participation in the program is extremely low, and there's only one registered provider in the program

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Summary: The Committee on Licensing and Administrative Procedures met with a quorum present, corrected the minutes from April 8, and then took up a long list of pending bills, most of which were reported favorably or left pending after hearing testimony. Early action included HB 1764 (accounting practice for certain out-of-state CPAs), HB 1788 (continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists on recognizing and assisting victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking), HB 2204 (land surveyor regulation), HB 2885 (local option elections on alcohol sales), HB 2996 (gambling offense definitions and prosecution), HB 3250 (real estate appraisals and appraisal management companies), HB 3352 (driver education on work zones), HB 3385 (farm winery permit), HB 3756 (powers of certain nonresident sellers’ permit holders who also hold a winery permit), HB 3816 (cruelty to livestock animals), HB 3913 (real estate licensing), and HB 3928 (electronic notice of towed vehicles), all of which were advanced with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several of these bills were reported with committee substitutes, and some were also sent to the Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The committee then heard testimony on HB 2278, which would legalize limited home distilling of spirits for personal or family use and add honey as an approved ingredient; supporters framed it as a consistency and freedom issue, and the bill was left pending. HB 3920, a TDLR workforce/CTE bill, and HB 1301, which would allow beer or malt beverages to be sold at certain wineries with on-site restaurants, were also laid out and left pending after discussion. HB 2776, aimed at tightening massage therapy licensing restrictions for people convicted of sexual and trafficking-related offenses and strengthening TDLR enforcement, and HB 3848, which would allow electronic filing of elevator and escalator inspection reports, were both heard and left pending as well. A major portion of the meeting focused on alcohol-related bills. HB 4215 would place delivery network companies under a statewide TDLR regulatory framework; Favor Delivery supported it, and it was left pending after the committee substitute was withdrawn. HB 4172 and HB 2820 would raise bingo reserve limits and update charitable bingo rules; supporters from veterans and nonprofit groups argued the changes would help charities, but both bills were left pending after the substitutes were withdrawn. HB 4463, a broadly supported bill allowing contract brewing and alternating brewery proprietorships, was also left pending. HB 4284 would remove the “excessive discount” prohibition in alcohol sales, HB 4285 would allow airlines to store alcohol within five miles of an airport in the same county, HB 4517 would create a complaint process for Texas distillers not paid by wholesalers, and HB 4773 would let breweries and brewpubs transport their own beer between facilities; HB 4773 drew the most debate, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents warning about unintended consequences and possible effects on the three-tier system, but it too was left pending. The committee also heard and left pending a series of TDLR cleanup bills and other measures, including HB 4765 through HB 4769, HB 4830 on service contracts for lease vehicles, HB 5506 giving civil immunity to ringside physicians at combative sports events, and HB 4690 on gasoline vapor pressure compliance. The meeting ended after all business was completed and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• significant workforce challenges by streamlining the process for recognizing and supporting CTE programs
• by listing the TDLR license types that currently correspond with the Texas Education Agency's CTE programs
• That way, we, as legislators, can follow how the programs are doing business-wise, as well as on the
• HB 4767 abolishes the TDLR ATV and off-highway vehicle training program.
• Participation in the program is extremely low, and there is only one registered provider in the program

Bills: HB 1301, HB2278, HB2776, HB2820, HB3848, HB3920, HB4172, HB4215, HB4284, HB4285, HB4463, HB4517, HB4690, HB4765, HB4766, HB4767, HB4768, HB4769, HB4773, HB4830, HB5506

Keywords: alcohol, beverages, winery permit, restaurant, malt beverages, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, alcohol production, home brewing, family use, craft beverages, massage therapy, licensing, criminal offenses, sexually oriented businesses, public safety, bingo, charitable gaming, operating capital, regulation, funding

Transcript Highlights:

• It also starts with... business and industry partnerships, building degree programs that are unique to
• most importantly, I think the big benefit for this for the community is that we can align degree programs
• Also, to build upon existing healthcare programs through A&M's current end of residency program with
• Because of that, we need growing career programs and job opportunities that relate to the agricultural
• A&M's residency program, which was brought to Victoria some years back, is highly, highly successful.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• Programs are excluded if graduates re-enrolled in a more advanced degree within two years.
• . program before phasing it out.
• This system introduces real action for programs that leave graduates worse off.
• So by targeting problematic programs... and rewarding those that offer value.
• So they choose to enroll in Rice's Student Health. insurance program.

Bills: SB530, SB757, SB769, SB1085, SB1241, SB1242, SB1409, SB1878, SB2138, SB2314, SB2231, SB2361, SB2431, SJR59

Keywords: accreditation, postsecondary education, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, baccalaureate degrees, junior colleges, program delivery, faculty recruitment, higher education, performance standards, student loan debt, degree programs, funding, students with disabilities, accessibility, enrollment, report, SB 1085, Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College, Del Rio

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding for financial aid programs and Texas grants.
• Alisa White: Reimbursement for the Hazelwood Legacy Program costs.
• We have been able to expand our allied health programs, including our nursing and new EMT programs.
• A $750,000 per year investment for technical program support.
• , plumbing, automotive technology, and our newest nursing program.

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding for financial aid programs and Texas grants.
• Second, we seek support to expand our health care programs in high-demand fields.
• We have been able to. expand our allied health programs including our nursing and new EMT programs.
• A $750,000 per year investment for technical program support.
• vocation. programs at our Livingston site which is north of that a little bit.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, providing this pass, are you going to have a training program rolled out throughout the state?
• We have a really fantastic over-65 mail ballot program, and they can enroll in the over-65 program, and
• We have one of the best election integrity programs through the Secretary of State, and we continue to
• I know the Lieutenant Governor does a good job with his program, so whatever we can do to help, because
• I know Lieutenant Governor does a good job with his program, so whatever we can do to help, because that's

Bills: HR118, HR196, HR237, HR285, HCR85, HB442, HB443, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR63, SB25, SB202, SB319

Keywords: water utility, tax credit, excessive rates, residential service, subcommittee, fallen trees, property damage, insurance, property values, hurricanes, storm damage, local government, homeowners, risk management, committee study, census, military population, Department of Defense, representation, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• about the trade schools, so if you're in trade school, you don't have to serve three years of apprenticeship
• school the whole time, so after that time, the statute also says you have to have three years of apprenticeship
• along with the one year, and then we've also are looking to put in a fine that if I graduate the program

Bills: HB2929, HB2956, HB2955, HB3128, HB3880, HB4294, HB2970, HB3338, HB3443, HB3783, HB3800, HB3818

Keywords: homeowner insurance, insurance premium, claim history, insurance regulation, at-fault claims, flood insurance, state law, consumer protection, appraisal management, Real Estate Appraiser Board, appraiser registration, background checks, ownership requirements, captive insurance, protected cell, sponsored captive, captive insurer, insurance commissioner, premium tax, dormant captive

Transcript Highlights:

• to put a voucher program together?
• We believe that establishing a pathway to become a credential educator be an apprenticeship program,
• Compensation combined with structured mentorship are key. components to an apprenticeship program which
• the state program.
• Allowing us to tap into apprenticeship programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Finally, the bill establishes a Medicaid graduate medical education program for primary care and for
• The graduate medical education program would focus on community-based settings.
• program at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center.
• Secondly, nursing apprenticeships: we're establishing both practical nursing apprenticeships and apprenticeships
• But we need to find a program with committees that will actually have some good action plans.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 238, an act relating to an apprenticeship tax credit. Representative Kcarnney.
• House Bill 238, an act relating to an apprenticeship tax credit. Representative Kcarnney.
• 18:06.080> to<00:18:06.160> an<00:18:06.320> apprentice<00:18:06.880> apprenticeship
• relating to an apprentice apprenticeship relating to an apprentice apprenticeship tax<00:18:08.000

Keywords: Video Starts 00:00 Convene 06:39 Motions, Petitions, and Communications 13:20 Introductions of New Bills and Resolutions 17:05 Adjournment 23:56, 958, all

Summary: The Kentucky House convened, heard the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, established a quorum with 95 members present, excused absent members, suspended rules to allow co-sponsorships and vote modifications, and approved the journal from January 7, 2026. No committee reports, second readings, or floor amendments were needed during the session. The House adopted House Citation No. 3, adjourning in loving memory and honor of Gary Bennett Shell, the father of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and a former member’s colleague. Members offered remarks about his illness, his impact on his community and family, and requested a moment of silence. The chamber also heard a brief announcement about the KPA Big Boy Breakfast scheduled for the next morning. A long list of new bills and resolutions was introduced, covering topics including medical debt reporting, protection of minors on digital platforms, property tax exemptions and constitutional amendments, veterans benefits, emergency management services, student loan repayment and apprenticeship tax credits, abandoned property, residency definitions for postsecondary education, animal services tax exemptions, high school graduation requirements, Ten Commandments displays in public schools, animal control officers, disabled veterans benefits, hospital police departments, involuntary commitment, school lunches, hazardous duty and line-of-duty disability benefits, reading and language arts instruction, criminal procedure, education accountability, milk transportation, citizenship requirements for elected officials, student support personnel, school psychologist licensure compact, aircraft sales tax exemptions, glucagon, theft by deception, insurance regulatory authorizations, healthcare workforce credentials, welcome centers and rest areas, flags of remembrance, wages, affordable housing, legislative ethics, barbering, veterans’ benefits protections, KEES scholarships for non-certified schools, chickens on residential property, school nutrition, hospital price transparency, mental health and substance use coverage, food donation, vehicle lights, and several memorial bridge designations and an aviation economic development task force. The House then adjourned until 9:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• leave the union and still be part of the Apprenticeship Training Program, and we would be on the hook
• leave the union and still be part of the Apprenticeship Training Program, and we would be on the hook
• leave the union and still be part of the Apprenticeship Training Program, and we would be on the hook
• leave the union and still be part of the Apprenticeship Training Program, and we would be on the hook
• c> by Apprenticeship Training Program which by Apprenticeship Training Program which by the<00:10

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So just, for your edification, this would fund several nursing-related programs within the system. um
• and what made the nursing programs and what made the governor's<00:02:05.119> budget.
• <00:02:44.720> 424 FY2627 for UHM online RN2BS program 424 FY2627 for UHM online RN2BS program
• Up next is House Bill 549, HD3, SD1, relating to an early learning apprenticeship grant program for the
• So for this bill, I mean, you know, having a background in HR, I do feel like the apprenticeship model

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Economic research finds that prevailing wage laws increase apprenticeship training.
• As you probably know, apprenticeships are an excellent gateway to middle-class careers.
• Over the years, through Local 17, I completed a rigorous five-year apprenticeship program, received advanced
• Fair pay means families prosper, communities grow, and apprenticeship programs expand, creating opportunities
• All of this helps reduce the burden on taxpayer-funded social safety net programs.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on several labor-related bills, especially proposals to give legislative employees the right to organize and collectively bargain, close a prevailing wage loophole for off-site prefabrication work, and strengthen enforcement against wage theft. Committee chairs opened the hearing by explaining the hybrid format and asking witnesses to keep testimony brief. Multiple legislators testified in support of the legislative staff union bill, saying staff deserve the same bargaining rights as other public employees and that unionization would improve pay, benefits, retention, and workplace dignity. Witnesses also discussed how the bill would likely be structured, with separate House and Senate bargaining arrangements or locals, and emphasized that it would only create the option to unionize, not require it. A second major topic was the prevailing wage bill addressing off-site fabrication and prefabrication in construction. Union leaders, contractors, and workers described how more work is being shifted from job sites into shops, especially in sheet metal, HVAC, electrical, and pipefitting work, and argued that the law should treat that work the same as on-site construction when it is part of a public project. They said the current loophole lets some contractors underbid by paying lower wages off-site, while responsible contractors already pay prevailing wages in their shops. Supporters argued the bill would protect workers, preserve apprenticeship and training standards, improve safety and quality, and make enforcement easier through certified payroll and clearer definitions. The committee also heard testimony on wage theft legislation. Representative Dan Donahue, the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division, AFL-CIO representatives, and carpenters’ union witnesses described wage theft, misclassification, labor brokers, and tax fraud as widespread problems that hurt workers, honest contractors, and public revenues. They supported giving the Attorney General stronger enforcement tools, adding contractor accountability up the subcontracting chain, and protecting workers from retaliation and from delays that can cause claims to expire. A separate witness supported a bill to extend the statute of limitations for Wage Act cases while AG investigations are pending, and another supported changes to help hospital workers enforce timely payment rights. No votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses repeatedly asked for favorable reports on the bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• safe and supportive schools programming safe and supportive schools programming where<00:10:43.040
• So anyway, it's have this whole program.
• Prevention programs and appropriate.
• teacher preparation grant program, the CTE consortium grant program, teacher mentorship and retention
• <01:49:18.080> have teacher loan repayment programs have teacher loan repayment programs have

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Furthermore, the apprenticeship program that currently exists in New Hampshire faces significant challenges
• Furthermore,<00:06:03.520> the<00:06:03.759> apprenticeship<00:06:04.400> program
• > Furthermore, the apprenticeship program Furthermore, the apprenticeship program that<00:06:04.960><
• So, 1,000 hours of apprenticeship, a five-course certificate program from an accredited mortuary program
• hour apprenticeship and they would 2,000 hour apprenticeship and they would have<00:17:23.039> to

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Bulldogs football team is about more than just winning games, it's a holistic development program
• His mentorship and the rest of the coaching staff's guidance have shaped this program into a powerhouse
• Joining us in the gallery are 21 fantastic students and representatives of this program.
• I met many of them today, women leaders who are actually running those apprenticeship programs as well
• and encourage men and women, boys and girls, to participate in these programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Funding can also be applied toward creating work-based training programs, including apprenticeships and
• Program...
• So the College Bound programs and programs like it are needed.
• need people to be going into these programs.
• I am a program advocate, so I speak about programming all the time.