Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your services here today.
• Nathan Hecht’s legacy of service to the people of Texas is unparalleled.
• So how do we raise the supply and reduce the price of legal services?
• Families have been damaged or destroyed by drugs, often methamphetamine.
• It's Chapter 161.001B10 of the Family Code. 161.001 of the Family Code, and it allows a parent's rights

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint session under HCR 5 to hear an address from Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock, with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick introducing him. The session included recognition of the justices, judges, law enforcement officers, and interpreters present, and it also marked the formal completion of the joint session once the address ended. Chief Justice Blacklock said the state of the judiciary is strong, while paying tribute to former Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and thanking Governor Abbott for his appointment. His remarks focused on judicial administration and public safety, including a call for a 30% increase in district judge salaries, which he argued is needed to attract and retain qualified judges. He also urged support for law enforcement, backed efforts to keep violent offenders in custody pending trial, and said the court is gathering data to identify underperforming judges and use constitutional remedies where necessary. Blacklock emphasized that Texas courts should interpret statutes and the constitution according to text and original meaning, rejecting the “living constitution” approach. He highlighted reforms to improve efficiency and reduce litigation costs, including changes to docketing practices, civil procedure, and the regulation of legal services, and he urged the State Bar to remain politically neutral. He also discussed family law and child welfare, arguing for stronger legal representation for parents and suggesting repeal of Family Code subsection O, which he said can unfairly lead to termination of parental rights. The joint session concluded after his remarks, and the House stood at ease as guests departed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thanks to your support last year, again, and the support from WSDOT, our transit agencies are making
• investments and planning in ways to increase service that will directly be helping support economic development
• I'm here today in strong support of Senate Bill 5824.
• We're a single-location, family-owned dealership.
• I'm here today to support Senate Bill 5824.

Summary: The committee began with a work session on transportation planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Western Washington. April Putney of the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee described the event as a statewide, 39-day tournament with six Seattle group-stage matches, additional possible matches, fan zones across the state, and major transportation impacts centered in the Seattle area, including street closures, increased I-5 traffic, and heavy use of transit, shuttles, ferries, and active transportation. She said the goal is safe, seamless mobility with 80% of stadium attendees arriving by non-personal vehicle, and noted coordination with federal agencies on border crossings and security. WSDOT’s Travis Phelps outlined roughly $25.65 million in World Cup-related funding for tunnel maintenance, traffic operations, signage and digital messaging, public transit support, ferries, and related staffing and training, emphasizing use of existing staff, overtime, and current fleets rather than new hires or vehicles. Senators asked about border staffing and ferry capacity, and WSDOT said it would follow up on ferry staffing concerns. The committee then held public hearings on several bills. SB 5839 would remove the “passenger only” limitation for county ferry districts, allowing them to support vehicle ferries; supporters from Whatcom County and the Association of Counties said the change would help aging ferry systems, improve funding flexibility, and support essential island access, while some testimony was opposed. SB 6032 would amend the secure-your-load law to allow vehicles with mud, rocks, or debris on them to be covered instead of cleaned before being towed on paved highways; the sponsor and industry witnesses said it would save time and water for construction equipment operators, and the hearing closed with strong support and little opposition. SB 5824 would clarify how fifth-wheel travel trailers are measured, allowing up to 46 feet measured from the kingpin to the rear of the trailer; RV industry, dealer, and business groups supported it as a safety-neutral clarification that would align Washington with other states and improve competitiveness, and the hearing closed with overwhelming support. Finally, SB 5864 would create an online motor vehicle insurance verification system at the Department of Licensing, require insurers to provide policy data, and use the system at registration renewal beginning in 2029 after a pilot period. The sponsor and supporters from insurers and law enforcement said the bill would reduce uninsured driving, improve roadside verification, and lower costs shifted to insured drivers, while county auditors and vehicle subagents supported the policy but warned that implementation must be technically reliable and adequately funded so renewals are not slowed. The public hearing closed with substantial support and some operational concerns raised, and the committee adjourned after the final hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The last set of amendments is 3708, which adds language to recognize the family support program as part
• The last set of amendments is 3708, which adds language to recognize the family support program as part
• We provide financial support and emotional support to families losing pregnancies and then children one
• We provide financial support and emotional support to families losing pregnancies and then children one
• Allowing families a way to uphold their family structure while still providing for their family would

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 13 with a quorum present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first heard HB 971, which would equalize Medicaid reimbursement rates between independent clinics and hospital-owned rural health clinics; supporters said independent clinics are disadvantaged by a large payment disparity, and the bill was reported favorable without objection. The committee also recognized visiting Alpha Phi Alpha members and other guests during personal privilege remarks. Members then considered HB 414, which would bar hiring certain health care workers and direct support professionals with serious disqualifying convictions from other states and address background-check issues for therapeutic group homes. After adopting three amendment sets, the bill was reported as amended. HB 740, creating an independent review process for Medicaid behavioral health claim disputes in the coordinated system of care, was amended to clarify applicability and CSOC definitions and then reported as amended. HB 288, which would place the term “miscarriage” alongside “spontaneous abortion” in medical documentation, drew emotional testimony from affected parents and advocates; the committee reported it favorable. The committee also advanced several more bills: HB 405, updating the name of the national acupuncture certifying body, was reported favorable; HB 786, prohibiting extrapolation in certain managed-care claims recoupments, was reported favorable; HB 1095, allowing alternative backup power sources for nursing homes, was reported favorable; HB 403, raising the cottage food gross-sales cap, was amended from $50,000 to $150,000 and then reported favorable; HB 930, modernizing cosmetic-product regulation and creating a small-producer exemption, was reported favorable; HB 557, defining long-term pharmacies for policy purposes, was reported favorable; HB 779, on expedited partner therapy for sexually transmitted diseases, was reported favorable; HB 915, setting utilization-management timelines and standards, was reported favorable; HB 546, expanding criteria for peace officers to take someone into protective custody during a mental health crisis, was reported favorable; HB 796, creating a chiropractic preceptorship program, was reported favorable; and HB 933, authorizing commemorative birth certificates, was reported favorable. The final major item was HB 1041, a “no-mandate” bill barring discrimination based on medical intervention status. The sponsor and Surgeon General said it was aimed at healthy, asymptomatic individuals and not at public health quarantine powers, but Senator Boudreaux objected to exemptions for schools and hospitals and offered an amendment to restore broader coverage. That amendment failed on a roll-call vote, and the bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended, with no final committee disposition shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:02:30.959><c> And</c> of Commerce, Hawaii in support. And of Commerce, Hawaii in support.
• Uh, yeah, comments support, right?
• </c> Heavlin in support.
• Douglas Perin in support, Jenny Yagodic in support, Andrew Evans in support, and Wani Knight in support
• Chairman Monoi Chamber of Commerce in support. George Joseph on Zoom. Yes, I do support.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees on Transportation and Culture and the Arts and Economic Development and Tourism heard three measures. HB 450, which would transfer the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, drew support from DBEDT, the State Foundation, the Hawaii Arts Alliance, DAGs, and individuals. Members asked about the bill’s purpose and the relationship between arts administration and international/cultural considerations. The committees voted to pass HB 450 with amendments, including a housekeeping change allowing specific legislative direction in narrow cases; the measure was adopted with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. HB 437, relating to out-of-state offices, received testimony in support from DBEDT and representatives of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and another individual. The discussion focused on whether an overseas office in the Philippines was the best use of funds, given existing offices and trade relationships in places like Beijing and Taiwan. Members questioned the return on investment, fiscal priorities, and whether DBEDT had a broader strategic plan for selecting markets. The committees ultimately passed HB 437 with a Senate Draft 1 and technical amendments, with some members voting with reservations. HB 1391, relating to trade and creating a Hawaii-Ireland trade commission, also advanced after a lengthy discussion. DBEDT said it offered comments rather than a firm recommendation and explained that the bill appeared intended to build economic ties with Europe through Ireland, but members questioned why a commission was needed, how it would be structured, and whether similar efforts should focus on other countries. DBEDT said it would provide reports on sister-state relationships and office performance, and noted that trade initiatives would likely require private-sector participation. The committees passed HB 1391 with amendments and reservations from some members.

Transcript Highlights:

• to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• to families who are using that as their primary care service.
• </c><05:08:27.840><c> or</c> Services it is not fair to families or Services it is not fair to families

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Military students are our nation's service members' kids.
• environment for these students and their families.
• But they demonstrate a long-standing commitment to our military families.
• By continuing to support, you're not just helping a student.
• You are supporting a military family, enhancing our national security, and strengthening our communities

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But that's not the only reason to support this bill with full heart and support behind it.
• So in strong support, Speaker. Thank you. Representative Peruso, Madam Speaker, in strong support.
• </c><00:54:19.760><c> Housing</c> few days we need more Supportive Housing few days we need more Supportive
• </c> social safety net so in strong support social safety net so in strong support speaker<00:55:07.920
• </c><00:56:21.359><c> and</c> you representative Souza in support and you representative Souza in support

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• My family are citrus farmers there.
• AB 1673 will support communities most impacted by wildlife conflict.
• Members, this bill has enjoyed unanimous support and has no opposition.
• We have polycystic kidney disease that runs in our family.
• I'd like to support ACR 158. Thank you, Assembly Member Davies.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Uh, the Department of Human Services Uh, the Department of Human Services supports<00:29:54.720>
• </c><00:30:13.279><c> and</c> services and primary care supports and services and primary care supports
• Please, please help us protect our family. I support this bill. Thank you.
• </c><01:10:30.159><c> I</c><01:10:30.480><c> support</c> help us protect our family.
• I support help us protect our family. I support this<01:10:31.199><c> bill.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• in need of supportive services.
• Residents received on-site critically needed supportive services from Touchstone Mental Health, and because
• Um I just want to supportive services.
• </c><00:08:39.120><c> services</c><00:08:39.640><c> from</c> needed supportive services from needed supportive
• Data that supports locally led decisions and meaningful action, particularly for young people and families

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They support this.
• engineering services. ...by a lot of products and services from electrical supply houses, equipment
• We urge you to support.
• To make renewable energy more affordable for our families, this bill helps not just families, but also
• So I do hope you support this bill. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anyone else in support?

Summary: The committee began with roll call, noting several members present and others absent, and then announced that HB 338 had been rolled. The first bill taken up was HB 332, a committee substitute authorizing or reauthorizing 376 previously approved capital projects, with changes that could extend reversion dates, alter purposes, or change administering agencies. After no public comment, members asked about the reauthorization period, project listings, and how HB 332 would interact with HB 247, which had been passed earlier in the session. The committee clarified that HB 332’s projects would be grandfathered in and that the standard extension is two years. The committee then voted 12-0 to do pass the committee substitute and do not pass the original HB 332. The committee next heard SB 55, which would increase a state solar tax credit from 10% to 30% while keeping the existing $30 million cap and sunset date. Legislative Finance Committee staff explained that the credit had been scored at about $9 million in recent years, so the bill would create an estimated $21 million general fund impact. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill would help New Mexico’s solar industry after the federal credit changed, preserve jobs, support small businesses, farmers, tribal communities, and lower-income households, and promote clean energy. Public testimony was strongly in favor, including from industry representatives, tribal advocates, and individual homeowners, while no opposition testified. Committee members raised concerns about fiscal impact, whether the credit should be part of the tax package, and whether an income test should be added. Some members also described consumer-protection concerns involving solar contracts, liens, and misunderstandings about credits and installation costs. The sponsor said the bill was intended to stand alone but acknowledged the fiscal issue and said it could be considered in the tax package. The committee ultimately voted 11-1 to table SB 55, with members noting it could be revisited later in the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• make sense really in terms of asking all members of the committees on taxes, finance, and human services
• for HCMC and um and North and support for HCMC and um and North Memorial<00:13:08.480><c> who</c><00
• </c><00:13:18.720><c> bill</c><00:13:19.360><c> the</c><00:13:19.680><c> statewide</c> human services
• And while I don't support it in its current form, there are certainly parts of it that I do support.
• Does that mean just human services.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to testify in support of S. 2376 and S. 2377.
• Half the select boards wrote letters of support for this.
• This lifeline takes us to medical appointments, vet services, and family events.
• This five-member board controls everything from the lifeline... ...services and family events.
• I urge you to support Senate Bill 2395 in support of term limits for the Steamship Authority Board.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation. There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers. Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have prepared my bio and the service report for you, and the contract service that the United States
• Thank you for your kind family.
• Uh, we support the bill.
• </c><00:20:51.200><c> and</c><00:20:51.440><c> be</c> bipartisan support and be bipartisan support and
• On behalf of our over 30,000 family farm and ranch members, I'm here to testify in support of Senator

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> to reiterate I testify in support to reiterate I testify in support because<00:10:17.160><c> I</
• has the enormous additional support of having extended family nearby.
• </c> have parks that are zoned single family have parks that are zoned single family residential<00:36
• </c> that point um and be able to service that point um and be able to service that<00:38:11.000><c>
• </c> residentially Zone districts to support residentially Zone districts to support up<00:41:32.000>

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Instead, we are moving on families.
• </c><00:33:34.880><c> It</c> supporter of geothermal energy. It supporter of geothermal energy.
• Republicans are supporting it. I believe some Democrats will actually support this legislation.
• </c> urge my colleagues to support HR5587. urge my colleagues to support HR5587.
• Seymour continued his dedication to public service by advancing opportunities for working American families

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I support it. and this amendment. So, I support it. Okay,<00:02:12.560><c> great.
• </c> bringing this bill forward and I support bringing this bill forward and I support moving<00:03:11.760
• She's supported of the she is supportive<00:09:34.240><c> of</c><00:09:34.480><c> the</c><00:09:34.920
• and family.
• And we heard families understand.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Wesley Du[questionable], General Counsel for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• Wesley Du[questionable], General Counsel for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
• , parenting classes, the type of services that are normally involved in family court and DCBS-related
• in family court and dcbs<00:29:24.039><c> type</c><00:29:24.240><c> of</c><00:29:24.880><c> services<
• I can only provide the services that the Department of Corrections or the Department for Families and

Keywords: 00:00:00 Call to Order/Roll Call 00:01:20 Discussion of 25RS HB 479 00:03:22 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 479 00:04:51 Discussion of 25RS HB 574 00:21:49 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 475 00:23:41 Discussion of 25RS HB 291 01:04:38 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 291 01:05:42 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Families and Children met and first took up House Bill 479, which would require one hour of dementia training for DCBS workers. Representative Derrick Lewis and the Alzheimer’s Association said the bill was a straightforward, bipartisan effort to address dementia awareness and improve worker training, with no fiscal impact. Members spoke in support, including remarks about personal family experiences with dementia and the importance of recognizing symptoms early. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill with favorable expression. The committee then heard House Bill 574, the “Baby Maya” child protection bill, sponsored by Representatives Dossett and Lewis. The bill would require reporting when a child is born to a parent who previously had children removed for neglect or abuse, create a rebuttable presumption allowing the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to make an initial safety determination, authorize emergency custody procedures, and name the measure the Baby Maya Law. Sponsors said it was intended to add guardrails after the Baby Maya case and stressed that it would not automatically remove children or add new mandatory-reporter penalties. Members asked about hospital involvement, HIPAA, and information-sharing; the Cabinet commissioner said the agency would be open to better data-sharing with hospitals, but currently has no such system. The bill passed 12-1 with favorable expression. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 291, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, with a committee substitute. The bill would expand sentencing alternatives for primary caregivers convicted of nonviolent offenses, allowing judges to consider family status and use options such as counseling, parenting classes, and related services. Supporters argued it would keep families together, reduce harm from parental incarceration, and save money; one witness cited a report estimating $4 million in direct incarceration savings and broader economic benefits. Another witness, Amanda Hall, gave emotional testimony about the long-term harm of parental incarceration and said access to help would have been better for her family than prison. The committee adopted the committee substitute and passed the bill 12-1 with favorable expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Families are rebuilding homes.
• </c> policies that actually help family policies that actually help family farmers?
• </c> additional relief to our family farmers. additional relief to our family farmers.
• I support this bill.
• </c> support of this amendment. support of this amendment. Time's<00:46:32.240><c> expired.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have another support me-too? Thank you. Do we have another support me-too? Thank you.
• We have a support-if-amended position on the bill.
• Is there a me-toes in support of the bill?
• Is there another support? Okay. Is there any? Is there another support? Okay.
• Any me-toos in support of this bill, please step forward.

Keywords: 987, senate, all