Transcript Highlights:

• So in honor of San Bernardino County Sheriff Sergeant Grant Ward, public...
• Sergeant Ward... The life and legacy of Sergeant Grant Ward.
• And members, I too today rise to adjourn in the memory of my friend, Sergeant Grant Ward.
• It is a profound sadness that I rise to adjourn in memory of Sheriff's Sergeant Grant Ward.
• I would be honored if this body would adjourn in memory of Grant Ward.

Summary: The Senate opened with a quorum, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of corrected journals, and a brief recognition of guests. The body then considered four gubernatorial appointments to the Seismic Safety Commission: Deborah Garns, David Rabbit, Cindy Silva, and Vincent Wells. Senators spoke in support of the appointees, especially highlighting Garns’ leadership during the Rio Dell earthquake response and the commission experience of the others. All four confirmations were approved unanimously, with 37 ayes and 0 noes each. The Senate next adopted SR 69 designating February as Montessori Month. Senator Niello described Montessori education’s history, California ties, and current teacher shortages, while a group of Montessori educators and students from the California Montessori Project was recognized in the gallery. The Senate then took up SCR 122 honoring Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week. Senator Weber Pearson and many others from both parties spoke about Black history as American history, the legacy of Carter G. Woodson, ongoing civil rights and education issues, and the importance of recognizing Black contributions in public life, culture, and policy. The resolution was adopted unanimously, 37-0. The remainder of the session focused on Black History Month observances, including the California Legislative Black Caucus’s “Unsung Heroes” honorees, who were introduced and recognized for community service, arts, public safety, health care, and youth support. The Senate also heard several adjournment-in-memory tributes for San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Sergeant Grant Ward, who died after a battle with cancer, and for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, with members recalling his advocacy, charisma, and personal impact. The Senate adjourned after announcing its next meeting for February 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• On February 1, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, Sergeant Ward passed peacefully,
• So in honor of San Bernardino County Sheriff Sergeant Grant Ward, public...
• Sergeant Ward... The life and legacy of Sergeant Grant Ward.
• And members, I too today rise to adjourn in the memory of my friend, Sergeant Grant Ward.
• I would be honored if this body would adjourn in memory of Grant Ward.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rogers, Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Rogers, Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Solache, Soria, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward
• Assembly Member Ward will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
• I am thankful that the current federal budget proposal spares Head Start from cuts.

Summary: The Assembly met with a quorum present after a roll call and prayer, then proceeded through routine journal, procedural, and guest-introduction business. Members recognized several guests, including local district officials, Japanese business leaders, and students/interns, and the chamber also observed remarks about the Texas flooding tragedy during the prayer. The body then moved through the daily file, including second-reading items and concurrence votes on AB 390, which expands the slow-down/move-over law to stationary vehicles, and AB 1478, which allows retailers to absorb mattress recycling fees; both measures had Senate amendments concurred in by recorded vote. The Assembly adopted AJR 12, a bipartisan resolution recognizing Head Start Month and urging Congress and the President to protect and increase Head Start funding. Multiple members spoke in support, emphasizing the program’s role in early education, health, nutrition, and family support, especially in rural and low-income communities; the resolution received 70 ayes and no noes after 69 co-authors were added. The chamber also adopted ACR 96, designating a portion of Highway 101 in Humboldt County as the Patty Berg Memorial Highway, and SCR 50, which calls for state review of climate adaptation and maladaptation criteria to improve climate resilience planning; both measures passed without opposition. On the consent calendar, the Assembly added co-authors to ACR 81 and adopted the second-day consent calendar and remaining consent items, all by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The body also approved a motion to return AB 529 from engrossing and enrolling to the Senate for further action. The session concluded with numerous adjournment-in-memory tributes, most notably for Rincon Tribal Council Chairman Bo Mazzetti and former legislative secretary George Steffes, followed by a moment of silence for each and adjournment until Monday, July 14 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I represent Ward 6, District 8 in Nashville.
• I represent Ward 6, District 8 in Nashville.
• I represent Concord Ward 10, so I may have the shortest commute on this committee.
• I represent Concord Ward 9, and this is my second term in the legislature.
• </c><00:58:16.760><c> that</c> of my head sure who is um proposing that of my head sure who is um proposing

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The other thing, and I think even more importantly, is if you go into the middle of the proposed bill
• So your proposed amendment would be to take out these specifically named positions. >> Yes.
• So &gt;&gt; your<00:40:10.160><c> um</c><00:40:10.480><c> proposed</c><00:40:11.359><c> amendment</c>
• <00:40:12.160><c> would</c><00:40:12.960><c> be</c><00:40:13.200><c> to</c> &gt;&gt; your um proposed
• I drafted some proposed language Monday over the weekend, over the snow, sometime in that blizzard.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to start with the proposed tax package, which is in CITI 18.
• I want to make sure we understand how we're doing this and what we're proposing.
• Madam Chair, committee members, Ward McCartney from south of Berlin.
• We do sound a little bit like a sick ward. We are not done yet.
• We do sound a little bit like a sick ward. We are not done yet.

Summary: The committee first took up the proposed 2026 tax package, Senate Bill 151, and adopted a committee substitute after discussion of the package’s funding capacity and included measures. The substitute bundled five bills: a physician tax credit, a quantum facility infrastructure tax credit, a construction materials gross receipts deduction for affordable multifamily housing, a local journalist employment tax credit, and a health equipment gross receipts deduction. Members discussed amendments that raised the physician credit from $4,000 to $10,000, narrowed the housing deduction to project-based certification, and reduced the journalist credit threshold from four stories to three. Concerns were raised about the fiscal impact on municipalities, especially Albuquerque, and about the funding mechanism, but the committee voted 6-4 to give the substitute a do pass recommendation. Senator Sanchez explained his vote, saying he wished more could have been included in the package. The committee then heard Senate Bill 18, the Clear Horizons Act, which would codify statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets and direct the Environment Department and Environmental Improvement Board to develop plans and rules for emissions reductions. The sponsors said the bill builds on the governor’s 2019 executive order, includes a 10,000-metric-ton threshold for covered emitters, allows certified offsets, and is intended to protect public health, reduce climate-related costs, and provide regulatory certainty. Supporters argued the bill would help communities facing wildfire, drought, health harms, and rising insurance and utility costs, and that it would encourage clean-energy investment and long-term economic stability. Opposition testimony came from mining, oil and gas, rural electric cooperatives, construction, agriculture, auto dealers, chambers of commerce, banks, water recycling companies, and realtors. They argued the bill functions like a carbon tax or broad regulatory mandate, would raise energy and compliance costs, could reduce investment and jobs, and would disproportionately affect rural, tribal, agricultural, and low-income communities. Several witnesses warned of higher electricity and fuel bills, revenue losses for local governments, and uncertainty from delegating major policy decisions to rulemaking. Supporters included public health advocates, educators, local officials, clean-energy businesses, tribal and environmental advocates, and residents affected by wildfire and drought, who said the bill is necessary to address climate harms and protect public health and the economy. No final committee vote on SB 18 was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's H.R. 44 by Assembly Member Ward. The clerk will read.
• Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and members.
• Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Ward, do you wish to close?
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.
• Thank you, Assembly Member Ward.

Summary: The Assembly met on June 4, 2025, after a quorum call and opening prayer led by Assembly Member Ramos, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and routine procedural actions. Members handled several motions on bill referrals and file management, including disputes over SB 280 and ACA 8. The Speaker’s rulings were repeatedly appealed and sustained, and the body ultimately approved re-referral and notice waivers related to ACA 8 and SB 280, along with related committee hearing notices and shortened file notice requirements. Several bills were also removed from consent, moved to inactive file, or withdrawn from committee as nonfiscal measures. The chamber then held a Native American Day ceremony centered on ACR 102 by Assembly Member Ramos, recognizing California Native American Day and the California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference. Multiple caucus leaders and members spoke in support, emphasizing California’s Native history, past state harms, and recent legislative efforts affecting tribal communities. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 71 coauthors were added. The ceremony also honored Native leaders and students, including Judge Abby Abinanti, Councilwoman Catalina Chacon, Rosemary Salgado, Chairman Frederick Massetti, and Clovis Unified students who defended their right to wear regalia at graduation. Later, the Assembly took up concurrence votes on several Senate-amended bills, all of which passed unanimously: AB 829 on Parkinson’s disease, AB 463 on emergency medical services, AB 493 on mortgage escrow interest, and AB 1387 on behavioral health coordination for justice-involved individuals. The body also adopted ACR 100 honoring India’s Independence Day and H.R. 44 recognizing homeless service providers, both by voice vote after substantial support from members and coauthors. Guest introductions highlighted the music industry, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and visiting officials from Pakistan. The session concluded with adjournments in memory of Joel Nilsen and Grace Akiko Kojima, followed by announcements of upcoming session dates and adjournment under the call of the Speaker.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's like off of Ward Parkway. Okay, thank you. Yes, Representative Crossley.
• The question was asked, our location, and we're in South Kansas City, just off Ward Parkway.
• We're in South Kansas City, just off Ward Parkway.
• Is it, the way the bucket is that you’re proposing, would it be a first-come, first-served basis between
• Thank you for bringing in the folks from Third Ward. Met a bunch of them. Thank you, sir.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It needs to be actionable, person-centered, local proposals that provide stable housing to address the
• And the proposals must resolve critical encampment concerns such as health and safety.
• The city expended 97% of our ward. How many of San Diego have 8% of their ward?
• While the COC is spending 37% of their ward.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Delegate from Hampton, Delegate Ward. Thank you.
• Delegate from Hampton, Delegate Ward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
• Delegate Ward from Hampton. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The amendments are mostly technical in nature.
• Delegate Ward from Hampton. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr.
• The amendments in the Senate were proposed by me, so I will be suggesting that we accept them.

Keywords: March 10, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward. Aye. Williams, Lindsey. Aye. Ward, Judy. Aye. Williams, Lindsey. Aye. Yaw. Aye. Ward, Kim.
• Ward, Judy, aye. Williams, Lindsey, aye. Yaw, aye. Ward, Kim, aye. Picozzi, aye.
• Ward, Judy. Aye. Williams, Lindsay. No. Yaw. Aye.
• The Chair recognizes Senator Judy Ward to offer an amendment.
• On the amendment, the Chair recognizes Senator Judy Ward.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, committee reports, and approval of the prior journal. Members also granted several leaves of absence and welcomed a number of guests, including Ireland’s Consul General and Deputy Consul General, student shadows, an intern, and the Neshaminy High School baseball team, which was recognized for winning the 2026 PIAA Class 6A state championship. The chamber then recessed briefly for an Education Committee meeting and party caucuses before returning to session. On the floor, the Senate advanced several measures. Senate Bill 362, addressing SNAP skimming, passed 49-0 after remarks about protecting food assistance benefits from theft. Senate Bill 469, providing discounted fishing and hunting licenses for current and retired law enforcement, also passed 49-0 after an amendment was withdrawn. Senate Bill 730, codifying Pennsylvania POLST forms for end-of-life medical orders, saw a tabled amendment from Senator Boscola on physician-assisted dying after a 28-21 vote, then passed 49-0. The Senate also adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 1206 clarifying a temporary license pending FDA approval, and sent House Bill 1344 and Senate Bill 1377 to the House after unanimous final passage. Other bills were moved to appropriations or held in order, including Senate Bill 49, House Bill 96, Senate Bill 535, Senate Bill 536, House Bill 538, Senate Bill 743, Senate Bill 1262, Senate Bill 1273, House Bill 1286, and Senate Bill 1372. House Bill 1862 and House Bill 2017 each received amendments and were re-referred to the Appropriations Committee. The Senate also agreed to consider newly reported committee bills, including measures from Finance, Judiciary, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, and Education. In petitions and remonstrances, Senators Tartaglione and Costa focused on minimum wage and utility affordability, urging action on consumer protections, LIHEAP funding, data center energy costs, and related energy policy. The session concluded with the signing of House Bill 1877 in the presence of the Senate and a recess until June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., unless recalled earlier.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just to give you the level set on the Blue Line, it was originally proposed to start work on it in 2014
• I have to ask: who are these proposals for?
• I'm on the Minneapolis City Council, representing Ward 5, which is where the light rail will go through
• Ward 5 in Minneapolis and Robinsdale share a border, and I can assure you that our constituencies are
• Ward 5 in Minneapolis and Robinsdale share a border, and I can assure you that our constituencies are

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I know Senator Ward-Engelking is... I know Senator Ward-Engelking is disappointed to hear that.
• Chair, you are welcome, Senator Ward-Engelking. So we do have a gift for you, and we wish you well.
• Senator Ward-Engelking. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Representative, for being here.
• Senator Ward-Engelking. For a motion? Motion's in order. I move recess. Senator Ward-Engelking.
• Senator Ward-Engelking, I'm going to support the motion.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee began by recognizing and thanking Senate page Caleb Williams for his service, then took up and approved minutes from March 12, 16, 17, and 18, 2026. Members asked Williams about what he had learned during his time as a page, and he said the biggest surprise was the sheer volume and pace of legislative work. He also sang a short verse of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” before receiving a gift and departing. The committee then heard Senate Bill 1420, which would redirect about 1% of the state’s health insurance premium tax revenue into a dedicated fund for medical education, with the stated goal of stabilizing funding for undergraduate medical education and supporting future expansion of medical school seats. Senator Lent and Representative Manwaring explained that the bill would broaden an existing reimbursement fund so it could receive additional dedicated revenue. Members raised questions about how the premium tax is currently distributed and whether the change could affect other uses of the fund, including immunization-related spending; the sponsors said they would follow up with more detail. The committee voted to send SB 1420 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Next, the committee considered House Joint Memorial 20, which asks Congress to address the fiscal impact of Plyler v. Doe and what the sponsor described as an unfunded mandate on Idaho schools related to educating students who are not qualified aliens. Representative Tanner argued that the state bears significant costs for this enrollment requirement and cited rough estimates ranging from tens of millions to hundreds of millions over time. After brief questions about the source of the numbers, the committee voted to send HJM 20 to the floor with a due pass recommendation, with Senators Burtenshaw and Semmelroth requesting to be recorded as opposed. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 915, which would establish a baseline recess policy for public and charter schools, including a 20-minute daily outdoor recess for grades K-5 when weather and scheduling allow, and a prohibition on withholding recess from an entire class as punishment. Supporters said the bill was intended to protect children’s health and ensure recess is not treated as optional, while opponents argued it was unnecessary and would interfere with local control because schools already provide recess. The committee voted to hold HB 915 at the call of the chair, and the meeting adjourned with notice that another short meeting, likely on the IDLA bill, was expected the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Engelking: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Ward Engelking: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Ward Engelking: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator Ward Engelking? Aye. Senator Rutty? Aye. Vice Chairman. Aye. Senator Ruttee? Aye.
• Ward Engelking.

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee first approved the March 17, 2026 minutes and then reconsidered House Bill 750, the “programmable money” bill. Members debated whether to reopen the prior vote, with some senators objecting that the bill had already received a full hearing and others saying additional information on UCC issues and member absences justified reconsideration. The motion to reconsider passed, Representative Heather Scott explained that the bill is intended as the Consumer Payment Rights and Transparency Act and that LSO/UCC review indicated it does not conflict with the Uniform Commercial Code. After discussion, the committee voted 6-3 to send HB 750 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard House Bill 721, which would allow school districts to advertise for construction bids while permitting is still pending and would create a 30-day initial permit review timeline for public works. The sponsor and an Idaho Associated General Contractors representative said the bill would reduce delays and align school construction with other public works projects; no opposition was noted. The committee unanimously sent HB 721 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Members also heard House Bill 931, a trailer bill to HB 645 that removes an unnecessary reference to the Department of Insurance in the portable benefits plan law, and HB 931 was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. House Bill 929, sponsored by Representative Aaron Bingham, would let insured patients negotiate cash prices with providers before services are rendered and require insurers to count the negotiated amount toward the patient’s deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Bingham said the bill is meant to lower health care costs, especially for people with high deductibles, and that industry had not opposed it. Some senators questioned how the bill interacts with insurance contracts and the hold-harmless clause, and Senator Lakey said he was concerned about the bill directing private-sector arrangements, but the committee still approved the motion to send HB 929 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. At the end of the meeting, Senator Zito attempted to bring House Bill 745 back before the committee, but the chair ruled the motion out of order because a bill held in committee cannot be overridden that way, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Takayama, Representative Tam, Representative Templo, Representative Todd, Representative Ward
• Representative Takayama, Representative Tam, Representative Templo, Representative Todd, Representative Ward
• Representative Takayama, Representative Tam, Representative Templo, Representative Todd, Representative Ward
• Representative Takayama, Representative Tam, Representative Templo, Representative Todd, Representative Ward
• Representative Templo, Representative Todd, Representative Ward excused, Representative Woodson, and

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I am writing in strong support of the proposal to invest an additional $50 million in emergency rental
• Next, we have Council Member Aren Shri of Minneapolis Ward 12. Welcome to the committee. Thank you.
• I serve on the Minneapolis City Council representing the 12th Ward, and I just want to speak plainly.
• representing Minneapolis City Council representing the<00:20:19.280><c> 12th</c><00:20:19.679><c> ward
• and I just want to speak the 12th ward and I just want to speak plainly.<00:20:22.400><c> The</c><00

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3403, authored by Vice Chair Rep. Kazowski, and first adopted an A1 amendment. The amendment made technical and implementation changes recommended by the Department of Revenue, allowed a small portion of funds for county and tribal administrative costs, and clarified timing and reporting for spent and unspent funds. After the amendment was adopted, the bill was moved to Ways and Means. Rep. Kazowski described HF 3403 as a $50 million emergency rental assistance measure to help stabilize households facing eviction, with $44 million directed to counties and $6 million reserved for tribal nations, administered through the Department of Revenue using the existing local homeless prevention aid formula. Supporters said the bill would provide immediate, targeted help to renters and landlords, prevent evictions, and reduce downstream costs to shelters, schools, employers, and health systems. Several testifiers, including representatives from Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Louis County, Hennepin County, Minneapolis, social workers, a resident, and tribal housing leaders, said local resources were insufficient to meet rising need and emphasized the impact of federal immigration enforcement and related economic disruption on families, workers, and communities. Testimony highlighted sharp increases in rental assistance requests, rising eviction filings, depleted county funds, and the strain on nonprofit and mutual aid efforts. County and city officials said emergency rental assistance and related legal services had already prevented thousands of evictions, but current funding was not enough. Tribal testimony stressed disproportionate homelessness among Native Americans and supported the bill’s tribal allocation. During member discussion, Rep. Amani Hiltsley said the bill was an economic stabilization tool and requested a roll call vote, noting safeguards against fraud and the broader costs of inaction.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ward, excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 47 members are present, four are excused.
• Ward, excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 47 members are present, four are excused.
• Ward, excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 47 members are present, four are excused.
• Ward, excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 47 members are present, four are excused.
• Ward, excused. Mr. Woodson. Mr. Yamashita. Madam Speaker, 47 members are present, four are excused.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House met with 47 members present and 4 excused, approved deferral of the journal reading, and received no messages from the governor. In Senate communications, the chamber received a Senate concurrent resolution and several House bills returned from the Senate with amendments; Representative Todd moved to disagree with the Senate amendments, and that motion carried by voice vote. The main business was adoption of large groups of standing committee reports. The House adopted reports 1662 through 1696, then 1697 through 1714, and later report 1715, with several members noting “no vote” or “with reservations” on specific measures. One extended floor exchange centered on a measure concerning emergency access in West Oahu, where Representative Souza argued for a second access point for Makakilo residents and referenced wildfire evacuation concerns; other members raised points of order under Rule 287, and the Speaker ruled on the debate. The House also suspended the rules to consider certain Senate bills on third reading by consent calendar. On third reading, the House passed Senate bills listed on page 18, including SB 100 and SB 112, with recorded no votes from several members and support with reservations from Representative Iwamoto, who said SB 100 was a home rule issue better handled at the county level. The chamber then heard announcements, including Representative Takayama’s request for donations of new or gently used women’s business attire for the YWCA Dress for Success program. The House adjourned until 12:00 noon Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Senator Ward, for taking my question.
• Uh, good morning, Chairperson Ward.
• Good morning, Chair Ward. My name is Deborah Ward.
• Okay, thank you, Senator Ward.
• This is 59. umce okay thank you Senator Ward I think umce okay thank you Senator Ward I think that's<

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Ward Eagle King seconded. I see no more comments.
• Yeah, I mean, they built it into the proposal when he mentioned, and they...
• Senator Ward Engelkeen-Cheney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• And I don't think there's a proposal to put it into...
• And I don't think there's a proposal to put it into Medicaid.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first approved the January 29, 2006 minutes, then spent most of the meeting reviewing Idaho Children’s Trust Fund and related prevention-focused grant requests. Members repeatedly discussed whether proposals fit the committee’s mission of youth substance-abuse prevention, the need for measurable outcomes and oversight, and whether some requests were more like child care or general social services than prevention. Several members also noted that future legislation and a clearer planning framework may be needed so the committee is not simply reacting to applicants’ own goals. The committee then considered individual funding requests. It approved one-time funding for the Idaho Children’s Trust Fund ($692,240), the Idaho Safety Assessment Center Coalition ($1 million through the Department of Juvenile Corrections), the Idaho Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers ($3 million through ICDVVA), a recovery center request ($150,000 ongoing through Health and Welfare), a statewide drug awareness media campaign ($5 million through the Office of Drug Policy), and the governor’s recommended $25 million one-time transfer to the Department of Health and Welfare/Division of Medicaid to help address the Medicaid forecast and general fund impact. The Children’s Bridge request for $3.5 million did not receive a second and died. Throughout the meeting, members emphasized that any approved funding should include intent language for distribution, oversight, reporting, and in some cases procurement or performance measures. There was also discussion that some programs should have a designated state agency “home” for long-term sustainability, and that the committee should better track whether funded programs are actually reducing youth substance use and related harms. The meeting ended after the committee adopted the motions and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• This proposal is not just a cost savings; it's also about fairness and accountability.
• And let me ...out of existence due to the subjective and vague language proposed here today.
• But again, I don't have a proposal or a solution for that.
• Kathy Ward, I’ve got you here on behalf of the SCJC testifying on the bill. Is that correct?”
• I think that Commissioner Ward has laid out what we’re asking for.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills affecting civil practice, judicial conduct, and attorney regulation. HB 4961 and the similar HB 3095 would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision, with HB 3095 also addressing certain exceptions and limiting economic damages in some cases. Supporters said the measures would encourage insurance coverage and fairness for insured drivers, while opponents argued they would unfairly punish injured people who were not responsible for the lack of insurance, including pedestrians, passengers, children, and others. HB 3095 drew constitutional concerns from witnesses, and the committee later withdrew the committee substitute and left the bill pending; HB 4961 was also left pending after questions about its scope, including passengers. HB 5570 would expand a continuing legal education exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate who serve on boards or commissions. The author and witness said the bill would free up time for public service while still requiring ethics training. A committee member raised a discrepancy in the number of attorneys covered, and the bill was left pending. HB 2969 would prohibit the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech, especially in relation to sincerely held religious beliefs. Supporters framed it as a protection for lawyers of faith against an ABA-style speech code, while no one testified in opposition; the bill was left pending. HB 4260 would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction. The author described it as an ethics measure to avoid conflicts of interest, but county officials and the County Judges and Commissioners Association opposed it, saying existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would impose hardships, especially in rural counties. The bill was left pending. HB 4388 would require all judges, including those who serve only in administrative roles, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct; supporters said some judges avoid discipline by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents said the bill was unnecessary and could burden county judges who serve as administrators. It was also left pending. The committee also heard HB 5134, which would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect to suffer actual damages and allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill would curb harassment and fishing expeditions, but members questioned how the standard would work in practice; the bill was left pending. Finally, HB 3964 would narrow common-law public nuisance claims by barring suits over lawful conduct, conduct already addressed by other remedies, and products, while preserving other causes of action. Supporters said the bill would prevent regulation through litigation and protect legislative authority; opponents said it would eliminate important remedies and that no Texas abuse had been shown. The author indicated he would revise the bill, and it was left pending.