Video & Transcript : 'abortion laws' :
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TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Texas law enforcement agencies prepare collision reports.
- Both local law enforcement agencies and TxDOT retain them.
- It ensures that vehicles comply with traffic and safety laws, and it gives law enforcement the tools
- All liability would flow under state law. Would remain as you'd expect it to be.
- All liability would flow under state law.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote.
Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- You mentioned that current Alabama law allows for a 20... ...that current Alabama law allows for a 20
- Because our laws have... the street. Why? Because our laws have been muddled up so bad.
- You know, under current law...
- people; it's Tribal Law if you own...
- I'm just wondering, under this situation, are they under state law or Tribal Law? And I...
Bills:
HB43 , SB81 , SB178 , SB138 , SB89 , SB183 , HB27 , HB188 , HB199 , HB190 , SB117 , HB43 , HB27
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, custodial sexual misconduct, sexual misconduct, inmate abuse, prisoner exploitation, correctional staff, jail staff, detention center, probation officer, parole officer, Department of Corrections, Department of Youth Services, sheriff, county jail, municipal jail
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- To revise a provision regarding abortion trafficking. President. Senator Lakey. Mr.
- The Idaho abortion trafficking statute was intended to... ...request of our Attorney General's office
- The Idaho abortion trafficking statute was intended to prohibit conduct.
- It eliminates an obsolete provision that serves no purpose in Idaho law.
- So this bill is basically removing dead letter law from our statute. And with that, Mr.
OK
Transcript Highlights:
- latitude, the general idea of the program is to identify women who are online trying to find an abortion
- or ways to seek abortion, present them with an ad that connects them to a chat with a real person and
- this throws up sort of a fence around the state if you will and somebody who's looking to get an abortion
- that's a legitimate concern Or an opinion the way I look at it we're talking about life preventing abortion
Bills:
SB667 , SB904 , SB1344 , SB1380 , SB1423 , SB1425 , SB1484 , SB1500 , SB1502 , SB1503 , SB1555 , SB1561 , SB1562 , SB1565 , SB1572 , SB1644 , SB1749 , SB1833 , SB2007 , SB2044 , SB2074
Committee:
House Public Health
Keywords:
chiropractic, licensure, animal chiropractic, Board of Chiropractic Examiners, licensing requirements, gender transition, gender-affirming care, transgender, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, hormone therapy, sex reassignment, transition surgery, Medicaid, public funds, state facilities, state hospital, Oklahoma, intersex, DSD
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 20th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm Emily Bryce with Northwest Health Law Advocates, pro on Senate Bill 6210.
- And lastly, federal law imposes certain requirements relating to duplicate discounts and diversion of
- This bill would challenge that settled law and risks plunging the state into I mean, This bill would
- challenge that settled law and risks plunging the state into complex litigation.
- The next bill is Substitute Senate Bill 5917, which is the bill that relates to abortion medications
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on several health-related bills. SB 5904 would restrict nursing titles such as RN, NP/ARNP, and LPN to licensed human people and prohibit non-human entities, including AI chatbots, from using those titles. The sponsor and nursing advocates said the bill is meant to prevent confusion and protect public trust, while preserving the use of AI as a support tool. SB 5877 would add a $70 surcharge for certified anesthesiologist assistants so they can participate in the Washington Physicians Health Program and access HealWA resources; supporters said it closes a technical gap and aligns CAAs with other medical professions. SB 5185 would create a pilot pathway for certain international medical graduates with clinical experience licenses to obtain full primary care licensure; supporters from the medical commission, physicians, and IMG advocates said the program has worked well, has shown no patient safety issues, and could help address workforce shortages.
The committee also heard extensive testimony on ESSB 6210, which would let the Health Benefit Exchange adopt additional market-factor certification criteria for exchange plans, including standards aimed at preserving access and affordability in underserved counties. Supporters, including the exchange, OIC, consumer advocates, tribal representatives, and patient groups, said the bill is needed to respond to federal policy changes, rising premiums, and disappearing coverage in places like San Juan County. Opponents from carriers and employer groups argued the timeline is too fast, the criteria are too discretionary, and the bill could reduce competition and raise costs. The committee then heard SB 5981, which would strengthen protections and reporting requirements for the federal 340B drug pricing program and limit manufacturer restrictions on contract pharmacies and data requests. Hospitals, clinics, and patient advocates said the bill protects safety-net care and rural access, while manufacturers, employers, and business groups argued it would expand a program that already raises costs and lacks transparency.
In executive session, the committee took action on SB 5917, related to Department of Corrections distribution of abortion medications, rejecting five proposed amendments and then advancing the bill on a 10-6 vote with three excused. The committee also advanced SB 5988, which concerns Department of Health opioid treatment program accrediting activities, on a do-pass recommendation after brief discussion.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- HB 2086, TPP exemption date; Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
- HB 2810, health education abortion providers prohibition; Education.
- HB 2811, obstructing governmental operations lawful arrest; Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
- HB 2811, obstructing governmental operations lawful arrest; Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
- HB 2023, private prisons contracts prohibition; Public Safety and Law Enforcement.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- good thing that this bill includes language to keep teachers, individual teachers from skirting the law
- record, you can find that they frequently referenced The Bible whenever they were looking at liability law
- The registry is designed to help clinicians, courts, hospitals, and law enforcement quickly identify
Bills:
SCR17 , SB2104 , SB2155 , SB1428 , SB1250 , SB1651 , SB1794 , SB444 , SB1061 , SB1327 , SB1425 , SB1455 , SB1458 , SB1460 , SB1480 , SB1530 , SB1543 , SB1555 , SB1593 , SB1209 , SB1730 , SB1733 , SB1769 , SB1805 , SB2069 , SB2095 , SB1503
Keywords:
Oklahoma Ireland relations, Ireland, Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day, Choctaw Nation, Choctaw famine relief, Irish-American, cultural resolution, concurrent resolution, ceremonial resolution, economic development, trade commission, international relations, Tulsa IrishFest, ShamROCK the Gardens, Oklahoma City St. Patrick's Parade, Irish ancestry, Senate of Ireland, Aubrey McCarthy, Phil Thompson
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee on Health Services (2-27-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- Currently, there is no law in Kentucky about whether a pharmacist can fill such a prescription, leaving
- Controlled substances are excluded from this bill in compliance with federal law, and the pharmacist
- He said this is not about enforcement or breaking a law; it is about asking health care providers to
- He then asked a curiosity question: under the current abortion law, are these services applied to individuals
- </c><00:27:13.360><c> law</c> under um our current the abortion law under um our current the abortion
Keywords:
00:34 Call to Order/Roll Call
02:09 Discussion of 25RS HB 389
04:05 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 389
05:16 Discussion of 25RS HB 501
09:31 Roll Call Vote on 25RS HB 501
10:50 Discussion of 25RS HB 414 (Discussion Only)
42:05 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 389, a cleanup measure related to the CASPER prescription monitoring program. Representative Duval and staff explained that the bill addresses implementation issues the Office of Inspector General encountered and aligns the definition of “practitioner” for in-state and out-of-state providers. The committee took no questions, then approved the bill unanimously and reported it favorably.
The committee then heard House Bill 501, which would allow a pharmacist to fill a prescription for a limited period after the prescribing provider has died, so patients can maintain continuity of care. Sponsors and a pharmacist witness said the bill is intended to reduce uncertainty and liability for pharmacists, excludes controlled substances to comply with federal law, and leaves professional judgment with the pharmacist. Members asked about documentation and verification, and the sponsor said the bill applies when the pharmacist knows of the death and that pharmacies would document the situation as they normally do. The committee discussed the issue briefly and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression.
Finally, the committee took up House Bill 414 for discussion only. Representative Tate and Adia Wisher described it as “Love Them Both,” a perinatal palliative care proposal meant to provide wraparound support for women and families facing fatal fetal anomalies or other serious pregnancy complications. Testimony emphasized that the bill would encourage referrals to programs offering medical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and bereavement support, with examples such as Footprints at St. Elizabeth. Members discussed access, referrals, counseling, coverage language, and the role of fathers, and supporters stressed that the services would be optional and intended to broaden support rather than impose penalties. No vote was taken on House Bill 414.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Civil Rights & Judiciary Feb 18th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So under current law, the A.G.... ...violations of law in some areas but not others.
- When I was in law school, I also was tracking.
- for violating those laws.
- This is simply a... provides us with a tool to investigate laws that we... To enforce the laws.
- And we wonder: is the Attorney General a law enforcement agency or the watchdog over Washington's law
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on civil investigative demands for the Attorney General (ESSB 5925), automated license plate readers (ESSB 6002/6702), medical debt interest limits (ESSB 5993), default judgments in consumer debt cases (SSB 5720), adult guardianship technical changes (ESSB 5837), and Court of Appeals bailiff authority (SB 6011). Sponsors and agency staff generally framed the bills as targeted tools or clarifications, while opponents raised concerns about privacy, due process, overreach, and unintended consequences. The AG’s office supported 5925 as a way to investigate civil rights, wage theft, and related laws more efficiently; opponents argued it gave too much pre-suit power and lacked sufficient judicial safeguards. The Court of Appeals bailiff bill was presented as a near-identical extension of authority already given to Supreme Court bailiffs, with no major controversy beyond questions about training.
The ALPR bill drew the sharpest policy split. Supporters, including the prime sponsor and civil rights advocates, argued Washington lacks meaningful regulation of license plate readers and needs limits on retention, sharing, and vendor access to protect privacy and prevent misuse. Law enforcement, cities, and some parking-related users said the bill was necessary but too restrictive or technically flawed, warning it could effectively shut down the technology or prevent use in serious cases; they asked for broader crime coverage, clearer definitions, and longer retention. Privacy and civil liberties groups supported regulation but urged stronger protections, especially shorter retention periods and tighter limits on third-party access.
On medical debt, the sponsor and supporters argued that capping interest at 1% would reduce financial harm to patients, especially those facing serious illness, and would still allow administrative costs to be covered. They cited bankruptcy risk, chronic illness, and the burden on families, while noting the bill was narrowed from an earlier version and made prospective. Hospitals, collectors, dentists, and physician groups opposed the bill, saying it would not solve broader affordability problems, could reduce repayment incentives, and might push providers toward cash-only models or credit cards, especially harming small and rural practices. The committee also heard support for the consumer debt default judgment bill as a negotiated compromise that improves notice and preserves existing debt-buyer protections, and for the guardianship bill as a technical cleanup of adult guardianship and supported decision-making provisions. No votes or final actions were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation comes at the advice and request of our Attorney General's office, and this deals with the abortion
- legislation comes at the advice and request of our Attorney General's office, and this deals with the abortion
- All we're doing is separating three laws or sections that were previously combined, and we're separating
- But the rest of the language is what currently is in law. So thank you.
- deadlines... ...are employed, and it's for public health and safety, maybe some deadlines with federal law
Committee:
Senate State Affairs
Summary:
The Senate State Affairs Committee met and first approved the February 25, 2026 minutes. It did not hear RS 33661 or Senate Bill 1366 at the sponsor’s request and because the Secretary of State wanted further changes. The committee also briefly considered a gubernatorial appointment for Shelly Enderud to the State Building Authority, but postponed action until a later meeting after technical issues prevented a full initial connection; Enderud later appeared and described her background in city finance, bonding, and construction-related work, and the committee said it would likely vote on her appointment on Wednesday.
The committee then advanced several bills. House Bill 560, presented by Senator Hart, would let county clerks offer some prospective jurors the option of serving as poll workers instead of on a jury, with successful poll service excusing them from jury duty for two years; it passed unanimously to the floor. Senate Bill 1370, presented by Senator Lakey, would remove the word “recruiting” from Idaho’s abortion trafficking statute to better defend the rest of the law amid pending litigation; it passed to the floor, with Senator Shippy voting no.
The committee also advanced House Bill 697 and House Bill 698, both election-related cleanup measures presented by Senator Bernt and supported by Secretary of State Phil McGrane. HB 697 separates previously combined election-crime provisions so charges are clearer to the public, and HB 698 closes a loophole so people convicted of felony treason in another state cannot restore voting rights in Idaho; both were sent to the floor with do-pass recommendations. Finally, Senate Bill 1364, presented by Senator Guthrie, would address a gap in the expiration of temporary administrative rules so they do not lapse before pending rules take effect; it also passed to the floor with a do-pass recommendation, and the committee then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Apr 21st, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- However, the definition of unreasonable rate increase in state law is still tied back to federal law.
- The definition of unreasonable rate increase in state law is still tied back to federal law.
- This bill clarifies existing law to apply to cases in which other states may permit law firms to share
- necessary to relieve an emergency medical condition, including abortion.
- Abortion is health care, plain and simple. It's not political.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, observed a moment of silence for Pope Francis, and later held a separate remembrance ceremony for the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members and guests heard extensive remarks in support of HR 25, which was adopted by voice vote after 70 co-authors were added. Speakers from both parties and several caucuses emphasized historical truth, remembrance, and solidarity with Armenian Californians, and the chamber also observed a moment of silence for the genocide victims.
On the floor, members also passed AB 789 on health insurance rate oversight, ACR 56 recognizing Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, AB 652 on San Diego County Air Pollution Control District alternates despite opposition from one member over regional balance concerns, AB 1414 protecting renters from mandatory internet provider subscriptions, AB 931 regulating litigation finance agreements, AB 890 easing residency rules for foster youth moving counties, AB 40 clarifying emergency reproductive health care coverage with urgency, AB 322 encouraging school-based health and mental health reimbursement programs, and AB 639 narrowing the definition of dams for certain weir operators. Most measures passed by wide margins, including several unanimous votes.
The consent calendar, including AB 1149, AB 484, AB 859, AB 1105, and AB 1384, was adopted without objection. The Assembly also handled procedural motions, committee notices, and bill re-referrals earlier in the day. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- For those who don't know, the law school selects six law students to go around the country and compete
- But I'm proud of you and I'm proud of UNM Law School. of the fact that we have UNM Law School graduates
- The legislature should pass laws and repeal laws. What's the policy argument behind that?
- Well, that's what the law allows.
- Under current law, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- For those who don't know, the law school selects six law students to go around the country and compete
- But I'm proud of you and I'm proud of our law school. of the fact that we have UNM Law School graduates
- The legislature should pass laws and repeal laws. What's the policy argument behind that?
- Well, that's what the law allows.
- Under current law, Mr.
Committee:
Senate Senate Judiciary
Keywords:
interstate medical licensure compact, physician licensure, medical license reciprocity, expedited licensure, medical practice act, New Mexico medical board, compact commission, physician mobility, telemedicine, license portability, background check, disciplinary action, joint investigation, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, scope of practice, medical board transparency, multistate compact, licensure renewal, health care workforce
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- :10:54.720><c> different</c><00:10:54.959><c> impass</c> law that requires a different impass law that
- . law. law.
- If it were lawful investigations by law enforcement, that should be sufficient. Okay. Thank you.
- </c> >> Law<00:29:17.360><c> enforcement.</c> >> Law enforcement.
- >> Law enforcement. >> Yeah,<00:29:19.039><c> law</c><00:29:19.279><c> enforcement.
Committee:
Senate Labor and Technology
Summary:
The Senate Labor and Technology Committee heard testimony on several measures. SB 2245 would tighten revolving-door restrictions for state employees by barring new employees from acting on matters they worked on before state service and imposing a 12-month post-employment restriction for certain former Governor and Lieutenant Governor staff; the Ethics Commission and League of Women Voters supported it, and the committee later passed it as is. SB 99 would allow certain retirees to return to work as school resource officers or investigators without losing retirement benefits; the Attorney General supported the investigator portion, ERS and other agencies offered comments and suggested amendments, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including changes from the Attorney General, ERS, and the Department of Law Enforcement, plus a far-future effective date. SB 2304, which would expand identity theft law to cover AI/deepfake or materially deceptive media impersonation, drew opposition from the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecutor over prosecution burdens and First Amendment concerns, while some prosecutors and others supported it; the committee deferred the bill. SB 2115, dealing with collective bargaining impasse procedures for repricing public employee classes, drew opposition from human resources officials who said arbitrators lack the technical expertise needed, while unions and HGA supported the measure; the committee deferred decision-making to a later hearing.
The committee also heard SB 1036, a net neutrality bill that would bar broadband providers from blocking, prioritizing, or zero-rating traffic. Supporters argued Hawaii needs stronger consumer protections, while the Hawaii Broadband Office said it saw no current problem in Hawaii and warned the bill could affect federal BEAD funding unless exempted; the committee deferred the measure. SB 1163 would prohibit the sale of geolocation and browser data and data collected through microphone-based background apps; Consumer Protection supported the intent but urged a broader privacy framework, and the Honolulu Prosecutor sought an exemption for lawful law-enforcement investigations, which the committee later accepted along with Hawaiian Telecom’s proposed amendments before passing the bill with amendments. SB 2076 would update publicity-rights law to address AI/deepfake uses of a person’s likeness; testimony supported the goal and amendments from the Recording Industry Association of America, and the committee passed the bill with amendments, including replacing references to AI/deepfake with “digital replica.”
After hearing testimony, the committee recessed briefly to obtain quorum and then reconvened for decision-making. It adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass SB 2245 as is, passed SB 99 with amendments, deferred SB 2304, deferred SB 2115 to a later hearing, deferred SB 1036, passed SB 1163 with amendments, and passed SB 2076 with amendments. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- And so that is a burden for law enforcement proving those crimes.
- And I do support our law enforcement and everything that they're doing.
- And it supports law enforcement. It supports law enforcement. I know. It supports law enforcement.
- It supports law enforcement. I know you've had a chance to read it.
- I've been a law enforcement officer for 18 years.
Committee:
House House Judiciary Committee of Reference
Summary:
The House Judiciary Committee first conducted a sunset review of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The board’s executive director described its history, structure, and recent work on civil rights issues such as human trafficking remedies, service animals, hate-based crimes, housing, disability access, and rural concerns. With no opposition testimony, the committee voted to recommend continuing the board for eight years.
The committee then heard HB 2131, which would make trafficking more than three weapons or explosives ineligible for pardon or early release and remove the requirement that trafficking be for financial gain. Support came from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yavapai County Attorney, who said the bill targets criminal syndicates and does not affect lawful gun dealers or private sales. Some members raised concerns that the bill could limit judicial discretion, but the committee voted 7-0 with one present to recommend the bill do pass.
HB 2132, which lowers the fentanyl threshold for enhanced penalties from 200 grams to 100 grams, drew strong support from law enforcement and county attorneys who said fentanyl trafficking is driving overdoses and homicide investigations, especially in rural counties. Opponents, including a criminal defense attorney and a recovery advocate, argued the bill could sweep in people with substance use disorders and push more people into prison instead of treatment. After debate about prevention, treatment, and mandatory minimums, the committee voted 7-2 to recommend the bill do pass.
The committee also approved HB 2108, which increases penalties for unlawful flight when the conduct recklessly endangers others, causes serious injury, involves a child under 13, or occurs during a DUI. Law enforcement supported the measure as a public safety tool, while an opponent argued it could worsen tensions with police. The committee voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass. Finally, HB 2044, as amended, would increase penalties for abandoning or concealing a dead human body when done to conceal a crime or when the offender caused the death. The sponsor and county attorney said the bill closes a gap in cases involving mutilation or concealment of bodies; a defense attorney warned the language was too broad and could create ambiguity. The committee adopted the amendment and then voted 6-3 to recommend the bill do pass.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and, in the process of following one set of laws, violates another set of laws.
- Do I answer the lawful request from the federal government and risk violating a statutory law here in
- If the medications are used only for abortions, we're talking about 155,000 abortions occurring between
- And it's against the law.
- Insert counsel as provided in law.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Commission on Data Practices 1/22/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- law is the law that works because the law is the law and<00:24:27.600><c> the</c><00:24:27.919><c> the
- </c> Anti-abortion protesters.
- </c> from state and local law enforcement. from state and local law enforcement.
- </c> that Minnesota had to outlaw abortion. that Minnesota had to outlaw abortion.
- </c> unresolved even when the law is clear. unresolved even when the law is clear.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 28th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- and, in the process of following one set of laws, violates another set of laws.
- Do I answer the lawful request from the federal government and risk violating a statutory law here in
- If the medications are used only for abortions, we're talking to 155,000 abortions occurring between
- And it's against the law.
- And it's against the law.
Bills:
HB2720 , HB2073 , HB2681 , SB5467 , SB5820 , SB5863 , SB5892 , SCR8406 , HB2487 , HB2711 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5995 , SB6278
Keywords:
behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, cannabis, license fees, regulatory framework, revenue generation, legalization, SB 5467, water-sewer district, water sewer district, surplus property, public property sale, local government
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, approved the prior day’s minutes, and then moved through caucuses and a series of transportation, elections, energy, historical records, cannabis, abortion-access, and fiscal bills. Members repeatedly emphasized that several measures were supplemental or technical updates to existing law, while others involved larger policy disputes over taxes, fees, clean energy, election security, and reproductive health. The chamber also received Senate messages on other bills and briefly recessed for caucus during the day.
The most prominent action was final passage of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation budget, after adopting a technical amendment and a larger striker amendment. Supporters highlighted preservation and maintenance funding, rail investments, ferry maintenance, road safety, and continued work on major projects statewide; opponents largely reserved comments or noted concerns about future needs. The House passed the bill 93-0 with five excused. The House also passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2711 on transportation resources, after adopting a technical amendment that removed the aircraft tax and delayed an RV-related tax change; supporters said it protected businesses and jobs, while opponents objected to trade-in treatment and other tax changes. That bill passed 83-10.
On elections, the House considered Senate Bill 5892 to protect the voter registration database. An amendment to reduce penalties from a felony to a civil infraction and remove the emergency clause failed, while the committee amendment passed 50-34. Supporters said the bill was needed to safeguard sensitive voter data and clarify access; opponents argued it created conflicts with federal law and imposed excessive penalties on local election officials. The bill then passed 57-36. On energy, Substitute Senate Bill 5982 updating consumer-owned utility provisions drew debate over carbon capture, resource adequacy, data centers, and clean energy policy. Amendments on carbon capture and blackout-triggered termination failed, while an amendment preserving cogeneration exceptions passed; the bill then passed 57-37.
The House also passed Senate Bill 5863 on preservation and inspection of state historical records, after rejecting an amendment to require longer retention but adopting the committee amendment; supporters stressed preserving the history of residential habilitation centers and the value to families seeking records. Substitute Senate Bill 5874, allowing the Employment Security Department to waive penalties for minor employer reporting errors, passed unanimously. Engrossed House Bill 2681, raising cannabis license fees while removing an escalator, passed 52-42. Finally, Substitute Senate Bill 5917 on access to abortion medications saw several failed amendments from opponents seeking to narrow, reframe, or add fiscal limits to the bill; supporters said it preserved flexibility to ensure access and avoid waste, and the bill passed 57-36.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. - Part 1 of 2 Feb 4th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Finance Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- On abortion, Mr. Kennedy's answers once again raise still more questions.
- He refused to tell us whether he would blindly follow a directive from Donald Trump to break the law
- Seemed to have no understanding of his role in enforcing existing federal laws that guarantee women the
- right to life-saving abortion care.
Committee:
Senate Finance Committee
NY
New York 2025-2026 Regular Session
New York State Senate Session - 05/19/2026
New York Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- KAVANAGH, AN ACT TO AMEND THE EXECUTIVE LAW.
- , 5049 SENATOR BAILEY, AN ACT TO AMEND THE INSURANCE LAW.
- It was not lawful. It was not moral.
- Certainly not the laws that we have here in New York.
- The ability for you to not recover from an estate is also based on common law or law created by the courts
Summary:
The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and handled several motions to discharge and substitute identical Assembly or Senate bills, along with a number of amendments. The chamber also welcomed student visitors from the League of Women Voters’ Students of Albany program and a group of Staten Island titleholders, and later adopted previously approved resolutions honoring Dorothy E. Reid for her role in Brown v. Board of Education and recognizing Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Delta Day, with multiple senators speaking in support of both recognitions.
The bulk of the floor session was devoted to third-reading votes on a large number of bills, most of which passed with broad support. Measures addressed public health, workers’ compensation, education, environmental conservation, insurance, labor, criminal procedure, domestic relations, tax, municipal authority, and correction law. Several bills were explained by sponsors as advancing stormwater management authority, labor-law transparency, public health protections, and stronger penalties for trafficking-related offenses; one bill on immunization in summer camps drew a defense from Senator Skoufis as a child-protection measure, while another on correction law passed with some Republican opposition.
The chamber also took up a controversial public health/electronic health records bill by Senator Fernandez. Senator Martin questioned the bill at length about redacting certain categories of information, emergency access, provider obligations, and the impact on doctors’ ability to see complete medical histories. Fernandez said the bill was intended to protect patients from discrimination and to limit access to a small list of sensitive services, while also noting emergency exceptions and support from more than 200 health care providers. The debate remained focused on balancing privacy protections with concerns about continuity of care and record integrity.