Transcript Highlights:

• And with that, oh, and then we're joined today on the House side by Representative Moakley, Representative
• Representative Moakley, Representative Saunders, Vice Chair Garcia, Representative LeBoeuf, Representative
• And Representative Donoghue has just joined us as well.
• Representative...” “Thank you. Thank you. Next we have Representative O’Day.” Mr.
• to person.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a broad slate of disability-related bills. Topics included creating a permanent Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Board (H. 231/S. 134), establishing a system for compensating guardians who serve incapacitated, unbefriended individuals through MassHealth (H. 253/S. 154), expanding Nikki’s Law to require MassHealth day habilitation programs to use the abuse registry (S. 165 and related bills), modernizing and streamlining the Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s statute and procedures (H. 243/S. 139), updating the definition of developmental disability to align more closely with federal law and include people such as those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (H. 276/S. 150), removing outdated and offensive terminology from the General Laws (H. 232/S. 137), and an autism education reform bill (H. 286). Several bills had no sign-ups, and the committee also noted related measures on cueing and prompting in PCA programs (H. 277/S. 157).

Transcript Highlights:

• To her left would be Representative Higgins, followed by Representative Ramos and Representative Moakley
• Okay, Representative Paulino.
• I have Representative G.
• We're looking for that person who's committed a crime, but that's the person...
• And because I have a need, this person gives me a ride and I go with this person.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with procedural remarks and acknowledgments of Rosh Hashanah, followed by testimony on several criminal justice bills before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. A major focus was S. 1061, the “Raise the Age” bill, which would gradually move 18- to 20-year-olds into the juvenile justice system. Supporters included youth and young adult advocates, former juvenile court Judge Jay Blitzman, ACLU and CPCS representatives, Roca, United Way, Citizens for Juvenile Justice, and Senator Brendan Crichton. They argued that young adults are still developmentally immature, that juvenile court services improve education and rehabilitation, and that adult-system involvement leads to higher recidivism and racial disparities. Committee members asked practical questions about how the bill would work, and witnesses explained that it would expand access to juvenile court diversion, probation, and DYS services for the covered age group. The chairs also noted a notice issue, clarifying that the hearing had been posted seven days in advance rather than the usual ten. The committee also heard testimony on a bill to revise accomplice and joint venture murder liability and sentencing. Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Liz Miranda supported the reform, arguing that current law can impose life sentences on people with limited or no knowledge of a killing and that the doctrine contributes to racial bias and disproportionate punishment. A law professor, a former defendant, and advocates from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls described cases where people were punished far beyond their actual role and said the bill would better align charges and sentences with individual culpability. Related testimony also supported a proportionality-focused reform to reduce the harshness of joint venture sentencing. Several other public safety and criminal justice bills drew testimony. Senator Robin Kennedy supported a bill redefining strangulation in domestic violence law, saying the current “substantial pressure” standard is too vague and that strangulation is often lethal without visible injury. District Attorney Ryan and a retail business executive backed a bill on organized retail theft, saying it would give prosecutors more flexible charging options and better address coordinated theft rings. Representative Vieira and the family of Kiana Barros urged action on Kiana’s Law, which would improve restraining-order notification and enforcement after Barros’s daughter was killed after an order was not served. The hearing also included support for the HALO Act, which would create a 25-foot safety zone around first responders and penalize harassment or obstruction, and for a bill to enhance courthouse security by creating specific protections for judges and their families. No votes were taken during the hearing."} 0}]}

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Bowers. Representative Cook: Here. Representative Jones: Present.
• Representative Little: Here. Representative Lauderback: Present. Representative Money.
• Representative Money: Present. Representative Moody: Present.
• Representative Rodriguez Ramos: Present. Representative Verdell: Present.
• There needs to be somebody who is representing that person at the trial court level for a writ of habeas

Bills: HB200

Keywords: HB 200, emergency communication, backup communications, satellite phone, portable satellite equipment, radio, floodplain, 100-year floodplain, FEMA, natural disaster, disaster preparedness, emergency preparedness, vulnerable populations, children, elderly, seniors, people with disabilities, care facilities, residential care, assisted living

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, and Representative Orr.
• Thank you, Representative.
• Representative Mechia, I want to pick up from where you and Representative Gonzalez left off.
• Thank you, Representative.
• I personally do not.

Bills: SB 8, HB7, HB15, HB 265, HCR 13, SB 8, HB 7, HB 15, HB 265, HCR 13

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, youth camp, safety regulations, advisory committee, child welfare, health standards, summer camp, camp safety, child abuse reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• Anybody else in person?
• Representative Ichiyama is excused. Representative Eoto aye. Representative Morikawa aye.
• Representative Poepoe aye. Representative Woodson is also excused. Representative Shimizu.
• I appreciate that Representative Balot pointed out that striking 'persons' actually narrows the law because
• I appreciate that Representative Balot pointed out that striking 'persons' actually narrows the law because

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 18, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures related to state funds, public lands, wastewater, port infrastructure, and other land and water issues. Early in the hearing, SB 1395, relating to state funds and climate mitigation financing, drew support from the Governor’s office, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, the State Energy Office, and others, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii urged the committee not to revert to the original version because of concerns about a special fund and compliance with state statutes. After discussion, the chair said the bill would be deferred because of budget uncertainty and the need to preserve reserves, and members agreed to that recommendation. The committee then took up SB 1393, SB 1669, SB 102, SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946, among others. SB 1393 and SB 1669 received support or comments from agencies including the Attorney General’s office, the State Energy Office, and other departments; SB 1669 was sent on with amendments and to Finance for further review. SB 102, concerning a third-party review process, prompted questions about who would select consultants and whether the bill would affect staffing and permitting costs; it was advanced with amendments, with one member noting reservations about the shift to private third-party review. SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946 also moved forward, generally with amendments or as amended, and several members noted reservations tied to budget impacts or statutory language. The committee also heard testimony on HB 1393, which involved public lands and school facilities, where the Department of Education sought a change to the deletion language and the School Facilities Authority said it stood on its written comments. For SB 146, relating to the Ali Canal, the University of Hawaiʻi and DLNR supported the measure, and a member asked about the estimated annual cost, which was described as $125,000 per year. On SB 946, members discussed whether removing the term “person” could narrow the law too much; after that discussion, the committee agreed to restore the term and proceed with an HD1. The meeting ended with the committee recessing after completing its agenda and adopting the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Locke. Present. Representative Lord. Here. Representative Romero.
• Madam Chair, Representative, experts. Madam Chair and Representative, yes.
• Representative Lourne. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Representative.
• Representative Block. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Representative.
• So in theory, Madam Chair, Representative, then it would actually deter that person in the future and

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Hall, yes. Representative Whitfield, yes. Representative Terry, yes.
• Representative Hall, yes. Representative Whitfield, yes. Representative Terry, yes.
• representative Hall yes representative representative Hall yes representative witfield<01:54:57.360><
• Representative Hall, yes. Representative Litfield, yes. Representative Terry, yes.
• Representative Hall, yes. Representative Litchfield and Representative Terry, yes.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The subcommittee work session of the Education Policy and Administration Committee focused on House Bill 131 and House Bill 781, which were described as nearly identical bills addressing student cell phone use in schools. Members noted that HB 781 is an early bill and therefore needed committee action by Wednesday, while HB 131 did not face that deadline. The chair and members discussed the bills’ shared goal of requiring school boards to develop and adopt policies on student personal device use, with debate over whether the state should set minimum standards or leave more to local control. A major topic was funding. One member urged the committee to avoid creating an unfunded mandate and asked for some funding support, while others argued it was too early to commit money and that the committee should first establish the policy framework. The governor’s proposed funding was discussed, including a $1 million figure in the budget and a separate $250,000 amount referenced in the bill, but several members said the money would likely be insufficient to cover all students or pouch systems statewide. The committee also reviewed a handout reflecting proposed budget language that would require school boards to adopt policies on personal device use during the school day, with schoolwide implementation and exceptions for medical disability or language proficiency needs, and a DOE-administered grant program. Members spent considerable time on drafting details, especially deadlines and exceptions. They debated whether the bills should require school boards to “develop,” “adopt,” or also “implement” policies, and whether the effective date of the act should also serve as the deadline for school boards. They also discussed whether exceptions for classroom instructional use should be mandatory or merely encouraged, and whether the bills should explicitly include or exclude charter schools. Additional proposed exceptions included IEPs, 504 plans, English learners, and medical needs such as glucose sensors or insulin pumps, with some members suggesting medical issues be certified by a physician. No final vote or formal action was taken in the work session.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Represent<00:04:25.199> Bliss. >> Represent Bliss. >> Represent Bliss.
• discharge will shall restore the person discharge will shall restore the person to<00:04:47.919>
• Um the other one uh ineligible persons Um the other one uh ineligible persons and<00:04:55.520><
• >> Represent<00:08:49.680> Bliss, >> Represent Bliss, >> Represent Bliss, >
• Um, Representative<00:08:58.399> Ingen, Representative Ingen, Representative Ingen, >> thank

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Politics is personal.
• House committee Representative Junie Joseph, chair; Representative Yara Zokaie, chair; Representative
• A conflict of interest exists when a person in a position of trust, like a state senator or a state representative
• You cannot coingle the human remains of more than one person without the consent of the person or persons
• Before Mark was a senator, before Mark was a representative, he's been a successful business person.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Stemen? Here. Representative Brown? Senator Christianson? Here.
• Representative Goldwyn? Representative Hanson? Here. Representative Klemin? Here.
• Representative Koppelman? Representative Tveit? Clemine? Here. Cappellman? Here.
• Representative Kermin, 30 seconds, we've got to move to the next person.
• And I'm not going to engage in this person said this or this person said that.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Garcia?
• Representative Garcia?
• Representative Ligori or P. Contreras? Madam Chair. Representative Pekindrax.
• Representative Garcia?
• Representative Garcia?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Koppelman.
• Representative Kermin, 30 seconds, we've got to move to the next person.
• Representative Kermin, 30 seconds, we've got to move to the next person.
• And I'm not going to engage in this person said this or this person said that.
• Representative Twight. Thank you, Madam Chair. Mr. Fink. Representative Twight.

Summary: The committee opened with a moment of silence for a deceased member, then approved the April minutes and heard a presentation from HHS on the Diversion Task Force and related youth services grants. Chelsea Florey described the $750,000 one-time appropriation from HB 1012, the five awarded grants, and how programs in Bismarck, Fargo, Grand Forks, and Minot are using the funds for youth diversion, including school-based groups, physical activity, and services for problematic sexual behavior. Members raised concerns about staffing shortages, family engagement, service silos, and whether diversion eligibility rules are too rigid; Florey said the task force is focused on better coordination, broader education about available services, and possible changes to diversion criteria, with the Children’s Cabinet likely to drive broader recommendations. The committee then received a North Dakota Lottery biennium report from Director Thomas Lawler, who reviewed the lottery’s history, games, retailer commissions, player programs, and revenue distribution. He reported about $67 million in ticket sales for the 2023-2025 biennium, about $16.2 million transferred overall, including roughly $13.6 million to the general fund, plus transfers to drug task force and compulsive gambling funds. Members asked about the compulsive gambling allocation and whether it is set by statute. Next, the Department of Corrections presented on criminal justice data sharing and reentry. Adam Anderson explained that jails, courts, DOCR, HHS, and other entities use separate systems with limited interoperability, making real-time communication largely manual. He outlined possible hub or point-to-point IT solutions, but noted cost, vendor, identifier, and data-definition challenges. Robin Schmolenberger followed with an update on a Medicaid data exchange project between DOCR and HHS to suspend and reactivate inmate Medicaid coverage automatically and improve care coordination, with full bi-directional exchange expected in fall 2026. The committee also heard from county representatives on 24-7 sobriety program fees and an AG opinion allowing local sheriffs to use cheaper testing options when courts waive fees. Finally, the North Dakota Racing Commission reviewed a troubling audit. Bruce Johnson acknowledged serious findings involving overspending from the promotion fund, missing grant documentation, a reversed decision on breeders fund eligibility, and repeated procurement violations. He said the commission has begun corrective actions, including monthly tracking of the promotion fund cap, stricter grant documentation, written procurement procedures, and clearer eligibility rules in condition books. Members pressed him on how the overspending occurred, whether the commission board would impose consequences, and whether statutory clarification is needed on the promotion fund limit and related spending rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice-Chair Bucy, Representative Isaac, Representative Morales-Shaw, Representative Plesa, Representative
• Representative Swanson. Here. Representative Toth. Here. Representative Wilson. Here.
• Representative Isaac. Aye. Representative Morales-Shaw. Aye. Representative Plesa. Aye.
• Representative Raymond. Aye. Representative Swanson. Aye. Representative Toth. Aye.
• Representative Raymond. Aye. Representative Swanson. Aye. Representative Toth. Aye.

Bills: HB1968, HB2279, HB2739, HB2803, HB3909, HB3918, HB4253, HB4475, HB5115, HB5430

Keywords: election services, contracting, political subdivisions, county elections, election code, voter registration, citizenship status, election law, cancellation, disqualification, Texas Election Code, voter identification, registration, election integrity, identification documents, election, watcher, polling place, removal, Texas Elections Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Lauterbach, Representative Moody, Representative Bowers, Representative Little, Representative
• And you represent. I am representing myself as, uh, Representative Patterson mentioned.
• Yeah Representative booty. Representative Bowers. Representative Little Representative money.
• Representative Gerdes is, is an, is an unborn baby a person under this statute.
• Uh, Representative Bowers. Representative Little. Representative Bunny. Representative Moody.

Bills: HB316

Keywords: Medicaid, healthcare, affordable care act, medical assistance, federal funding

Transcript Highlights:

• for a person over the age 65 who person for a person over the age 65 who person for a person over the
• Welcome to the Alabama House of Representatives. Representatives. Representatives.
• Representative Representative Representative recognize Representative Fort of Barber County.
• Thank you, Representative Representative Representative Chair recognizes Representative Calvin Chair
• Representative Wodssworth. Representative Wodssworth. Representative Wodssworth.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Dolan.
• So if it's personal to us, it's probably personal to other people.
• Representative Mansur. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Mancer.
• “On another person. That’s my personal view. We disagree on that.
• Next person in favor.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Braud? Representative Chenevert? Representative Dickerson? Representative Edmonston?
• Representative Galle? Present. Representative Green? Representative Hebert? Present.
• Representative Lafleur? Present. Representative Landry? Representative Mack? Here.
• Representative Newell? Here. Representative Orgeron? Present. Present. Representative Newell? Here.
• Representative Orgeron? Yes. Representative Owen? Representative Ventrella. Representative Wiley?

Summary: The committee first took up SCR 30 by Senator Connick, which memorializes Congress to compel the Department of Justice to release unclassified Epstein-related records. Senator Connick gave personal remarks about child sexual abuse and the need to hold powerful people accountable. Representative Newell supported the resolution, and the committee reported it favorably without opposition. Next, the committee considered SCR 40 by Senator Selders, urging Congress to timely pass defense appropriations that fully fund and align with the National Defense Authorization Act. The measure was briefly explained as a statement of support for military readiness and proper appropriations, and it was moved favorably with no opposition. The main substantive discussion centered on SB 259 by Senator Barrow, which would authorize an online portal for civil protective order applications. A Supreme Court protective order registry representative explained that the portal would let domestic and dating violence survivors complete petitions online, with the same judicial review, service, and hearing process that exists now; the bill would not eliminate manual filing. Members asked about fees, guidance for applicants, verification, judicial review, public access, and the risk of false filings. The witness and several members emphasized that the process remains temporary and ex parte at the outset, that final orders are issued by judges, and that the registry is not public. A domestic violence coalition representative also testified in support. Representative Newell moved favorable, Representative Edmondson objected, and the committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-1 vote. Finally, Representative Baham presented HR 245 condemning political violence in the United States. He cited recent and historical examples of political attacks and argued that violence against public figures and activists is harmful regardless of party. Members voiced support, no one objected, and the resolution was adopted before the committee adjourned, with the chair noting it was the last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I understand what the representative is saying: if a person is moving into the state, they can have one
• representative wey yes representative representative wey yes representative wood<01:59:14.639>
• a minority report. representative qua yes representative representative qua yes representative pom<04
• 42:42.400> representative representative head yes representative representative head yes representative
• 05:00:15.920> representative representative Mirad no representative representative Mirad no representative

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Moody? Present. Representative Bowers? Representative Little? Representative Money?
• Representative Bowers to explain the bill. Thank you. Oh, can you recognize that person?
• Representative Little, now we split the colony where the person who brought this bill forward serves
• Representative Booty? Representative Bowers? Representative Little? Aye. Representative Manning?
• Representative Gerdes mentioned that an unborn baby is considered a person under this statute.

Bills: HB316, HB353, HB 1160, HB1414, HB1422, HB1443, HB1713, HB1789, HB1902, HB2073, HB2666, HB2695, HB316

Keywords: motor fuel, criminal offense, metering device, organized crime, Texas Penal Code, trespassing, school safety, day-care centers, education, trespass, public safety, utility employees, criminal penalties, assault, harassment, public duties, safety, law enforcement, driving offenses, license regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you, Representative Init.
• Why would this person say that?
• This is the person—not named by name, but this would be the person in this position would be charging
• Thank you, Representative Beck.
• and then changing the person that was the representative in the central office, whose sole responsibility

Summary: The Joint State Agencies committee met to approve the October 8, 2025 minutes and then held an extended hearing on the death of Zachary Moore at the Southeast Arkansas Human Development Center. DHS officials Lori McDonald, Jennifer Brise, and Melissa Weatherton described the HDC system, staffing and resident needs, and said Moore died after being held in a prone restraint for about 13 minutes, followed by a delayed chemical restraint and delayed CPR. They said the family settled a wrongful death claim for $725,000, 13 staff were terminated, the facility leadership was changed, and at least five staff had been criminally charged, with the death certificate later described as homicide and the cause of death as physiologic stress associated with struggle and prone restraint. Members pressed DHS on why the family was not kept informed, whether there was a written restraint protocol, how staff are trained, and why the agency did not have more complete information ready for the hearing. DHS said staff receive CPI restraint training, annual restraint training is mandatory, and a consultant is reviewing policies, retraining staff, and conducting a root cause analysis under a directed plan of correction from the Office of Long-Term Care. Legislators also raised broader concerns about low pay, staffing shortages, use of float and contract staff, and a waiting list of about 2,000 people for home- and community-based care. DHS said it is working on a retention and recruitment plan and a rate report for certain PASS services, but that the PASS rate study does not cover CNA pay. Several members said the incident reflected both a failure of restraint practice and a broader staffing and oversight problem. DHS acknowledged that prone restraint should not have been used, that the chemical restraint was given at the wrong time, and that multiple breakdowns occurred in supervision, communication, and equipment use. The committee also discussed whether there should be more regular independent audits of HDC policies, and DHS said it does not currently have a separate annual policy audit beyond existing oversight. At the end of the meeting, the committee asked DHS to keep it updated on recruitment, consultant reports, and to contact Moore’s mother about the communication she had been promised. The meeting adjourned without any additional formal action beyond approving the minutes.