Transcript Highlights:

• I believe everyone else who signed up to testify is online. Anyone in the room? See none.
• Okay, now I believe we only have one more person signed up to testify online: John Chase.
• Our new highway superintendent now has an MOU that has been signed.
• That is the end of our list of people who signed up to testify.
• Unmute yourself if you thought you signed up or if a second went by.

Summary: The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a public hearing on several local bills affecting Plymouth, Dunstable/Groton-Dunstable, Shrewsbury, Danvers, and the Town of Berry. Committee chairs reviewed hearing procedures, including three-minute testimony limits, livestreaming, and written testimony submission, and noted members joining in person and online. No votes were taken on the bills themselves during the hearing. Representative Michelle Badger testified in support of H.5497 for Plymouth, which would let the town move its annual spring town meeting and local elections to a later date so budget decisions can be made with more complete information about the state budget and state aid. Lacey McCabe and Dunstable Town Administrator Jason Silva supported S.3118/H.5542, which would address an election error that left a Groton-Dunstable Regional School Committee seat off the ballot and allow the vacancy to be filled for the full three-year term rather than only a one-year appointment. Kevin Mizikar supported H.5512 for Shrewsbury, which would allow digital postings to serve as official legal notices for procurement instead of requiring newspaper publication. Senator Lovely, Danvers Town Manager Jill Cahill, and Representative Kearns testified for H.5571, describing it as an update to Danvers’ town meeting act with precinct changes, moderator-election provisions, and other governance revisions approved locally. Kearns said the bill followed a year-long review and included largely housekeeping and modernization changes. John Chase testified against H.5577 for the Town of Berry, arguing that eliminating the DPW board would reduce oversight and concentrate too much power, though he noted the highway superintendent now has a signed MOU. The hearing ended after the chair asked for and received a motion to adjourn, which was approved by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we'll move into the next couple members who have or uh people that have signed up to testify.
• , including required postings for PUD ordinances, the practicality of posting a PUD agreement to our
• , including required postings for PUD ordinances, the practicality of posting a PUD agreement to our
• , including required postings for PUD ordinances, the practicality of posting a PUD agreement to our
• , including required postings for PUD ordinances, the practicality of posting a PUD agreement to our

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is a technical amendment making sure the DNR can post signs with appropriated money that
• The DNR can post signs with appropriated money that either exists or is generated by the license fees
• Opposed by the same sign. The bill is amended. Representative DePauw. Thank you, Mr.
• Opposed by the same sign.
• Opposed by the same sign. saying I. I. Opposed by the same sign.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3785, a bill from Representative DePauw dealing with classification issues for electric bicycles and electric motorcycles. DePauw said the bill responds to concerns raised by a constituent, the Department of Public Safety, insurance companies, and law enforcement about the lack of a clear category for electric motorcycles and the need for clearer rules on where these vehicles may be used and how accidents and liability are handled. Several members spoke in support of the bill’s safety and education benefits, while also noting that the issue is still evolving and may need further work before final passage. The committee first considered and adopted the DePauw A11 amendment, described as a technical amendment to allow the Department of Natural Resources to use appropriated money or license-fee revenue for signage. Fiscal staff explained that the DNR has a $30,000 cost and $32,000 in offsetting revenue in a special revenue fund, but cannot access that revenue without a direct appropriation, making the amendment necessary. Representative Frazier noted the bill still needs additional work and confirmed with DePauw that further changes would be made before the bill reaches the floor. After discussion, including comments about the growing use of e-bikes by seniors, people with disabilities, commuters, and families, the committee voted to advance House File 3785 as amended. The motion to refer the bill to the general register passed on a voice vote, with no opposition recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tammy Smith, I’m the sign coordinator for Region 5. Coordinator for Region 5. There we go.
• We want to compare awareness and knowledge of processes for rescuing victims pre- and post-initiation
• Well, there are multiple warning signs.
• And I would love to see, you know, how we have the DV signs.
• And I would love to see, you know, how we have the DV signs.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The first meeting of the Human Trafficking and Emergency Department Task Force focused on implementing Act 267 of 2025, which created the body to develop a statewide human trafficking protocol to be incorporated into regional sexual assault response plans. Chair Rep. Kelly Hennessy Dickerson and Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Director Mary Kate Andrepont outlined the task force’s goal of producing a practical, transferable protocol for hospitals and emergency departments across Louisiana, with help from Heal Trafficking. Members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that the protocol should be trauma-informed, survivor-centered, multidisciplinary, and adaptable to different regions and health systems. Hospital, SANE, and advocacy presenters described current practices and gaps. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport’s Operation Rahab and FMOLHS’s policies highlighted staff education, badge buddies, private screening, reporting pathways, and coordination with the National Human Trafficking Hotline, law enforcement, DCFS, and local advocates. SANE nurses and forensic staff stressed that most trafficking victims pass through emergency departments and that subtle behavioral indicators, rapport-building, and broad staff education are critical. LaFASA described statewide sexual assault advocacy services, emphasizing 24-hour crisis response, legal support, and the role of advocates in helping survivors understand options and regain control. Child and youth trafficking specialists from DCFS-contracted programs, including Unbound Now and BCFS/Common Thread, explained Louisiana’s Act 662 response for minors, which routes reports into coordinated advocacy and care coordination. They said their teams respond statewide within 90 minutes, provide crisis support, and work with CACs, hospitals, and law enforcement. Members raised concerns about major service gaps, especially for adults, transportation, safe housing, and specialized placements for survivors with disabilities. Presenters also noted that male survivor housing remains limited, though Eden Centers now offers some beds. The task force also reviewed a needs assessment showing many hospitals lack mandatory trafficking training, screening practices, written protocols, and confidence in identifying victims. Members discussed expanding education beyond ED staff to residents, nursing schools, student health, mental health, housekeeping, maintenance, and law enforcement. No formal votes were taken, but the chair said the survey results and testimony would be used to draft a protocol before the next meeting, with a final draft to follow after further review and feedback.

Transcript Highlights:

• I hope to have it posted to the bar by the end of today or perhaps by tomorrow, that will say if all
• The bill does require that signs be posted in the crash prevention zone.
• I believe that the signs have to state that it's a crash prevention zone.
• So long as signs stating that the penalties are increased are posted, drivers are notified of the increased
• We have two people signed up to testify: Christine Brewer and Mike Ennis.

Bills: HB1367, HB2172, HB2718, HB2139, HB2192, HB2307, HB2379, HB2467, HB2495, HB2604

Keywords: motorcycle safety, right shoulder, shoulder riding, limited access roadway, freeway, expressway, highway congestion, lane splitting, traffic safety, RCW, Washington traffic law, roadside assistance, emergency vehicles, tow truck, congested traffic, motorcyclist, route jurisdiction, abandonment, transportation, local governance

Transcript Highlights:

• Signed and sealed at the Capitol in the city of Santa Fe. Thank you.
• And he would tell me, "Sign in, Borrego, sign in." And I told him that thing doesn't work.
• Make sure it is signed. It is signed, Mr.
• All right, let's get that passed out and posted online. Give it a couple of minutes.
• We are waiting for the distribution and the posting online.

Transcript Highlights:

• So plans shall be written and posted in all buildings.
• So the plan has to be posted in every building, but proof of the training of counselors has to be posted
• The plan was written and it was posted.
• Is it posted in every building? Yes. Right?
• And so there just was not a post-event system set up. It was very ad hoc.

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Once my mom found out that was his favorite show, she did the research for him and signed him up for
• I signed up for when Gage did this, right?
• post-1956.
• Nathan Gage Ingram to be the nominee of the post-September 11, 2001 era for the Texas Legislative Medal
• Choice to be the recipient of the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor for service post-September 11, 2001

Transcript Highlights:

• Sign with the university, right? Okay, now. Yes, sir.
• Be recruited, and there's different signing periods, and so none of that is gonna change.
• After the contract is signed, up to the time that they enroll in school. What happens?
• Upon the governor signing it, that's right.
• To avoid inconsistency, TEA is mandated to create a model of this form post-examination.

Bills: HB322, HB126, HB3062, HB1481, HB2310, HB2674, HB121, HB2243, HB3627, HB1178, HB367, HB5515, HB126, HB121

Keywords: JET Grant Program, career education, technical education, community colleges, technology solutions, high demand jobs, student athletes, name image likeness, compensation, intercollegiate athletics, representation, fentanyl prevention, drug poisoning awareness, higher education, mental health resources, substance abuse education, student policy, communication devices, school regulations, disciplinary measures

Transcript Highlights:

• IF YOU POST SCREENSHOTS THEN EVERYTHING HAS BEEN WIPED.
• PEOPLE POST SCREENSHOTS ALL THE TIME OF THINGS THAT WERE GENERATED USING AIM WHEN YOU POST A SCREENSHOT
• IF THEY ARE UNDER 18 IT REQUIRES THAT THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN SIGN OFF.
• THEY DON'T HAVE TO SIGN THIS.
• IF YOU SIGN THIS WAIVER, IF YOU SIGN THIS APPLICATION, THEN WE CAN GO AHEAD AND PAY YOU A SUBMINIMUM

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Bill 837, the Civil Remedies, was a package of litigation reforms that took effect immediately when signed
• As anticipated during the week preceding the governor's signing of the bill—that is, March 17 through
• As anticipated during the week preceding the governor's signing of the bill, and this is, of course,
• During the week preceding the governor's signing of the bill, and this is, of course, during one week
• Do you think if the effective date of the bill was pushed out, instead of effective as of signing, if

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met with a quorum present and heard several Office of the State Courts Administrator presentations. Judge Mark Mahan discussed the impact of 2023’s HB 837 litigation reforms on court operations, explaining that the law’s changes to comparative negligence, filing deadlines, collateral source evidence, premises liability, bad faith claims, attorney’s fees, and offer-of-judgment rules triggered a major March 2023 civil filing surge. He described how filings tripled statewide, with especially large increases in auto negligence and premises liability cases, and outlined how circuits responded through active case management, added resources, and workflow changes. Members asked whether the bill’s immediate effective date contributed to the surge and whether clearance rates would normalize over time; Judge Mahan said the court system viewed its response as a success and expected rates to settle as the backlog is worked through. The committee then received a presentation on problem-solving courts from Jennifer Grandal and Judge Nina Richardson. Grandal reviewed Florida’s drug courts, mental health courts, veterans courts, dependency and early childhood courts, noting statewide best-practice standards, annual reporting requirements, funding sources, and data collection systems. Judge Richardson gave a local perspective on treatment courts, emphasizing that they address underlying mental health and substance use issues, rely on judicial supervision and sanctions as well as incentives, and help participants achieve recovery and avoid reoffending. She said the programs are accountable, transparent, and effective, and thanked the Legislature for continued support. Finally, Judge Rachel Nordby and Eric McClure outlined the judicial branch’s legislative agenda. Nordby summarized the Supreme Court workgroup’s recommendations to expand Florida’s vexatious litigant law, including broader coverage, fewer qualifying adverse cases, a longer lookback period, and a public records exemption for stricken defamatory or sham material. McClure then highlighted additional agenda items: modernizing the duty-judge statute, expanding senior management retirement eligibility, authorizing additional judgeships based on workload studies, removing the statutory cap on court-ordered nonbinding arbitration compensation, protecting appellate clerks’ personal information, allowing alternative authentication for certain judicial notarizations, and creating a hearsay exception for guardian ad litem reports and testimony. No votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after member introductions and staff introductions.

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill allows the option for post-secondary institutions... Rooftops be locked off.
• Many students hold part-time jobs for public post-secondary institutions during their college years,
• Many students hold part-time jobs for public post-secondary institutions during their college years,
• up to be guardians. and the wrong kind of people sign up to be guardians.
• Form to opt out and signed that you had received that information.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is this a contribution taken out pre or post-tax?
• is an incentive for workforce development, then people know that if they can go to work, they can sign
• up for this... ...can sign up for this.
• don't know that they can go on... ...age folks don't know that they can go on their telephone and sign
• This bill is also post-tax as it relates to the... ...is a post-tax deduction as it relates to the deduction

Bills: SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93, SB163, SB173, SB155, HB93

Keywords: State Auditor, property investigations, negligence, loss report, civil actions, Alabama Retirement Savings Program, state-facilitated retirement savings, auto-IRA, automatic enrollment, payroll deduction IRA, retirement savings access gap, private sector workers, small business retirement plan, portable retirement account, Roth IRA, traditional IRA, life-cycle fund, capital preservation fund, financial literacy, Department of Workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Post the work plan after you all have adopted it.
• That's a good sign. It is the first time we've hit the target of 80% that we set in 2022.
• Everybody is going up, so that's a good sign.
• Already been touched by the system, and that is obviously not a good sign for the department.
• That's a good sign for our pension funds. And with that, I'm available for questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have people not wishing to testify, but signed in pro 201, con 8, other 0, total 209.
• But if we do not adjust EITE treatment post-2035, EITEs could exceed the entire CCA emissions cap and
• We have people signed in not wishing to testify. The last speaker on this bill.
• We have people signed in not wishing to testify: pro, 142; con, 76; other, 1; for a total of 219.
• Well, when we adjourned sine die, things can't take effect until three months after signing.

Bills: SB6172, SB6246, SB5932

Keywords: Washington climate policy, greenhouse gas, GHG emissions, cap-and-invest, carbon market, emissions trading, allowances, covered entity, coal-fired power plant, coal plant, electric utility, electric generating facility, fossil fuels, natural gas, imported electricity, emissions leakage, air pollution, renewable energy transition, industrial emissions, railroad emissions

Transcript Highlights:

• Per, per, per, per bill in order for the committee to ensure consideration on all items posted on today's
• The link to the portal can be found on, on the hearing post. that The Chair lays out Senate Bill 33,
• You can just see the data and it screams like a neon sign at you.
• And requires a signed consent form from the employee or the parent or guardian of the student.
• But the ones that do, either the employee, if it's a school employee, signs a waiver and signs this consent

Bills: SB 6, SB 11, SB 33

Keywords: electric power, interconnection, utilities, ERCOT, large load customers, water supply, sewer service, demand management, school prayer, Bible reading, religious text, public schools, Texas Education Code, student prayer, silent prayer, meditation, religious liberty, First Amendment, Establishment Clause, church and state

Transcript Highlights:

• ... ...and allows wagers to be placed on collegiate sport and athletic events that involve post-secondary
• It's only if the individuals enrolled in a Washington post-secondary educational institution.
• Chair and members of the committee, I'm Morgan Hickel with the University of Washington, signed in other
• Chris Mulek with WSU here today, respectfully signed in opposition to House Bill 2205.
• We have, I think, three testifiers signed up. Vice Chair Stearns. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Summary: The committee began in executive session with staff briefing several bills and proposed amendments. House Bill 2206, concerning uniformed and overseas civilian voting standards, was discussed but ultimately pulled from consideration for the day. House Bill 2123, dealing with foreign national donor reporting, was amended to raise the certification threshold to $6,000 and then advanced from committee on a 5-2 vote. House Bill 2120, which would remove two JLARC reporting requirements, also passed unanimously. House Bill 2411, authorizing shared leave for state employees involved in immigration enforcement actions or who are victims of hate crimes, was amended and then reported out on a 5-2 vote after debate over eligibility and privacy-related language. The committee then held hearings on House Bill 2309 and House Bill 2205. HB 2309 would bar state civil service classifications from requiring a postgraduate degree unless required by law, with the sponsor and OFM saying it would reduce barriers to state employment and expand the applicant pool. Testimony in support emphasized workforce access, equity, and skill-based hiring. HB 2205 would expand tribal sports wagering to allow bets placed at any tribal gaming facility and permit wagering on Washington college teams, while continuing to prohibit bets on individual Washington student-athlete performance. Tribal leaders and casino operators supported the bill as a way to bring existing illegal betting into a regulated tribal system and improve integrity monitoring, while the University of Washington and Washington State University opposed it, warning of harassment, student-athlete safety concerns, and broader gambling harms. A taxpayer advocacy witness urged broader online sports betting options, arguing that limiting access drives bettors to offshore markets. The hearing on HB 2205 was left open and HB 2309 testimony concluded without further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's 55 mph sign there too. So too. There's 55 mph sign there too.
• </c> the school advisory signs. The advisory? the school advisory signs. The advisory?
• That sign there is a preferred 45. School advisory 45. It's advisory. Yeah, it's a preferred sign.
• </c> get to the 55 and the preferred signs. get to the 55 and the preferred signs.
• In that you didn't really need a sign to designate a school zone. So, but they did put up a sign.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And they post bail for women up to $200 to $500.
• So it is very intense treatment and support on the outside post-incarceration, not pre-, but post.
• And post-release supervision, or should I say it's not mandated supervision, post-release connection,
• Then in 2018, the CARES Act and the Criminal Justice Reform Act were signed into law.”
• No, I think I signed off. No, that's not me.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The commission met to continue its review of the county sheriffs’ role in corrections, reentry, and public safety. After approving the prior meeting minutes, the sheriffs completed a lengthy presentation describing how their offices provide regional jail services, women’s programming, mental health and substance use treatment, reentry support, community partnerships, and auxiliary public safety functions such as BCI work, TRIAD, Meals on Wheels, and event support. They emphasized that services are tailored to local needs, that women’s facilities are designed to keep mothers close to family and support reunification, and that programming, housing, and job placement are central to reducing recidivism. They also discussed challenges including K2/synthetic drugs in facilities, gang classification and separation, and the difficulty justice-involved people face obtaining IDs and birth certificates, especially for people from Puerto Rico. Commission members generally praised the sheriffs’ work and asked for more detail on how regional women’s facilities operate, how community-provider cuts might affect reentry services, how no-cost phone/tablet communication is balanced against programming time, and what the most essential programs are if funding is reduced. The sheriffs said programming must come first, identified mental health, substance use treatment, domestic violence programming, and housing/job placement as critical, and explained that community organizations and the Registry of Motor Vehicles are key partners in reentry. They also described their approach to gang management through classification, separation, and information sharing, and noted that the Registry has become more flexible but Real ID requirements have made documentation barriers more significant. The commission chair stressed that the purpose of the study is collaboration and improving system performance, not an adversarial effort against the sheriffs or a decarceration debate. Members noted that future meetings would hear from probation in June and the Department of Correction in July, and that the commission would continue gathering information before deciding on next steps. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they're similar, I guess that'll be up to the governor, which one to sign.
• If they're similar, I guess that'll be up to the governor, which one to sign.
• , and Rebecca Taylor Hill, post-Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
• , and Rebecca Taylor Hill, post-Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement.
• Let me list those with a handgun annual qualified under POST, power arm standards.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.