Transcript Highlights:

• I've been involved in private practice, worked within the DOE, and also worked at Chaminade University
• I'm a practicing naturopathic physician. I've been practicing in this state since 2007.
• No testimony was submitted on this resolution, and so, as is the practice in this committee, if there's
• We're adjourned. resolution and so as is the practice in resolution and so as is the practice in this

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee heard a series of gubernatorial nominations to boards and commissions under the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. The chair explained the 90-minute agenda, the 2-minute testimony limit, and that written testimony had been reviewed in advance. Testimony was generally supportive for each nominee, with agency boards, professional associations, and individuals submitting written or oral support. For the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, Michael Basta Jr. described his 40 years in the industry, ownership of two salons, and experience training educators. For the Board of Dentistry, Christopher Woo said he had served as an interim board member since July 1 of the prior year, and Jerry Young said she was a retired pediatrician and former Hawaii Medical Board member; in response to questions, she identified a potential conflict through her role with Pu'ulu Lapa'au and said she would recuse herself when appropriate. For the Board of Psychology, Sean Scanlon and Sherry Takuishi Sara both emphasized long careers in the field and service to the community. Several members questioned psychology and medical nominees about interstate licensing compacts and access to care. Scanlon said he supported expanding the profession but would need to recuse himself on compact issues because of his role at Chaminade University, and he noted growth in local training programs. Sara said her main concern with compacts was cultural sensitivity and Hawaii’s unique cultural milieu, though she acknowledged the need for more psychologists. Pediatrician Robert Watring, nominated to the Hawaii Medical Board, said he supported local providers and was cautious about compacts, emphasizing the need to ensure qualified care in Hawaii; he said he had not seen much change from temporary licensing measures on Kauai. For the Contractors License Board, Jerry Nishik said backlog problems were driven by staff shortages and board vacancies, noting the board lacked quorum for upcoming meetings and needed more members and staff. Other nominees included Albert Dennis and Nolan Miyahara for the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Board, both of whom said they wanted to continue public service and help ensure legitimate, certified repair shops; Miyahara described his career path from apprentice to automotive technology professor. The committee also heard support for Robert Woltering’s nomination to the Hawaii Medical Board, with Woltering saying he wanted to help ensure quality health care providers, especially for children on Kauai. The transcript does not show any final votes or confirmations during the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were asked to kind of step in and take a look at how this works practically.
• And to be quite honest, the statute isn't really used... ...take a look at how practically this works
• I think it is important to have that perspective of how this will play out in practicality.
• This is a practical, common-sense safeguard to ensure that those who have committed these serious crimes
• And the nurse practitioners were concerned that many practices have medical records with third-party

Summary: The Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the minutes from its March 18, 2026 meeting and then took up a long agenda of bills and a clemency nomination. HB 2825, as amended, was heard first. The bill would replace criminal enforcement tools for nonpayment of fines, fees, restitution, and surcharges with a civil collection process, including a required summons and civil default procedures. Supporters said it would streamline restitution collection and reduce costs, while opponents argued it would weaken victims’ rights and remove effective enforcement leverage. The committee adopted the Rogers amendment and passed the bill 5-2. The committee also confirmed Neil McDowell to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency by a 6-0 vote after hearing his background in corrections and his plans to help the board function efficiently. The committee then passed HB 4070, as amended, 5-2. That bill bars incorporation of corporations whose officers, directors, or trustees have been convicted of sex trafficking or human trafficking, and expands civil liability to those who facilitate trafficking. Supporters framed it as a corporate accountability tool to deter trafficking, while the ACLU opposed it as overbroad and potentially sweeping in people not intended to be covered. HB 2720, which increases penalties for paying or agreeing to pay for sexual conduct and adds a fee to support anti-trafficking services, also passed, 4-3. Supporters, including survivors and law enforcement, said it targets demand and helps victims; opponents warned it could criminalize victims and lacked sufficient safeguards. The committee heard several additional bills. HB 2047 would raise trespass penalties after eviction-related writs of restitution from third-degree to first-degree trespass; the sponsor and constables said it would improve scene safety and encourage law enforcement response. HB 2136 would create new crimes for “civil terrorism” and “subversion” and increase penalties for certain highway obstruction; the ACLU argued it would punish protest and speech critical of government. HB 2406 would make images and recordings of abused children and deceased minors confidential, limit dissemination, and impose civil and criminal penalties for misuse; supporters said it would prevent re-victimization and reduce trauma, while defense and media concerns were raised about access. HB 2415, dealing with kratom and 7-OH products, drew sharply divided testimony over whether the bill is a needed safety regulation or an overbroad ban that could push users to illicit drugs; the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• I have represented children since I first started practicing in 1980.
• But in practice, those protections are not as secure as they should be.
• I'm a private attorney, and I've been practicing law for about 37 years.
• But what happens in practice is that if you have a multi-month or multi-year delay, what does the other
• Michelle Bena, District 23, and I am here just to narrow down the practical update of parenting time

Bills: HB2041 , HB2144 , HB2239 , HB2321 , HB2371 , HB2594 , HB2661 , HB2662 , HB2793 , HB2968 , HB2995

Committee: Senate Federalism and Family Law

Keywords: child neglect, financial resources, behavioral health, Christian Science treatment, parental rights, child support, preborn children, retroactive support, medical expenses, child welfare, child care, grant program, low-income, early learning, infrastructure, economic growth, security freeze, credit reporting, dependent children, parental notification

Transcript Highlights:

• And in looking at those best practices, you'll remember two years ago, we had a lot of talk about LED
• agencies, and you made substantial changes to how LED is structured two years ago, looking at best practices
• And in looking at those best practices, you'll remember two years ago, we had a lot of talk about LED
• And we see this very similarly. years ago looking at best practices from other states.
• Because in my practice, if I've got to file a suit, it takes me two years to get to a courtroom, and

Summary: The committee first handled House Bill 232 by Rep. Carlson, which would shift the process for minors’ employment certificates away from schools and school boards and instead have Louisiana Works create and collect the forms directly from employers. An amendment set was adopted to update the title, revise a section heading, add a collection procedure, and make the bill effective upon the governor’s signature. Carlson and supporters, including members of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council, said the change would reduce burdens on schools, make it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to enter the workforce, and better fit summer hiring. The secretary said the department could move quickly to notify schools and employers. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee then took up House Bill 951 by Rep. Bamberg, which creates an Office of the Talent Accelerator within Louisiana Works and a business workforce committee to coordinate employer-facing workforce services. After adopting a large amendment set, Bamberg and Secretary Schowan said the office would help Louisiana respond more quickly to business needs, especially as major economic development projects create demand for skilled labor. Supporters from Leaders for a Better Louisiana and Bollinger Shipyards described similar results in Mississippi’s centralized workforce model and said employers need a one-stop, regional approach to training and recruitment. Members discussed needs in welding, electrical, HVAC, data centers, and other sectors. The bill was reported with amendments. House Bill 923 by Rep. Barrault, a technical cleanup bill related to the reorganization of Louisiana Works and related workforce and social service statutes, was then amended and reported with amendments. Finally, House Bill 301 by Rep. Weibel, which would create a voluntary portable benefits framework for independent contractors and gig workers, drew the most debate. Supporters said it would let contractors and hiring entities voluntarily contribute to portable benefit accounts for health, retirement, and similar needs, with examples from other states and the gig economy. Opponents from labor and injured workers argued it could encourage misclassification, weaken workers’ compensation protections, and shift costs to workers and the state. The discussion continued with questions about who would benefit and how the bill would interact with existing contractor law and protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• So we're just trying to have a practical fix, and I hope that... ...trying to have a practical fix, and
• For my last question, because I'm not an attorney and didn't practice any type of law, although I've
• degree that it is a form of detention and there's barriers in place that indicate that you, in best practices
• The current procedures are clear and work, and the amendments aren’t rooted in need or practice.
• By expanding time limitations, in practice, it will also extend time because the trial will go much longer

Bills: HB36 , HB52 , HB56 , HB68 , HB92 , HB119 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB289 , HB351 , HB552 , HB784

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 36, Act 780, Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, juvenile justice, juveniles, Evangeline Parish, regional district, board of commissioners, commission membership, Louisiana juvenile law, R.S. 15:1109, R.S. 15:1109.1, parish governance, district boundaries, local government, HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury

Transcript Highlights:

• law, correct sourcing of online sales requires a fact-intensive review of the business model and practices
• I can tell you how we do things in a practical sense and give you that sort of information, but in terms
• They have to reevaluate their reporting practices, update their county systems, and change a lot of things
• Let me give you some practical examples of what would happen.
• We stopped that practice. That practice is not what happens today.

Bills: HB2143 , HB2273 , HB2290 , HB2373 , HB2784 , HB2794 , HB4037

Committee: House Ways & Means

Keywords: public safety, retirement system, investments, trust fund, board of trustees, financial report, income tax rebate, Pinal County, taxpayer eligibility, state revenue, financial assistance, transaction privilege tax, business location, tangible personal property, shared vehicle, sourcing, income tax, veterans, donations, tax refunds

Transcript Highlights:

• Also, improper library practices resulting in a federal lawsuit that is ongoing in Prattville. running
• 36.720><c> Also,</c><00:33:37.760><c> improper</c><00:33:38.399><c> library</c><00:33:38.880><c> practices
• Also, improper library practices payout.
• Also, improper library practices resulting<00:33:40.000><c> in</c><00:33:40.320><c> a</c><00:33:40.559
• we just change boards overnight, it's mass confusion, especially when no one knows the legal and practical

Committee: House County and Municipal Government

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• detention, Kentucky is proposing a building that would serve as a leading national model in best practices
• national<00:16:13.279><c> model</c><00:16:13.600><c> in</c><00:16:13.920><c> best</c><00:16:14.240><c> practices
• </c><00:16:14.800><c> for</c> national model in best practices for national model in best practices for
• toward a regional detention model, um, we would need DJJ to return to the regional model as soon as practicable
• toward a regional detention model, um, we would need DJJ to return to the regional model as soon as practicable

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, some of this seems like it would be good practice.
• If it's good practice, let's codify it in law." "Last comment, Mr. Chairman.
• If it's good practice, let's codify it in law." "Last comment, Mr. Chairman.
• If it's good, if<00:36:46.960><c> it's</c><00:36:47.200><c> good</c><00:36:47.359><c> practice,</c><00
• codify it if it's good practice, let's codify it in<00:36:48.720><c> law.

Committee: House State Government

Keywords: Consideration of HB 10 -- 00:03:22 Consideration of HB 456 -- 00:20:47 Consideration of HB 480 -- 00:31:24, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It amends a Mississippi antiquities law to balance historic preservation with practical and economic
• It amends a Mississippi antiquities law to balance historic preservation with practical and economic
• :53.360><c> with</c> to balance historic preservation with to balance historic preservation with practical
• <c> and</c><00:12:54.240><c> economic</c><00:12:54.800><c> realities</c><00:12:55.200><c> on</c> practical
• and economic realities on practical and economic realities on public<00:12:55.760><c> universities</

Committee: Joint Public Property

Keywords: Public Property - Room 409, 29 January, 2026; 2:30 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It feels so much more like Iran than it feels like the law that I practiced.
• It ignores basic law enforcement best practices. And it outright destroys trust with communities.
• That's not law enforcement best practices. That's just outright murder. Mr.
• value human dignity, that we value law enforcement, proper law enforcement, that engages in best practices
• General, academic researchers, and investigative journalists have uncovered wide-ranging fraudulent practices

Bills: SB5223 , SB5067 , SJM8002 , SB5855 , SB5865 , SB5272 , SCR8406 , SB5000 , SB5500 , SJM8006 , SB5325 , SB5286 , SB5937

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, impaired driving, driving safety, alcohol regulation, public health, transportation, Medicare, healthcare, insurance, elderly, budget impact, face coverings, civil liberties, garnishment, debt, form standardization

Summary: The Senate opened with a ceremonial welcome for the Washington National Guard, including a color guard, prayer, and a resolution recognizing the Guard’s service. Senate Resolution 8668 was adopted unanimously, with members praising the Guard’s flood response, election support, counterdrug work, youth programs, and community assistance. The Senate also confirmed three gubernatorial appointments to college boards of trustees: Ann M. McQuaid to Bellingham Technical College, Eliza Munoz Estee to Grays Harbor College, and Felicia Hancock-Lewis to Wenatchee Valley College, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. On legislation, the Senate passed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5865 on garnishment forms after adopting an amendment delaying the effective date to May 1, 2027. The chamber also passed Substitute Senate Bill 5855 on law enforcement face coverings after rejecting several amendments that would have broadened or clarified exceptions, including proposals related to timing after transport, warrants, and other scenarios. Debate centered on federal immigration enforcement, public safety, accountability, and whether the bill would affect local law enforcement; the bill ultimately passed on a 30-19 vote. The Senate then passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5105, with a technical amendment, to address explicit depictions of minors and AI-generated or altered child sexual abuse material. It also passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5268, updating community custody provisions for unlawful firearm possession after a date-fixing amendment. Engrossed Senate Bill 5081, revising unattended motor vehicle rules for remote starts, passed unanimously. Senate Joint Memorial 8002, urging action on Medicare Advantage overpayments and fraud and supporting original Medicare, also passed unanimously. Finally, the Senate advanced Substitute Senate Bill 5067, lowering the DUI blood alcohol threshold from 0.08 to 0.05. Supporters framed it as a public safety measure to reduce impaired driving, while opponents argued it would have limited effect and that enforcement and staffing issues were more important. The bill was debated at length and then passed 38-11.

Transcript Highlights:

• The current practice, where if you have to register as a sex offender, that has to happen within about
• However, it has become a concerning practice when we are dealing with the sickest of the sick.
• Please reject almost a hundred years of research and practice that provides the essential care to gender
• I'm a lawyer who practices a lot in this stuff day to day, so just broad strokes...
• Again, this is not my practice area, but I believe those are the timeframes for when things are supposed

Summary: The Judiciary and Elections Committee approved the January 21, 2026 minutes and held SB 1208. It then heard SB 1211, which would allow victims of felony aggravated harassment involving domestic violence to seek a lifetime injunction against a convicted defendant. Supporters from victim advocacy organizations and a survivor described the bill as an important safety measure that would reduce repeated court appearances and trauma. The committee voted 7-0 to give SB 1211 a do pass recommendation. The committee next considered SB 1239, which removes the statute of limitations for failing to register as a sex offender or providing false registration information. The sponsor said the bill closes a public-safety loophole and was requested by DPS, while opponents argued existing warrant procedures already address the issue and raised due process concerns. After discussion, the committee voted 4-3 to recommend SB 1239 do pass. SB 1240 would exclude probationers convicted of dangerous crimes against children from the probation incentive payment formula. The sponsor tied the bill to a recent child sexual assault case and said the change would keep those cases separate from probation performance incentives; defense attorneys warned it could discourage treatment and push more people into prison. The committee voted 4-3 to recommend SB 1240 do pass. The committee also heard and approved SB 1095, as amended, which bans gender transition procedures and referrals for minors and restricts public funding and facilities for such care; supporters called it necessary child protection, while opponents said it was discriminatory. The committee then heard SB 1243 and SB 1244, both related to court-ordered mental health treatment. SB 1243 adds notice to guardians and lets them seek continued treatment, while SB 1244 creates a continuing court-ordered treatment process after repeated annual reviews. Supporters, including family members of seriously mentally ill patients, said the bills would close gaps and prevent dangerous lapses in care; opponents raised due process concerns and warned about expanded involuntary treatment. Both bills received do pass recommendations, with SB 1243 passing 7-0 and SB 1244 passing after amendment and roll call vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• First off, the practice of dividing available funding among individual legislators, you know, while it
• By practice you put roughly 50% towards the state-owned stuff and the other 50% is divided equally among
• Chair, Representative, yes, I mean, it's just practice.
• history of where it originated from, but it's not in rule, it's not in statute, it's just common practice
• These funds aren't currently part of membership, and it would be practically very difficult to make them

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the online version is a different record for all practical purposes.
• This bill is not only a practical step forward, but it's a professional one.
• I think the statutory expectations for the existing professional practices are critical.
• Both of my parents are medical professionals, and my grandfather was also a practicing medical professional
• Considering the practical consequences of allowing counties to impose these restrictions, many rural

Bills: HB240 , HB2097 , HB2731 , HB3087 , HB3234 , HB3319 , HB3394 , HB3687 , HB4105 , HB4205 , HB4350 , HB4462 , HB4642 , HB4801 , HB5403 , HB240

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Transcript Highlights:

• And so is this just because it's common practice, or why was the decision made to approach it this way
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, an associate degree to Bachelor of Science, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice
• most lawyers today do their legal research online, it was my experience that most lawyers use the practice
• Use the practice guides in law libraries rather than doing the actual research in law libraries.
• And so, yeah, and that's like the CEB practice guides, yeah?

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance met to review CSU and State Library budget issues, enrollment trends, the Capital Fellows program, and a Title IX update. Chair David Alvarez opened by stressing that CSU faces serious financial pressure, including a systemwide deficit and proposed cuts that he and several members said were too large and likely to harm access, course offerings, and student services. Public comment focused heavily on the Braille Institute Library, with patrons, staff, veterans, and advocates urging restoration of funding and warning that the proposed cut would severely affect blind and visually impaired Californians across Southern California. Several CSU faculty, staff, and union representatives also opposed the proposed reductions and warned of larger class sizes, fewer sections, and layoffs. On the CSU core operations item, the Department of Finance explained the Governor’s proposal to reduce ongoing General Fund support by about $375 million and defer a 5% base increase, while the LAO said CSU core funding would be roughly flat once tuition and targeted augmentations were considered, but warned that rising costs and prior shortfalls would still force campuses to cut spending. CSU’s Chancellor’s Office said the proposed cut would deepen existing problems, citing prior-year budget gaps, job losses, reduced course sections, and student-service reductions. Members pressed Finance and the LAO on whether cuts could be made more surgically, especially at the Chancellor’s Office or in institutional support rather than in instruction, and the LAO said the Legislature has flexibility to target cuts more specifically. CSU also described ongoing consolidation efforts, including shared services among campuses and the planned Cal Maritime/Cal Poly San Luis Obispo integration, while cautioning that savings are not yet fully known. The committee then discussed CSU enrollment. The LAO recommended holding enrollment targets flat because the budget does not add new funding, while CSU reported strong recent growth, including more California residents, record first-year enrollment, and expanded direct admissions and transfer pathways. Members questioned why some campuses with high demand turn away many applicants while others continue to lose enrollment, and CSU said it is shifting resources from campuses with sustained declines to those with demand, using a 10% below-target threshold. The committee also discussed whether enrollment declines mirror local population trends, how to improve marketing and program alignment, and whether lessons from Cal Poly Humboldt’s conversion could inform other campuses such as Sonoma State. The Capital Fellows item drew a Finance proposal for a salary increase and an LAO counterproposal for a smaller raise plus future COLA language; the committee kept the item open. Finally, CSU reported progress on Title IX compliance, saying it has completed most State Auditor recommendations, expanded civil rights staffing, and increased training, prevention, and case-management efforts, though members asked how proposed budget cuts might affect those services.

Transcript Highlights:

• the amendment, I still want to understand the goal in terms of how you would see this playing out practically
• I'm just trying to understand how you see this practically playing out.
• the amendment, I still want to understand the goal in terms of how you would see this playing out practically
• I'm just trying to understand how you see this practically playing out.
• I'm just trying to understand how you see this practically playing out.

Committee: House Housing Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• first day of the session sure<00:04:04.640><c> the</c><00:04:05.200><c> um</c><00:04:06.200><c> practice
• </c><00:04:06.640><c> long-standing</c> sure the um practice long-standing sure the um practice long-standing
• practice<00:04:07.560><c> of</c><00:04:07.760><c> Minnesota</c><00:04:08.200><c> House</c><00:04:08.360
• ><c> of</c> practice of Minnesota House of practice of Minnesota House of Representatives<00:04:09.159

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're doing is just putting the practice into statute to make sure that it's done.
• There is a handout in your materials that describes this national best practice further.
• ><c> excavation</c> Um specifically, in practice, excavation Um specifically, in practice, excavation
• </c> This bill makes targeted, practical This bill makes targeted, practical updates<00:46:52.520><c>
• </c><02:15:31.840><c> in</c> sounds like it's already the practice in sounds like it's already the practice

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What are these best practices? And we don't have great answers right now sometimes.
• What are these best practices? And we don't have great answers right now sometimes.
• What are these best practices? And we don't have great answers right now sometimes.
• What are these best practices? about it. What are these best practices?
• Um I input on best practices for that.

Keywords: Call to Order and Roll Call - 0:25 Approval of Minutes – 3-50 2025 RS SB 253 – 4:25 Computer Science and AI Literacy – 27:36 Fayette County School District Budget Update – 51:46 Adjournment – 2:09:46, 958, all

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, introductions, and approval of the previous meeting minutes by voice vote. It then heard a presentation on SB 253, focused on expanding support for teacher apprenticeship and teaching-and-learning pathways. Senator Hickman and staff from the Kentucky Department of Education and Nelson County Schools described how the program uses dual credit, work-based learning, and registered apprenticeship to help students earn an associate degree in high school and continue toward a teaching degree. They said the goal is to address the teacher shortage by creating a sustainable pipeline into the profession. Witnesses emphasized that the main barrier is cost. Mary Taylor said Kentucky’s youth apprenticeship model has been successful in other fields and that education should be added as an in-demand sector, but an associate degree alone will not solve the teacher shortage because teachers still need a bachelor’s degree and certification. Laura Arnold of Nelson County Schools described the district’s Lead Nelson program, saying the district has invested more than $800,000 since 2021, currently has 37 students in the pathway and seven committed apprentices, and spends about $85,000 per apprentice from freshman year through certification. She said district staffing, planning, and university partnerships are also significant hurdles. Members asked about job guarantees, tenure, and retirement; Arnold said employment is performance-based and retirement issues are being considered. Senator Hickman said the bill would use lottery funds to help cover tuition and dual credit costs so more districts can participate, noting that a prior version died because of a high fiscal note. Representative Payne and Representative Tipton praised the program but stressed the need for funding and noted inconsistencies between statute and budget language on Work Ready Kentucky and dual credit support. Representative Tipton also cautioned that lottery revenue may not keep pace with demand and said the General Assembly may need to make broader funding decisions. After the apprenticeship discussion, the chair moved the committee to the next agenda item on computer science and AI literacy, where Code.org began a presentation on the importance of computer science for all students.

Transcript Highlights:

• And what this trend is currently showing, which is promising practice, is that we're seeing a decrease
• And what this trend is currently showing, which is promising practice, is that we're seeing a decrease
• And what this trend is currently showing, which is promising practice, is that we're seeing a decrease
• </c><01:36:42.800><c> Specifically,</c><01:36:43.280><c> when</c> promising practices.
• Specifically, when promising practices.

Committee: Senate Finance

Keywords: 1191, senate, all