Transcript Highlights:

• Again, I understand in Miami-Dade County, We cannot file our own local bills.
• I filed an amendment to the amendment to the amendment.
• >> Your amendment to the Weinberger amendment was late filed.
• When we are collecting petitions as candidates. And so it's an easy fix.
• We allow this to happen during redistricting years for candidate petitions.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1545, HJR 110, HJR 203, HB 245, HB 1465, HB 1482, HB 294, HB 793, HB 809, HB 3928, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 1973, HB 285, HB 4341, HB 4264, HB 1043, HB 837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB 1646, HB 1729, HB 2498, HB 1314, HB 2295, HB 1353, HB 1531, HB 1988, HB 5398, HB 3960, HB 3923, HB 1407, HB 1764, HB 2221, HB 2214, HB 2517, HB 2518, HB 2213, HB 5008, HB 5092, HB 3421, HB 3663, HB 3748, HB 3800, HB 3756, HB 2613, HB 3782, HB 5246, HB 4344, HB 4044, HB 4066, HB 2702, HB 2807, HB 2869, HB 2898, HB 3181, HB 3250, HB 4153, HB 2091, HB 2115, HB 2542, HB 2768, HB 3349, HB 3352, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 3133, HB 4432, HB 4960, HB 3214, HB 3915, HB 3508, HB 2145, SB 304, SB 608, SB 2312, SB 494, SB 530, HB 45, HB 2520, HB 35, HB 47, HB 318, HB 349, HB 554, HB 1359, HB 1373, HB 2254, HB 2259, HB 2853, HB 3073, HB 3088, HB 353, HB 355, HB 786, HB 762, HB 705, HB 932, HB 849, HB 1119, HB 3041, HB 713, HB 3104, HB 3970, HB 4042, HB 4490, HB 1731, HB 2607, HB 3689, HB 1788, HB 1612, HB 138, HB 15, HB 1971, HB 1338, HB 2989, HB 267, HB 1201, HB 2954, HB 5265, HB 1804, HB 5061, HB 1520, HB 1545, HJR 110, HJR 203, HB 1887, HB 1914, HB 2402, HB 2306, HB 1809, HB 2350, HB 3000, HB 3237, HB 3326, HB 3211, HB 1056, HB 2081, HB 2187, HB 3092, HB 3308, HB 3526, HB 3750, HB 3527, HB 4219, HB 4230, HB 4290, HB 5238, HB 4804, HB 4749, HB 245, HB 1465, HB 1482, HB 294, HB 793, HB 809, HB 3928, HB 334, HB 2037, HB 1973, HB 285, HB 4341, HB 4264, HB 1043, HB 837, HB 1234, HB 1193, HB 1194, HB 1646, HB 1729, HB 2498, HB 1314, HB 2295, HB 1353, HB 1531, HB 1988, HB 5398, HB 3960, HB 3923, HB 1407, HB 1764, HB 2221, HB 2214, HB 2517, HB 2518, HB 2213, HB 5008, HB 5092, HB 3421, HB 3663, HB 3748, HB 3800, HB 3756, HB 2613, HB 3782, HB 5246, HB 4344, HB 4044, HB 4066, HB 2702, HB 2807, HB 2869, HB 2898, HB 3181, HB 3250, HB 4153, HB 2091, HB 2115, HB 2542, HB 2768, HB 3349, HB 3352, HB 4406, HB 1593, HB 1899, HB 3133, HB 4432, HB 4960, HB 3214, HB 3915, HB 3508, HB 2145, HCR 6, HCR 12, HCR 34, HCR 50, HCR 55, HCR 58, HCR 70, HCR 71, HCR 72, HCR 74, HCR 75, HCR 78, HCR 80, HCR 93, HCR 100, HCR 107, HCR 116, HCR 117, HCR 90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Summary: The Florida House considered multiple bills on Day 59 of the legislative session. Key legislation included CS for HB 1103 on developmental disabilities services, which expanded a pilot program statewide while maintaining current contracts. CS for SB 1730 addressed affordable housing with amendments protecting historic districts. CS for HB 443 on charter schools allowed stricter codes of conduct and virtual student athletic participation. CS for HB 209 prohibited golf courses and hotels in state parks. Lucy's Law (CS for HB 289) increased boating safety penalties and education requirements. CS for HB 1205 significantly restricted citizen ballot initiatives by requiring petition circulator registration, limiting volunteer collections to 25 signatures, adding financial impact statements, and imposing new penalties. The House also passed bills on animal cruelty databases, waste incineration restrictions, and spectrum alerts for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, next on deck is House File 36.
• </c> zesa car members with that house file zesa car members with that house file 337<00:40:54.560><c>
• </c><00:47:57.000><c> 93</c> um next on the agenda is house file 93 um next on the agenda is house file
• Next up, members, is House File 94.
• </c> house file house file 715<01:15:38.159><c> representative</c><01:15:38.719><c> backer</c><01:15:

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you also agree that someone who files for office is a fool of a candidate?
• Would you also agree that someone who files for office is a fool of a candidate?
• There is a PCS that was filed late in the evening, so before we adopt that, we'll go ahead and let you

Bills: HB1937, HB2210, HB2398, HB3021, HB3129, HB3312, HB3557, HB4358

Keywords: HB1937, Oklahoma schools, student communications, electronic communication, digital communication, parent notification, legal guardian, school personnel, teachers, coaches, administrators, charter schools, public schools, administrative leave, corroborated report, investigation, employee file, discipline, termination, school board

Summary: The Education Oversight committee heard and advanced several House bills, mostly with policy recommendations or amendments accepted and then due-pass votes. HB 4358, by Pro Tem Moore, would limit screen time for pre-K through fifth grade and shift online testing/remediation provisions to shorter, per-class-period limits; it was sent out due pass. HB 2398, by Rep. Hill, would recognize “credentials of value” for students in career tech and higher education based on workforce demand and other indicators, and it also passed due pass. HB 3557, by Rep. Williams, would keep 4-H fundraising money in the county where it was raised and prevent commingling with other funds; the committee agreed to strike the title and send it out due pass. The committee also advanced HB 3129, which would prevent colleges from charging security fees to students or student organizations based on public expression, and HB 3312, which would create K-12 firearms education curriculum developed with OSDE and CLEET, focused on safety, storage, and response, with no live firearms or ammunition. HB 2210 modernizes the youth apprenticeship program by allowing earlier entry into career pathways, expanding eligibility, and assigning CareerTech oversight and ROI reporting; it passed due pass. HB 1937, in a committee substitute, was discussed at length and would require corroborating evidence before school personnel are suspended over alleged improper communications with students, while still requiring action and reporting; it was also sent out due pass. Finally, HB 3021, a lengthy graduation-related cleanup bill, was explained as reconciling conflicting statutes and making several technical changes, including allowing tribal language to count as a non-English language for graduation purposes. After extensive stakeholder work and a late-filed committee substitute, the committee accepted the PCS and sent the bill out due pass. The meeting concluded after all House bills on the agenda were advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 400 bills have been filed in the various legislatures across the United States.
• This bill was originally filed as a budget amendment too long on a piece of legislation.
• This bill was originally filed as a budget amendment two years ago.
• And we're talking about misinformation, not just of a candidate, but all... ...speech.
• And we're talking about misinformation, not just of a candidate, but also of the underlying infrastructure

Summary: The House first suspended Joint Rule 12 to send a petition naming the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court as the Judge Leslie E. Harris Courthouse to the Judiciary Committee. It then took up two Ways and Means bills on election integrity: House Bill 76, renamed House Bill 5093, to protect against election misinformation, and House Bill 846, renamed House Bill 5094, to enhance disclosure requirements for synthetic media in political advertising. Supporters said both bills were a response to AI-generated deepfakes and misleading election content, emphasizing transparency, disclosure, and protection of voters without banning political speech. Opponents argued the measures could be overbroad and raise First Amendment concerns, especially for smaller campaigns and organizations. House Bill 5094 was amended to exempt certain broadcasters and streaming services when paid to air materially deceptive election-related communications, and a separate amendment to move Massachusetts primaries earlier was rejected 131-25. Another amendment narrowing the bill’s scope was also defeated 145-12. After debate, House Bill 5094 passed to be engrossed by a vote of 153-3. House Bill 5093, which prohibits deceptive AI use in the 90 days before an election, also passed to be engrossed after debate and the defeat of amendments. The House also passed several engrossed local bills to enact: a Rockland charter amendment, a Williamstown senior property tax exemption measure, and a Rochester bill allowing continued employment of Fire Chief Scott Royal. Later, the House rejected Senate amendments on a teacher preparation and student literacy bill, declined concurrence, and appointed a conference committee. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for former Quincy public servant Arthur Tobin before adjourning until the next day at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Over 400 bills have been filed in the various legislatures across the United States.
• This bill was originally filed as a budget amendment This bill was originally filed as a budget amendment
• And we're talking about misinformation, not just of a candidate, but all... ...speech.
• And we're talking about misinformation, not just of a candidate, but also of the underlying infrastructure

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so we are recruiting candidates, candidates of conscience all over Texas, making sure they are well
• And legislators file bills.
• But let's be clear about what this next anti-abortion bill that they've yet to file really is.
• out there saying that she's not going to do basic things that they promised like release the Epstein files

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't know if I presented in the committee that was filed in this year, that actually had 12 years
• So to file this bill is...
• For me, when I filed, I was retired. I was a retired state trooper. I had a great reputation.
• So that was the bill that was filed by Representative Fitzwater at the time.
• Filing was at the end of the month.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have 24 bills on file today.
• That brings us to our final bill of the file. File item number 10.
• File Item 6, AB 1797. The bill is out. File Item 6, AB 1797.
• File Item 1, AB 2615, Hoover. File Item 1, AB 2615, Hoover. Aye. That bill is 6-1.
• File Item 10, AB 2117, Hoover. Aye. File Item 10, AB 2117, Hoover. Hoover, aye.

Summary: The committee heard several education-related bills, with the most extensive discussion focused on AB 2189, AB 2615, AB 2496, AB 1750, and AB 1644. AB 2189 would create an $800,000 grant program through the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to support a statewide parent network for special education advocacy and training. Supporters said families need stronger coordination and information to navigate special education, while an opponent argued the bill could duplicate existing family-led organizations. The bill passed 6-0 and was sent to Appropriations, held on call for add-on votes. AB 2615, a cleanup bill to AB 715 on antisemitism and instructional materials, drew the most controversy. The authors said it was intended to clarify prior commitments by removing references to professional responsibility standards, refining the “factually accurate” language, and clarifying how discriminatory materials are handled. Supporters said it would help protect students from discrimination, while many educators, civil rights groups, and other organizations opposed it unless amended, warning that the factual-accuracy language could chill teaching and be applied too broadly. The committee chair and members raised concerns about implementation but ultimately supported moving the bill forward; it passed 5-0 and was held on call. AB 2496 would streamline school accountability reporting by making the California School Dashboard the primary transparency tool, phasing out the School Accountability Report Card over time, and making mid-year LCAP reporting optional. Supporters said this would reduce duplication and administrative burden while preserving access to key data; opponents worried families could lose the simplicity and accessibility of the current SARC and that the mid-year update still serves an important purpose. The bill was approved 3-0 and held on call. AB 1750, which would extend full salary for an additional five months for school employees who exhaust sick leave due to illness or injury, was supported as a dignity and retention measure but opposed by administrators over staffing and cost concerns; it passed 4-0 and was held on call. AB 1644 would require a bell-to-bell smartphone ban in TK-8 and recommend it for high school, with exceptions for instructional and safety needs; supporters said phones are harming attention and learning, while opponents argued districts had just adopted local policies and needed more flexibility. The transcript ends during discussion of that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• A historic increase in civil protection order filings in addition to historic filings in eviction cases
• The question I had was, what is the average time from filing to disposition?
• I think that the other result is an increase in eviction filings.
• if I decide just the week before to file?
• The week before to file, I won't have time to do that.

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee developed, proposed, and agreed upon the qualifications of a successful candidate who should
• The Office of the Child Advocate Selection Committee believes that all three candidates, including Don
• Even though I was doing just a small piece of paperwork and filing and intake, I loved it.
• I was just commenting, and thank you, Senator, for bringing forward this candidate again.
• I was just commenting You, Senator, for bringing forward this candidate again.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:19:55.120><c> Um</c><00:19:55.600><c> and</c> authority for hiring a candidate.
• Um and authority for hiring a candidate.
• </c><00:19:58.960><c> for</c> interview, and select candidates for interview, and select candidates for
• That gives the locals a little bit of time if they want to file an injunction.
• </c><01:43:25.280><c> Um</c> current progress report on file. Um current progress report on file.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council met on May 27, 2026, approved the January 7 minutes and the day’s agenda, and reported no conflicts of interest. The executive director gave staff updates, including introductions of new staff member Cara Castanza and DNR liaison Jason Co., both of whom were welcomed by the council. Members were also informed about three minor easement/conveyance matters in the packet, including a small Bowser easement impact with about $1,600 returned to the Outdoor Heritage Fund, a Minnesota Land Trust easement request involving a DNR trout stream easement, and an access easement revision in Itasca County. The council also noted several upcoming dedication events and a June field tour in southeast Minnesota beginning in Winona on June 16, with visits to Whitewater WMA, bluff prairie and stream sites, and a river segment if a boat is secured. A major agenda item was a legislative session recap on the Outdoor Heritage Fund portion of Senate File 2077, the omnibus Outdoor Heritage Fund, Legacy, and Lands bill. Staff reported that all council recommendations were incorporated into the bill, which passed both chambers on May 17 and was expected to be signed by the governor. The fiscal year 2027 Outdoor Heritage Fund recommendations covered 53 programs totaling about $188.9 million, with the February forecast increasing the appropriation slightly so the final total was about $191.16 million; eligible programs were proportionately increased. Staff also highlighted a few changes made during the legislative process, including adjustments to the Roso Lake rehabilitation phase three project, the conservation partners legacy grant language, and statutory provisions affecting the council. The recap also covered policy changes in the bill: a public member term limit of eight years, with a short vacancy exception and transition rules for current members; a revised executive director hiring process allowing the Legislative Coordinating Commission to provide support while preserving the council’s final hiring authority and permitting closed meetings for candidate discussions; and an extension of the Upper Mississippi River invasive carp deterrent design deadline to June 30, 2027. Members discussed the Roso Lake amendment at length, with Senator Lang and Representative Burkel explaining that the added delay and injunction-related language were intended to address local concerns and preserve the council’s process while litigation proceeds. The meeting ended without any additional formal action beyond receiving the updates and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I think Senator Betancourt was very candid about this.
• We're imposing a $5000 penalty, $25,000 penalty, giving private citizens the right to file lawsuits.
• You can take it uh looks at the bills that have been filed.
• And All of these bills I have filed multiple times and they have not had a hearing.
• Senate Bill 15 relating to certain files maintained by a law enforcement agency regarding certain employees

Bills: SB 10, SB 8, SB 15, SB 12, SB 6, SB 13, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4

Keywords: sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, election laws, attorney general, prosecution, criminal offenses, criminal prosecution, jurisdiction, hemp, consumable hemp, hemp-derived cannabinoids

Transcript Highlights:

• Placed on file: second reading of bills.
• I don't see a clear reason why we'd want to make sure that school board candidates declare our party,
• And to that point, this bill does not change the equal system for municipal candidates, folks running
• And to that point, this bill does not change the equal system for municipal candidates, folks running
• That means the effective date could occur after candidates have already filed and been certified, potentially

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise to request removal of file item A1, SB 239, from the inactive file to be ordered to second reading
• Senators, we will now move to consideration of daily file. We will start with unfinished business.
• File item 52, SJR 9. Secretary, please read. SJR 9. Secretary, please read.
• File item 76, Senate Resolution 70. File item 76, Senate Resolution 70 by Senator Pérez.
• We are now going to move back and lift the call on file item number 52, SJR 9.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum present, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine procedural matters including committee report dispositions and a request by Senator Arreguín to remove SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The body then took up unfinished business on SJR 9, a Senate Joint Resolution by Senator Durazo concerning immigration rates, which was discussed briefly and placed on call before later being returned to and amended by a vote of 29-10. The chamber next considered SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the anniversary of the Monterey Park tragedy. Senators Pérez and Rubio spoke at length about the 11 people killed in the 2023 mass shooting, the injuries sustained, Brandon Tsay’s actions in stopping the gunman, the impact on the Asian American and immigrant communities, and the need to address gun violence and mental health stigma. SR 70 passed unanimously, 39-0, and Mayor Elizabeth Yang of Monterey Park was introduced as a guest on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment in memory remarks. Senators honored labor leader Mary Gutierrez Hunter, political activist and veteran advocate Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu Von Locke, highlighting their public service, organizing work, and lasting local impact. The Appropriations Committee was announced to meet after adjournment, and the Senate recessed with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now at second reading file, items 1 through 25.
• Colleagues, File Item 34 is the confirmation of Jacob Arkatov. Mr.
• And last but not least on the file today, File Item 35 is a confirmation of Dr. V. V.
• File Item 62, SR 88. Secretary, please read.
• Senators, we will move on to File Item 63. Secretary, please read.

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The floor then moved through a series of recognitions, including the Natomas Nighthawks boys basketball team, 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awardees, and visiting California biotech leaders. Senators highlighted the honorees’ work on youth development, education, mental health, homelessness, community college success, and biotechnology. The body also welcomed Rosie Perez, the 43rd Treasurer of the United States and chair of America 250, to the chamber. On the legislative side, the Senate approved a procedural request to allow Senate Bill 1447 to be heard in policy committees after the deadline. The chamber then confirmed five gubernatorial appointments: Alan Guy, Henry Nutt III, Steven Pennelli, Jacob Arkatov, and Dr. V. V. Ling Sai, with each confirmation passing on unanimous or near-unanimous roll calls. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 88, recognizing the 50th anniversary of modern biotechnology and the 20th anniversary of the California Biotechnology Foundation, and Senate Resolution 90, recognizing April 14-16 as Khmer New Year; both resolutions passed 37-0. The remainder of the session included committee announcements and an extended adjournment in memory of Rod Diridon Sr., with several senators speaking to his long career in local government, transportation planning, environmental advocacy, and public service. Members emphasized his role in shaping transit in Santa Clara County and California, his mentorship, and his lasting influence on the region. The Senate then announced it would recess and reconvene on Monday, April 13, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman and members. bill, and this I have filed for several sessions.
• They had four candidates.
• We had everything about those candidates, where they live, where they work. their views, what did we
• I just want to thank you for filing the bill.
• I noticed it was a late filed bill and so I'm sure the chairman has a specific reason.

Bills: HB3146, HB3719, HB3895, HB3923, HB4748, HB4751, HB4936, HB4952, HB4990, HB4991, HB5061, HB5196, HB5238, HB5246, HB5487

Keywords: State Office of Administrative Hearings, SOAH, administrative hearings, contested case, contested case hearing, administrative law judge, ALJ, final decision, proposed decision, agency hearing, hearing continuance, rescheduling, Texas administrative law, Government Code Chapter 2001, workers' compensation, Department of Human Resources, Texas Labor Code, Transportation Code, Agriculture Code, Insurance Code

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, especially if a candidate that was coming forward that was an attorney, they wanted that insight
• if a candidate that was coming<00:50:47.000><c> forward</c><00:50:47.240><c> that</c><00:50:47.360><
• </c><00:59:09.600><c> against</c> charge or complaint was filed against charge or complaint was filed
• other candidates from other parties parties parties um<00:59:50.520><c> in</c><00:59:50.640><c> that
• </c><01:32:34.240><c> that</c> there were different candidates that there were different candidates that

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Only timely filed amendments will be considered in order.
• Senator Lujan filed an amendment marked Lujan 37.
• Chairman, Senator Lujan filed an amendment marked Lujan 41.
• Candidate Trump didn't say he wanted to cut food nutrition programs.
• I remind members wishing to file additional or minority views that hard copies be signed and filed with

Transcript Highlights:

• A chatbox that hallucinates a refund policy, or legal filings with citations to fake court cases.
• You've seen the stories that Chair Moore mentioned about inaccurate legal filings and academic papers
• She is the best candidate out of thousands.
• That candidate can be out, being the best one. That's happening right now. Or let's say Rep.
• I filed in tandem with the esteemed House chair of the committee.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held a hearing on several artificial intelligence bills, opening with remarks about the 9/11 anniversary and then broad statements from the co-chairs about AI’s promise and risks. Chair Farley-Bouvier and Senator Moore emphasized the need for guardrails, transparency, and worker and consumer protections, while Senator Finegold described Senate Bill 37, which would create a framework for AI model training with safety assessments, audits, incident reporting, Attorney General oversight, and workforce reporting. Members also discussed Massachusetts’ position relative to other states and the need for state action in the absence of federal regulation. A large portion of the hearing focused on the Fair Act, House 77 and Senate 35, which would limit workplace surveillance, restrict collection of biometric and location data, require notice and human review for automated employment decisions, and protect workers from retaliation. Labor leaders, including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, SEIU, building trades, and other worker representatives, testified in support, describing harms from bossware, automated benefits denials, hiring and promotion screening, scheduling, and monitoring in workplaces ranging from health care and education to manufacturing and construction. They argued that AI systems are already affecting wages, benefits, safety, and job security, and that Massachusetts should act now to set clear rules. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 74, which would require informed consent and clear contract terms for digital replicas of voices and likenesses, with SAG-AFTRA representatives supporting the bill as a protection for performers and creators. Another major topic was Senate Bill 51 on social media algorithm accountability and transparency; child safety advocates, researchers, and a public health expert described harms from engagement-based algorithms, including exposure to harmful content, eating disorders, and youth mental health impacts, and supported independent audits and public reporting. A few industry and civil liberties witnesses supported regulation but urged balance, warning against overly burdensome rules while acknowledging the need for privacy, transparency, and accountability. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the hearing excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• File item 3, SB 918, Ciarto, with amendments. File item 4, SB 971, Choi, with amendments.
• And file item 9, SB 9 Allen, with amendments, and file item 9, SB 977, Weber Pierson, with amendments
• Good afternoon, Connor Roderick, Ph.D. candidate at UC Berkeley Chemistry and rank-and-file member of
• We will now move back in file to file item number six, SB 1099 from Senator Reyes. Rubio? I.
• We are now at file item number 10, SB 987. File item 10, SB 987.

Summary: The Senate Health Committee heard several bills focused on health care access, research funding, consumer protection, and insurance administration. SB 895 by Sen. Wiener would create the California Foundation for Science and Health Research and place a bond measure on the November 2026 ballot to support scientific and health research in California; supporters from UC, labor, and patient groups said it would protect jobs, public health, and the state’s research leadership amid federal funding cuts, while the committee later voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Natural Resources and Water. SB 944 would make acupuncture a permanent Medi-Cal benefit regardless of federal matching funds; acupuncture providers, patients, health systems, and API community advocates testified in strong support, and the committee voted 6-0 to pass it as amended and re-refer it to Appropriations. The committee also considered SB 987, which would create a California Health Access Fund to capture state savings if federal Medicaid changes under H.R. 1 reduce Medi-Cal enrollment and redirect those funds to care for people who lose coverage and to reimburse safety-net providers. Support came from disability, consumer, family physician, emergency physician, hospital, and reproductive health groups; members discussed prioritizing indigent care, prevention, and safety-net needs, and the bill was moved on a unanimous vote to Appropriations. SB 964 would let a licensed provider adjust the dose or frequency of an already covered medication up to two times without prior authorization when clinically appropriate, with Crohn’s and Colitis advocates describing delays that harmed patients and insurers warning about safety and cost concerns; after committee discussion about off-label use and clinical safeguards, the bill passed 11-0 and was sent to Appropriations. Later, SB 1099 clarified local governments’ authority to provide state or local public benefits to all residents under PRWORA, with city and county counsel and local officials saying it would preserve flexibility for homeless outreach, street medicine, crisis lines, and other low-barrier services; it passed 11-0 and was re-referred to Human Services. SB 1033 would require protein product manufacturers to test for heavy metals and disclose results, prompted by Consumer Reports findings and supported by consumer, health, and women’s health groups; industry witnesses asked for narrower scope and source-level testing, and the committee voted 11-0 to pass it as amended and send it to Environmental Quality. The committee then began SB 1049, which would give providers a 90-day window after a plan’s latest action to correct certain claim errors and prevent denials based solely on missed filing deadlines; the author said it would address honest billing mistakes and recoupments, and the bill was introduced with support from medical groups and ongoing discussions with health plans.