Transcript Highlights:

• I imagine that there's probably others who would agree with you, that we're trying to do too good a job
• today after we did a bad job in 2021.
• You've been in the job how long? Since June of '23, June of '23, about two and a half years.
• On the creation of this commission, I don't ask anything more from the sponsor about how this should
• Creation of an oversight commission—that's the matter before us on amendment. Roll call, please.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 61, which would raise aggravated battery on a peace officer from a third-degree to a second-degree felony in cases involving great bodily harm or a deadly weapon. The sponsor and supporters said the bill fixes an inconsistency in current law, where aggravated assault on an officer can be punished more severely than aggravated battery causing serious injury. Law enforcement representatives, the Chiefs Association, CBRC, and chamber representatives testified in support, and the New Mexico Sentencing Commission was noted as having endorsed the bill by a 6-3-4 vote. After questions about proportionality and plea bargaining, the committee voted due pass on HB 61 without objection. The committee then returned to House Bill 99, a medical malpractice reform bill, and several members made conflict-of-interest disclosures before debating amendments. The discussion focused heavily on the patient compensation fund, surcharge setting, and whether an advisory board or the superintendent should control rates. Amendments to segregate future fund money, require surcharges no lower than the advisory board’s recommendation, and create a commission with more actuarial and financial expertise were debated at length; the committee rejected the first two amendments. Members and witnesses argued over whether past undercharging of hospitals and doctors led to insolvency and taxpayer bailouts, and whether the bill should require more transparency and oversight. The committee also debated amendments on punitive damages. One proposal would have delayed punitive damage claims until after substantial discovery; opponents said it would conflict with civil procedure, prolong litigation, and likely be struck down. Another would have tied punitive damages to a multiple of compensatory damages or a percentage of net worth; supporters said that would better deter harmful conduct, while opponents said it would create uncertainty and more discovery. That amendment also failed. A final punitive-damages amendment would have removed caps in cases involving sexual assault or intoxication by a health care provider and protected the first $5 million of an independent provider’s personal assets; it too was rejected after members said it would shield egregious misconduct and go beyond the bill’s purpose.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's the job of this committee to be vigilant to changes at the state and federal level that will impact
• The job of this committee is to be vigilant to changes at the state and federal level that will impact
• <c> made</c><00:25:42.960><c> too</c><00:25:43.120><c> much</c><00:25:43.279><c> to</c> entry-level job
• I made too much to entry-level job I made too much to qualify<00:25:43.840><c> for</c><00:25:44.039>
• its creation there was practically<00:50:01.839><c> no</c><00:50:02.160><c> Financial</c><00:50:02.599

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, guys, we've got to do a better job of getting the cards in.
• If we're going to take seriously the jobs we're... That's where we are.
• creation, and a community benefit.
• creation, and a community benefit.
• The ask is that the due diligence manifest in something that's going to benefit job retention, job creation

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee heard a long agenda of criminal justice measures, with several bills and resolutions reported favorably and others rejected or deferred. Representative Baham’s HB 255, as substituted, would enhance penalties for certain felony or rioting offenses committed while wearing a mask to evade identification, with exceptions for religious, motorcycle, and medical coverings; it was reported favorably after opposition from the ACLU and support from law enforcement groups. His HB 378, as amended, narrowed a vehicle-obstruction offense to first responders and was also reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, was reported favorably with support from the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. HR 272, requesting a study of parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably after sponsor testimony about confusion over current law. HB 479, the “Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act,” sought quarterly reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts; despite support from the ACLU and opposition from clerks of court over an unfunded mandate, it failed on a 4-7 roll call. HR 278, asking the Attorney General to review electronic monitoring laws and make recommendations, was reported favorably after testimony from advocates and supporters of tighter oversight. HR 273, creating a task force to study work-release programs, was also reported favorably, while SB 278 was voluntarily deferred. The committee also considered several high-profile social policy measures. HB 261, by Representative Boyd, would create an exception to abortion restrictions for rape and certain sex offenses; the hearing featured extensive emotional testimony from survivors, clergy, and legislators on both sides, but the bill was rejected on a 2-10 vote. HCR 100, as amended, urged the Gaming Control Board to ensure due diligence in proposed casino acquisitions with attention to economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the amendment resolved industry concerns and the resolution was reported favorably. SB 448, concerning the Office of the State Public Defender, was amended to add procedures for expert-witness funding disputes, sealed contradictory hearings, and interlocutory review, then reported favorably. SB 135, which would redirect sports wagering revenue away from a capped sports fund and toward early childhood seats, drew opposition from university-related interests but no motion was made. Finally, HB 778 on kratom was presented as a narrower approach that would ban synthetic and semi-synthetic kratom while allowing regulated natural products; testimony included concerns about harm, business impacts, and claimed benefits for pain management and PTSD, and the discussion was still underway at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• It can generate returns, create jobs, and most importantly, make Texas the place where the world's best
• The best programs from other states track key indicators like job creation and demand accountability
• a small business owner, I understand... ...how important it is to invest capital wisely to support jobs
• I think you did a great job. Are there any questions?
• All right, well, excellent job. We appreciate you being here. It means a lot to us.

Bills: HB 104 , HB2054 , HB3459 , HB3745 , HB4486 , HB4488 , HB4601 , HB104

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• I guess, since they're different jobs, how relevant is the material on the licensed social work exam
• I'm I'm not so the original creation I'm I'm not sure<00:21:01.840><c> what</c><00:21:02.000><c> the
• LSWA have a process in place to confirm their competency and make sure that they're able to do the job
• LSWA have a process in place to confirm their competency and make sure that they're able to do the job
• and escaping their path jobs and escaping their path by<00:53:57.559><c> jumping</c><00:53:57.920><c

Summary: The subcommittee hearing focused on House Bill 271, which would remove the exam requirement for licensure as a Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA). The chair and several members expressed reservations about repealing a requirement that was only created in 2021, arguing that licensure should include some measurable demonstration of competency and that it is too early to judge whether the current standard is working. Members also raised concerns about the social work compact and the lack of uniformity across states, saying that changing the requirement now could undermine the standards New Hampshire agreed to at the outset. Testimony in support of the bill argued that the LSWA exam is a barrier for applicants because the level is intended for people without formal social work education, and the exam is the same national exam used for licensed social workers. The witness said there is only one LSWA in New Hampshire, so there is little pass/fail data, but noted that the Association of Social Worker Boards reported 78% of its membership favored retaining the exam. Supporters also emphasized that LSWA holders complete 30 hours of training and extensive supervised hours, and that they are not intended to work independently. Opponents or skeptics questioned whether the exam is the right measure for this role and asked for data showing actual failures or barriers. The discussion turned to possible alternatives, including a different exam, a practical skills assessment, or broader rulemaking authority for the board to set LSWA criteria. One suggestion was to amend the law to give the board authority to develop appropriate standards in rulemaking, rather than naming a specific exam in statute. Members also discussed whether the board could create a more suitable assessment and noted that the current law requires a national proctored examination approved by the board, but there is no national exam specifically for LSWA. No final vote or action was taken in the excerpt, and the subcommittee indicated it would gather more information, including the existing rule language, before moving the bill forward.

Transcript Highlights:

• We see that as a pivot to jobs creation and to new business opportunities in Minnesota and to rural community
• of jobs, investment, and sales through the end of our fiscal year 2026.
• c> and</c> the creation of jobs investment and the creation of jobs investment and sales<00:59:06.200
• And the work helped create or retain 717 jobs, a lot of those in rural communities.
• And that's my job. I'm kind of your general family doctor of farm management.

Committee: Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development

Transcript Highlights:

• They do all require investment and job creation... Now I'll go to our performance-based tools.
• They do all require investment and job creation.
• They're creating 75 jobs in the Space Coast.
• jobs.
• Good job.

Summary: The committee heard two informational presentations: one from the Department of Commerce and one from the Florida Department of Transportation. Jason Mahon of Commerce outlined the state’s economic development strategy and tools, emphasizing Florida’s GDP growth, business formation, and strengths in manufacturing, high-tech, defense, life sciences, and international trade. He described programs such as the State Small Business Credit Initiative, the Rural Community Investment Program, the Florida Opportunity Fund, the Rural Infrastructure Fund, the Job Growth Grant Fund, performance-based tax credits, and disaster recovery loans, and cited examples including ServiceNow, Williams International, NeoCity, and Point Blank Enterprises. Members asked about small-business grants, foreign investment interest, workforce needs, and whether additional tools are needed; Mahon said most Commerce programs are loan-focused and noted ongoing workforce and site-readiness challenges. Jennifer Marshall of FDOT then reviewed major transportation projects and the Moving Florida Forward initiative, highlighting congestion relief, express lanes, bridge and interchange work, and accelerated delivery methods. She cited projects such as Golden Glades, I-95 improvements, the NASA Causeway Bridge, the DuPont Bridge, I-4 corridor work, the First Coast Expressway, the Howard Frankland Bridge, A1A seawall work, and Turnpike projects, along with examples of cost savings and schedule acceleration. Senators asked about how express lane locations are chosen, toll revenue use in South Florida, the status and cost of the I-395 downtown Miami project, and whether EV and rideshare access to express lanes should be preserved. FDOT said it would follow up on several of those questions, and the committee adjourned without taking any legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:31:13.919><c> of</c> it would get captured in the creation of it would get captured in the creation
• </c> criteria for qualification and creation criteria for qualification and creation of<00:36:12.079>
• We can't do our job.
• We can't do our job. It seems report. We can't do our job.
• Uh, I think Representative Hicks did a really good job expressing the concerns that we have with the

Bills: HF3378

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• in us a desire to live sustainably so that those who follow after us may enjoy the fruits of your creation
• Create in us a desire to act in solidarity with all creation so that all life is set free to flourish
• Can you please mention my role in the Coastal Act and the creation of the Coastal Commission?
• Bus driving is not an easy job, and so I support all of the comments here, and let's keep all those bus
• studied aerospace engineering at Purdue University before moving to Lancaster, California, to take a job

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We supported the FCIC's creation in 2021. one when credit card skimming was rampant across our state.
• things that we were up for this legislative session is hopefully the expansion of our center and the creation
• expertise, and our tools. that we have that you've provided for us to help them, train them in doing their jobs
• We're doing our job, right?
• sophistication and speed. of fraud schemes, such as check-washing, mail theft, and counterfeit check creation

Bills: SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1379 , SB1451 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1499

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• Through this robotic creations.
• . 3.8 million American jobs were lost to China from 2001 through early 2023, including 60,000 jobs in
• </c> paying jobs. paying jobs.
• I don't take that job lightly.
• the creation of this museum. Our the creation of this museum.

Transcript Highlights:

• inmates, but the workers, the social workers, attorneys that can offer help will be able to do the job
• inmates, but the workers, the social workers, attorneys that can offer help will be able to do the job
• Johnson did a great job of walking through those provisions, and it's designed to help give the Attorney
• of a specific privilege the creation of a specific privilege protecting<00:43:13.680><c> that</c><00
• at training in 99.9% of the cases job at training in 99.9% of the cases right<01:29:46.880><c> um</c

Committee: House Public Safety Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• This means no work authorizations being issued, jobs lost, college admissions denied, and families kept
• /c> means no work authorizations being means no work authorizations being issued,<00:08:05.840><c> jobs
• lost, college admissions issued, jobs lost, college admissions denied,<00:08:08.639><c> and</c><00:08
• </c> since its creation in 1999. since its creation in 1999.
• them find rewarding jobs and fi and<04:31:06.159><c> financial</c><04:31:06.640><c> security.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> being in a AI job in the future. being in a AI job in the future.
• A job-by-job basis.
• So there is that new job.
• of these new jobs.
• </c><00:47:10.800><c> The</c> creation of these new jobs. The creation of these new jobs.

Committee: Senate Labor

Transcript Highlights:

• That's where I'm hoping we can do a better job of being administrators of these funds.
• We didn't do our job on the front end.
• We didn't do our job on the front end.
• We didn't do our job on the front end.
• I want to say first and foremost that we do support the creation of a one-stop shop.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, the bill creates the mechanism where parents would approve the creation of a social media account
• It doesn't actually control... ...parents would approve the creation of a social media account.
• So on top of risking local jobs and communities we support, Senate Bill 5976 will provide clarity and
• So on top of risking local jobs and communities we support, Senate Bill 5976 will provide clarity and
• So on top of risking local jobs and communities we support, Senate Bill 5976 will provide clarity and

Summary: The committee heard public testimony on several bills. SB 5976 would revise the Washington Commercial Electronic Mail Act by narrowing liability for misleading email subject lines and changing damages and Consumer Protection Act claims. Business, retail, hospitality, and e-commerce witnesses supported the bill, saying recent litigation has created uncertainty and exposed routine marketing emails to excessive penalties. Consumer advocates and the Washington State Association for Justice opposed it, arguing the current law protects consumers from deceptive marketing and that the bill would weaken enforcement and class actions. SB 6111 would require age verification and parental consent for minors creating social media accounts, restrict providers’ use of minors’ data, and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General and a limited private right of action. The sponsor and several parents, medical professionals, and advocacy groups supported the bill as a response to social media harms, including addiction, depression, cyberbullying, eating disorders, and exposure to harmful content. Technology and civil liberties witnesses opposed it, warning about privacy, data security, constitutional concerns, and the difficulty of implementing reliable parental consent and age verification. The committee also heard SB 6250, which would raise the maximum small loan amount from $700 to $1,200 and index it to inflation. The sponsor and a lender representative said the change would update an outdated limit and preserve existing consumer protections. Opponents, including legal aid, poverty, housing, labor, AARP, and community advocates, argued the higher cap would increase debt burdens and fees for low-income borrowers and older adults. Staff also briefed SB 6257, which would allow illness-related tolling for trainee real estate appraiser licensing timelines, and SB 6289, which would direct Commerce to create a statewide economic development and competitiveness strategic plan; SB 6289 drew supportive testimony from Commerce, ports, economic development groups, and business interests. The committee also held confirmation hearings for several Gambling Commission and Lottery appointees, who described their backgrounds and service, but no votes or final actions were taken in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the 2030 census, there should be a redistricting and then a creation and expansion of the board
• however, created this county-wide executive, and the existing law does not currently account for the creation
• If we're tiptoeing into another body's rightful ability to do a job, it's only our responsibility that
• I was thinking of them as elected officials representing a million people apiece whose job it is to look
• And the vice chair is— Need to go do my job in the other committee.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee heard SB 220, which would require the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to submit an earlier governance reform report to the Legislature in light of Measure G, including consideration of the new countywide executive and future board changes. Senator Allen argued the bill was only a vehicle to prompt a locally driven discussion before 2028, while Metro, the City of Los Angeles, and several committee members opposed it as premature and unnecessary because local task forces and an ad hoc Metro committee were already studying the issue. After debate over local control and timing, the committee voted 3-2 to send SB 220 to Senate Appropriations, with the bill left on call for absent members. The committee then heard SB 667, the California Railway Safety Act, which would require wayside detector systems on freight rail lines at specified intervals, with exceptions for some short-line railroads, and would require railroad response plans to be submitted to the CPUC. Supporters, including rail unions and labor groups, said the bill was a needed response to the East Palestine derailment and other safety risks, while opponents from freight railroads, passenger rail operators, business groups, and agricultural interests warned it could raise costs, slow freight and passenger service, and create a disincentive to invest in faster track. Members questioned the cost, implementation timeline, preemption issues, and possible impacts on passenger rail and the supply chain. The committee approved SB 667 on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations, with the bill also left on call. Finally, the committee considered ACR 71, which would designate a portion of State Route 101 in Santa Clara County as the Little Saigon Freeway. The Assembly Member author and community witnesses described the designation as a recognition of San Jose’s large Vietnamese American community and its history as refugees and contributors to the region. Numerous supporters from the community, local government, and the public testified in favor, and there was no opposition. Members praised the cultural significance and noted connections to other Vietnamese communities, including Westminster. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 10 votes, and sent to Appropriations.

Transcript Highlights:

• After the 2030 census, there should be redistricting and then a creation and expansion of the board with
• however, created this county-wide executive, and the existing law does not currently account for the creation
• I was thinking of them as elected officials representing a million people apiece whose job it is to look
• Just the passage of measure G and the fact that we knew this, you know, that the board had been creation
• Need to go do my job in the other committee. And I've, uh, the vice chair is not here presently.

Committee: Senate Transportation

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• These animals deserve safe, loving homes, and it's our job to ensure that they get them.
• Chair, is that we change that to be calling for a feasibility study related to the creation of the database
• several times, ultimately taking the life of the innocent worker and retired deputy trying to do his job
• The bill does not prohibit the creation of digitally forged intimate images, only their dissemination
• Did a great job. Thank you also for recognizing my... Thank you, Chair. Thank you. Did a great job.

Committee: Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice

Summary: The committee heard and voted on a long agenda of criminal justice, public safety, victims’ rights, and related bills. SB 984 on aggravating factors in capital cases was reported favorably after debate over its focus on religious, school, and government gatherings; the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed expanding the death penalty, while supporters said it was about accountability rather than deterrence. CS for SB 1140 creating a Hillsborough County substance abuse pilot program for offenders, CS for SB 1180 broadening child sexual image protections, CS for SB 10 compensating Sidney Holmes for a wrongful conviction, CS for SB 500 creating a Spectrum Alert system for missing children with autism, and SB 1054 on tampering with electronic monitoring devices all passed favorably, with the substance abuse bill drawing supportive testimony about treatment and recovery and the Holmes bill receiving emotional support from Holmes himself. The committee also approved SB 1072 on expedited DNA testing grants, CS for SB 240 on domestic and dating violence victims, CS for SB 494 creating a statewide animal abuse database, and CS for SB 1422 on unmanned aircraft over critical infrastructure and weaponized drones. SB 240 drew extensive testimony from advocates describing a feasibility study for a discreet emergency alert system and the need to align domestic and dating violence protections; SB 494 drew strong support from animal welfare groups and county officials who described local registries and the link between animal abuse and violence toward people, while members discussed whether the bill should also bar known abusers from adopting animals. SB 1422 passed after questions about “reasonable force” against drones and concerns about firearms use, with the sponsor saying the bill was meant to protect privacy and property rights. Additional measures reported favorably included SB 1268 updating Department of Law Enforcement statutes and increasing reimbursement for retired police dogs, CS for SB 1344 revising juvenile status-offender procedures, CS for SB 1252 creating a feasibility study for a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 1386 increasing penalties for assault and battery on utility workers, CS for SB 1084 strengthening sexual cyber harassment laws for intimate and digitally forged images, CS for SB 1654 revising sex offender/predator registration and reporting rules, CS for SB 1650 expanding the vexatious litigant law, and CS for SB 1652 creating a public records exemption for stricken court filings. The final and most heavily debated bill, CS for SB 1284 on wrongful death of an unborn child, drew extensive testimony from supporters who framed it as recognizing unborn life and opponents who warned it could be used to harass abortion patients, providers, and supporters and could increase malpractice exposure; the sponsor said the bill would allow parents to recover damages while protecting mothers and lawful medical care. The transcript ends before the roll call on SB 1284 is completed, but the committee had already reported the other measures favorably by recorded votes, generally along party lines with broad support from members present.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to testify in support of the proposed legislation and creation of an endometriosis task force
• Have you been able to... ...or job training after they've given birth? Have you been able to...
• Like I said, I want to also touch briefly in support of Senate 1564, an act relative to the creation
• Well, today is that day, and it's not because our legislators have done their job and given us ear.
• Soon after, I had to leave my job and exchange plans for doctor's appointments.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The committee opened by explaining hearing procedures and time limits, then heard testimony on House 2499, a bill to create a public awareness campaign on menopause and related midlife health issues. Supporters, including a nurse, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and other advocates, said menopause is widely misunderstood by patients and providers, leading to delayed care, unnecessary suffering, workplace impacts, and inequities in women’s health. Several speakers shared personal experiences with symptoms being dismissed or misdiagnosed and urged the committee to advance the bill. The committee then took testimony on a package of endometriosis bills, including House 2527 and Senate 1564, calling for a task force and broader awareness efforts. Patients, a physician, and advocates described long diagnostic delays, severe pain, infertility, medical gaslighting, and limited access to specialists and effective treatment. They argued for more research, provider education, and a coordinated state strategy, and several asked for favorable reports. The chair also noted the hearing was running behind and extended time to allow more testimony. Later, the committee heard Senate 1579, which would eliminate parental consent and judicial bypass requirements for abortion access for minors under 16. Planned Parenthood representatives, physicians, legal advocates, and students argued the current law creates unnecessary delays and harms vulnerable youth, especially those in unsafe homes or foster care, while supporters said minors can already consent to other reproductive health care. A pro-life witness opposed the bill and emphasized parental involvement and support services. The committee also heard House 2403 and Senate 1560, which would create a Human Service Transportation Consumer Advisory Board; disability advocates and riders described past safety problems and current service gaps, and supported the board as a low-cost way to improve accountability, rider input, and reliability. No votes or final actions were taken in the excerpt.