Video & Transcript Research : 'petition circulators'
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KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 5 (1-12-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The next order of business is motions, petitions, communications. Gentleman from McCracken. >> Mr.
- Speaker, that is all I have for motions, petitions, communications, and announcements.
- 05:54.400>
business <00:05:54.560>is <00:05:54.800>motions, <00:05:55.280>petitions - , order of business is motions, petitions, order of business is motions, petitions, communications
- meet tomorrow upon adjournment. >> Take note. >> Any other members seeking recognition in motions, petitions
Keywords:
Convene 00:00
Motions, Petitions, and Communications 05:54
Introduction of New Bills and Resolutions 12:03
Recess for ConC and Rules Meeting 16:14
CoC and Rules Report 18:21
Adjournment 18:57, 958, all
Summary:
The House convened with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 95 members present. The journal from Friday, January 9, 2026 was approved, absent members were excused, and House Resolution 21 was taken from the Committee on Committees and brought to the floor without objection. Several committee and meeting announcements were made, including cancellations for various standing committees and notices that the Government Contract Review Committee and Oversight Investigation Committee would meet upon adjournment.
The House also adopted House Citation 4, a citation of adjournment honoring Bill Nickel, with remarks describing him as a respected community member and friend. After the citation, members continued making committee announcements, including that the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Personnel, Public Retirement, and Finance would meet at noon the next day.
The clerk then reported the introduction of numerous new bills and resolutions, covering topics such as grand jury service, criminal trespass, postsecondary admission and funding, sex crimes, cultured meat products, railroad crossings, firearms and concealed weapons, property tax exemptions, name/image/likeness rights, landlords and tenants, child care, child welfare investigations, government social media accounts, peace officer training, economic development incentives, residential safety, pre-trial release, and several resolutions on highways, property taxation, Medicaid waiver withdrawal, and food-as-medicine initiatives. The Committee on Committees and Rules met and referred House Bills 164, 176, 184, and 265 to Banking and Insurance, and the House adjourned without objection until 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Most counties in California currently do not have the processes in place to carry out the pre-petition
- To be clear, a court can only order the pre-petition process when there is probable cause to believe
- San Diego County reported 77 petitions were dismissed because the individual was unable or unwilling
- Both Sacramento County Correctional Health and our family filed CARE Act petitions for my daughter in
- Prior to these petitions, she was incarcerated over 18 months in a state hospital.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 74 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- branches, acting concurrently, report recommending that Joint Rule 12 be suspended on the following petitions
- : the petition of Thomas M.
- to Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease to the Committee on Health Care Financing; the petition
- establish a sick leave bank for Paul Stavarsky, an employee of the Department of Correction; the petition
- employee of the Department of Corrections, severally to the Committee on Public Service; and the petition
Summary:
The House received a gubernatorial message recommending legislation on the terms of certain Commonwealth bonds, which was referred to the Committee on Bonding, Expenditures and Capital Assets. The Committee on Rules also reported a congratulatory resolution for Jason X. Rosala’s Eagle Scout achievement, which was adopted after suspension of the rules. In addition, the House adopted an order extending the Labor and Workforce Development Committee’s reporting deadline to December 3, 2025, and suspended Joint Rule 12 to send several petitions to committee, including matters on Medicare coverage for end-stage renal disease, two sick leave bank proposals, and transportation of certain loads.
The House then took up a slate of bills for second and third reading, including measures on retail sales, innovation and entrepreneurship, charity alcohol auctions, water flow in the Central Plymouth County Water District, a Wellfleet food pantry lease, the Richmond Free Public Library, procurement regulations for Cambridge and the Commonwealth, and charter changes for Provincetown. All were ordered to a third reading. Later, the House passed to be engrossed House Bill 3912 to increase the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, House Bill 4323 establishing a sick leave bank for a State Police employee, House Bill 4324 establishing a sick leave bank for an Appellate Tax Board employee, and House Bill 4263 establishing a charter for the city of Medford.
The House also adopted an order from Representative Mariano setting the next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m. After that, Representative Soder moved adjournment, and the House adjourned to meet Monday next at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
GVO DEFER, GVO-WTL, GVO-AEN Public Hearings 02-11-2025
Government Operations
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:38:06.359>
for <00:38:06.680>any residents to petition for any residents to petition - So therefore, I would petition the DOH to make sure that it is congruent with the EPA MCL.
- Therefore, I would petition the DOH to make sure that it is congruent with the EPA MCL.
- Therefore, I would petition the DOH to make sure that it is congruent with the EPA MCL.
- Therefore, I would petition the DOH to make sure that it is congruent with the EPA MCL.
Summary:
The committee reconvened for decision-making on measures previously heard on February 6, 2025. Senate Bill 1513 was deferred indefinitely based on the testimony and issues raised. Senate Bill 786 was also deferred indefinitely and set aside for interim work on a proposed SD1 that could address the concerns discussed and incorporate ongoing federal changes. Senate Bill 1031 was amended and advanced as a Senate WAP 1; the amended version would allow the legislature to adopt non-binding advisory referendum questions only for general obligation bond proposals, require 30 days’ notice, require the legislature to consider the results, and require a written explanation if the final legislative action opposes the majority vote. The committee also set a far-future effective date and noted that any further review should examine opposition concerns and the fiscal, administrative, and legal implications of the proposal. The measure passed on a yes vote from the vice chair and supporting members, with one member excused.
In the joint Government Operations and Water and Land hearing, Senate Bill 411, relating to capital improvement projects for boating and ocean recreation, drew support from the Department of Boating and Ocean Recreation and several written supporters, while Budget and Finance opposed it and the Deputy Attorney General warned it could be challenged because it implied funding without an appropriation. The chair recommended moving the bill with amendments and a defective date, and both committees adopted the recommendation to pass SB 411 with amendments. Senate Bill 1103, relating to community districts, generated substantial discussion and was ultimately recommended for deferral. Testimony raised constitutional and special fund concerns, while the Hawaii Community Development Authority supported the concept but suggested major changes, including clearer governance language, a dedicated staff position, and funding. Members debated whether elected boards would undermine county planning authority and whether the concept was more suitable for Oahu or the Neighbor Islands.
Senate Bill 1308, relating to plans, was presented as an administration bill and supported by DAGS. The bill would remove outdated filing requirements, update fee schedules, give DAGS more discretion over plan format, and update drawing scales. A member asked whether it could help replace survey monuments lost in the Lahaina wildfire cleanup; DAGS said it would not directly replace monuments but could help with future mapping and surveying. The chair indicated the committee would note the monument issue in the report and work on technical cleanup language, with the measure moving forward subject to those amendments.
PA
Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session (Jun 30 2026)
Pennsylvania Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The underlying motion is on a discharge petition. That is not debatable.
- You have to stick to what the discharge petition is, so the Chair recognizes Senator Costa. Mr.
- Next order of business is petitions and remonstrances. The Chair recognizes Senator Tartaglione.
- President, we, as I articulated as dorm petition. Well, Mr. President, are we not at ease?
- He does not be able to speak on petitions on minimum wage. We respect that ruling. It's not.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- topics for workshops at the PUC, including advanced notice requirements, timeline distribution, pre-petition
- It also covers post-petition comment procedures, intervention hearings, significant issue determinations
- Post petition<00:14:33.279>
comment <00:14:33.680>procedures, petition comment procedures - , petition comment procedures, intervention<00:14:34.800>
hearings, <00:14:35.199>and <00 - ,<00:14:47.600>
streamline amendments to petitions, streamline amendments to petitions, streamline
Summary:
The House opened with a devotional by Vermont poet laureate Bianca Stone, followed by remarks recognizing her work and the presence of students from her Dartmouth poetry class, as well as a separate recognition of community-based domestic and sexual violence advocates in the House gallery. Members also noted Creative Arts Day in Vermont and announced a reception, and later corrected a location for the Sportsmen’s Caucus meeting. No bill introductions were made.
The main legislative item was H.527, extending the sunset of 30 V.S.A. section 248A, the telecommunications siting process that allows certain cell tower projects to be reviewed by the Public Utility Commission instead of Act 250. The committee report said testimony showed broad agreement that the process needs improvements in notice, transparency, fairness, and local participation, while preserving a statewide framework for telecommunications infrastructure. The bill would extend the sunset from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2030, and direct the PUC to hold public workshops, consult with stakeholders, and report recommendations by December 15, 2027. The House adopted the committee amendment and ordered third reading; the committee vote was reported as 5-3-1.
The House also took up JRS 37, a joint resolution supporting gender equality in Nordic combined Olympic competition and urging the International Olympic Committee to require both men’s and women’s divisions for new Olympic sports. The committee heard from the lieutenant governor, the Senate sponsor, and the Vermont Ski Areas Association president, and recommended adoption in concurrence by a vote of 10-1. After an interrogation clarified that the resolution calls for separate men’s and women’s divisions rather than combined teams, the House ordered third reading. The body then adjourned until Friday, February 13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Election Laws Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Election Laws
Transcript Highlights:
- There have been about a dozen cities that have sent home rule petitions to the state legislature for
- I thought that they could just make the change, but they had to, I guess, do a whole home rule petition
- and petition that you guys help us make that change so that the residents can be comfortable in knowing
- I just have a couple of home rule petitions for the town of Bridgewater that I've been sitting around
- So these are a couple of home rule petitions for the town of Bridgewater that I've been sitting around
Summary:
The House Committee on Election Laws, chaired by Dan Hunt and co-chaired by Senator Keenan, held a hearing on 27 bills with testimony limited to three minutes per speaker. The main policy theme was expanding youth participation in elections. Senator O'Connor testified in support of Senate Bill 526 and House Bill 854, which would allow 17-year-olds to vote in a primary if they turn 18 before the general election. Lawan Allen of Vote 16 USA also supported bills to lower the voting age, arguing that youth voting becomes habitual, can increase turnout more broadly, and is already in place in several cities and states. Robin Chen, the lead petitioner for S. 508 and H. 814, gave extended testimony in favor of children's right to vote, saying children are affected by government decisions and should have a voice. Representative Sousa raised concerns about misinformation and the vulnerability of younger voters, but Chen responded that misinformation affects adults too and pointed to historical civil rights activism by children.
Several local election-law measures were also discussed. Cynthia Hogan, Brockton’s elections director, supported a bill requiring candidates for local office to have lived in the city for a year, saying people have sometimes used business addresses or other questionable claims of residency to run for office. Representative Suzy testified in favor of H. 872, a Pembroke home-rule petition to reduce the signature threshold for a recall petition from 20% to 10% of registered voters, describing the change as a response to low-turnout local elections and not aimed at any current official. Representative Gallagher supported two Bridgewater home-rule petitions: one establishing a recall process for elected officials and another creating term limits for town councilors, both of which had been approved by the town council and would still require voter ratification in Bridgewater if adopted by the legislature.
The hearing concluded without any bill votes or committee actions beyond accepting testimony. The chair noted that written testimony would continue to be accepted until action is taken on the bills, and the committee adjourned after no further witnesses came forward.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- bill is to consolidate provisions in domestic violence cases where an offender or a respondent in a petition
- beginning in section one, sections one and two deal with CHIPS cases where there's a request for a petition
- This is again about the OFP petitions, the same as with the CHIPS where you're directed to tell the court
- <00:03:00.920>
the <00:03:01.000>same again about the OFP petitions the same again - about the OFP petitions the same with<00:03:01.360>
the <00:03:01.440>chips <00:03:01.880
Summary:
The meeting focused on House File 4075, a collaborative bill from Rep. Dibble and Chair Moller addressing firearm surrender and related procedures in domestic violence cases. Members were told the committee would not vote on the bill that day; instead, House Research provided a nonpartisan overview of the DE2 amendment. The bill is intended to consolidate scattered domestic violence firearm-surrender provisions into one section of statute and improve follow-up on court orders, which sponsors said had been enforced in fewer than 2% of cases under the 2015 law.
Jeff Dibble explained that the bill would apply to CHIPS and order-for-protection cases by requiring petitioners to identify known firearm locations, and by requiring respondents ordered to surrender firearms to also surrender carry and purchase permits. He described provisions allowing surrender to a federal firearms license holder, law enforcement, or a qualified third party, with third-party transfers conducted at a law enforcement agency and supervised or video recorded. The bill also includes proof-of-transfer paperwork, third-party affidavits, and a declaration for people who do not possess firearms.
A new compliance-hearing requirement would have courts hold a hearing within 10 business days after a surrender order to confirm compliance, with protections against self-incrimination. Dibble also noted clarifying language making clear that when a court bars possession of a specific firearm, the person is barred from possessing any firearm, plus conforming changes in domestic assault harassment and pretrial release provisions. The meeting ended after the presentation, with no vote taken.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill permits the State Corporation Commission, upon petition, to permit an individual to serve as
- SB 371 is from Senator McPyke and it directs Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power to file a petition
- Under the bill, APCO shall petition the Commission for approval to construct, acquire, or procure at
- With respect to Dominion, it shall petition the Commission for approval to construct, acquire, or procure
- The bill also directs the Commission, in considering applicable petitions, to conduct an evaluation of
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And last, the substitute clarifies that when the petition is filed in an appropriate court.
- And so, what I would argue is that the petition language should clarify. that.
- Also, the rules of civil procedure do allow you to provide for. filing a petition to quash, we've had
- The when you do it, it would be with the judge when you petition it or the trier of fact if there is.
- It allows tenants to petition. to hold their rent in escrow in the event that their landlord does not
Bills:
SB 1113, SB 1117, SB 1206, SB 1460, SB 1802, SB 1906, SB 1917, SB 2340, SB 2455, SB 2680, SB 2690, SB 705, SB 748
Keywords:
SB 1113, converter's license, converter license, motor vehicle dealer, auto dealer, vehicle conversion, converted vehicles, direct sales, retail sales, trailer, semitrailer, manufactured trailer, chassis, manufacturer's statement of origin, MSO, Occupations Code, Transportation Code, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, dealer licensing, general distinguishing number
Summary:
The meeting of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee was marked by discussions on several significant bills, with a keen emphasis on legislative updates and committee substitutes. Notably, Senator Blanco presented a new committee substitute for SB2610, which modifies the employee cap from 100 to 250 and extends the update timeline for cyber security programs for small businesses. This substitute was adopted unanimously, reflecting a collaborative agreement among the committee members. Additionally, there were discussions surrounding SB1856 as Senator Crayton provided insights into how stakeholder feedback influenced the bill's committee substitute. The committee ultimately voted in favor, pushing it towards the local and contested calendar, indicating the bill's progression through legislative channels.
AL
Transcript Highlights:
- . petition. petition.
- We petition to close debate recognized. We petition to close debate recognized.
- The closure petition is adopted. Senator Allen petition is adopted.
- Close petitions adopted. All right, Senator petitions adopted.
- The closure petitions adopted. Thank you, closure petitions adopted.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (02/07/2025)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- <02:20:48.160>
to <02:20:48.319>this stalking petition to this stalking petition to - The victim is filling out the petition directly. The victim is filling out the petition directly.
- <02:37:56.840>
and I but they have their own petitions and I but they have their own petitions - held for 72 hours once the Ia petition held for 72 hours once the Ia petition is<06:16:31.440>
- It’s the petition.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Session Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Joan was read the petition accompanied by Bill of Barry R.
- The Committee on Rules of the Two Branches acted concurrently, the petition accompanied by a bill of
- The Committee on Rules of the Two Branching Act and Concumbly, the petition accompanied by bill of Nick
- Hunt for the motion for The Committee on Rules of the Two Branches acted concurrently on the petition
- Through you to the members, I rise in support of this petition on the anniversary of firefighter Matthew
Summary:
The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and adopted several congratulatory resolutions, including one honoring Thomas Dayhill on his 100th birthday. The chamber also took up a petition and bill to promote safety of dogs in kennels; after suspending the applicable rules, the matter was referred to the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee. In addition, the Senate advanced a House bill establishing a sick leave bank for a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office employee, ordering it to a third reading after suspending the rules.
The Senate later welcomed the Hingham girls crew team, recognizing them as the 2025 Massachusetts Public School Rowing Association Spring State Champions. The introduction highlighted the team’s season, including early-morning practices, weather-related cancellations, and their championship performance in difficult conditions, and members were invited to congratulate the athletes.
The Committee on Ways and Means reported a fiscal year 2025 supplemental appropriations bill, Senate No. 2529, with direct appropriations of $532,508. The Senate adopted an order setting the bill for second reading on June 18, 2025, with amendments due electronically by June 16, and providing for immediate third reading after amendment. The Senate also adopted a resolution designating August 9 and 10, 2025 as a sales tax holiday, and referred a petition concerning accidental death benefits for the surviving spouse of former Boston firefighter Matthew M. Troy to the Committee on Public Service after suspending Joint Rule 12. The chamber then adopted an order to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m. and adjourned.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Day 42 (3-9-26)
Kentucky Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 41 changes the process of recall petitions, which are very difficult to achieve.
- The primary difference here is instead of having to do a recall petition, the matter has to be put before
- , the matter has to do a recall petition, the matter has to be<00:30:56.120>
put <00:30:56.440> - Next order of business would be motions, petitions, resolutions, communications, and announcements.
- , >> we will turn to motions, petitions, >> we will turn to motions, petitions, resolutions
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- This petition essentially challenges the government's grounds for detention and seeks release for the
- petitioned for a writ of habius corpus. petitioned for a writ of habius corpus.
- This<00:33:40.000>
petition <00:33:40.640>essentially <00:33:41.440>challenges <00 - :33:41.919>
the This petition essentially challenges the This petition essentially challenges - before or after [clears throat] petition before or after a<00:37:14.480>
final <00:37:14.800><
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- If we find that there is a concern, CYFD is taking the 72. and then is petitioning family court.
- So, we have filed petitions on 29 of those infants.
- We have had three unsuccessful court petitions, which ruled that the babies could be returned home.
- Protocols to petition by 72 hours?
- Does not petition in time? Once that's reported, there has to be an investigation.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 03/24/25
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- if the petition is made.
- <01:59:23.920>
Um, petition uh if the petition is made. - Um, petition uh if the petition is made.
- >
made cherry lads, but if the petition is made cherry lads, but if the petition is made and<01 - <02:09:17.440>
for tribal governments to um petitions for tribal governments to um petitions
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Informal House Session 89 Jun 21st, 2026 at 11:00 am
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- branches acting concurrently report recommending that Joint Rule 12 be suspended on the following petitions
- : petition of James K.
- interacting with the public and the performance of their duties, to the Committee on the Judiciary; petition
- Petition of James K.
- Orange Awareness Day, to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight; and the petition
Summary:
The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Wellesley High School girls tennis team, which was recognized for winning its second consecutive Division I state championship. The chamber then adopted several resolutions, including one commending the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance for recognizing October 15, 2025 as Lobular Breast Cancer Awareness Day and another congratulating Topsfield on its 375th anniversary. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 to allow several petitions to be referred, including proposals related to law enforcement masks, a sick leave bank for a Department of Correction employee, Agent Orange Awareness Day, and an orange star license plate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
The House next took up scheduling and advanced several local and private bills. House Bill 667 on school absences, House Bill 4381 regarding the Norwood town moderator term, and House Bill 4565 establishing a sick leave bank for Marie Latendry were ordered to a third reading. House Bills 3914 and 3963, concerning disability retirement for a Randolph police officer and retirement for a former Westfield firefighter, were also advanced to third reading. The chamber then passed House Bill 360, which further regulates on-premises alcohol licenses in Holyoke, to be enacted.
After a moment of silent tribute to Clara Fallon of Fall River, the House continued with third-reading action on several bills, passing Senate Bill 2566 on fisheries commission matters, House Bills 3899, 42010, 4348, and 4514 to be engrossed, and House Bill 4243 on Ipswich’s town manager residency requirement. On House Bill 4243, Representative Walsh offered and the House adopted an amendment striking Section 2 before passing the bill as amended. The House also adopted an order to adjourn and then adjourned to meet Monday at 11 a.m. in an informal session.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary (7-24-25) - reupload
Transcript Highlights:
- Now once that petition is filed, the time starts ticking.
- within 20 days excluding weekends and holidays of the filing of that petition.
- Now once that petition is filed, the time starts ticking.
- Now once that petition is filed, the time starts ticking.
- Now once that petition is filed, the time starts ticking.
Keywords:
This meeting was split into two parts due to a technical issue. This is the complete meeting pulled from backups.
Meeting Start: 00:00:00
Roll Call: 00:00:01
24RS HB198: “Angela’s Law”: 00:01:22
KRS Chapter 202C: 00:11:50
Eminent Domain: 00:54:35, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first approved the June 10, 2025 minutes, then took up House Bill 198, Angela’s Law, sponsored by Representative Samara Heavrin. The bill would add a new aggravating circumstance in death-penalty cases when an offender abuses the corpse of a kidnapping or murder victim by engaging in deviate sexual intercourse, sexual intercourse, or sexual contact. Representative Heavrin and the victim’s parents described the underlying case and argued the current law does not adequately account for postmortem sexual abuse, leaving the offender parole-eligible despite the family’s view that the conduct warranted harsher punishment. Several members expressed sympathy and support, and one member suggested the proposal should be drafted carefully so it would apply broadly enough to cover co-conspirators or multiple offenders. No vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.
The committee then heard an informational presentation on KRS Chapter 202C from Judge Lisa Payne Jones and Shauna Mitchell of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health. They explained that Chapter 202C, enacted in 2021 to close a gap in the civil-commitment statutes, applies to respondents found incompetent to stand trial who are charged with qualifying serious offenses such as capital offenses, certain Class A and Class B felonies causing death or serious injury, rape in the first degree, or sodomy in the first degree. The process begins with a Commonwealth’s petition, followed by a prompt evidentiary hearing, appointment of a guardian ad litem, and then a commitment hearing if the offense is proven.
The presenters outlined the procedural standards and recent statutory changes. At the evidentiary hearing, the Commonwealth must prove the charged offense by a preponderance of the evidence before a judge, with the respondent able to present defenses; if the Commonwealth fails, the respondent must be released. If the case proceeds, the commitment hearing requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt of at least one involuntary-commitment criterion, and the hearing may be before a jury if requested. They noted that a 2024 amendment changed the commitment criteria from requiring all four factors to only one, and added language about recent criminal behavior and prior involuntary hospitalizations under Chapters 202A or 202B. If commitment is ordered, the respondent is placed in a designated forensic psychiatric facility, currently KCPC.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Protection and Victim Services Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- It's still a work in progress, but it's been circulated around the prosecution and defense community.
- But it's been circulated around the prosecution and defense community.
- make sure we, if we... that way if we missed something, and then maybe that draft could also be circulated
Summary:
The committee met to approve prior minutes and then heard a presentation from Dr. Ramona Danielson on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), focusing on the economic and public-system impacts in North Dakota. She explained that ACEs are a population-level measure, not a diagnostic tool for individuals, and said higher ACE exposure is consistently associated with more chronic illness, mental health challenges, child welfare involvement, justice-system contact, and reduced workforce participation. She emphasized that precise dollar estimates are difficult because of the many interacting factors across a person’s life course, but said the direction of the impact is clear and that evidence-based prevention and protective factors can reduce harm. Members asked about definitions of a “healthy family,” same-sex couples, divorce, substance abuse, historical trends in ACEs, and the role of positive childhood experiences and home visiting.
The committee then heard from Allison Mahoney and Missy Barranco about evidence-based home visiting programs in North Dakota, including Healthy Families, Early Head Start, Nurse-Family Partnership, and Parents as Teachers. They described home visiting as voluntary, relationship-based, and tailored to family needs, with referrals coming from hospitals, WIC, human service zones, pregnancy navigators, self-referrals, and other community sources. A parent, Abby, shared that home visiting helped her family after premature births and NICU stays by providing support with postpartum mental health, breastfeeding, developmental screenings, referrals, and parenting guidance. The presenters said the programs are funded through a mix of federal MIECHV/Title IV-E dollars, Medicaid targeted case management, state and tribal funds, philanthropy, charitable gaming, and grants, and they noted that current funding is fragmented and insufficient to serve all eligible families statewide. Members discussed whether the state should expand or better fund these services and how to improve outreach and referrals.
Later, the committee received a memorandum on artificial intelligence and sexual exploitation, followed by a presentation from a BCI special agent on how AI is already affecting child exploitation investigations in North Dakota. The memo and testimony described AI-generated child sexual abuse material, deepfakes, sextortion, and risks posed by chatbots, along with relevant federal and state law and recent executive orders. The agent said North Dakota saw 2,698 cyber tips in 2025, the highest on record, and that investigators are increasingly encountering AI-assisted exploitation that is harder to detect and verify. Members discussed the need for child-safety protections, the limits of executive orders, and broader concerns about AI undermining critical thinking and spreading misinformation. No votes were taken on the AI materials during the portion provided, and the committee recessed briefly after the report.