Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, members of the committee, York and Schleymeyer, on behalf of David Humphreys, who has a private
• Private institutions can have stricter codes, policies, all of that.
• action, or identity to be out of our society.
• Again, it's going back to that private cause of action for declaratory and injunctive relief against
• the opposite sex in that restroom under the definition of this bill as a private cause of action for

Committees: House Emerging Issues , House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Transcript Highlights:

• So the cause of action in this legislation is if the facility provides ambiguous marking on the private
• You're saying that there's a cause of action, right?
• the end, where the cause of action is.
• the end, where the cause of action is.
• Section, starting on line one, again, it's giving a private cause of action, right? Correct. Okay.

Summary: The House first established a quorum, then took up several bills for perfection and printing. House Bill 2297, a fence-law bill, was presented as a way to let livestock owners enter up to 10 feet onto neighboring property to repair fences, remove trees and debris on the fence line, and avoid trespass liability while repairing damage caused by livestock escaping. Supporters said the measure addresses a real rural problem and protects farmers who are already responsible for keeping animals contained; the bill was adopted and perfected and printed after debate over property rights and access concerns. The chamber then considered House Bills 2142 and 2058, a film and television tax incentive measure. Supporters said Missouri’s film credit program has produced strong economic returns, created jobs, and attracted productions, and they argued for combining separate film and TV funding buckets while removing a proposed sunset extension. An amendment to keep the sunset at 2029 was adopted, and the bill was then adopted, perfected, and printed. The House also took up House Bill 3004, a hardwood labeling bill requiring products sold in Missouri to be labeled accurately as wood or non-wood materials; supporters framed it as truth-in-advertising and protection for the state’s timber industry, while one member questioned how the law would apply to online and out-of-state sellers. The bill was adopted and perfected and printed. Next, the House considered House Bills 3283 and 3306, which set a timeline and process for public-sector collective bargaining disputes, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, and defined “good faith” in bargaining. An amendment narrowed the bill so it would not apply to teachers, police, or other excluded public employees under existing law. Supporters said the bill would prevent years-long contract disputes and save taxpayer money, especially for firefighters and other first responders; the substitute was adopted and perfected and printed. Finally, House Bill 2536, a bill on sex-designated restrooms and other private spaces in government-controlled settings, drew extensive debate. The sponsor said it was intended to protect privacy and safety in restrooms, changing rooms, sleeping quarters, schools, airports, correctional facilities, and similar spaces, and an amendment clarified exceptions for corrections officers and other public safety duties. Opponents argued the bill would target transgender people, create enforcement problems, and rely on signage rather than preventing crime; supporters said it was needed to protect women and girls. The amendment was adopted, and debate continued on the bill as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• actions were both but-for cause and proximate cause of the alleged nuisance.
• , limit on recoverable conduct, no damages for future abatement or class actions by private parties.
• actions were both but-for cause and approximate cause of the alleged nuisance.
• Second, it ensures that only true public harm caused by the defendant can be a basis of a claim.
• of guns, saying that that's what caused the public nuisance.

Committees: House Judiciary , House Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• Arianna Montes, on behalf of the Wren Action Group, in support. Thank you all so much.
• is the leading cause of structure fires and wildfires.
• And this is kind of easy. Private property is private property.
• It is the leading cause of death of children in America: firearms.
• to the requirements of good cause within the meaning of Penal Code section 1050.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It does this by allowing a private right of action against the abortion drug industry.
• Liability, the damages, the private right of actions, the QETAM provisions, the six-year statute of limitations
• There's no cause of action. There's no civil or criminal liability, whatever.
• a private right of action.
• trying to enforce through this private right of action.

Bills: SB10 , SB16 , SB6 , SB 6 , SB 10 , SB 16

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• cause of action.
• Under that particular subchapter, under subchapter A of the bill for a private cause of action, I did
• Subchapter A pertains only to a private cause of action.
• This subchapter is only applicable to the private cause of action.
• But for the private cause of action, we can't really anticipate because we're just kind of guessing on

Bills: HB5691 , SB427 , SB2623 , SB2858

Committee: House Intergovernmental Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• And yet, far more action and investment by individuals, by the public. sector, by the private sector,
• In California, a key sign of progress comes from the private sector.
• In both of those instances we're combining. science-based mitigation actions with verification.
• And it would take quite a bit of time for the private market to absorb that risk.
• Talk about climate change being the biggest cause of rising insurance costs.

Committee: Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

Keywords: homeowners insurance, natural disasters, insurance costs, climate change, disaster preparedness, federal policies, bipartisan solutions

Summary: The meeting reviewed critical issues surrounding the rising costs and accessibility of homeowners insurance across the United States, particularly in light of increasing natural disasters linked to climate change. Members engaged in extensive discussions regarding the implications for families and the economy, citing significant increases in premiums and decreasing availability of policies in high-risk areas. Supervisor Peysko highlighted the direct impact of federal policies on local communities, emphasizing the growing burden on homeowners as they face skyrocketing insurance costs amidst a backdrop of environmental challenges and regulatory constraints. The committee expressed a unified call to action for bipartisan solutions, focusing on improving building codes and enhancing disaster preparedness measures.

Transcript Highlights:

• This law would give her a cause of action.
• I am seeing that, but you mentioned cause of action in your presentation.
• to be a tactic that was used by the far left, is that they put private cause of action, and I know that
• Representative Hill, why the approach for a civil cause of action versus a criminal cause of action in
• because of the private right of action.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• to campaigns versus the right of donors to have their name kept private.
• I have constituents whose hair will burst into flames at the mere mention of private prisons, and they
• I have stepped foot on the grounds of each correctional facility, whether they're private or public,
• Most of these private prisons, by the way, have modern facilities.
• My colleagues on the other side have downplayed the seriousness of the state-caused murders that Border

Summary: The Senate met in multiple Committee of the Whole sessions and later took third-reading votes on several measures, with the day dominated by election administration bills, immigration-related bills, public safety measures, and a series of bills affecting transgender youth and health care. The chamber also heard ceremonial remarks recognizing Lutheran Day at the Capitol, introduced the Doctor of the Day, and handled routine appointments, messages, and committee reports. Several bills were retained on the calendar, including SB 1431 and SCR 1005. Among the major policy items, senators debated and advanced SB 1049 on spousal maintenance, SB 1053 on concealed weapons permits, SB 1415 on insurance adjuster license eligibility, SB 1015 on health care actions related to gender transition procedures and provider liability, SB 1095 on gender transition care for minors, and SCR 1006 on school-related sex and privacy requirements. Members opposing the transgender-related bills argued they were discriminatory, harmful to youth, and an intrusion into family and medical decisions; supporters said the measures protected children, parental rights, privacy, and medical judgment. The chamber also considered election and campaign finance measures including SB 1003, SB 1006, SB 1037, SB 1040, SB 1057, SB 1168, SB 1237, SCR 1002, SCR 1010, SCR 1013, and SCR 1014, with debate centering on transparency, ballot procedures, voter registration, and disclosure thresholds. Additional bills addressed immigration enforcement and foreign influence concerns, including SB 1055, SB 1058, SB 1093, SB 1152, SB 1289, and SB 1308. Supporters framed these as public safety, election integrity, or enforcement measures, while opponents warned they would chill reporting to police, harm asylum seekers and immigrants, or expand punitive government power. The Senate adopted Committee of the Whole reports and assigned bills accordingly throughout the day, and several measures later received third-reading passage votes, including SB 1049, SB 1053, SB 1415, SB 1015, and SB 1095, with recorded roll-call outcomes and transmission of passed bills to the House.

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a very private right of action, which, you know, in this case, we're only giving the power to
• the people, as opposed to it being the kind of free-for-all that the private right of action might have
• the people, as opposed to it being the kind of free-for-all that the private right of action might have
• First of all, every time... ...being the kind of free-for-all that the private right of action might
• One of the things I've heard is that the fear is the private right of action.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• is the leading cause of structure fires and wildfires.
• is the leading cause of structure fires and wildfires.
• And this is kind of easy. Private property is private property.
• It is the leading cause of death of children in America: firearms.
• to the requirements of good cause within the meaning of Penal Code Section 1050.

Summary: The Senate Public Safety Committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 647, which would clarify last year’s RV disposal pilot program for Los Angeles and Alameda counties so local agencies can remove abandoned, inoperable RVs more efficiently. Supporters, including a representative for Mayor Karen Bass, said the bill is needed to address public health, fire, sewage, and neighborhood safety hazards. Opponents argued the measure would be used to remove occupied RVs without adequate housing or service referrals and would harm vehicle residents. The committee later approved AB 647 on a do-pass motion to the Appropriations Committee. The committee also considered AB 1656, which would give judges discretion to delay human trafficking cases when the assigned prosecutor has another trial, preliminary hearing, or motion to suppress, with amendments limiting the continuance to one time and no more than 10 days. Supporters said the bill would help preserve vertical prosecution and trauma-informed continuity for survivors; opponents raised speedy-trial and due process concerns. After discussion about balancing victim continuity and constitutional rights, the committee passed AB 1656 as amended to the floor. AB 1917, a bill to require prosecutors to file a motion before reinstating charges dismissed at preliminary hearing, also drew support from public defenders and defense groups and opposition from district attorneys, who argued the bill used the wrong procedural mechanism. The author agreed to explore moving the process into the existing 995 framework, and the committee passed AB 1917 as amended to Appropriations. AB 2636 would require courts to consider possession of a loaded firearm when deciding whether a juvenile qualifies for deferred entry of judgment. Supporters, including probation and police chiefs, said the bill would add accountability for serious gun-related conduct while preserving rehabilitation options; opponents said it would reduce access to effective youth diversion and disproportionately affect Black and brown youth. The committee passed the bill to the floor. AB 1632, which would replace notarization with a penalty-of-perjury statement for 602 trespass authorization letters, was supported by cities and law enforcement as a way to reduce bureaucracy and help address trespass and vacant-property hazards, while opponents warned of abuse and Fourth Amendment concerns. The committee adopted the amendment and passed the bill to the floor. The hearing then moved on to AB 1974, a voluntary firearm safe-storage bill, with the author introducing the measure and witnesses from Pierce’s Pledge expected to testify.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those some of those causes that may, what I'm hearing you say is the state is doing something
• A body of national research suggests that private equity investment in health care generally causes health
• By way of background, state law currently restricts a number of actions related to firearms, including
• By way of background, state law currently restricts a number of actions related to firearms, including
• That is surveillance of Private downloads, private storage cloud—that is surveillance of innocent people

Committee: Senate Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• It exempts, it creates an explicit exemption for causes of action filed before the effective date of
• of covered civil liability starts off by saying 'covered civil liability action for climate change,'
• of action for the case relates to climate change.
• of action because you broke the... ...permits, state permits, federal permits, they all still have a
• cause of action because you broke the permit.

Bills: SB480 , HB621 , HB637 , HB804 , HB841 , HB1056

Committee: Senate Natural Resources

Summary: The Senate Committee on Natural Resources met on May 14 and approved the April 29 minutes. The committee first heard HB 1056, which authorizes transfer of certain state property in Natchitoches Parish tied to a former school building now considered dilapidated and a nuisance; it was reported favorably. HB 841, described as a landman code of conduct bill and expropriation-related measure, was voluntarily deferred so the sponsor could work on additional changes over the interim. The committee then took up HB 804, the Louisiana Energy Protection Act, which would bar future lawsuits seeking climate-change damages against fossil fuel companies and other entities. Supporters said it would prevent speculative climate litigation while preserving legitimate claims for permit violations and other existing statutory causes of action. Opponents from coastal litigation and the Sierra Club argued the bill was drafted too broadly and could affect legacy cases, property rights, and regulatory enforcement; the committee adopted Amendment 3875 to grandfather existing filed cases and make the bill effective upon gubernatorial signature, then reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure and updating the state’s waste framework for modern energy components, was reported favorably. HB 637, which revises oil field site restoration fees and lowers rates for marginal, stripper, low-pressure, and incapable wells, was also reported favorably. Finally, SB 480, as amended, allowed boats to anchor in Oyster Bayou so long as they are not within an oyster lease and someone remains on board; the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And there, I think, again, it's important to emphasize that the private cause of action is basically
• Why put the private right of action in the bill itself? Yeah, Mr.
• So the private cause of action there is in keeping with how we've handled premises liability for literally
• But there's nothing special about meeting that burden of proof under this private cause of action.
• But there's nothing special about meeting that burden of proof under this private cause of action.

Committee: House State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• day laborers have, including the private right of action.
• waive your rights to any other cause of action.
• Creation of the litigation will also, or— Creation of this cause of action will also cause an increased
• cause of action.
• They don't like to put parents in jail. other cause of action.

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee heard and voted on four bills. HB 587 on self-storage spaces would let rental agreements include an alternate contact person and allow default notices to be published online instead of only in newspapers, while keeping existing notice timelines and servicemember protections. Newspaper and press witnesses opposed the online-notice change, arguing it could reduce public reach and transparency, especially in rural areas; the sponsor said newspapers could still be used and the bill was only adding another option. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to October 1, 2025, and then reported the bill favorably 12-2. HB 6033 would repeal the Florida Labor Pool Act. The sponsor argued the act duplicates other state and federal protections, while opponents said it contains unique safeguards for day laborers, including limits on fees, transportation charges, and deductions, and a private right of action. Testimony from labor advocates and workers warned repeal would reduce protections for vulnerable workers; the sponsor and supporters said other laws already cover the issues. The committee reported the bill favorably 11-3. HB 897, dealing with timeshare plan management, was presented as a clarification of conflicts created by recent condominium legislation and would require faster records responses, more disclosure of contracts, and clearer remedies for mismanagement. Support came from industry groups, and the bill passed unanimously, 14-0. The final measure, PCS for HB 1385, created a civil remedy for parental abduction or unlawful withholding of a child in violation of a timesharing order. Family law attorneys opposed it over concerns about added litigation, child involvement, and overlap with existing remedies, while the sponsors and supporters said it would provide needed deterrence and compensation in serious cases. The committee adopted the PCS and reported it favorably 13-0.

Transcript Highlights:

• One of those causes that may—what I'm hearing you say is the state is doing something that's causing
• A body of national research suggests that private equity investment in health care generally causes health
• In that, private equity acquisitions are of particular concern.
• By way of background, state law currently restricts a number of actions related to firearms, including
• That is surveillance of Private downloads, private storage cloud — that is surveillance of innocent people

Summary: The committee first waived the five-day notice rule for five House bills, then held public hearings on several measures. On Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2548, the committee heard staff and sponsor testimony on expanding health care merger notice requirements to the Attorney General, adding transactions involving majority ownership/control and asset sales, requiring public posting of notices, pausing closings until information requests are substantially complied with, and adding filing fees. Supporters, including the sponsor, the Attorney General’s Office, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, nurses, and patient advocates, said the bill would improve transparency and oversight of consolidation and private equity in health care; the Washington State Medical Association and Washington State Hospital Association were neutral after compromise language, though the hospital association raised concern about the added fees. The hearing closed with many people signed in pro and con but not testifying. The committee then heard Second Substitute House Bill 2333, which would allow candidates and elected officials to use campaign or surplus funds to reimburse personal security expenses related to threats tied to their public roles. The sponsor and several prosecutors described personal threats and argued the bill is needed to protect public servants, while public disclosure officials said current PDC processes and the state Address Confidentiality Program already provide some protections and cautioned against over-codifying agency discretion. Some testimony urged restoring earlier address-protection provisions, while county auditors said the revised bill removed operationally unworkable redaction language and was acceptable as amended. The bill had broad signed-in support and opposition, but no vote was taken. For Engrossed House Bill 1574, staff explained the bill would expand Good Samaritan-style protections for people seeking overdose help, bar arrest or conviction for possession in those circumstances, limit related penalties and forfeiture, and allow hospitals and other health facilities to distribute public health supplies without committing paraphernalia infractions. Supporters said it would save lives and improve access to drug checking and harm reduction services, while prosecutors and law enforcement groups said the bill was too broad, especially regarding arrest limits, protection-order violations, probation/parole, warrants, and civil forfeiture. The sponsor said the bill was intended to keep people alive and encourage calls for help. The committee also heard Engrossed House Bill 2156, which would let Attorney General investigators be designated limited authority peace officers to electronically serve search warrants in economic and financial crime cases; the AGO and retailers supported it as a tool against organized retail theft and wage theft, while sheriffs and police chiefs opposed it and urged added guardrails and deconfliction with local law enforcement. Finally, on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2320, the committee heard a bill to regulate 3D-printed and digitally manufactured firearms and digital firearm manufacturing code. The sponsor and supporters, including students, pediatricians, and a gun-violence survivor’s family member, said it was needed to address untraceable ghost guns and keep pace with technology, while opponents argued the bill was overbroad, raised constitutional concerns, and targeted files and speech rather than criminal conduct. No votes were taken in the hearing excerpts provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• the people, as opposed to it being the kind of free-for-all that the private right of action might have
• It was a very private right of action, which, you know, he in this case, you know, something similar
• last year, it was a very private right of action, which, you know, in this case, you know, we're only
• the people, as opposed to it being the kind of free for all that the private right of action might have
• One of the things I've heard is that the fear is the private right of action.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with testimony largely focused on child safety, immigrant community transparency, agricultural land security, consumer protection, estate transfers, detention commissary pricing, and public works wage enforcement. SB 1234 would require fentanyl to be included in drug tests ordered by juvenile courts for parents or guardians in dependency cases; the author said it was a narrow child-safety measure, and there was no opposition. SB 1257 would require the Attorney General to publish annual reports on immigration enforcement incidents at designated safe locations; supporters said it would improve accountability and document fear in immigrant communities, while questions centered on how the data would be collected and concerns were raised about sanctuary policies. SB 1176 would bar foreign adversary entities from buying or controlling California agricultural land; supporters framed it as a national security measure, while committee members pressed the author on enforcement, who would verify buyers, and possible discriminatory application. The bill was moved on a 2-4 vote and placed on call after the author said he would work on clarifying responsibility and nondiscrimination concerns. The committee also heard SB 1146, which would require clear disclosure when AI-generated or altered images, audio, or video are used in health-related advertisements depicting health care providers. The California Medical Association and California Dental Association supported the bill, saying it would curb deceptive deepfake ads and protect consumers; it passed unanimously, 7-0. SB 988 would restrict assignment of benefits in auto glass claims, require claim numbers and itemized estimates, and update repair disclosure rules to curb overbilling and steering; supporters said it would protect consumers and stabilize insurance costs, while independent glass shop concerns about steering and market concentration were discussed. The bill passed 7-0, with one member abstaining because of a conflict. SB 1288, presented on behalf of Senator Laird, would require financial institutions to make good-faith efforts to notify beneficiaries of non-probate assets and would simplify access requirements, especially for nonprofits. Supporters described long delays and burdensome account-opening requirements; SIFMA and the California Bankers Association opposed the bill unless amended, citing conflicts with federal and industry obligations and concerns about retroactive burdens. The bill passed 8-0. SB 941 would cap commissary markups in private immigration detention facilities at 35% above vendor cost; supporters said detainees often pay excessive prices for basic necessities, and the bill passed 8-0. Finally, SB 909 would raise and index public works contractor fees and penalties and dedicate more penalty revenue to enforcement; labor supporters said stronger funding is needed to address wage theft and backlogs, while contractors warned of uncapped costs and reduced transparency. The discussion continued with questions about enforcement and whether stronger penalties or license restrictions would better deter repeat violators.

Transcript Highlights:

• If the committee determines that there has been an action that threatens the integrity of the House,
• a determination of any action at all before it's going to be sent to the floor.
• a determination of any action at all before it's going to be sent to the floor.
• Counsel would not be of any benefit to try and argue that the actions of the accused were ethical or
• , which I think, as you know as an attorney, is a little bit of a misuse of the term probable cause.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there a private cause of action anywhere in the bill that gives individuals the right to sue an AI
• Private cause of action is expressly stated in the bill.
• action limited only in certain circumstances, or... ...is the private cause of action limited only in
• certain circumstances, or can a private cause of action be brought forward for any violation of the
• cause of action will be allowed.

Bills: S0214 , S0482 , S7030 , S0554 , S0994 , S0998 , S1004 , S1074 , S1076 , S1266

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The Committee on Commerce and Tourism heard and advanced several bills focused on economic development, consumer protection, workforce issues, and technology. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million beginning with the 2027 allocation, and it was reported favorably. SB 1266, as amended, creates a cybersecurity experiential internship and clearance-readiness program with Cyber Florida and was also reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was approved without opposition. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive sales practices and predatory financing at retail pet stores, received supportive testimony from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, also passed favorably. The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package, which combines updates to the Small Cities CDBG program, clarification of rural community eligibility, an exemption from a reverter clause for military-related land conveyances, and revisions to E-Verify enforcement. The E-Verify portion drew the most debate, with questions about employer cure periods, treatment of current investigations, and whether the bill creates a loophole for independent contractors. Senator Smith opposed the bill, arguing it creates unequal enforcement between employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably on a divided vote. SB 214, which expands the rural community definition to include special districts in rural counties, was reported favorably. The committee then took up SB 482, an artificial intelligence consumer-protection bill that creates an “AI bill of rights” covering companion chatbots, parental controls for minors, data privacy, de-identified data, unauthorized use of likeness, and enforcement by the Attorney General, with a limited private cause of action for minors. The bill drew extensive testimony both in support and in opposition, including concerns about privacy, age verification, and enforcement, but it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee approved SPB 7030, a public-records exemption tied to Department of Legal Affairs investigations under the AI bill, and adjourned after members requested to be recorded on certain votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The private right of action is stricken, but beginning on page six of the sub down through page 21, on
• So whether this bill has a private right of action or not, there is a private right of action in federal
• The only thing he does not like in this bill is that they remove that private cause of action from the
• The only thing he does not like in this bill is that they remove that private cause of action from the
• The only thing he does not like in this bill is that they remove that private cause of action from the

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Postsecondary Education met to consider House Bill 4, relating to postsecondary education. Before taking up the bill, the committee adopted a committee substitute. The substitute removed language creating a private right of action and immunity provisions, added a definition of “indoctrinate,” revised language tied to the Attorney General, and added a new section directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to review compliance every four years. If an institution is found out of compliance, it would have 180 days to cure the issue or become ineligible for formula funding increases in the following fiscal year, with an opportunity to petition the Attorney General. The substitute also added language barring licensing authorities from requiring diversity, equity, and inclusion training as a condition of initial or renewal licensure. Representative Decker presented the bill as an effort to end what she described as unconstitutional DEI practices in Kentucky’s postsecondary system and to refocus colleges on academic instruction, equal opportunity, and affordability. She argued that DEI offices and initiatives have cost taxpayers heavily and have not improved enrollment outcomes for low-income and underrepresented students. Michael Frasier, testifying in support, framed the bill as an equal-protection measure rather than simply an anti-DEI bill, saying it targets preferential treatment and discrimination while exempting traditional civil-rights compliance offices such as Title IX, disability, and other anti-discrimination functions. He also argued that the bill aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent and that Kentucky should shift toward socioeconomic-based approaches. Several members raised concerns about the bill’s assumptions and effects. Representative Willner questioned the claim that DEI initiatives caused enrollment declines and asked why the state would not make such programs more inclusive instead of eliminating them. Representative Stalker argued that the bill ignored decades of exclusion in higher education and asked what would replace DEI efforts aimed at closing achievement gaps and preventing brain drain. Supporters responded that the bill addresses unconstitutional preferences and that the state should move toward equal treatment and socioeconomic factors rather than race-based criteria. After discussion, the committee substitute was adopted, and the committee continued consideration of House Bill 4.