Transcript Highlights:

• It has reduced wages for our crews and has forced us to cut costs.
• They provide 400 direct family-wage skilled jobs in a region where diversification doesn't come easily
• Again, I'm characterizing what I've heard from the prevailing side of the commission.
• What I've heard from the prevailing side of the commission is that that was an abundance of caution.

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 886 by Rep. Orgeron, which would make seasonal catch totals and related reporting for the commercial menhaden fishery publicly available by carving out an exception to confidentiality rules. The author said the bill was intended to align with the original intent of prior reporting legislation and to ensure the public can see how much menhaden is being taken from Louisiana waters. Supporters, including Louisiana Wildlife Federation, CCA, charter captains, and recreational anglers, argued the fishery uses a public resource and that transparency is needed for policymaking. Opponents said they did not object to transparency in principle, but one speaker asked that size-sampling data be removed, arguing it has no scientific value and is already handled through NOAA and Gulf States Marine Fisheries Council processes. The committee reported HB 886 favorably without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 855, also by Rep. Orgeron, which would establish a 22-foot depth requirement for the commercial use of purse seines in the menhaden fishery. The author said the bill was based on a state-funded bycatch study showing red drum bycatch rises sharply in shallow water and that the current quarter-mile buffer is insufficient, especially in nearshore areas where recreational fishing and sensitive habitats are concentrated. Supporters emphasized the public trust nature of menhaden, the economic value of recreational fishing, and concerns about bycatch, beach fouling, and localized depletion. Several speakers cited the bycatch study, public comments opposing the recent reduction from a half-mile to a quarter-mile buffer, and the belief that deeper-water fishing would reduce impacts on redfish and other species. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries staff and the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Scott Rayburn, answered questions about the current buffer rules, enforcement, and the science behind the 22-foot threshold. They explained that the recent reduction to a quarter-mile buffer came from a commission directive and that the department had investigated complaints but found no violations. Dr. Rayburn said the 22-foot figure came from modeling red drum bycatch as a function of depth and that the study focused on red drum because of its economic and social importance, while not analyzing every species in the same way. Opponents of the bill, including West Bank Fishing and Ocean Harvesters representatives, said the rule of three is a standard confidentiality concept, argued the bill should not be framed as anti-transparency, and urged removal of the size-sampling provisions. The committee heard extensive testimony but no final action on HB 855 was recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• requiring local governments provide at least a 20% reduction, provides for priority docketing and prevailing
• suit is brought against the municipality or the governmental entity, if the people bringing the suit prevail
• Experts estimate Marcus's future care costs at about $6 million to $10 million, with lifelong wage loss
• of $365,000. $6 million to $10 million, with lifelong wage loss of $365,000 to $575,000.

Summary: The committee considered a long agenda of bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations, amendments, and roll calls. Early bills included SB 658 on lien waivers/releases, SB 736 on Brownfields redevelopment, SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, and SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Each was amended or discussed as needed and then approved by the committee. The committee also advanced SB 768 on foreign control interests in health care licensing, SB 772 on school diabetes management and access to glucagon, SB 1400 on removal of altered sexual depictions posted without consent, SB 1696 on prearranged transportation services, and SB 1374 on school district reporting requirements for educator arrests and misconduct. Several bills drew notable public testimony and debate. SB 1132 prompted strong support from the sponsor and agriculture interests, but opposition from equipment dealers, technology groups, and wireless industry representatives who argued the market already provides repair options and that the bill could harm dealer networks and security. SB 1730, the Live Local/affordable housing bill, received extensive discussion about parking reductions, height and density preemption, attorney’s fees, local government authority, and impacts on Monroe County and other areas; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill favorably despite concerns from some members and advocates about parking, due process, and local control. SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments also generated significant debate, with opponents warning it could displace long-term guests and vulnerable families, while the sponsor said it clarifies transient occupancy and removes ambiguity in the removal process; the bill passed after the committee rejected a related amendment. Other measures advanced with less controversy. SB 576 updated service-of-process rules, and SB 1164 authorized email delivery of landlord-tenant notices if the parties agree in writing, though tenant advocates urged clearer safeguards and the sponsor said he was not yet committed to the House version. SB 940 prohibited the resale of restaurant reservations without consent and was supported by restaurant interests. SB 1690, allowing infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, drew emotional support from several witnesses who said it would provide anonymous, life-saving alternatives for mothers in crisis; the committee continued discussion into the latter part of the meeting. Throughout, the committee adopted several amendments, heard both support and opposition from industry, advocacy, and local-government witnesses, and reported the discussed bills favorably by recorded vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• requiring local governments to provide at least a 20% reduction, provides for priority docketing and prevailing
• suit is brought against the municipality or the governmental entity, if the people bringing the suit prevail
• Experts estimate Marcus's future care costs at about $6 million to $10 million, with lifelong wage loss
• of $365,000. $6 million to $10 million, with lifelong wage loss of $365,000 to $575,000.

Summary: The Rules Committee took up a large agenda of bills, with many measures reported favorably after brief explanations, amendments, and testimony. Early bills included CS/SB 658 on lien waivers and releases, which was amended to preserve enforceability despite form differences and then passed; CS/CS/SB 736 on brownfields redevelopment, which drew support from business and redevelopment interests and passed; and CS/SB 1002 on utility service restrictions, which was amended to bar certain building or fire code provisions affecting fuel-source choices and then passed despite opposition from environmental advocates. The committee also advanced CS/CS/SB 1132 on right-to-repair for certain equipment, where manufacturers, dealer representatives, and industry groups warned the bill could undermine dealer networks and existing repair programs, while supporters argued it would improve consumer access and help farmers and equipment owners. The bill still passed. Other measures reported favorably included CS/SB 1378 on restitution for leaving the scene of property-damage crashes, CS/CS/SB 768 on foreign-country controlling interests in health care licensing, CS/SB 772 on school access to glucagon for diabetes emergencies, CS/SB 1400 on removal of nonconsensual altered sexual depictions, and CS/SB 1696 on transportation network company impersonation and transit funding. A major portion of the meeting focused on affordable housing. CS/SB 1730, a follow-up to the Live Local Act, made several changes to zoning, height, density, parking, moratorium, and enforcement provisions, with members raising concerns about parking reductions, attorney’s fees, local control, and impacts in the Keys and other sensitive areas. Supporters said the bill closes loopholes and improves workforce housing implementation, while some witnesses urged additional exemptions for areas of critical state concern. The bill was reported favorably after amendment. Later, the committee considered several bills from Senator Leak, including CS/SB 576 on service of process, CS/SB 606 on public lodging and food service establishments, and CS/SB 1164 on electronic delivery of landlord-tenant notices. CS/SB 606 drew substantial debate over whether hotels and extended-stay properties should be able to remove nonpaying guests without treating them like residential tenants; the sponsor said the bill clarifies transient occupancy and removes mandatory arrest provisions, and it passed. CS/SB 1164, which allows email notice delivery by agreement, passed despite concerns from tenant advocates that the bill should include clearer consent and safeguards. The committee also approved CS/SB 1374 on school district reporting of educator arrests and misconduct, CS/SB 940 on third-party restaurant reservation sales, and began hearing CS/SB 1690 on surrendered infants, which would authorize infant safety devices or “baby boxes” as a legal surrender option, with supportive testimony from proponents describing crisis situations and the need for anonymous surrender options.

Transcript Highlights:

• Provides for priority docketing and prevailing attorney's fees in lawsuits brought under the Live Local
• Protection Area from Live Local Act development, revises the attorney fee provision to favor the prevailing
• Fund our public schools, pay teachers a living wage. Our kids and teachers deserve better.
• Fund our public schools, pay teachers a living wage. Our kids and teachers deserve better.

Summary: The committee heard and acted on a long agenda of local, housing, education, construction, and claims bills. It first took up SB 1730 on affordable housing/Live Local changes, adopting an amendment that narrowed and clarified several provisions, including density, height, parking, attorney fees, and exclusions for certain protected areas, then reported the bill favorably. It also approved SB 1674, which clarifies that local investment restrictions cannot block Israel bonds, after a clarifying amendment. SB 140 on charter schools was reported favorably after significant debate over school conversion, teacher contracts, local control, and the use of surplus school property for housing or other public purposes; several speakers opposed it as harmful to public schools, while the sponsor said it preserved district authority and added options for municipalities and job creation. The committee also passed SB 96 and SB 4, two local claims bills, and SB 1714, which allows SHIP funds to help mobile home owners with lot rent and requires local housing plans to address mobile home park closures.

Transcript Highlights:

• He noted that in the 30 claims he presented at $63,000, some claims involved lost time or lost wages
• ,</c><00:15:28.360><c> which</c> have had lost time or lost wages, which have had lost time or lost wages
• No<02:09:47.840><c> loss</c><02:09:48.080><c> wages.
• That is basically we say maybe a wage.
• for that job, too, just for wage for that job, too, just for complete<02:10:34.920><c> transparency.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , and we don't want that stipend or small wage to make them disqualified for SNAP and WIC and existing
• they are sometimes paid a stipend or a they are sometimes paid a stipend or a small<00:54:23.120><c> wage
• </c> small wage small wage and<00:54:24.720><c> we</c><00:54:24.800><c> don't</c><00:54:25.120><c> want
• <00:54:27.480><c> to</c> wage to wage to make<00:54:29.840><c> them</c><00:54:30.240><c> disqualified
• The motion prevails, and your bill is on its way, Senator Port.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. Clerk is now received reports.
• We're looking for student success, post-graduation success, employment in a high-wage job, employment
• We're looking for student success, post-graduation success, employment in a high-wage job, employment
• And sooner and in fields where jobs are available and paying high wages.
• This is going to require that wages.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion prevails. That amendment's adopted.
• Motion Motion prevails. That &gt;&gt; Opposed? Motion Motion prevails.
• Motion<01:23:38.440><c> prevails.
• Motion<01:31:48.760><c> prevails.</c> Motion prevails. Motion prevails.
• c> amendment</c><02:23:04.480><c> is</c> Motion prevails and the amendment is Motion prevails and the

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There being 67 yeas and 67 nays, the motion does not prevail. The amendment is not adopted.
• </c> There being 66 nays and 67 nays, the motion does not prevail. The amendment is not adopted.
• There being 67 nays, the motion does not prevail. The amendment is not adopted.
• Of the less than 1% of all wages in the state of Minnesota had a chance to opt in.
• A job creator that decided to offer a way for other people to have sustainable and living wages.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. The amendment is adopted.
• The motion prevails. &gt;&gt; Any oppose say nay. The motion prevails.
• The amendment motion does not prevail.
• Hearing no objection, the motions prevail. Hearing no objection, the motions prevail.
• Motion prevails.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• we estimate gas price impacts, and we've heard a few of them out here, you know, when we use the prevailing
• And then how many credits do you have to buy at the prevailing market price, and sort of plug those numbers
• These are high-paying family wage jobs. Very important.
• you've got people who are employed there, but they're going out into the community, they're using their wages
• That is having an induced effect. ...community, they're using their wages, that is having an induced

Summary: The hearing was a select committee discussion on the transportation costs and impacts of California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), with opening remarks from the co-chairs and members emphasizing affordability, climate goals, and the need to explain the program’s benefits to the public. The first panel from CARB and the California Energy Commission described how LCFS works as a market-based, declining carbon-intensity program that rewards lower-carbon fuels, supports zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and is intended to reduce greenhouse gases and local air pollution. They argued the program has driven billions in private investment, increased alternative fuel use, and that LCFS credit prices are not the main driver of retail gasoline prices, which they said are dominated by crude oil, refining, and distribution costs. Members questioned the panel on the gap between the regulatory target and actual carbon-intensity performance, the role of credit banking, which fuels are generating the most credits, how the 2025 amendments affected the program, and whether LCFS credits are truly additional. CARB explained that banking helps cost-effectiveness and investment certainty, that ethanol, renewable diesel, and biodiesel currently provide the largest volumes while electricity is expected to grow, and that the updated targets were informed by the state’s 2045 carbon-neutrality goals and the 2030 scoping plan. The Energy Commission said its data show environmental programs add some cost to gasoline but do not drive price volatility, which is mainly tied to crude oil and refinery margins. The second panel, featuring academic and research experts, focused on program design, out-of-state credit generation, and broader economic effects. Speakers said LCFS is successful because it ties incentives to emissions benefit, uses life-cycle analysis, and allows flexible compliance that lowers costs compared with more direct regulation. They also said the program’s benefits generally outweigh costs, that it can reduce air pollution disparities and support equity, but that some issues—especially indirect land use change, additionality, and older program assumptions—need more research and may warrant future rulemaking. One researcher noted that while LCFS likely raises gasoline prices somewhat, the effect is uncertain by design and usually smaller than normal market fluctuations, and another warned that limiting credit generation too narrowly could create legal and efficiency problems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion<02:01:30.120><c> prevails.</c> Motion prevails. Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails. say I. Opposed, nay. Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails. prevails. prevails.
• Motion prevails. Thank you, Opposed? Motion prevails.
• Motion<03:46:22.720><c> prevails.</c> Motion prevails. Motion prevails. All<03:46:25.080><c> right.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• for those who use defamation suits as weapons, including treble damages and attorney’s fees for prevailing
• We've got people that are actively treating that sometimes the PIP wage loss part of that program may

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on bills in the Civil Actions 2 and Court Administration areas, with testimony spanning judicial security, judicial compensation, civil process fees, bar advocate compensation, interstate discovery, defamation protections for sexual assault survivors, and related criminal procedure changes. Chairs Edwards and Day opened with housekeeping rules on testimony limits and written submissions, then called witnesses on each bill in turn. On H. 1766, judicial officers and the Massachusetts Bar Association strongly supported a judicial security bill that would protect judges’ personal information, citing threats, online harassment, swatting, and violence against judges and their families. On H. 1819, judges and the Massachusetts Judges Conference asked for higher compensation, saying Massachusetts judges rank low nationally after cost-of-living adjustment and that pay affects recruitment and retention. The committee also heard support for H. 1582/S. 1183 to raise civil process service fees, with sheriffs saying the fees have been unchanged since 2003 and are needed to cover rising costs, safety equipment, and operations funded by those fees. The committee heard from prosecutors on H. 1604 and H. 1846, which would give district courts concurrent jurisdiction over certain school-threat and leaving-the-scene offenses, allowing prosecutors to handle less serious or panic-driven cases more efficiently while preserving mandatory penalties. CPCS and bar advocates supported H. 1876 on bar advocate compensation, describing a continuing shortage and crisis in indigent defense despite recent pay increases and staffing investments. The Boston Bar Association supported H. 1857, a Massachusetts version of the Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, saying it would simplify out-of-state discovery and reduce cost and delay. A large portion of the hearing focused on H. 1974/S. 1143, which would protect survivors of sexual assault and harassment from retaliatory defamation suits unless the plaintiff proves actual malice, and would allow fee shifting and damages against abusive suits. Survivors, advocates, and attorneys described threats, legal costs, and chilling effects that silence reporting, while supporters said the bill would protect truthful speech and improve access to counsel. The committee also heard insurance-industry testimony on S. 1101, which would change personal injury protection payment rules to require insurers to tender disputed amounts within 30 days to avoid attorney’s fees; insurers said the bill would curb a growing volume of provider lawsuits and reduce abuse of the no-fault system. No votes were taken during the hearing, and the chair closed after all scheduled testimony was complete.

Transcript Highlights:

• Motion<00:53:42.079><c> prevails.
• Motion prevails. prevails. prevails.
• Motion prevails. opposed. No. Motion prevails.
• Motion prevails. All right. Thank you, Miss Low.
• Motion prevails. Amendment is adopted.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• life who's genuine and just genuinely wants the best for you, that's when a youth or individual will prevail
• But that's when the rehabilitation will start to help these youth elevate, prevail, and grow.
• One in every three residents in Los Angeles County make under $50,000 and pay more than 75% of that wage

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on the Status of Boys and Men of Color held its first meeting of the session at the Youth Justice Coalition’s former courthouse space in Los Angeles, after members spent the morning visiting Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Chair Isaac Bryan framed the hearing around hope and healing, youth justice reimagined, youth perspectives, and multisector supports for boys and men of color. Several members, including Assembly Members Mike Fong, Mia Bonta, and Jasmeet Bains, emphasized the need to repair harms from mass incarceration, reverse underinvestment, and expand education, apprenticeship, and community-based opportunities. The first panel featured advocates from the Young Women’s Freedom Center, Students Deserve, the Social Justice Learning Institute, the California Youth Justice Project, and the Youth Justice Coalition. They argued that probation and incarceration are harmful, costly, and ineffective, and pointed to alternatives such as the Liberation Fund, Beloved Village, the Department of Youth Development, Measure J-funded community programs, and the Black Student Achievement Plan. Speakers described successful efforts to divert money from policing to restorative justice, counseling, mentorship, ethnic studies, and other supports, while warning that these gains are under attack or slow-walked by county systems. Committee members asked for concrete examples of cost-effective alternatives and implementation models that could be replicated statewide. The second panel was made up entirely of youth and young adults with lived experience. They described how Hoops for Justice, the Young Women’s Freedom Center, and the Youth Justice Coalition provided safety, mentorship, sponsorship, counseling, internships, education, and leadership opportunities that probation did not. Testimony focused on the need for youth-centered spaces, long-term jobs, mental health care, family support, and staff who understand lived experience. Speakers also criticized probation’s training and conditions in juvenile facilities, and several said the state should invest more in community-based organizations and put youth in leadership roles. Committee members responded that the testimony underscored the need to divest from probation and elevate youth voices in policymaking. The hearing then moved toward a third panel on supporting boys and men of color across sectors.

Transcript Highlights:

• These incidents can result in physical injury, trauma, loss of wages Long-term impacts, specifically
• Because again, I've litigated this thing linked up to the appellate courts And ultimately prevailed on
• The do pass motion prevails. Senator Duhigg, to explain, and then I'll explain. Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The motion prevails. The minutes are approved.
• We have tremendous workforce challenges: salary increases, minimum wage, paid leaves, shift differential
• <c> a</c><00:18:58.520><c> uh</c><00:18:59.000><c> you</c><00:18:59.120><c> know</c> a $20 minimum wage
• is a uh you know a $20 minimum wage is a uh you know pretty<00:18:59.720><c> pretty</c><00:18:59.919
• The motion prevails, and the A1 amendment is adopted. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Those opposed, the motion prevails, and the bill is on its way. Thank you, Representative Craft.
• Minnesota hardworking low-wage workers are trying to find housing.
• biggest gaps are where the market doesn't deliver, and that's affordability, especially for the low-wage
• Minnesota hardworking low-wage workers are trying to find housing.
• The motion prevails. The motion prevails. That concludes our business for the day, members.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• But their rules can't, if they conflict with the statute, the statute prevails, correct?
• I prevail on antitrust and the recall immunity. The judge says bar lost.
• Long story short, we did prevail.
• Each time the deck felt stacked against us, but eventually the law prevailed.
• There being 10 ayes and zero nays, the motion prevails. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Bills: HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387

Keywords: constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee

Summary: The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending. House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending. House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending. Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill would also preserve all applicable prevailing wage and labor standards, such as public works
• grow, there is a risk that some contractors could exploit gaps in procurement authority to undercut wages

Keywords: 988, house, all