Transcript Highlights:

• there are lots of Republican bills that would address the affordability crisis that Democrats are refusing
• yet based on activities. ...that have occurred that, you know, probably haven't even been filed yet
• my small hospitals who are struggling to exist, when self-pay folks don't pay, they either have to file
• this up to private rights of action and allowing every lawyer with an ad on a bus or a billboard to file
• Unfortunately, Democratic leadership and committee chairs are sitting on that bill and refusing to move

Summary: Republican legislative leaders used the availability to focus on affordability, budget pressures, and opposition to several Democratic tax proposals. They criticized a circulating draft income tax proposal as a de facto small-business tax, arguing it would hurt LLCs, S corporations, housing investment, and the broader economy. They also attacked a proposed tire fee, a possible cigarette tax increase, and other tax ideas as regressive or hidden from consumers, while saying Republicans would not support any tax increases and urging budget cuts and spending restraint instead. The leaders said they planned to raise these concerns in an upcoming meeting with Governor Ferguson, along with questions about his budget and how he reconciles prior opposition to a wealth tax with support for an income tax. They also discussed a bill to make it harder to qualify initiatives for the legislature, calling it anti-democratic, and said the majority was ignoring or undermining voter-driven policy efforts. On child welfare, they criticized DCYF oversight and supported stronger accountability, including a bill to fix the state’s “imminent harm” standard and another proposal to stop the state from collecting certain federal disability and survivor benefits from foster youth. Other topics included tort liability reform, where Republicans said the state’s repeated failures in child welfare and juvenile rehabilitation are the underlying problem, not just the cost of claims, though they were open to limited reforms such as disclosure of litigation financing. They also discussed the 340B drug pricing program, saying it is complicated and could affect hospitals, FQHCs, patients, and pharmaceutical innovation. On public safety and technology, they expressed cautious support for bills regulating kids’ social media and AI use, but stressed First Amendment concerns and the need to avoid private rights of action; they were more skeptical of a bill limiting police retention of automatic license plate reader data, saying law enforcement needs effective tools to solve crimes. No votes were taken, and the event ended with Republicans reiterating that affordability was their top priority.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rogers for filing the bill and for bringing you on. And again, thank you for your testimony.
• As you've heard, some people refuse genetic testing, fearing that it will impact their ability to get
• As you've heard, some people refuse genetic testing, fearing that it will impact their ability to get

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rogers for filing the bill and for bringing you on. And again, thank you for your testimony.
• As you've heard, some people refuse genetic testing, fearing that it will impact their ability to get
• As you've heard, some people refuse genetic testing, fearing that it will impact their ability to get

Bills: H5112, S2921, H4914

Keywords: genetic discrimination, genetic testing, genetic information, DNA, hereditary risk, insurance underwriting, life insurance, health insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, medical privacy, consumer protection, anti-discrimination, insurer regulation, Commissioner of Insurance, chapter 176D, underwriting, hereditary disease, genomics, travel insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• We have file item number six, SB 1267 by Senator Allen, and file item number nine, SB 880 by Senator
• File item number four was formally on consent but is no longer on consent, and that's file item number
• So, file item number 4, SB 1364.
• File item number one, SB 1088. This needs a motion. File item number one, SB 1088.
• File item number two, SB 1242, chair voting aye. File item number two, SB 1242, chair voting aye.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee heard several bills focused on health care planning, mental health court participation, homeowners association governance, groundwater enforcement, pet-policy disclosure in rentals, and post-disaster property speculation. SB 1088 would update California’s POLST and DNR laws by renaming POLST to Portable Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment, allowing electronic signatures, clarifying who may sign on a patient’s behalf, and making clear that these forms are voluntary; it drew support from the Coalition for Compassionate Care and no opposition. SB 1242 would let original family petitioners participate in CARE Court for care coordination and information-sharing, while preserving judicial discretion to exclude them if harmful; supporters said it would improve treatment coordination, while Disability Rights California opposed it as coercive and a removal of patient consent. The committee advanced SB 1242 on a 7-0 vote, with the bill placed on call. The committee also considered SB 1007, which would require more HOA budget transparency, disclosure of evidence for violations, and a lower cap on regular assessment increases without a homeowner vote. Supporters argued it would improve accountability and protect homeowners from steep fee hikes, while HOA industry groups warned it could undermine funding for insurance, maintenance, and other operating costs. Members raised concerns about the cap and the need for flexibility for large expenses; the bill passed 6-1 and was placed on call. SB 1364, as amended, would prevent a person convicted of sexual assault from obtaining custody or visitation of a child conceived from that assault, while preserving the possibility of voluntary co-parenting and aiming to qualify California for federal grant funding; it passed 8-0 and was placed on call. Later, SB 997 would give the North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency lien authority to enforce fees and its groundwater sustainability plan, addressing an enforcement gap for a GSA created by special legislation rather than a joint powers agreement. It drew support from agricultural and county groups and passed 9-0, placed on call. SB 1296 would require landlords to disclose pet policies up front on applications, websites, and ads, and allow refund of an application fee if disclosure was not provided before payment; supporters said it would reduce wasted application costs and pet relinquishment, while rental housing groups said the ad disclosure requirements were impractical. The bill passed 8-0 and was placed on call. The final bill, SB 1090, was introduced to prohibit large property owners from making unsolicited purchase offers for five years in wildfire-disaster areas, responding to investor activity after the Eaton and Palisades fires; the author and a SAGE witness described it as a protection against disaster capitalism and predatory low offers to displaced residents.

Transcript Highlights:

• or for filing insufficient quarterly wage reports.
• or for filing insufficient quarterly wage reports.
• </c><00:22:02.240><c> to</c> times and also our state's refusal to times and also our state's refusal
• file basis complaints um while also file basis complaints um while also still<00:37:51.280><c> preserving
• </c> that wish to file legitimate. that wish to file legitimate.

Bills: SB2119, SB3131, SB3069, SB3180, SB2137, SB2993, SB2778, SB2672, SB2014, SB2967

Keywords: reimbursement, public employees, travel costs, government travel policy, finance management, job title, administrative assistant, executive assistant, state personnel, civil service, modernization, employment standards, DAGS, Department of Accounting and General Services, comptroller, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, public works special project branch, specialized public works, information technology modernization

Transcript Highlights:

• The consent calendar consists of file item 1, AB 1567 by TAW, file item 4...
• File item 1, AB 1567 by Taugh. File item 4, AB 1892 by Davies. File item 7, AB 2058 by Heribetian.
• And file item 14, AB 2689 by Avi LaFarias.
• And then we'll go after that to file item 3, AB 1710, Caryo, and file order.
• Okay, let's go to file item 8, AB 2118 by Assemblymember Hoover, and then we'll go to file item 6, AB

Summary: The committee heard several housing-related bills. AB 2002 would clarify and extend the REAP 1.0 regional housing planning grant program, with the author and regional planning groups arguing it provides needed technical assistance for housing elements and RHNA compliance; the California Building Industry Association opposed unless amended over concerns about local constraints. The committee discussed accepted amendments on regulations, suballocation to subregions, and spending deadlines, and then passed the bill on a do pass as amended motion to Senate Appropriations. AB 1684 would prohibit HOAs from restricting homeowners’ ability to install or replace cooling systems, with supporters citing heat safety and opponents focusing on building integrity, electrical capacity, permits, and common-area placement; the committee adopted amendments on licensed electrical contractors, disclosure, and permit requirements, and passed the bill to Senate Judiciary. AB 1710 would extend SB 330-style vesting protections to state and regional agencies so housing projects are not subject to later regulatory changes, with supporters emphasizing predictability and opponents warning it could conflict with later state, regional, and federal requirements, especially for water and environmental rules; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Local Government. The committee also heard AB 2263, which would authorize the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority to provide employee housing on its land with a preference for VTA workers while keeping units open to the public and compliant with fair housing law. VTA said the bill would help employees facing long commutes and high housing costs, and the committee discussed financing through transit-oriented development partnerships and existing land holdings; the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. AB 2270 would require the state tax credit committee to account for rural realities when scoring farmworker housing projects for low-income housing tax credits; supporters said current amenity-based scoring disadvantages rural farmworker developments, and the bill was passed as amended to Senate Appropriations. Later, AB 2118 would refine AB 2011 by limiting local objective standards that can block mixed-use and affordable housing projects, with supporters saying cities still use loopholes to delay projects; the committee discussed possible state mandate reimbursement issues and passed the bill to Local Government. Finally, AB 2050 would require HOA reserve funding based on reserve studies, add notice and safeguards for reserve transfers, and phase in funding over six years; supporters argued it would prevent large special assessments and protect homeowners, while opponents said enforcement remains weak and the bill could still burden owners. The committee did not take a final recorded vote on AB 2050 in the portion provided, but members discussed the need for stronger enforcement and the balance between reserve funding and affordability.

Transcript Highlights:

• The consent calendar consists of file item 1, AB 1567 by TAW, file item 4...
• File item 1, AB 1567 by Taugh. File item 4, AB 1892 by Davies. File item 7, AB 2058 by Heribetian.
• And file item 14, AB 2689 by Avi LaFarias.
• And then we'll go after that to file item 3, AB 1710, Caryo, in file order.
• Let's go to file item 8, AB 2118 by Assembly Member Hoover, and then we'll go to file item 6, AB 2050

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I would just say if you are in Fort Worth... these multiple files to be linked together.
• So the idea that doctor shopping and things is occurring, they have that file on those people.
• And if they don't have that complete file, it's probably because someone on the end looking for the file
• CPS filed a case against her in Rusk County.
• I was pleased that Representative Noble called our office and said, 'Can I file the bill?'

Bills: HB136, HB451, SB425, SB466, SB905, SB1986, SB2311, SB2450, SB2805, SB2826, SB2919, SB3001

Keywords: Medicaid, lactation, healthcare, consultation, reimbursement, maternal health, infant care, commercial sexual exploitation, child sex trafficking, human trafficking, child welfare, foster care, DFPS, Department of Family and Protective Services, juvenile probation, risk assessment, needs assessment, trauma screening, child abuse prevention, exploitation screening

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and announced it would vote on pending bills at 10:30, with public testimony limited to two minutes. It first took up Senate Bill 905, a TDLR cleanup bill on licensing regulation of speech-language pathologists and audiologists. Senator Zafferini said the committee substitute would streamline advisory board consultation, remove obsolete provisional licenses, and allow any licensed physician to authorize hearing instruments for minors; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 451, which would require universal screening for commercial sexual exploitation risk for children in DFPS conservatorship and youth under TJJD jurisdiction. The author and witnesses from Children at Risk, the Fort Bend Anti-Trafficking Collective, and Texas CASA supported the bill as a prevention tool with existing infrastructure and training; the committee adopted the substitute and left the bill pending. The committee next considered Senate Bill 466, which would clarify that families may request a fetal death certificate at any gestational age, while keeping existing filing requirements for physicians. A constituent father testified about losing his 11-week-old daughter and being told he could not obtain a certificate, which he said prevented funeral arrangements; the substitute was adopted and the bill left pending. Senate Bill 2311 followed, requiring residential treatment centers to have a written agreement with the school that will educate resident children before becoming operational. The author cited a local dispute where an RTC and school district lacked communication, and witnesses from Texas CASA and Disability Rights Texas supported clearer educational planning while suggesting the Education Code may need conforming changes; the bill was left pending. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2826, known as Alyssa’s Law, which would create a statewide education program on medical child abuse for medical students, health care professionals, and CPS caseworkers. The author and Sheriff Bill Weyburn described Alyssa’s case as involving repeated unnecessary surgeries and argued the bill would improve awareness and early identification, while several witnesses and members raised concerns about false accusations, impacts on medically fragile children, and the need for scientific, peer-reviewed training and safeguards. After extensive discussion, the chair left the bill pending. The committee also heard House Bill 136, which would add certified lactation consultants as Medicaid providers to expand breastfeeding support; witnesses from lactation and nutrition fields said the bill would improve access, maternal and infant health, and long-term savings, and the bill was left pending. Finally, the committee took up Senate Bill 2805, a surprise-billing/arbitration measure that would clarify provider identifiers and shift arbitration costs to the losing party. The author said the substitute was a legislative counsel draft with no substantive difference, and witnesses from the Texas Medical Association, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, and U.S. Anesthesia Partners supported the bill as a modest improvement that would reduce administrative confusion and make arbitration fairer without weakening patient protections. Members discussed how arbitration costs affect settlement behavior and how to define the “winner” in close cases. The bill was heard but not voted out during this segment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We only have one item on the agenda today: Senate File 1063. Senator Marty, thank you, Mr.
• It's sort of a companion bill to this, Senate File 1750.
• I truly believe that Senate File 1063 is needed and will make a difference.
• </c><00:12:39.880><c> uh</c> support of Senate file uh support of Senate file uh 1063<00:12:41.600><c
• </c> truly believe that sener file truly believe that sener file 1063<00:12:51.519><c> is</c><00:12:51.760

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senators, we are now at consideration of the daily file.
• Members, file item number three is a confirmation of Rosalind Sargent Burns.
• We are now at file item number four. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.
• We are now at file item number five. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.
• We will now move to Senate Third Reading, File Item 20.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If all five of those elements are met, then the person has the ability to file a lawsuit to recover the
• If all five of those elements are met, then the person has the ability to file a lawsuit to recover the
• /c><00:16:26.959><c> the</c><00:16:27.120><c> ability</c><00:16:27.680><c> to</c><00:16:27.920><c> file
• </c><00:16:28.160><c> a</c><00:16:28.399><c> lawsuit</c> person has the ability to file a lawsuit person
• has the ability to file a lawsuit to<00:16:29.040><c> recover</c><00:16:29.440><c> the</c><00:16:29.759

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It was a condition for reunification, and I refused. My letter to my daughter was, "I believe you."
• He used to file false claims to CPS about me as an effort to take my daughter.
• The child was a very distressed teenager, was refusing contact with a highly decorated police officer
• What this bill does is impose a time limit to file a suit so that the person can declare the marriage
• Married, they did not live together after they found out, and they filed a suit within 30 days, then

Bills: HB168, HB 1044, HB1534, HB1914, HB2240, HB2530, HB3284, HB3395, HB3515, HB3783, HB4034, HB4213, HB168

Keywords: marriage age, minors, family law, void marriage, rights of minors, Texas marriage law, marriage ceremony, authorized officiants, family code, judges, religious leaders, parent-child relationship, Department of Family and Protective Services, legal rights, notice requirements, HB 1914, Texas Family Code, Chapter 156, conservatorship, custody

Transcript Highlights:

• convicted persons, provides for compensation for wrongful conviction, and provides for a deadline to file
• The Senate has refused to concur in and proposed House amendments to Senate Bill 29 by Senator McMath
• The Senate has refused to concur in the House amendments to Senate Bill 29 by Senator McMath and asked
• The Senate has refused to concur in the House amendments to Senate Bill 42 by Senator Edmonds.
• The Senate has refused to concur in the proposed House amendments to Senate Bill 43 by Senator McMath

Bills: HR286, HR287, HR288, HR289, HR290, HR291, HR292, HR293, HR294, HCR114, HR275, HR276, HR277, HR278, HR279, HR280, HR282, HR283, HR284, HR285, HCR112, HCR113, SCR62, SCR64, SB132, SB135, SB405, HR179, HR216, HR223, HR225, HR274, HCR89, SB39, SB99, SB111, SB112, SB124, SB134, SB174, SB189, SB190, SB201, SB233, SB236, SB258, SB270, SB273, SB288, SB307, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB326, SB331, SB339, SB341, SB345, SB346, SB347, SB353, SB357, SB359, SB387, SB393, SB401, SB415, SB419, SB422, SB426, SB435, SB437, SB440, SB451, SB464, SB470, SB487, SB488, SB495, SB504, SB505, SB518, SB523, SB228, SB408, HR168, HR174, HR194, HCR54, HCR74, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR95, HCR97, HCR98, HCR102, HCR104, SCR23, SCR38, HCR26, HB250, HB265, HB339, HB427, HB445, HB463, HB468, HB606, HB639, HB649, HB665, HB746, HB781, HB853, HB861, HB872, HB886, HB916, HB937, HB1054, HB1068, HB1117, HB1237, HB75, HB705, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB54, SB56, SB72, SB79, SB97, SB105, SB123, SB125, SB129, SB163, SB171, SB252, SB287, SB375, SB386, SB461, SB466, HR84, SCR3, HB582, HB625, HB646, HB998, HB1191, HB1255, SB81, SB100, SB109, SB197, SB374, SB479, SB78, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB302, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB782, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: HR286, House Resolution 286, LED, Louisiana Economic Development, rural development, energy efficiency, renewable energy, public-private partnership, tax credits, economic development, workforce training, school energy costs, community colleges, technical colleges, local government, building modernization, on-site energy generation, public facilities, rural parishes, distressed communities

Summary: The House met with a quorum, received a guest minister for prayer, approved the journal, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including NEC Awareness Day, a European Union delegation visit, and the Glenmore Wildcats baseball team’s state championship. Members also received Senate messages, including concurrence on some House measures, the filing of Senate bills, and several Senate resolutions and bills laid over for later consideration. The chamber then took up a long series of resolutions and bills. Among the resolutions adopted were measures on a Louisiana-United Kingdom Trade Commission, support for migratory waterfowl studies, hunting education in schools, SNAP delivery-fee studies, fraud prevention for seniors, subsurface data preservation, boating safety reporting, and visual acuity screening data. Some items were temporarily returned to the calendar, including a sales-tax uniform-base rule resolution and several Senate measures. The House also adopted a resolution creating an agricultural national security task force and another supporting a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On legislation, the House passed bills on missing-person alerts for people with disabilities (“Brian’s Call”), first responder status for public works employees, planning commission procedures, historic preservation district rules, judges’ supplemental compensation, the Baker Economic Development District, New Orleans downtown development district tax authority, a local crime prevention district, clerks of court records, hotel occupancy taxes in Shreveport-Bossier, firefighter cancer screenings, Shreveport police civil service rules, local ethics entity funding, hemp/alcohol age restrictions, OMV digital signatures, LED recreation, TOPS Tech eligibility for veterans, anatomical gift recordkeeping, crypto kiosk fraud protections, firefighting foam definitions, and consumer data privacy. Several bills failed, including HB 705 on legislative contempt penalties and HB 75 on gaming promotional play. One bill on vehicle insurance reinstatement fees was amended and passed, and a bill on judicial compensation fund adjustments was amended and passed after questions about CPI indexing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further messages from the House: The House has refused to concur in proposed Senate amendments to House
• Well, anybody can file a lawsuit.
• This is language from a motion that was just filed. It was just filed earlier this week.
• And it was filed on behalf of the actual plaintiff. We've been saying the word Calais.
• But I want to read to you all a motion that was filed on behalf of the actual plaintiff in the Calais

Bills: SCR12, HB221, HB509, HCR58, HB75, HB1222, SB121, SB312, SB348, SB485, SCR9, SCR58, SB65, SB215, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HCR32, HB944, HB17, HB41, HB73, HB223, HB244, HB410, HB750, HB759, HB906, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1086, HB1107, HB1112, HB1215, HB1242, SB208, SB217, SB283, SB387, SB389, SB401, SB408, SB469, HB74, HB119, HB368, HB414, HB552, HB732, HB776, HB848, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1236, SB29, SB42, SB43, SB78, SB149, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB382, SB441, SB449, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB784, HB1117

Keywords: logging, recognition, John Keith, environment, safety, Mississippi River bridge, Trump Expressway, transportation, federal funding, Louisiana highways, injection wells, public hearing, geologic sequestration, environmental impact, public comment, Ascension Parish, state capitol, economic development, community partnership, celebration day

Transcript Highlights:

• The only costs related to this program are the court filing fees, but again, fee waiver requests are
• Only 4% of the 4,175 family law cases filed in fiscal year 2025 went to trial.
• plan to include in their filing.
• But we refuse to lower the bar or pad our numbers at the expense of public safety.
• But we refuse to lower the bar or pad our numbers at the expense of public safety.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The committee first heard a brief introduction of Hazel Stevens, a new page from Kuna High School who said she is interested in government and hopes to attend NNU and become a lawyer. Members asked her a few light questions before moving to legislation. The committee then took up Senate Bill 1311, which would require ignition interlock companies to notify the Idaho Transportation Department when a device is installed and to notify prosecutors when an interlock prevents a vehicle from starting, so the DUI interlock period begins with proof of installation and enforcement can be better tracked. Testimony from Senator Foreman and AAA Idaho’s Matt Condi emphasized accountability, closing loopholes, and public safety; some senators raised concerns about reporting low alcohol readings, possible false positives, and added surveillance. The bill passed on a 5-4 vote and was sent to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then received the Idaho Supreme Court’s annual presentation from court administrative staff. Imelda Lopez described court assistance officers, who help self-represented litigants with forms, procedures, child support calculations, and referrals, while not giving legal advice; she noted the program’s statewide reach, low or no cost, and use of online forms and community partners. Chris Paulson outlined Family Court Services, including Focus on Children, mediation, funding assistance for family-law services, and more intensive tools such as child interviews, focused assessments, parenting time evaluations, co-parent coaching, and supervised visitation. He said these services are used in a relatively small share of cases but are important for resolving disputes and supporting families. Israel Enriquez then presented on treatment courts in the Fifth Judicial District and statewide, describing drug, DUI, mental health, veterans, and juvenile drug courts as highly structured accountability programs for high-risk, high-need offenders. He said participants face intensive supervision, testing, treatment, work, restitution, and court appearances, and argued the courts reduce recidivism and save incarceration costs. Members thanked the presenters, with one senator noting the importance of treatment courts amid budget concerns. Finally, the committee considered two court-request bills from Senator Lakey. Senate Bill 1308 would update a mediation statute by removing an outdated reference to a civil procedure rule, and Senate Bill 1309 would codify the priority of payments for juvenile case funds, with restitution to victims first and then other juvenile justice costs. Both bills were moved and passed unanimously with due pass recommendations, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Her refusal took place three and a half years before Rosa Parks's refusal, leading to her arrest, paved
• Sarah Keys Evans's legacy is significant in our country, which is why I filed legislation that would
• to give up her seat on a bus in refused to give up her seat on a bus in Rono<02:10:26.400><c> Rapids
• </c> Rono Rapids North Carolina her refusal Rono Rapids North Carolina her refusal took<02:10:30.320>
• Last November, 51% of Puerto Ricans refused to vote for statehood that day.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, March 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• from NH Excel file downloaded from NH economy<00:29:01.080><c> um</c><00:29:02.080><c> the</c><00:29
• Fines would become a factor if they refuse to submit a restoration plan or refuse to engage in restoration
• </c> would become a factor is if they refuse would become a factor is if they refuse to<03:17:01.199>
• </c> to submit a restoration plan or refuse to submit a restoration plan or refuse to<03:17:03.399><c
• </c> them yourself is that if my town refuses them yourself is that if my town refuses the<04:10:10.640

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 332, a bill to add protection and remediation of surface waters as a new authorized purpose for New Hampshire village districts. Prime sponsor Rep. Rosemary Rung said the bill is intended to give local voters in lake communities a voluntary tool to address cyanobacteria blooms and other water-quality problems through village districts, including the ability to raise revenue, adopt ordinances, and pursue treatments or watershed management measures. She emphasized that the proposal is meant to complement, not replace, state law and that any district action would still need to comply with existing permitting and environmental requirements. Supporters, including Andrea Laro of New Hampshire Lakes and Elizabeth Harper of the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, said the bill would help municipalities collaborate on lake protection when state resources are limited. They argued that local districts could bring subject-matter expertise, access grants and technical assistance, and respond more quickly to problems such as septic impacts, runoff, culvert repairs, and in-lake treatments. They also suggested clarifying the bill’s wording around “protection and remediation” to better define the scope of authorized activities. Opponents, including Steve Wolf and Chris Norwood of the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, argued that village districts can already be overly broad and sometimes expand beyond their original purposes. Wolf said existing town and state agencies already handle shoreline protection and warned that village districts can impose ongoing taxes and create governance problems. Norwood urged a study bill instead, citing concerns about the scope of village districts and examples where some districts have taken on planning and zoning powers beyond their original mission. No vote or final action on HB 332 was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Speaker, I hereby announce the passage by the Senate of the following House file. herewith returned
• House File 2435, an act relating to state government, modifying provisions relating to health, finance
• Representative Behrman moves that the House refuse to concur in the Senate amendments to House File 2435
• announces the appointment of the following members of the House to a conference committee on House File

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, page 14, line four, we added information stipulating the person's request for refusal.
• Um, page 14, line four, we added information stipulating the person's request for refusal.
• That's what the concern is. request for refusal. Uh, again, we're request for refusal.
• So, even if we refusal of that status.
• ,</c><01:59:20.080><c> so</c> don't have the institutional file, so don't have the institutional file

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The working group on restrictive housing met with a quorum present, approved the August 21, 2025 minutes, and adopted a procedure to take public testimony on each agenda item with a two-minute limit per testifier, with some flexibility for follow-up questions. The main presentation came from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on restrictive housing policies and a recent outside assessment of mental health care practices at HSCF and OOTC. DCR said the assessment found strengths such as consistent medication administration and staff commitment, but also identified major problems including outdated workflows, staffing shortages, inadequate physical plant conditions, overuse of suicide/safety watch for personal safety issues, and a need for more individualized treatment plans. DCR described several corrective steps already underway: filling a long-vacant high-level mental health administrator position, adjusting evening medication passes, working with DOH on transfer and referral workflows, planning a new electronic medical records system and revised screening tools, and pursuing additional training for ACOs and mental health staff. For OOTC, DCR said the facility is overcrowded and decrepit, needs a better screening tool, and requires more mental health-specific training and staffing. For HCF, DCR said the layout limits confidential assessments and provider access, and that the proposed consolidated healthcare unit would add 43 beds, private exam rooms, and a de-escalation room. DCR also said the new unit could serve acute and chronic suicide/safety watch needs and possibly some inmates with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or significant cognitive impairment. The discussion then focused on Act 292, which DCR said is difficult to implement as written. DCR said the bill aligns with DOJ, NCCHC, and ACA guidance in defining restrictive housing, limiting duration, requiring reviews, identifying vulnerable populations, and using step-down units, but raised two major concerns: a requirement to refer vulnerable people to DOH for confinement, and a requirement for clinical assessments every 12 hours by a provider. Members responded that the law should be matched with funding and staffing, and asked what resources are needed. DCR said it submitted a request for 35 positions at a cost of about $8.6 million, and also said funding may be needed for community-based beds and contracted medical services. Members also asked about the current MOA/MOU between DOH and DCR, the working group membership, and the timeline for revisions. DCR said the group includes DCR, DOH, and governor’s office medical advisors, that a first draft is complete, and that the revised agreement should be in place by the end of the year. On staffing, DCR said ACO recruitment classes increased from five to eight, vacancy rates dropped from 34% to 24%, but OOTC still faces a projected $7.1 million shortfall and heavy overtime costs, forcing post closures and program reductions. The meeting ended with continued discussion of screening tools, including DCR’s explanation that current broad questions may over-identify people with substance-use-related symptoms as having serious mental illness, and that a more discrete tool is needed to better identify those with acute needs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, and just to make a little note, that's Senate File 3685.
• As such, I ask you to support File 3684. Thank you, Mr. Granket.
• </c> such, I ask you to support the file such, I ask you to support the file 3684. 3684. 3684.
• </c> support of Senate File 3684. support of Senate File 3684.
• </c> for your support for Senate File 3684. for your support for Senate File 3684.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all