Transcript Highlights:

• under the umbrella of the court for the purpose of utilizing not only public but non-public funds in
• order to... ...utilizes the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that's under the umbrella of the court for the purpose
• And then it gives uh several factors under there to determine what's in the best interest of the child
• And then it gives uh several factors under there to determine what's in the best interest of the child
• And then it gives uh several factors under there to determine what's in the best interest of the child

Bills: HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261 , HB227 , HB454 , SB323 , HB266 , SB52 , SB53 , SB296 , HB37 , HB429 , HB93 , HB249 , HB328 , HB111 , HB132 , HB26 , SB261

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• Realigns energy-related programs by moving the Louisiana Geological Survey under the LSU Energy Institute
• It realigns energy-related programs by moving the Louisiana Geological Survey under the LSU Energy Institute
• He operates under the policies adopted by the school board or the non-public school.
• under the law.
• requirements under the law.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first took up HB 987, which would move the Louisiana Geological Survey under the LSU Energy Institute to streamline energy-related programs. The author and members described it as an efficiency measure, and the committee reported the bill favorably without objection. Members then heard HB 513 on name, image, and likeness rules for intercollegiate and interscholastic athletes. The bill was presented as a product of a task force and was supported by the Attorney General’s office, coaches, and a student athlete, who emphasized the need for guardrails, education, and protections against exploitation by agents or third parties. Questions focused on high school enforcement, parental consent, and what students may legally do; the committee ultimately reported the bill favorably. The committee also considered HCR 26, which asks BESE to incorporate the science of human growth and development, including prenatal development, into science or health standards and to provide instructional materials. Supporters said it would improve science education and show fetal development more clearly, while opponents raised concerns about medical accuracy, political influence, and lack of safeguards. An amendment requiring parental consent for instruction was offered but failed on a roll call vote, and the resolution was then reported favorably. Later, the committee reported HB 608 favorably as amended to protect confidentiality of documents tied to intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing, while preserving public disclosure of overall institutional spending. It also advanced HB 380, creating a pilot program to expand CDL workforce training through a community college and school partnership, and HB 392, which would require suicide hotline information on school websites, student ID cards, and, through amendment, visible signs in schools. The committee then reported HB 476 as amended, requiring Safe Haven law flyers in school restrooms, and began discussion of HB 682 to authorize veterans as school resource officers, with amendments addressing qualifications and training.

Transcript Highlights:

• sheet will be considered first reading under the Fourth Order of Business and will be referred.
• Printed on today's introduction sheet will be considered first reading under the Fourth Order of Business
• It's true: most of the reports about rampant foreign influence in our elections were hoaxes.
• Speaker, and remind you that under federal law, marine mammals in the state of Washington are... ...and
• remind you that under federal law, marine mammals in the state of Washington are currently protected

Keywords: 904, all

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before moving through introductions, caucuses, and messages from the Senate. Several bills were taken up under third reading, with the chamber suspending rules to advance them to final passage. The day also included recognition of Colville Tribal Business Council members and the adoption of prior minutes without objection. Members approved House Bill 1269, which raises pawnbroker interest rates and fees, with supporters arguing the changes are modest and needed to help small businesses serve unbanked customers; it passed 83-14. Substitute House Bill 2123, dealing with foreign national participation in Washington elections, passed 68-29 after debate over whether the bill appropriately reduces burdens on candidate campaigns while preserving restrictions for initiative campaigns. Substitute House Bill 2178, a technical court-rules bill aligning statutes with court procedures, passed 89-8, and House Bill 2120, which reduces or eliminates certain JLARC reports to free staff time for higher-value audits, passed unanimously 97-0. The House also passed House Bill 2309, eliminating postgraduate degree requirements for some state jobs to reduce barriers to state employment, by a 97-0 vote. Substitute House Bill 2158, authorizing electronic remote notarization of physical documents, passed 96-0 with bipartisan support focused on access in rural areas. Substitute House Bill 2411, expanding shared leave eligibility to include employees affected by hate crimes or immigration enforcement actions, passed 60-36 amid concerns about cost and scope. House Joint Memorial 4004, a nonbinding request to Congress related to tribal management of sea lions to protect salmon, passed 80-16, and Substitute House Joint Memorial 4001, honoring Russell Blount by naming the East 34th Street overpass over I-5, passed 96-0. The House then adjourned until the following Friday morning.

Transcript Highlights:

• sure this trade war does not drive the Dow Jones down?
• and Monaco under the leadership of President Trump.
• So it's the job of myself and whoever else can insert influence to get him up to the 5% mark of the GDP
• I'm glad that the security force under the leadership of the Kenyans, with participation of others, funding
• Council to snap back the sanctions that were suspended under the JCPOA.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Keywords: diplomatic nominations, foreign policy, ambassadors, U.S.-European relations, Bilateral relationships, security, trade

Summary: The meeting focused primarily on diplomatic nominations, featuring discussions about the implications of these roles on U.S. foreign policy. Notable was the introduction of nominees for key ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to the Dominican Republic, France, and the Netherlands. Senator Shaheen emphasized the importance of U.S.-European relations, particularly in light of current global challenges, while other members voiced their concerns regarding the nominees’ qualifications and the impact on bilateral relationships. Public support for these nominations was evident, as was the committee's commitment to fostering stronger connections with allied nations, particularly in addressing security and trade issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• But I think that if they're trying to do the same type of deal, then they're going to fall under this
• So on a year where the surplus is projected to be less than $150 million under current services, what
• True, it came from the infusion money from the federal government, but now that's down to under $300
• We can see now, if you want to look at the China influence, most of the, a lot of these crypto mines
• So I do think it is a critical need that we need to address the Chinese influence, the illegal activity

Committee: All HOUSE RULES

Summary: The committee first considered House Resolution 1016, which would have allowed introduction of a bill by Representative Richmond addressing disclosure and restrictions for certain real-estate arrangements where buyers purchase interests in entities rather than direct ownership of property. Richmond said the measure was aimed at transparency, consumer protection, and preventing private tribunals or discriminatory practices, while several members questioned whether it would affect homeowners associations, hunting clubs, arbitration clauses, or duplicate existing law. After discussion, the committee voted down the resolution. House Resolution 1006, sponsored by Representative Schultz, proposed increasing the Homestead Tax Credit by $75, from $600 to $675, using a fund created by Amendment 79 and supported by sales tax revenue. Schultz argued the fund could support the increase now and that families needed relief amid high prices. The committee approved the resolution. The committee then heard House Resolution 1007, presented by Senator King and Representative Eaton, which sought to change how turnback funds are distributed to counties, with a focus on giving counties more predictable annual funding for roads, jails, water, sewer, public safety, and other infrastructure. Members raised concerns about taking $150 million off the top of sales tax revenue and about whether the bill should be handled through budget language instead; the resolution failed. House Resolution 1008, by Representative Wooten and Senator King, would have amended the LEARNS education program to reduce costs, limit or change eligibility, and add performance-based requirements and reporting for certain school-choice funding. Supporters said the program was financially unsustainable and needed accountability, while opponents argued the proposal would create larger problems and that the issue should be handled in the regular session. The resolution failed after a point of order prevented reading a supporting letter into the record. Finally, House Resolution 1009 and House Resolution 1013, both tied to Senator Bryant’s proposals on local control over crypto mines and data centers, were discussed together with testimony about water use, energy demand, and local opposition; both failed. House Resolution 1015, which would have amended the IDEA economic-development bill to remove eminent domain authority and address board accountability, also failed after members said more concerns remained to be worked out.

Transcript Highlights:

• the 14th Amendment's for voting under the 14th Amendment's equal<00:09:51.760><c> protection</c><00:
• Is big money coming into America to influence the way we think?
• With growing geopolitical threats like the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, New Hampshire is
• wise to ensure the integrity of its elections and guard against the influence of foreign actors that
• be paid by the Secretary of State from the election fund established under RSA 560.

Committee: House Election Law

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment creates an exception for the nepotism prohibitions for public officials under the code
• But the amendment that the House sent back under barcode 277705 makes significant revisions to our original
• It expands the subject matter of the section to include all municipal utility activity authorized under
• committee process. the bill thank you mr. president this is the foreign influence bill that was heard
• As provided, it may be done the same day or the next day in which the Senate sits under 4.17, Section

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of recognitions for interns, staff, and guests. Members also honored retiring Senate staffer Susan Miller and recognized a veteran injured in combat. After routine announcements, the chamber moved to returning messages from the House and began taking up bills and amendments. The Senate concurred in House amendments and passed SB 118 on RV park assessments and SB 572 on ethics for public officers and employees, both by 38-0 votes. It then took up the elections bill, CS/CS/HB 991, which drew extensive debate. Supporters said it would strengthen election integrity by tightening citizenship verification and ID rules; opponents argued it would burden eligible voters, especially students, seniors, disabled voters, and others without the newly required documents. The bill passed 27-12. The chamber also passed the education package SB 182 after adopting a Senate amendment to the House amendment, and approved SB 474 on military affairs, SB 425 on historic cemeteries, HB 929 on local regulation of chickees, and HB 35/SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation, all with unanimous or near-unanimous votes. The Senate then considered SB 902/ HB 733, the Department of Health package. Members adopted an amendment and amendment-to-amendment that preserved most Senate provisions while modifying or removing several House additions, including some early steps and medical marijuana-related changes, and the bill passed 37-0. The chamber also began work on HB 905, the foreign influence bill, with a strike-all amendment offered to expand restrictions on foreign influence, sister-city agreements, linkage institutes, and related activities, but the debate on that measure was still underway when the transcript ended. Several other returning messages and bills were temporarily postponed, and the Senate recessed briefly before resuming business.

Transcript Highlights:

• public officials under the code of ethics.
• But the amendment that the House sent back under Barcode 277-705 makes significant revisions to our original
• It expands the subject matter of the section to include all municipal utility activity authorized under
• So this bill lines up the no-valid-driver's-license penalties with the driving-on-suspended-license penalties
• As provided, it may be done the same day or the next day in which the Senate sits under 4.17, Section

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• up against, and gives everyone in the courtroom a clear picture of the incentives driving the litigation
• up against, and gives everyone in the courtroom a clear picture of the incentives driving the litigation
• E felony under the bill.
• litigation process by the funder having influence over the outcome of the case. ...funder having influence
• On the first page, Section 2, under a forum principle. Are you with me? Yes.

Committee: House Legislative Review

Summary: The Committee on Legislative Review met in executive session and voted House Bill 2408 due pass by an 8-0 roll call. It then considered House Bill 3092, where a House Committee amendment was adopted and rolled into a House Committee substitute despite objections that the amendment had not received a public hearing and would repeal significant insurance-related provisions. The substitute for HB 3092 was then approved 6-3. The committee also adopted an amendment and House Committee substitute for House Bill 3004, which passed unanimously 9-0. In open hearing, Representative Hausman presented House Bill 3090 as a transparency measure requiring the state treasurer to report annually on special treasury funds that have had no spending for five years and whether those funds were moved to general revenue. She said the bill would help lawmakers identify inactive accounts and unused money. Members asked how the reporting would work, what funds might be affected, and whether the bill would move unused balances into GR after five years; the sponsor said it would. No witnesses testified for or against, and the hearing closed. The committee then heard House Bill 3205 from Representative Castile, which would regulate third-party litigation funding, require disclosure of outside and foreign-linked funders, restrict funding from foreign adversaries, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Members questioned the bill’s scope, including whether the foreign-terrorist language could be read too broadly and how liability and funding-risk provisions would work. Testimony in support came from Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Insurance Coalition/Missouri Civil Justice Coalition, and medical associations, all arguing that litigation funding can distort lawsuits, hide outside influence, and expose businesses and plaintiffs to abusive or foreign-backed financing. No opposition testimony was offered, and the hearing concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am the director of the North Dakota Gaming Division under the Attorney General’s Office.
• The outside influence.
• Under 21, we follow the guidelines that we do in smoking, and that's the portion of the bill that this
• and reducing the fees and reducing the penalties and then talking about the influence marijuana has
• that voted for the bill at that point was under the impression that the programmers could figure out

Committee: Joint Legislative Management

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You're one of the most important centers of influence for the men and women who serve in uniform and
• But you have the power to influence that discussion.
• Gene is truly the driving force, the visionary leader behind our partnerships.
• Gan is truly the driving force, morning.
• You can change the influence, matter.

Keywords: 926, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• the influence o everyday democracy and the influence o everyday people<00:12:02.959><c> have</c><00:
• ><c> by</c><00:15:00.399><c> wealthy</c> by the influence of spending by wealthy by the influence of
• ><c> drives</c><00:19:59.520><c> and</c> to influence petition drives and to influence petition drives
• So with that, uh, the clerk influence.
• </c><01:02:08.480><c> the</c> qualify as attempting to influence the qualify as attempting to influence

Committee: Senate Elections

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant-at-arms. >> All persons not entitled to the privileges of the floor under the rules of the Senate
• the flag of the I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United<00:02:39.519><c> States</c><00:02:39.840
• ><c> capital</c> see the sneakers throughout the capital see the sneakers throughout the capital as<00
• Her dad says that the and a blood drive.
• </c> the University of Kentucky and the the University of Kentucky and the University<00:25:05.360><c

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The amenability, you know, if someone was under the influence—and a lot of times youth are able to do
• Chair and Representative Ferrari, there's a bit of a difference here between if they're under the influence
• It's very complicated, but certainly someone who's under the influence at the time can still be very
• We also have the influence of the cartels here, and that's... That's a part of it.
• ones we do right now under the law are just voluntary.

Committee: House Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• Under Xi Jinping's leadership, the Chinese Communist Party has undertaken one of the largest and most
• influence, including in the so-called gray zone.
• After two decades of prioritizing wars in the Middle East, the National Defense Strategy under Bridge
• I know a lot of those would be under the purview of the Undersecretary of Defense for acquisition and
• Iran continues, as you may have advocated in the past, to expand its influence in the region?

Committee: Senate Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel

Keywords: defense, geopolitical tensions, military readiness, China, Russia, U.S. military, Indo-Pacific, alliance, procurement

Summary: The meeting focused on critical defense and security matters, particularly concerning the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and Russia. There were discussions surrounding U.S. military readiness, with significant emphasis on the potential threats posed by China in the Indo-Pacific region. Members expressed concerns about America's military capabilities in relation to the growing Chinese fleet and the importance of maintaining strong alliances with nations like Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Additionally, the notion of prioritizing the defense industrial base was highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective procurement and modernization efforts to counter adversarial threats. Furthermore, notable commentary included a reference to President Zelensky's remarks regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, expressing a willingness for further cooperation with the U.S.

Transcript Highlights:

• The offense is eligible for emergency cost recovery for driving under the influence, DUI, operating an
• aircraft under the influence, operating a vessel while under the influence, vehicular homicide DUI,
• they shouldn’t drive on, what’s the situation?
• resulted in bodily injury to the first responder or if there was a minor under the age of 16 in the
• under the same accountability protocols.

Bills: HB2165 , HB2173 , HB2203 , HB2293

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: peace officer, false identification, law enforcement, criminal penalties, public safety, face coverings, regulations, civil rights, emergency operations, reckless interference, offense, foreign entities, training, national security, 904, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The bill is necessary because we’re attempting to curtail foreign influence from having an impact on
• "Under one section, you talk about different things that the State Board of Elections should consider
• "Under one section, you talk about different things that the State Board of Elections should consider
• So, again, under that definition, the court will have to decide what instances fall within that.
• SO, AGAIN, UNDER THAT DEFINITION, THE COURT WILL HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT INSTANCES FALL WITHIN THAT.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, approved the prior journal, and then took up a Rules Committee report that advanced a large package of bills, mostly Election Law measures, along with several bills in other subject areas. The chamber then moved through a supplemental and controversial calendar focused primarily on election administration, campaign finance, and voter access. Senators also announced committee meetings and later filed majority committee assignments in the journal. On the supplemental calendar, the Senate passed several Election Law bills. One measure by Senator Gianaris aimed to curb foreign influence in New York elections by restricting foreign-influenced corporations; Senator Walczyk argued it was too narrow and ignored dark money, while Senator Gianaris said it was needed to address foreign meddling. Senator May’s bill creating short-term early voting sites passed after debate over whether pop-up sites would confuse voters or improve access, especially in rural areas; supporters said it would help bring voting closer to where people are, while opponents called it costly and confusing. Senator Myrie’s bill establishing standardized training for elections commissioners also passed, with supporters citing the need for uniform training and opponents calling it an unfunded mandate. On the controversial calendar, the Senate passed Senator Myrie’s bill allowing additional early voting locations and clarifying that a voter’s intent can determine residency for voting purposes, including in some cases a second or vacation home. The most debated measure was Senator Gonzalez’s bill creating civil remedies and confidentiality protections for election officers who are threatened or intimidated; supporters said it responds to rising threats against election workers, while opponents warned it could chill legitimate questioning at polling places and create vague liability. Several senators explained their votes on both sides, and the bill passed despite significant opposition. The Senate then adjourned until Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under this bill, the best activism.
• It doesn't fall under the definitions, but I see it in the title.
• the the you know, the pressure and undue<01:06:58.760><c> influence</c><01:06:59.400><c> and</c><01:06
• It clarifies that the reimbursement requirements do not apply to drugs purchased under the 340B program
• It clarifies that the reimbursement requirements do not apply to drugs purchased under the 340B program

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The baby was sleeping right under that.
• whether the responses were spontaneous or influenced by the interview process.
• recklessly or somebody that was driving under the influence, and just how painful it is to go through
• recklessly or driving under the influence have continued to make their way out onto our roads.
• NorCal, the individual that killed the infant, the toddler, had a history of reckless driving.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Public Safety met on March 24, 2006, first as a subcommittee until a quorum was reached. The committee heard several bills in file order, beginning with SB 1056 by Senator Grayson, which would require protective orders for sexually explicit material involving adult victims in criminal cases. The author and survivor witnesses argued the bill would prevent unnecessary copying and dissemination of highly sensitive evidence while preserving defendants’ access to discovery; public defenders and criminal defense groups opposed it as vague, overbroad, and potentially harmful to due process. After committee amendments were accepted, SB 1056 passed on a due pass as amended motion to Appropriations, with the bill held on call. The committee then heard SB 937 by Senator Gonzalez, which would restrict law enforcement use of flashbang devices for crowd control and ban their use in immigration enforcement. Supporters described serious injuries and community fear from recent deployments, while sheriffs’ and police groups objected that the bill was vague, could limit necessary tactics, and might conflict with existing law and task-force operations. Members raised concerns about overuse of force but also about drafting details and exceptions for exigent circumstances; the bill was moved on a due pass motion to Appropriations and held on call. Next, SB 1070 by Senator Grove sought to make intentional disruptions of worship services a wobbler offense, allowing felony charges in more serious cases. Faith leaders and supporters said the bill was needed to deter coordinated disruptions and protect religious exercise, while opponents, including civil liberties and public defender groups, argued it would criminalize speech, raise constitutional concerns, and impose excessive penalties for conduct better addressed through existing law or restorative justice. After extended debate, the committee rejected the bill on a roll call vote, and the motion to reconsider was granted without objection. The committee also heard SB 1130 by Senator Reyes, which would update privacy law for wearable recording devices such as smart glasses by restricting surreptitious recording in places with a reasonable expectation of privacy and limiting technologies that disable recording indicators. Supporters said the bill addressed a growing privacy threat, while industry groups warned it could create liability for manufacturers and businesses and needed tighter definitions. After committee amendments reducing penalties and removing manufacturer provisions from the criminal code, SB 1130 passed as amended to Rules, with the bill held on call. Finally, the committee heard SCA 2 by Senator Troy, a constitutional amendment to bar governors from pardoning themselves or immediate family members. Supporters framed it as an accountability measure, while some members objected that it addressed a hypothetical problem and could unnecessarily restrict legitimate clemency. The transcript ends during the roll call on SCA 2, with the vote in progress.

Transcript Highlights:

• Under the direction of the Director and the Deputy Director, it will be my job to ensure we meet our
• As you know, OMB, under the director and deputy director, suggest a rubric of the president's campaign
• under the direction of the Department of State. same authorities that to be able to for instance close
• or the administrative expenses in connection with any health plan under the federal employees health
• of FEMA failures here in the past few years under the previous administration. a calling from the President

Committee: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Keywords: nominations, Scott Cooper, Eric Ulan, federal workforce, Office of Personnel Management, Office of Management and Budget, accountability, collective bargaining

Summary: The committee convened to discuss the nominations of Scott Cooper for Director of the Office of Personnel Management and Eric Ulan for Deputy Director at the Office of Management and Budget. This meeting highlighted the critical roles both positions play in managing the federal workforce, which comprises over two million civilian employees. Concerns were raised regarding the current administration's approach to federal employment, citing issues like mass firings and the undermining of collective bargaining rights. Members expressed the need for better accountability and transparency within the federal system, emphasizing the importance of attracting talented public servants.