Transcript Highlights:

• So it doesn't really have anything to do with the trial.
• Number two, you trial, one, you know, you say, yeah, I'm guilty.
• My abuse was never allowed in my trial.
• And this is not a trial-based bill. This is a post-conviction bill.
• So whether it's raised or not is part of the initial trial strategy.

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is by far not the first clinical trial. We have lots of research.
• In these trials, I have personally sat with and witnessed potential lives saved.
• Today, more than 150 clinical trials are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
• a person can be taking or not taking during the trial.
• So, yes, there have been a lot of trials on psychedelics.

Summary: The Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee met on January 27 and heard extensive public testimony on several bills before moving into executive session. Senate Bill 5921 would create a Department of Health medical psilocybin program for adults with qualifying conditions, with licensed producers and clinician participation requirements, training, background checks, and program standards. Supporters, including the sponsor and many clinicians, veterans, first responders, and patients, described psilocybin as promising for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, trauma, and end-of-life anxiety, while opponents and some medical groups raised concerns about missing safeguards, contraindications, monitoring, cost, and the bill’s narrow medical model. Testimony was split sharply, with many also urging broader decriminalization or community-use protections. The committee later heard Senate Bill 6115, which would have the Department of Health contract for age-appropriate cancer education for grades 6-12; supporters from Cancer Pathways, educators, and families said it would improve prevention and risk awareness, while the bill drew substantial opposition in sign-in counts, and the hearing was ultimately closed without action that day. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5185, a pilot pathway for international medical graduates to obtain full unrestricted primary care licensure after supervised clinical practice, completion of exam and competency requirements, and annual reporting. The sponsor, Washington Medical Association, the Medical Commission, and IMG advocates said the proposal would expand access to primary care while maintaining patient safety, and the bill received supportive testimony. In executive session, the committee adopted proposed substitutes and advanced Senate Bill 5916 on non-opioid pain drugs, Senate Bill 5985 on endometriosis, Senate Bill 6019 on home care rate statutes, Senate Bill 6161 on dementia information, and Senate Bill 6183 on HIV antiviral drug coverage. For Senate Bill 5981 on the 340B drug pricing program, the committee adopted an amendment adding reporting and transparency requirements before moving the bill forward. The committee then adjourned, and the remaining hearing items were rescheduled for a later date.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is a fair trial for the criminal defendant.
• The truth or to prevent a fair trial.
• </c> enforcement to produce in in the trial enforcement to produce in in the trial or<01:09:38.000><c
• </c><01:52:20.599><c> in</c><01:52:21.119><c> the</c> homicide trial that trial is set in the homicide
• trial that trial is set in the next<01:52:21.560><c> six</c><01:52:21.800><c> weeks</c> next six weeks

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• And the defendant in that case, as you may recall, was set for trial.
• The defendant in that case, as you may recall, was set for trial, actually took a plea, and there's a
• Is there an opportunity for the defendant prior to trial to plead guilty?
• Senator Fine: Thank you. ...death is automatic will somehow come into the first trial.
• Can't say we got rid of catch and release. before a trial.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the pledge, and a moment of silence honoring former Senator and Judge Thomas Gallen. The chamber then moved to special order items focused on immigration and related enforcement measures. Senate Memorial 6C, urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide guidance and training for 287(g) agreements, passed by voice vote. The Senate then took up Senate Bill 4C, an immigration measure that would impose a mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of capital felonies and create state crimes for illegal entry and re-entry. Senators Pizzo, Polsky, and Sharief raised concerns about constitutional issues, plea bargaining, trial and penalty-phase procedures, prosecutorial discretion, and the effect on victims’ families. Supporters, including Senators Fine and Gruters, argued the bill was a strong deterrent and a response to serious crimes committed by undocumented immigrants. The bill passed 25-11. The chamber next debated Senate Bill 2C, a broader immigration enforcement package. The bill would create a State Board of Immigration Enforcement, expand local-federal cooperation, fund detention and enforcement efforts, strengthen pretrial detention rules for unauthorized aliens, and end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Davis and Pizzo questioned enforcement mechanics, jurisdiction, bond procedures, and whether local agencies were actually mandated to participate; supporters said the bill was designed to maximize cooperation with federal authorities and the Trump administration. A late-filed amendment by Senator Pizzo to preserve tuition waivers for current students failed 14-22, and a second amendment was withdrawn after discussion. Debate then continued on the bill, with opponents arguing it was costly, federal in nature, and harmful to Dreamers and other students, while supporters said it was necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and align state policy with federal enforcement priorities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there an opportunity for the defendant, prior to trial, to plead guilty?
• Into one proceeding where you never get to mention what the penalty is in a criminal trial.
• An unauthorized alien, when they are arrested, that they have to be held until trial, right?
• To be eligible for release prior to trial.
• You're not saying they must, regardless of the crime, they must remain in custody until trial.

Bills: SJR2 , SB4 , SJR36 , SJR2 , SB4 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB9 , SB40 , SJR2 , SB4 , SR98 , SJR40 , SJR41 , SJR42 , SJR43 , SJR44 , SJR45 , SJR46 , SJR47 , SCR13 , SB6 , SB13 , SB21 , SB826 , SB827 , SB828 , SB829 , SB830 , SB831 , SB832 , SB833 , SB834 , SB835 , SB836 , SB837 , SB838 , SB839 , SB840 , SB841 , SB842 , SB843 , SB844 , SB845 , SB846 , SB847 , SB848 , SB849 , SB850 , SB851 , SB853 , SB854 , SB855 , SB856 , SB857 , SB858 , SB859 , SB860 , SB861 , SB862 , SB863 , SB864 , SB865 , SB866 , SB867 , SB868 , SB869 , SB870 , SB871 , SB872 , SB873 , SB874 , SB875 , SB876 , SB877 , SB878 , SB879 , SB880 , SB881 , SB882 , SB883 , SB884 , SB885 , SB886 , SB887 , SB888 , SB889 , SB890 , SB891 , SB892 , SB893 , SB894 , SB895 , SB896 , SB897 , SB898 , SB899 , SB900 , SB901 , SB902 , SB903 , SB904 , SB905 , SB906 , SB907 , SB908 , SB909 , SB910 , SB911 , SB912 , SB913 , SB914 , SB915 , SB916 , SB917 , SB918 , SB919 , SB920 , SB921 , SB922 , SB923 , SB924 , SB925 , SB926 , SB927 , SB928 , SB929 , SB930 , SB931 , SB932 , SB933 , SB934 , SB935 , SB936 , SB937 , SB938 , SB939 , SB940 , SB941 , SB942 , SB943 , SB944 , SB945 , SB946 , SB947 , SB948 , SB949 , SB950 , SB951 , SB952 , SB953 , SB954 , SB955 , SB956 , SB957 , SB958 , SB959 , SB960 , SB961 , SB962 , SB963 , SB964 , SB965 , SB966 , SB967 , SB968 , SB969 , SB970 , SB971 , SB972 , SB973 , SB974 , SB975 , SB976 , SB977 , SB978 , SB979 , SB980 , SB981 , SB982 , SB983 , SB984 , SB985 , SB986 , SB987 , SB988 , SB989 , SB990 , SB991 , SB992 , SB993 , SB994 , SB995 , SB996 , SB997 , SB998 , SB999 , SB1000 , SJR40 , SJR41 , SJR42 , SJR43 , SJR44 , SJR45 , SJR46 , SJR47 , SCR13 , SB6 , SB13 , SB21 , SB826 , SB827 , SB828 , SB829 , SB830 , SB831 , SB832 , SB833 , SB834 , SB835 , SB836 , SB837 , SB838 , SB839 , SB840 , SB841 , SB842 , SB843 , SB844 , SB845 , SB846 , SB847 , SB848 , SB849 , SB850 , SB851 , SB853 , SB854 , SB855 , SB856 , SB857 , SB858 , SB859 , SB860 , SB861 , SB862 , SB863 , SB864 , SB865 , SB866 , SB867 , SB868 , SB869 , SB870 , SB871 , SB872 , SB873 , SB874 , SB875 , SB876 , SB877 , SB878 , SB879 , SB880 , SB881 , SB882 , SB883 , SB884 , SB885 , SB886 , SB887 , SB888 , SB889 , SB890 , SB891 , SB892 , SB893 , SB894 , SB895 , SB896 , SB897 , SB898 , SB899 , SB900 , SB901 , SB902 , SB903 , SB904 , SB905 , SB906 , SB907 , SB908 , SB909 , SB910 , SB911 , SB912 , SB913 , SB914 , SB915 , SB916 , SB917 , SB918 , SB919 , SB920 , SB921 , SB922 , SB923 , SB924 , SB925 , SB926 , SB927 , SB928 , SB929 , SB930 , SB931 , SB932 , SB933 , SB934 , SB935 , SB936 , SB937 , SB938 , SB939 , SB940 , SB941 , SB942 , SB943 , SB944 , SB945 , SB946 , SB947 , SB948 , SB949 , SB950 , SB951 , SB952 , SB953 , SB954 , SB955 , SB956 , SB957 , SB958 , SB959 , SB960 , SB961 , SB962 , SB963 , SB964 , SB965 , SB966 , SB967 , SB968 , SB969 , SB970 , SB971 , SB972 , SB973 , SB974 , SB975 , SB976 , SB977 , SB978 , SB979 , SB980 , SB981 , SB982 , SB983 , SB984 , SB985 , SB986 , SB987 , SB988 , SB989 , SB990 , SB991 , SB992 , SB993 , SB994 , SB995 , SB996 , SB997 , SB998 , SB999 , SB1000

Transcript Highlights:

• ,</c> statute that deals with new trials, statute that deals with new trials, that's<00:58:55.920><c>
• </c> it is limited to motions for new trial it is limited to motions for new trial in<00:59:31.920><c
• It would new trials in criminal cases.
• </c><00:59:55.520><c> in</c> is to allow motions for new trial in is to allow motions for new trial in
• And when asked, requesting new trials.

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up Senate Bill 268, a bill related to biological sex and related classifications. Members opposing the bill argued it was unnecessary, poorly drafted, and a personal attack on a small group of people, while supporters said it was needed to protect girls and women and to avoid repeated floor debate on a measure they viewed as proper. Several members also discussed the bill’s definition of biological sex, the lack of guidance on what information could be required to make determinations, and concerns about unintended consequences. The committee voted on a motion to retain the bill and approved it by a 10-8 roll call vote, with the bill retained. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 189, described by supporters as a housekeeping measure requested by the Secretary of State and the Department of Health and Human Services concerning fetal death records. Supporters said the bill was narrow, time-sensitive, and ready to pass, while opponents argued it needed further work and that the committee should not use retention to reopen the bill for broader changes. Some members said they wanted to add or explore additional provisions related to fetal death reporting, while others objected that such changes were outside the bill’s scope and poor procedure. After debate, the committee voted to retain Senate Bill 189 as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• But this is by far not the first clinical trial. We have lots of research.
• In these trials, I have personally sat with and witnessed potential lives saved.
• Today, more than 150 clinical trials are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
• Clinical trials are registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, 150 currently.
• a person can be taking or not taking during the trial.

Bills: SB5921 , SB5185 , SB6182 , SB6115 , SB6258 , SB5916 , SB5981 , SB5985 , SB6019 , SB6161 , SB6183

Committee: Senate Health & Long-Term Care

Keywords: psilocybin, mental health, therapy, decriminalization, legalization, international medical graduates, preceptorship, hardship pathways, medical practice, licensure, abortion, reproductive health, pregnancy termination, clinic access, abortion access fund, abortion savings account, health carrier assessment, insurance assessment, health insurer tax, Department of Health

Transcript Highlights:

• establishment in a grant program to fund the United States food drug administration drug development trials
• amendment. lawyers about why we need to file an affidavit with the Supreme Court in addition to the trial
• court. just be able to file it with the trial court.

Bills: HJR34 , HB 113 , HB184 , HB198 , HB247 , HB367 , HB449 , HB1778 , HB514 , HB576 , HB632 , HB1395 , HB2225 , HB2582 , HB2494 , HB766 , HB2715 , HB2712 , HB3069 , HB3505 , HB 1269 , HB4224 , HB3609 , HB5032 , HB2240 , HB5180 , HB3348 , HB4668 , HB4909 , HB4665 , HB4895 , HB3395 , HB3157 , HB4762 , HB4395 , HB4325 , HB4952 , HB4386 , HB4273 , HB2760 , HB2697 , HB2820 , HB1828 , HB1768 , HB1579 , HB1773 , HB1871 , HB2035 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB1411 , HB4753 , HB4666 , HB4529 , HB1499 , HB1610 , HB2028 , HB1506 , HB886 , HB3546 , HB796 , HB223 , HB1475 , HB3556 , HB4638 , HCR126 , HB38 , HB 104 , SB1008 , SB1106 , SB1172 , SB2629 , SB2964 , SB616 , HB2214 , SB552 , HB3181 , HB3628 , HB589 , HB3529 , HB3354 , HB333 , HB2914 , HB4130 , HB4131 , HB24 , HB 1160 , HB3962 , HB4115 , HB2295 , HB5398 , HB1407 , HB3800 , HB2613 , HJR138 , HB42 , HJR34 , HB 129 , HB677 , HB426 , HB668 , HB1699 , HB2017 , HB2128 , HB2038 , HB3783 , HB3717 , HB2316 , HB3686 , HB2563 , HB3883 , HB4021 , HB2788 , HB2663 , HB3305 , HB3173 , HB3474 , HB 1105 , HB3531 , HB3490 , HB3597 , HB 1295 , HB3512 , HB3010 , HB3112 , HB4215 , HB3223 , HB3464 , HB3120 , HB4214 , HB4511 , HB3704 , HB4081 , HB4783 , HB4063 , HB2783 , HB4937 , HB5085 , HB2510 , HB3426 , HB4361 , HB 1169 , HB2516 , HB2347 , HB4034 , HB4700 , HB3560 , HB5150 , HB3860 , HB3146 , HB3924 , HB 113 , HB184 , HB198 , HB247 , HB367 , HB449 , HB1778 , HB514 , HB576 , HB632 , HB1395 , HB2225 , HB2582 , HB2494 , HB766 , HB2715 , HB2712 , HB3069 , HB3505 , HB 1269 , HB4224 , HB3609 , HB5032 , HB2240 , HB5180 , HB3348 , HB4668 , HB4909 , HB4665 , HB4895 , HB3395 , HB3157 , HB4762 , HB4395 , HB4325 , HB4952 , HB4386 , HB4273 , HB2760 , HB2697 , HB2820 , HB1828 , HB1768 , HB1579 , HB1773 , HB1871 , HB2035 , HB2448 , HB2492 , HB1411 , HB4753 , HB4666 , HB4529 , HB1499 , HB1610 , HB2028 , HB1506 , HB886 , HB3546 , HB796 , HB223 , HB1475 , HB3556 , HB4638 , HCR98 , HCR92 , HCR126

Keywords: HJR 34, constitutional amendment, Texas Constitution, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, real property, border counties, U.S.-Mexico border, United Mexican States, border security, border security infrastructure, landowner, county tax base, local government, tax relief, property value increase, infrastructure improvements, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, statutory construction

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> trial etc. trial etc.
• </c> trial oversight authorities. trial oversight authorities.
• </c> of these phase two and three trials. of these phase two and three trials.
• </c> of trials for a number of years. of trials for a number of years.
• So, trial.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• We have invested around $3.4 billion in those clinical trials that are going on.
• But we can't do those clinical trials without some other very important pieces.
• One, you need an institution to do the clinical trial. We need the UC hospitals.
• And ultimately, that patient was going to fail that clinical trial.
• So for those PIs who are looking to do those clinical trials.

Summary: The Assembly Select Committee on Biotechnology and Medical Technology met on August 19, 2025 to examine the effects of federal grant cuts, tariff uncertainty, and related policy changes on California’s biotech, medtech, and academic research ecosystem. The chair and panelists emphasized California’s outsized role in the industry, describing major clusters in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and explaining how research, startup formation, manufacturing, and clinical trials are interconnected across the state. Speakers from Biocom California, California Life Sciences, Farma, UC, Stanford, CSU Biotech, and UCLA all argued that NIH and NSF funding are foundational to discovery, workforce training, and commercialization, and that disruptions are already chilling venture capital, startup formation, and hiring. Witnesses described several concrete impacts: suspended or terminated grants, reduced doctoral admissions, fewer training opportunities, canceled retreats and internships, and anxiety among graduate students and early-career researchers. UC reported hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or terminated NIH and NSF funding, while Stanford said more than a thousand training and career-development grants nationwide have been frozen or ended, affecting multiple trainees per grant. CSU Biotech said 133 federal grants had been terminated, scaled back, or canceled, totaling about $140 million, including nearly $30 million from NIH and NSF. Industry representatives also warned that proposed antitrust limits on mergers and acquisitions could undermine the standard biotech exit path and further deter investment. Committee members asked about the duration of the disruption, the possibility of state action to offset federal losses, and whether California could better support workforce development, manufacturing, and R&D tax credits. Panelists urged the Legislature to preserve and expand state support for STEM education, internships, apprenticeship pathways, manufacturing incentives, and the R&D tax credit, and to consider infrastructure and housing as part of competitiveness. They also noted that tariffs are already raising costs for medtech components and building materials, and that China is increasingly competing for R&D, talent, and licensing deals. No formal votes or bill actions were taken at the hearing; the meeting was informational and focused on testimony and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So even though it's the trial.
• </c> trial statute rarely comes into play. trial statute rarely comes into play.
• </c> petition for a new trial. petition for a new trial.
• </c> does this new trial track look like. does this new trial track look like.
• </c> whom have filed motions for a new trial. whom have filed motions for a new trial.

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 141, which would create a narrow exception to New Hampshire’s three-year deadline for motions for a new trial when a petitioner has newly discovered evidence, new forensic testing, or new scientific understanding. The prime sponsor’s representative and advocates from the Innocence Project and New England Innocence Project argued the bill is needed to help wrongfully convicted people access the courts, noting that exonerations often take many years and that outdated forensic science has contributed to wrongful convictions. The chair also said he had drafted a proposed amendment for committee review, but it had not yet been formally submitted. Witnesses supporting the bill emphasized that the measure would not guarantee relief, only allow a petition to be filed and reviewed under existing standards. They discussed examples such as arson science, explaining that some convictions were based on forensic methods later shown to be unreliable. Committee members asked about the scope of habeas corpus, whether the bill would create a new cause of action, and whether additional screening or pleading requirements should be added. The supporters said they would be open to requiring a petitioner to plead innocence, but opposed adding more burdensome preliminary procedures or counsel requirements at the filing stage. Thomas Farardi, from the Attorney General’s Office, testified in opposition or with caution, saying the bill was a “solution looking for a problem” because existing habeas corpus and coram nobis procedures already provide avenues for relief, and prosecutors can act when credible new evidence arises. He argued the current draft could invite additional litigation and create a new cause of action, and said he favored more screening before cases proceed. The discussion also touched on whether the statute applies in criminal cases, the current three-year limitation in RSA 526:4, and questions about posthumous petitions and petitions by deported individuals. No vote or executive action was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• But ultimately, the client says, no, I want to go to trial. I don't want to go to trial.
• But ultimately, the client says, no, I want to go to trial. I don't want to go to trial.
• And I want to thank the committee for their amendments to exempt civil trials.
• They each have the same number, and that's meant to create this fair jury trial pool.
• I'd never seen jury selection myself in a criminal trial. I did it in civil trials.

Summary: The Assembly Judiciary Committee heard three bills. AB 250 by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry would extend a limited window for survivors of sexual assault to seek civil recourse against perpetrators and entities that allegedly covered up abuse. The author and supporters, including survivor Maya Alexander and Equal Rights Advocates, said many survivors need years before they can come forward and that the bill would improve accountability and public safety. One member raised concerns about the bill’s application to private employers and the exclusion of public employees, but the bill was advanced on a motion to Appropriations and later placed on call until additional votes were added. AB 373 by Assemblymember Rubio would require appointed counsel for non-minor dependents in extended foster care to represent the young adult’s expressed wishes rather than substitute the attorney’s judgment. Supporters from California Youth Connection and the Children’s Law Center said 18- to 21-year-olds in foster care are legal adults and should have their voices fully respected in court. Members discussed how the bill would work in practice and whether it applied only to appointed counsel; the bill was moved to Human Services and later cleared after additional votes were added. AB 387 by Assemblymember Alanis, as amended, would exempt probation officers from criminal jury service. The author and supporters argued probation officers are deeply involved in the criminal justice process, often get dismissed anyway, and should be focused on supervision and court-related duties rather than jury duty. The Judicial Council opposed the bill, warning that categorical exemptions shrink the jury pool and set a bad precedent. After debate over fairness, precedent, and the role of probation officers, the committee voted the bill out on a do pass motion.

Transcript Highlights:

• So today we are going to do a mock trial of our court system.
• The goal of the mock trial really is to give you a glimpse of what a real courtroom feels like.
• And so I think Chair: I hope this mock trial gives you a little glimpse into that.
• This is also known as the trial court, the court of original jurisdiction.
• Back to our trial now. Okay. Thank you, Miss Perkins.

Transcript Highlights:

• That process would be repeated every 60 days until trial.
• I'm the president of the Texas Association of Pre-Trial Services.
• Pre-trial population in county jails...
• We have had three people die in LaSalle Corrections facility as pre-trial for pre-trial detention. detention
• constitutional amendment pre-trial.

Bills: SB9 , SB1047 , SB1048 , SJR17 , SJR49 , SB40 , SJR1 , SJR5 , SB 9 , SB 40 , SJR 1

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> have either been convicted after trial have either been convicted after trial or<02:17:09.920><c
• </c> frivolous requests for new trials. frivolous requests for new trials.
• a new trial would be appropriate.
• </c> available at the original trial. available at the original trial.
• </c> known at the time of the original trial. known at the time of the original trial.

Transcript Highlights:

• The trial judge does not remit back down to the jury the award amount.
• I'm the president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
• The Texas Constitution guarantees a right to trial by a... not trial by formula.
• I was the past president of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association.
• And the trial judge—if the trial judge says, I'm not going— ...to order remittitur, then the trial judge

Bills: SB30 , SB517 , SB1313 , SB1314 , SB1316 , SB1541 , SB1698 , SB1845 , SB1860 , SB2420 , SB2429 , SB 30

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> pre-trial felony detainees. pre-trial felony detainees.
• </c><00:14:28.880><c> on</c> county jails and are awaiting trial on county jails and are awaiting trial
• By day 61, most pre-trial felony trial.
• </c><00:15:08.399><c> date</c> However, reaching an actual trial date However, reaching an actual trial
• </c> 81 state in 12 of our 81 pre-trial 81 state in 12 of our 81 pre-trial felony<00:15:48.240><c> detainees

Summary: The committee met for its sixth meeting, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The main agenda item was a presentation from Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) leaders and county officials on jail funding and jail-system reform. Speakers said county jail costs have reached crisis levels, citing large and rising general-fund subsidies in counties such as Hardin, McCracken, and Warren, and noting that county general-fund contributions to jail funds have increased by 76% since 2019. KACo outlined a three-part legislative approach for the upcoming session: incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and redefining the model for housing state inmates in county jails. On regional jails, they proposed one-time state construction funding, statutory changes to allow former county jails to serve as 96-hour holdover facilities, broader participation of jailers on regional jail authority boards, an increased supplement for closed county jails, and a one-time payment for counties that close local jails and join regional facilities. Union County Judge Adam Onan described his county’s savings from contracting with Webster County and said regionalization can reduce costs where feasible. Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley focused on pre-trial felony detainees, saying counties bear the full cost of housing people awaiting trial for long periods, sometimes years, and that pre-trial time is later credited toward state sentences. He argued the state benefits from that credit and referenced prior bills that would have reimbursed counties for time-served credit. Shelley Hampton then proposed replacing the current per diem model for state inmates with contracts requiring the Department of Corrections to pay actual housing costs and to support programming such as substance abuse treatment, cognitive behavioral programming, re-entry services, workforce training, and academics. No votes were taken on the jail proposals, and the meeting ended with the presentation and discussion of the county recommendations.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maybe the associations can speak to that, the defense lawyers and the trial lawyers.
• And, of course, I'm speaking on behalf of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
• So it's not really part of a trial, but it is sort of a... ...and it's hard to get through those trials
• So it's not really part of a trial, but it is sort of a compassionate use type of concept.
• It is now in phase one human trial with fantastic results.

Committee: House Emerging Issues and Professional Registration

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 3423 from Rep. Darren Chappell, which would require judges in Missouri courts of record to file annual financial disclosure statements, bar judges from hearing cases involving people who have given them money, and extend similar disclosure rules to members of judicial nominating commissions. Chappell framed the bill as a transparency and ethics measure. Business groups supported the proposal, but judges, bar groups, and trial and defense lawyers opposed it, arguing existing judicial ethics rules already address gifts and recusals, that the bill is overly broad in covering “anything of value,” and that it could create unintended consequences, including strategic donations to force recusal and reduced public access to judicial financial disclosures. The Supreme Court’s representative said the bill should be read alongside the full Code of Judicial Conduct and offered to provide the committee with that material. No vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 2922 from Rep. Jeff Myers, which would align Missouri’s right-to-try law with federal law by extending access from terminal illness to debilitating conditions and by addressing the use of Schedule I drugs in that framework. Myers said the bill is intended to help ensure access to emerging treatments and has passed in various forms in prior sessions. There was no opposition testimony, and the hearing concluded without action. Next, the committee heard House Bill 2643, also from Rep. Senate, the “Hope for Missouri Patients Act,” which would expand right-to-try access for individualized treatments such as gene therapies, enzyme replacement therapies, and substrate reduction therapies for patients with rare or debilitating diseases. Supporters, including the Goldwater Institute, a parent of a child with a rare disease, and Americans for Prosperity, said the bill could help patients access customized treatments sooner and reduce red tape. The sponsor and witnesses emphasized that the bill would not require insurance coverage and is meant to help patients who cannot wait for lengthy clinical trial or FDA pathways. No opposition testimony was offered. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3204 from Rep. Senate, which would create a tax credit to encourage private donations to prevention resource centers that work on substance misuse prevention. Supporters from prevention organizations and advocacy groups said the credit would strengthen local prevention coalitions, reduce future treatment and criminal justice costs, and stabilize funding for services such as school education, early intervention, and suicide prevention. One opponent warned that Planned Parenthood could qualify as a prevention resource center and receive tax credits, but supporters said they had no concern about that. The hearing ended with no vote or other committee action, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• called the STOIC trial and the PRINCIPLE trial.
• But Texans don't get to be a part of those clinical trials.
• , put me in your trials.
• , put me in your trials.
• And a lot of the next-gen vaccines are in standard clinical trials. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Bills: HB18 , HB37 , HB116 , HB18 , HB37 , HB 116 , HB388 , HB879 , HB913 , HB 1151 , HB2216 , HB2358 , HB2809 , SB577 , SB1590 , SB1782 , SB1887 , SB2744

Committee: Senate Health & Human Services

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Summary: The committee first reopened testimony on House Bill 2216, which would strengthen child welfare requirements by expanding “active efforts” to help families avoid removal and support reunification, while also raising standards related to removals and terminations. Supporters from child welfare and family defense groups said the bill would better protect families and align Texas more closely with ICWA-style principles, but several warned it would require significant new funding, staffing, and community services such as mental health care, housing, child care, and substance use treatment. The committee then left HB 2216 pending. The committee next heard Senate Bill 1782, aimed at boarding and group homes. Senator Miles said the bill closes enforcement gaps left by prior law by requiring retention of background-check records and creating misdemeanor penalties for failing to conduct or keep them, or for knowingly hiring people with serious convictions. Harris County sheriff’s investigators testified in support, describing illegal boarding homes, operators who evade permits and background checks, and exploitation of vulnerable residents; the bill was left pending. The committee also took up Senate Bill 481 on emergency preparedness for nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, adopted a new committee substitute that softened some requirements and removed the fiscal note, and left the bill pending. The committee then heard House Bill 388, which would require the Texas Department of Insurance to create a single standardized coordination-of-benefits form for dual health plans to reduce errors and surprise bills; it was left pending. Senate Bill 1590 would move paternity registry searches for adoptions to an electronic process with a 10-day target, and House Bill 2809 would track child suicide attempts in managing conservatorship and require related reporting and parental notice; both were left pending. The committee also heard Senate Bill 1887, which would prohibit administering mRNA-containing products for immunization for 10 years, with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Supporters argued the bill was needed for safety, informed consent, and medical freedom, while opponents from the medical, research, and public health communities said mRNA vaccines are well-studied, save lives, and that the bill would harm access, research, and Texas’s biotech economy. The bill remained under discussion as testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• When a trial date is set, court, 100 percent of the cases had arraignment, and during this production
• Is there an opportunity for the defendant prior to trial to plead guilty?
• then there is a completely separate hearing and this is trial phase as it relates to penalty.
• It would be a regular trial just like today.
• You're not saying they must, regardless of the crime, remain in custody until trial.