Video & Transcript Research : 'rape shield'
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TX
Texas 89th Regular
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This would also shield elected officials, and sheriffs could bury their own misconduct in confidential
- Would this bill, in your opinion, shield those officers from a review of their conduct on that day and
Bills:
SB 15
Keywords:
law enforcement, department file, employee records, misconduct, confidentiality, Texas occupations code, 997, house, all
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs Aug 22nd, 2025
Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- This would also shield elected officials, Constables and sheriffs could bury their own misconduct in
- What do you support or would this bill, in your opinion, shield those officers from review of their conduct
Bills:
SB 15
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Hearing Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and Assembly Emergency Management Committee Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Also, private access, meaning let's shield what people are doing regularly so the attack surface just
- Also, private access, meaning let's shield what people are doing regularly.
Summary:
The Assembly Select Committee on Cybersecurity and the Assembly Committee on Emergency Management held a joint informational hearing focused on maximizing the value of state cybersecurity investments, especially by fully using security features already included in existing vendor contracts. The first panel included representatives from Microsoft, Zscaler, and Palo Alto Networks, who described the products and services they provide to California and generally agreed that agencies often have strong adoption in some areas but still face challenges from tool overlap, limited staff, lack of awareness of available features, and the need for ongoing training and configuration support. They also discussed major threats such as ransomware, data loss, attack-surface exposure, IoT/OT vulnerabilities, and the growing role of AI in both attacks and defenses.
Members pressed the vendors on whether state departments underuse purchased cybersecurity tools, how to improve utilization, and how to address the cybersecurity workforce shortage. The vendors said utilization is often constrained by staffing, procurement complexity, and the need to align tools with agency missions and maturity levels, but emphasized that training, leadership buy-in, and regular vendor-agency collaboration can improve results. They also discussed how AI can help with phishing triage, data-loss prevention, and security operations, while warning that agencies must manage AI safely and with human oversight.
The second panel featured officials from the Department of Technology, Cal OES/CalSIC, and the California Military Department. They described statewide oversight efforts including audits, independent security assessments, continuous monitoring, advisory services, vulnerability disclosure programs, and workforce development initiatives such as the Information Security Leadership Academy and Cybersecurity Education Summit. Officials said some underutilization is real, but it is often tied to differing agency maturity, overlapping tools, and deliberate feature restrictions to reduce attack surface and complexity; they emphasized a balanced approach using people, process, and technology, with plans of action and milestones to hold departments accountable. They also noted federal uncertainty around MS-ISAC and the state and local cybersecurity grant program, saying California is advocating through federal partners and monitoring the impact. The hearing ended after public comment and adjournment.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's not saying that this is an absolute shield and protects against.
- And using Texas Law Shield, that made use of Emily's firm here. inform me that while I was in the right
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Up next, we have Latoya Shields, City of Miami Gardens, waving in opposition. Thank you. Support.
- Shields. Up next, are we good? Are we done? Any further public testimony?
Summary:
The Commerce Committee held its first meeting, took roll, established a quorum, and heard opening remarks from the chair, vice chair, and ranking member emphasizing the committee’s broad scope and focus on Florida’s economy and daily-life issues. The committee then considered several bills, with members and staff noting the agenda included four bills and a PCS.
The first measures dealt with insurance and consumer regulation. CS/HB 367 on home and service warranty associations was explained as allowing financial requirements to be met through one or more contractual liability policies and reducing certain filing requirements; an amendment adding requirements for liability insurance coverage was adopted, and the bill passed favorably. HB 655 on pet insurance and wellness programs created a regulatory framework for pet insurance and also passed favorably. HB 6015, which deleted the word “reusable” from the wine keg statute, had brief support testimony and passed favorably.
The committee spent the most time on CS/HB 105, a strike-all PCS on thoroughbred permit holders and decoupling racing from gaming. The sponsor said the revised bill would decouple racing and gaming while adding protections for the thoroughbred industry, including a notice period before racing could stop, permit transferability, and changes to how breeders’ and owners’ funds are administered. Supporters argued the bill would preserve and strengthen the industry through clearer rules and more direct support, while opponents—horsemen, breeders, trainers, veterinarians, and related businesses—warned it would harm a major rural industry, threaten jobs, and favor casino interests. After extensive debate, the strike-all was adopted and the bill was reported favorably on a divided vote.
Finally, HB 11 on municipal water and sewer utility rates was presented as correcting an unintended consequence in surcharge law for utilities owned by one municipality but located in another. Testimony focused on the fairness of the current surcharge structure and the impact on Miami Gardens and North Miami Beach. After debate about negotiation, parity, and local impacts, the bill passed favorably. The committee then adjourned after its first meeting.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- If this bill does not violate federal law, Blue Cross Blue Shield could support this effort only if MCOs
- Blue Cross Blue Shield has not given us all the cross-references to CFR that they just told you.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- make the determination that specific security information is genuinely sensitive and needs to be shielded
- The underlying bill allows the state to designate organizations as terrorist groups while shielding portions
- The underlying bill allows the state to designate organizations as terrorist groups while shielding portions
- The underlying bill allows the state to designate organizations as terrorist groups while shielding portions
- The underlying bill allows the state to designate organizations as terrorist groups while shielding portions
Summary:
The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief introduction of the doctor of the day before moving to the special order calendar. The chamber first took up several claims bills, including SB 6/HB 6507 for relief of L.E. through the Department of Children and Families, which was described as compensation for severe injuries after DCF returned the child to unsafe parents; the House bill was substituted and passed 34-0. SB 26 for the estate of Mark Legata, involving catastrophic injuries tied to FDOT negligence, was also substituted with the House version and passed 35-0. SB 42/HB 47 on specific medical diagnoses and child protective investigations passed 34-0 after supporters said it would require child protection teams to consider certain medical conditions that can mimic abuse. Later, SB 1002 on child welfare passed 37-0 after sponsors said it clarifies that parental drug abuse can constitute harm or neglect and allow earlier court intervention and services, while not changing parental rights law.
The Senate then considered education and health-related measures. SB 206/HB 851 on students with autism spectrum disorder was amended to the House bill and passed 35-0; the sponsor said it expands teacher preparation, requires autism-related training, creates a loan forgiveness program, and adds salary supplements for teachers with autism endorsements. SB 556/HB 453 on high school diploma requirements passed 36-0 and would allow students with disabilities to use Special Olympics participation to satisfy PE requirements, while also fixing a marching band credit issue. SB 688 on naturopathic medicine passed 33-3, reestablishing licensure and regulation of naturopathic doctors. SB 878/HB 1347 on clinical laboratory personnel passed 37-0 to address staffing shortages by aligning Florida more closely with federal CLIA standards. SB 914/HB 867 on dry needling by occupational therapists passed 37-0, clarifying authority for that treatment. SB 530 on state lotteries passed 36-0 with updates to operations, security, and retailer rules. SB 964/HB 6011 on financial disclosures and gifts/honoraria passed 36-0 after an amendment restored a percentage-based reporting option.
The chamber also approved several government-administration and public-records measures. SB 326/HB 131 on curators of estates passed 36-0, updating probate rules for temporary court-appointed curators. SB 758/HB 625 on the Justice Administrative Commission passed 37-0 after an amendment broadened the judicial member to a judge or senior judge rather than only a circuit judge. SB 830 on public records passed 31-5, creating exemptions for the personal information of county and city managers and certain family members. The Senate also passed SB 21/HB 218 on land use regulations, which preserves hurricane-recovery restrictions in affected counties while lifting them later for unaffected counties, and the sponsor thanked colleagues for helping address unintended consequences from prior law. SB 354 on Blue Ribbon Projects was debated extensively over concerns about local control, conservation protections, and vague standards; after a late amendment excluding data centers from commercial areas, the bill was temporarily postponed rather than passed. Finally, SB 1632/HB 1471 on ideologies inconsistent with American principles and domestic terrorist designations drew significant debate over references to Sharia law, religious freedom, notice, and due process; one amendment striking Sharia references failed, and a second amendment with broader revisions was under discussion when the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Seclusion Working Group - 01/14/26
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm talking about the kids for whom we're currently wearing like Kevlar clothing and shields and things
- I'm talking about the kids for whom we're currently wearing like Kevlar clothing and shields and things
- I'm talking about the kids for whom we're currently wearing like Kevlar clothing and shields and things
- I'm talking about the kids for whom we're currently wearing like Kevlar clothing and shields and things
- I'm talking about the kids for whom we're currently wearing like Kevlar clothing and shields and things
Summary:
The Seclusion Working Group approved the prior meeting minutes and then spent most of the meeting discussing draft recommendations and a Senate amendment, 007-7, related to seclusion in schools. The chair explained the history of the issue, including Minnesota’s 2023 ban on seclusion from birth through grade 3, and described 007-7 as a compromise developed with stakeholders that would extend the ban through grade 6 unless strict conditions are met. Those conditions include explicit written informed consent from all parents or guardians in their primary language, oral translation of safeguards, showing the seclusion room before consent, mandatory follow-up IEP meetings after repeated use, outreach and education for families, and data reporting on use of seclusion. The chair also said the amendment would prevent judges or other officials from ordering seclusion over a parent’s objection.
Members then reviewed the draft recommendations line by line. They agreed to revise language to add “and fund” after “mandate” in the first section, and discussed changing references from “level three and level four” to “level three and higher,” though several members ultimately preferred keeping the focus on school settings and not expanding into medical or correctional settings. They also discussed replacing the word “subjected” with more neutral language such as “experience” or “whose IEP includes seclusion.” Another issue was whether the recommendations should distinguish between students whose IEP already includes seclusion and students who experience seclusion in an emergency but do not have it in their IEP; members suggested splitting that into separate recommendations and possibly adding a new item for the latter situation.
A final discussion focused on whether the working group should recommend a mandated alternative-to-seclusion program and whether such a mandate should be tied to funding. School district representatives said many districts already use programs such as CPI, but others, especially outstate districts, charter schools, hospitals, and residential settings, may face significant costs if required to adopt new programs like Ukeru. Members generally agreed that if the legislature is asked to require implementation of new alternatives, funding should accompany the mandate. The chair also noted that existing law already requires an IEP team meeting after restrictive procedures are used twice in 30 days, and encouraged members to compare that with the 007-7 language before finalizing recommendations.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 34 Apr 2nd, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Bills:
SJR39, SJR47, SB227, SB1942, SB1627, SB625, SB1716, SB1303, SB2180, SB504, SB1209, SB1448, SB1597, SB1679, SB2182, SB2112, SB2170, SB2084, SB1496, SB1595, SB1655, SB1876, SB1621, SB1944, SB1266, SB2072, SB2104, SB1769, SB1827
Keywords:
property valuation, tax limit, homestead, income threshold, elderly, constitutional amendment, voter ID, elections, Oklahoma, proof of identity, gross production tax, ad valorem tax, property exemption, Oklahoma Tax Commission, oil and gas production, regulatory impact, economic implications, dental insurance, health care, medical necessity
AL
Bills:
SB24, SB83, SB142, SB140, SB94, SB24, SB83, SB142, SB140, SB94, HB132, HB37, HB51, HB105, HB54, HB7, HB158, HB188, HB189, HB111, HB13, HB192, HB149
Keywords:
body-worn camera, public records, law enforcement transparency, recording disclosure, civil rights, adult-size changing table, changing station, accessible restroom, public bathroom, public building, public entity, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, accessibility, restroom renovation, new construction, grant program, state grant, local government facilities, historic property
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- ,<01:29:02.320>
MVP, <01:29:03.440>Cigna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, MVP, Cigna, Blue - Cross and Blue Shield, MVP, Cigna, uh<01:29:04.680>
all <01:29:04.840>of <01:29:04.920> - <01:29:06.320>
of <01:29:06.400>our <01:29:07.000>um Blue Cross and Blue Shield - We heard from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, MVP, Cigna Health Care.
- We heard from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, MVP, Cigna Health Care.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee 2/19/26
Commerce Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- So the question before you today is not whether the bill is legal; it's whether shielding kids from a
- So the question before you today is not whether the bill is legal; it's whether shielding kids from a
- We represent Minnesota's nonprofit insurers, which includes Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota, HealthPartners
- <01:21:01.280>
Blue <01:21:01.520>Cross <01:21:01.760>Blue <01:21:02.000>Shielded - includes Blue Cross Blue Shielded includes Blue Cross Blue Shielded Minnesota<01:21:03.120>
Health
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Apr 23rd, 2025 at 10:04 am
Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
Transcript Highlights:
- This can happen with clerks, anyone, because it will shield the judge from the only thing that you can
- The TCPA was intended to be a shield against bad lawsuits.
- It's now become this, instead of this shield, it's become this unwieldy sword.
- It's now become this, instead of this shield, it's become this unwieldy sword.
- But I do think that the TCPA is ...a shield for Texans to protect them.
Bills:
HB2242, HB2446, HB2799, HB4502, HB2920, HB2790, HB5620, HB5060, HB5076, HB5080, HB5081, HB5128, HB5130, HB3847, HB5116, HB2969, HB4546, HB4202, HB5624, HB3964, HB4803, HB872, HB4775, HB4777, HB4961, HB5570, HB2988, HB4260, HB1375, HB5009, HB5411, HB5134, HB4388, HB3095, HB1387
Keywords:
constables, civil rights, local government, law enforcement, policy-making authority, affidavit, medical bills, civil actions, reasonable charges, healthcare services, judicial statistics, court performance, family law, civil cases, efficiency reporting, court security, emergency management, harassment penalties, judicial safety, court committee
Summary:
The committee heard House Bill 4961, which would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages after a collision. The author said the bill is intended to create incentives to maintain insurance and to address what he described as an unfair system for insured drivers. Texans for Lawsuit Reform and Texas Eagle Forum testified in support, while the Texas Trial Lawyers Association opposed it, warning the bill could also affect pedestrians, passengers, children, and others who did not choose whether a vehicle was insured. The bill author clarified that passengers would be included in the bill’s coverage. No vote was taken and the bill was left pending.
House Bill 5570 would extend a legislative attorney CLE exemption to attorneys appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to boards or commissions. The author said the measure is meant to ease time burdens and encourage service, and a witness supported it as a modest incentive for public service. A committee member noted a discrepancy in the number of affected attorneys, and the author agreed to verify the correct figure. The bill was left pending.
The committee also heard House Bill 2969, which would restrict the State Bar from adopting rules or penalties that unreasonably burden attorneys’ religious exercise or free speech based on sincerely held beliefs. The author and several witnesses from Texas Values, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Cecilia Wood argued the bill protects lawyers of faith from an ABA model rule they described as a speech code. No one testified against the bill, and it was left pending. House Bill 4260, which would prohibit county judges and county commissioners from practicing law in courts over which they have jurisdiction, drew opposition from the County Judges and Commissioners Association, which argued existing ethics rules already address conflicts and that the bill would burden rural officials. The author said the bill was prompted by concerns about judges using their office to pressure others. The bill was left pending.
House Bill 5134 would limit Rule 202 pre-suit depositions to people who have suffered or reasonably expect actual damages and would allow attorney’s fees against abusive petitioners. The author said the bill is aimed at preventing harassment and fishing expeditions, especially in family-law disputes. Questions focused on how the standard would work and how it differs from current law; the author said the main change is fee-shifting and a clearer legislative directive. The bill was left pending. House Bill 3095, a committee substitute version of a similar uninsured-motorist bill, would bar uninsured motorists from recovering non-economic damages and limit economic recovery, with several exceptions. Trial lawyers argued it was unconstitutional because it capped economic damages and could unfairly affect innocent drivers, pedestrians, and older people who no longer drive. The author acknowledged constitutional concerns and said the bill would need further work; the committee withdrew the substitute and left the bill pending.
Finally, House Bill 4388 would require all judges, including county judges who perform administrative duties, to remain subject to the Code of Judicial Conduct. Supporters said some elected judges avoid accountability by relinquishing judicial functions, while opponents argued the bill is too rigid and unnecessary because existing remedies already exist. House Bill 3964 would limit public nuisance claims to their historical role and bar such claims against lawful conduct, conduct already covered by other remedies, and products. The author and supporters said the bill is meant to prevent courts from using public nuisance to make policy, while opponents argued it would eliminate useful remedies and could affect local actions against environmental or product-related harms. The author said the bill would not affect statutory nuisance claims, private nuisance claims, or other causes of action, and would be amended to clarify some provisions. The bill was left pending.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety - 02/20/26
Judiciary and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- burglary, kidnapping, and attempted rape burglary, kidnapping, and attempted rape committed<02:13
- Now, if that were to happen, imagine a 15-year-old rape victim who has said that man assaulted me.
- Now, if that were to happen, imagine a 15-year-old rape victim who has said that man assaulted me.
- Now, if that were to happen, imagine a 15-year-old rape victim who has said that man assaulted me.
- Now, if that were to happen, imagine a 15-year-old rape victim who has said that man assaulted me.
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Criminal Justice and Public Safety (01/29/2026)
Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a case in, a famous case, uh, Josiah Sutton out of Texas, uh, where he was charged with rape
- the case gave a not an absolutely strong ID, but uh somewhat of a good ID of him as the person who raped
- ><03:33:47.840>
Uh <03:33:48.080>the <03:33:48.319>victim he was charged with rape - Uh the victim he was charged with rape.
- Um, despite having an alibi, he was wrongfully convicted of a murder and rape of a 77-year-old woman
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2025)
Transcript Highlights:
- at a bar and had one drink and then woke up in a hotel room that wasn't theirs and had clearly been raped
- at a bar and had one drink and then woke up in a hotel room that wasn't theirs and had clearly been raped
- at a bar and had one drink and then woke up in a hotel room that wasn't theirs and had clearly been raped
- at a bar and had one drink and then woke up in a hotel room that wasn't theirs and had clearly been raped
- "Drink and then woke up in a hotel room that wasn't theirs and had clearly been raped, and so somebody
Summary:
The subcommittee first dealt with a brew pub license bill and corrected some sponsor/subcommittee roster confusion before voting to pass it without discussion. The main item of debate was a bill allowing patrons to take purchased alcoholic beverages into restrooms. The bill sponsor argued the current ban is outdated, rarely enforced, and can leave patrons vulnerable if they set drinks down and leave them unattended; he said establishments could still post their own rules if they wished. Liquor enforcement officials said they were neutral overall, noting both the risk of drinks being left unattended and the practical concerns of underage drinking, over-service, and restroom monitoring.
Testimony split between those who saw the law as a non-issue and those who viewed it as a safety measure. One member said he had never seen anyone take alcohol into a restroom and opposed changing the law, while others cited drink-spiking concerns and suggested alternatives such as safe zones behind bars, drink covers, and alert apps. Industry representatives said many operators would prefer to keep the law as-is because it helps with policing drinking in their establishments, though they acknowledged the motivation behind the bill. Several members also raised drafting concerns, saying the wording was confusing about whether the rule applied to patrons or establishments.
The committee ultimately voted 5-2 to recommend the bill ought to pass. Afterward, members discussed amending the language to clarify that establishments could still prohibit the practice, but one member suggested a simpler fix would be to strike the word “restroom” from the prohibition entirely. The committee then unanimously voted to reconsider its action so the language could be revised later, and the amendment discussion was left for a future meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Commerce and Economic Development Oversight Feb 24th, 2026 at 10:30 am
Commerce & Economic Development Oversight
Transcript Highlights:
- So it could be a way of using multiple legal shields to deny responsibility.
Bills:
HB3147, HB4453, HB3369, HB3660, HB3498, HB3260, HB3081, HB3127, HB3673, HB2293, HB3545, HB3546, HB2035
Keywords:
special license plates, Route 66, Oklahoma, funding, community support, health care, transparency, primary care, cost analysis, insurance, all payer claims database, spending benchmarks, HB3369, food truck, food truck fire suppression, mobile food establishment, mobile food preparation vehicle, mobile food vendor, automatic fire extinguishing system, fire suppression
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD REPORTED WENT THROUGH THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION WHERE THE PROVIDER WAS AN EXPLICITLY
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 21st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- added children under 12 becomes a child in need of care looking into because under 12 is statutory rape
- , no matter who did it. ...because under 12 is statutory rape, no matter who did it or when it was done
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 20, 2026, with eight members present and approved the prior meeting minutes. The committee first advanced SB 1224, which requires DCFS to look into cases where a child under 17 is involved in a pregnancy, with added oversight for children under 12; it was reported favorably. The committee also favorably reported SB 1100, described as repealing an outdated statute. White Coat Day remarks welcomed physicians to the Capitol and thanked them for their service, including efforts to improve Medicaid reimbursement.
Several health-related bills were then heard and advanced. HB 1220, a continuation of prior work to codify provisions related to the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners and physician licensure, was reported favorably. HB 1231 clarified that Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitoring applies to insulin-dependent patients, including those with gestational diabetes, and was also reported favorably. HB 198, which sets reimbursement rates for ambulatory surgery centers for certain Medicaid procedures such as colonoscopies, eye, ENT, and gastroenterology services, passed favorably. HB 1160, creating a streamlined restricted license pathway for qualified international medical graduates, prompted a lengthy exchange about delayed rulemaking and whether the board had added requirements beyond statute; despite concerns, it was reported favorably.
The committee also advanced several resolutions and oversight measures. HCR 67, prompted by a personal family experience with a special-needs child’s acute care needs, creates a task force to study gaps in acute care for special-needs adults and children; it was amended and reported favorably. HCR 27, calling for a statewide evaluation of autism services by LDH and the Department of Education, was reported favorably. HB 223, which recreates DCFS, was amended to shorten the sunset date and require law enforcement reporting through a secure web platform, then reported favorably. HCR 28, creating a task force on school nurse orientation and training for new graduates, was reported favorably after testimony from school nurses about the lack of standardized orientation and the risks of placing inexperienced nurses alone in schools.
The committee also took up HB 469, which would allow pharmacy license renewal applicants to designate a portion of fees to eligible schools including Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy; after opposition from Senator Cloud and a roll call, the bill was deferred. HB 1182, a cleanup bill changing the occupational therapy certifying entity and adjusting fees, and HB 1076, eliminating one of two sunset provisions for the Louisiana Behavior Analyst Board, were both reported favorably. HB 1216, a major rewrite of clinical laboratory personnel rules, was deferred after concerns that it would restrict existing phlebotomy and lab functions in ways that could conflict with recent law. Finally, HB 457 and HB 616, both by Representative Knox and focused on homelessness, drew extensive testimony: HB 457 established minimum standards for shelters and similar facilities and was reported favorably as amended, while HB 616 would allow audits of homelessness-related funding and databases; after debate over privacy, federal funding oversight, and accountability, the committee adopted an amendment changing enforcement language from "may" to "shall" and continued hearing testimony from opponents and supporters.