Transcript Highlights:

• So this is taking the HD3 version and just changing the detective date to a clean date as of on approval
• 01:40.720> the HD3 version and just changing the the HD3 version and just changing the the detective
• 00:01:43.600> date<00:01:44.240> as<00:01:44.479> of<00:01:45.119> on detective
• date to a clean date as of on detective date to a clean date as of on approval<00:01:45.680> or

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do we have tools that—what's the quality of the tools we have that are available for early detection?
• Do we have tools that—what's the quality of the tools we have that are available for early detection?
• Do we have tools that—what's the quality of the tools we have that are available for early detection?
• Do we have tools that—what's the quality of the tools we have that are available for early detection?
• Do we have tools that—what's the quality of the tools we have that are available for early detection?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education met for its first meeting of the session, reviewed basic committee rules, and took attendance before considering two bills. The chair emphasized civility, no signs in the room, and deadlines for committee substitutes and amendments. House Bill 416, sponsored by Representative Clines, would change teacher-preparation admissions by replacing an entrance test score requirement with a formative assessment approach while retaining exit examinations for teacher certification. KDE witnesses said the bill would reduce barriers, provide programs with data to support students, and not lower standards. Members asked about content-specific preparation, whether the bill would water down standards, and available data on current entry-test barriers. Several members spoke in support, citing the teacher shortage and the value of giving more candidates a path into education. The committee approved HB 416 unanimously and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion. House Bill 389, sponsored by Representative Hein, would define dysgraphia, require KDE to annually update the dyslexia toolkit, support district professional development and coaching, require local boards to develop screener/diagnostic processes, and require postsecondary teacher programs to include dyslexia instruction. A committee substitute made technical changes, including an IDEA citation and removal of specific three-cueing language in favor of evidence-based practices. Testimony stressed that dyslexia is not the same as special education eligibility and that early identification and intervention are needed. Members discussed the low number of districts with related policies, the quality of approved screeners, and the need for more local and regional support services. The committee approved HB 389 with the committee substitute attached and sent it to the House floor with a favorable expression of opinion.

Transcript Highlights:

• such against another person when such prosecution<00:36:30.960> includes<00:36:31.359> weapons
• <00:36:31.839> violations prosecution includes weapons violations prosecution includes weapons
• violations are ancillary to such weapons violations are ancillary to such<00:36:40.880> prosecutions
• thresholds aren't met federally, violent crimes in Indian country, sexual offenses with ancillary weapons
• with thousands of rounds of weapons with thousands of rounds of ammunition<00:58:42.559> and<

Bills: SF0101

Keywords: Second Amendment, firearm regulation, state legislation, public safety, civil penalties, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• uh dis he was found guilty for uh dis displaying<00:23:44.080> a displaying a displaying a weapon
• um and Justice t as you might weapon um and Justice t as you might know<00:23:48.760> is<00:23
• And in this case, with Bevens, he did not attack the other gentleman; he just threatened with a weapon
• c><00:25:47.279> a gentleman he just threatened with a gentleman he just threatened with a weapon
• circumstances you must have your weapon circumstances you must have your weapon secured<00:57:35.920

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And he targeted opponents by weaponizing the prosecution service against political opponents and critical
• Trump administration is engaged in a concerted effort to interfere, directing, dismantling, and weaponizing
• :35.400> a an aggravated charge of assault using a an aggravated charge of assault using a weapon
• . weapon. weapon.
• assaulting someone with a weapon assaulting someone with a weapon compared<01:07:49.360> to

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Social media is a tool, not a weapon.
• I'm afraid this is going to be weaponized for people of color and people in the LGBT community.
• At the very least, ensure that this bill cannot be weaponized to censor identity. Vote no.
• HB 229 weaponizes women's vulnerability, invoking our experience with violence.
• Fear, ignorance, and bigotry have long been weaponized in the name of protecting women.

Bills: HB186, HB201, HB229, HB796, HB1506, HB2702, HB2885, HB3225, HB3909, HB4285, HB5138

Keywords: social media, children, account verification, data privacy, parental control, financial crime, card fraud, motor fuel theft, law enforcement, criminal activity, skimmers, prevention, training, biological sex, government information, definitions, sex-based distinctions, public health, federal directives, state authority

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 186, which would require social media platforms to verify users are 18 or older before allowing account creation. Invited witnesses in support, including Mary Elizabeth Castle and David Dunmoyer, argued the bill would protect children from harmful algorithms, addictive design, bullying, sexual exploitation, and mental health harms, and emphasized parental rights and the idea that minors should not enter binding contracts with platforms. Committee members questioned them about how algorithms work, whether parents could realistically monitor content, and whether the bill would still allow educational use; the witnesses said the bill was narrowly aimed at harmful social media use and not educational content. Public testimony on HB 186 was largely in opposition, though several student witnesses said they supported the bill’s goals but wanted the age lowered to 16 or the bill amended to allow parental consent or joint accounts. Opponents argued the bill would be ineffective because teens could bypass age checks, would cut off access to educational tools, school communications, recruiting and NIL opportunities, and would burden free speech and privacy. Some witnesses also said social media helps teens with mental health, community, and creative or professional opportunities, while others warned the bill could disproportionately harm disabled and marginalized users. After public testimony closed, HB 186 was left pending. The committee then heard House Bill 5138, which Chairman Hughes said would respond to a court ruling limiting the Attorney General’s authority to prosecute election crimes unless invited by local prosecutors by changing the statute to require AG prosecution. Public testimony on HB 5138 was brief and opposed by at least one witness who argued it would further erode local control and expand state preemption. The bill was left pending after testimony. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 3225, a library bill aimed at keeping sexually explicit books and materials out of children’s sections in municipal libraries and requiring age verification for checkout, including digital access, with parental consent and other revisions added in the House. Supporters said the bill would protect children from explicit material and keep such content in adult sections, while opponents argued it would amount to censorship, be costly and difficult to implement, and could be used to target LGBTQ+ or other marginalized content. Library workers, parents, students, and advocates testified that existing library sections already separate age-appropriate materials and that the bill could reduce access to books, burden libraries, and infringe on parental choice and free expression.

Transcript Highlights:

• Yeah, it's just, it's a, it's a trend I'm detecting with all of our state agencies, both big and small
• The state of Texas, uh, Texas taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money weaponized against them and

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, House Bill 217 with the Senate substitute is exactly the same posture as the assault weapons
• And then it does carve out that you can transfer an assault weapon as a gift to immediate family members
• Speaker, we have multiple definitions for what an assault weapon is, and why some places say woman and
• If you own a weapon today and you own it lawfully today, you can continue to own it.
• Two, all state laws regarding firearms, and three, proper weapon storage techniques. Mr.

Keywords: March 11, 2026 - Regular Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection
• Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection
• people over 65 there is a push for for people over 65 there is a push for early<00:10:43.079> detection
• c> this<00:10:44.000> disease<00:10:44.560> and<00:10:44.680> now early detection
• of this disease and now early detection of this disease and now we<00:10:44.920> have<00:10:45.040

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Starting with that early detection and response.
• In a recent example pictured here and we have the successful early detection and rapid response of a
• python population size, something that has historically been very difficult to identify due to the low detect
• New innovations offer exciting opportunities to expand and enhance or detection and control efforts.
• But it's is that that as we look across the state, you know, we want to be able to detect those species

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We're adding assault, battery, criminal sexual contact, and robbery while armed with a deadly weapon
• We've covered robbery with a deadly weapon, and, I'm sorry, robbery with a deadly weapon under aggravated
• Is it the use of a weapon or an instrument?
• aggravated assault would be the actual contact, where aggravated assault would be use of a deadly weapon
• And then aggravated assault is something with a deadly weapon, to where maybe you point a gun at somebody

Bills: HB99, HJR5, HM39, HB206, HB213, SB41, SB153, SB165, SB261, SB264

Keywords: medical malpractice, malpractice reform, patient's compensation fund, PCF, health care liability, tort reform, damage caps, punitive damages, hospital liability, physician liability, nurse practitioner, certified nurse-midwife, outpatient facility, ambulatory surgical center, urgent care, free-standing emergency room, insurance surcharge, superintendent of insurance, New Mexico hospitals, medical review process

Transcript Highlights:

• I can send a weapon. And thank you for being here, Senator Wagoner. Thank you.
• be able to engage in pursuits, detain or arrest folks, use force, carry or use firearms or other weapons
• as peace officers—to enforce criminal laws, civil immigration laws, and carry and use firearms or weapons
• as peace officers—to enforce criminal laws, civil immigration laws, and carry and use firearms or weapons
• of mass destruction, you know, military-style weapons, and flying a Confederate flag.

Summary: The committee held a work session in Mill Creek focused first on the eviction process. Judge Michael Scott of King County Superior Court described historic highs in unlawful detainer filings across Washington, especially in urban counties, and said King County has reduced its backlog and average time to resolution to about 60 days by adding two dedicated eviction judges and using more judges when needed. He also described how King County and other counties are implementing the right to counsel for indigent tenants, and noted that additional housing commissioners may help. Office of Civil Legal Aid representatives Philippe Knapp and Jane Paxe said the statewide appointed counsel program has represented more than 30,000 tenants, referred clients to social services, and helped many remain housed, but they warned of a funding shortfall that could eliminate about 17 attorneys and leave roughly 2,000 tenants without representation. A landlord-side panel argued that eviction timelines remain too long and fragmented, creating unpaid rent, safety issues, and uncertainty for both landlords and tenants; they urged more uniform procedures, streamlined rental assistance, and procedural changes to reduce refiling and delays. The second work session addressed theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure, especially copper and telecom cable theft. Committee staff reviewed existing criminal and regulatory laws covering malicious mischief, theft, scrap metal businesses, and metal property deception. Comcast, Mason Public Utility District, and the Recycled Materials Association testified that theft of aerial cable and copper has become a crisis affecting power, internet, 911 service, schools, hospitals, and line-worker safety. Utility representatives described outages, hazards, and rising costs, and asked for stronger audits of scrapyards, tougher penalties for theft affecting critical infrastructure, and tighter rules on payment and identification. Recyclers said they oppose the thefts and already operate under heavy regulation, but acknowledged enforcement gaps and the need for better coordination; committee members discussed possible bill concepts and asked for written recommendations. The final work session covered standards for law enforcement personnel. Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander and Assistant Director Kimberly Bliss explained current certification and decertification rules, including background checks, training requirements, mandatory and discretionary grounds for decertification, and the hearing process. They said elected sheriffs are not currently required to undergo the same pre-election background check as other applicants, though they can still be decertified if already certified, and they reported a backlog of more than 1,000 cases with about 70 to 80 new cases coming in each month. Retired Judge Ann Levinson then outlined ways the legislature could strengthen and align standards for chiefs, sheriffs, and marshals, including requiring certification within a set time, setting a minimum age, requiring recent state background checks, and making loss of certification a vacancy in office. Committee members asked questions about accountability for elected sheriffs, background-check administration, and decertification outcomes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The oversight, detection, and prosecution of when fraud targets our public programs.
• fraud, and that we're our work detecting fraud, and that we're also<01:13:00.840> talking<01:
• Information sharing and investigation are key to fraud detection, prevention, and our oversight role.
• , to build agency capacity to detect, to build agency capacity to detect, prevent,<01:28:35.560><
• ,<01:30:09.200> prevention, are key to fraud detection, prevention, are key to fraud detection

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Their job right now is protecting the missiles that will shoot down the nuclear weapons that get unleashed
• We also catch weapons going the other way.
• So we were able to confiscate the cartels trying to get weapons down across on the other side of the
• have been operating for a long time since Governor Ducey with the ability to carry privately owned weapons
• Gaxiola, a 67-year-old Mexican alien convicted of child abuse and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon

Summary: The Senate Committee on Director Nominations held a confirmation hearing for John Connolly, the current Adjutant General and Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). Connolly described his background in the Army, National Guard, and military law, and outlined DEMA’s dual mission of supporting the Arizona National Guard and emergency management. He emphasized readiness, modernization of aging aircraft and facilities, growth in capabilities such as drones and electronic warfare, partnerships to restore helicopter training at Silver Bell, and stewardship of resources. He also discussed DEMA’s border-related missions, including Task Force Safe at Nogales, counter-drug operations, and use of artificial intelligence to monitor drone activity and build a common operating picture for law enforcement. Committee members questioned Connolly about his interview and vetting process, his role in emergency management, disaster response in Gila County, support for rural counties and tribes, and services for Guard members and families through the Integrated Resilience Operations Center. Several members pressed him on military discipline, lawful orders, classified information, and the distinction between war and hostilities. Senator Rogers focused on chain of command, combat readiness, and whether Connolly’s JAG background prepared him to lead a combat-oriented force; Connolly responded that his role is to provide ready forces, follow civilian authority, and ensure troops have training, equipment, and family support. He also said he had experience advising commanders and teaching lawful versus unlawful orders. A major point of contention came when members questioned Connolly about the 2021 COVID-19 vaccination mandate for the Guard and whether he had treated it as unlawful or unconstitutional. Connolly said it was a lawful order at the time and that exemption processes existed under the regulations. The hearing also turned to immigration enforcement, emergency powers, and whether the Guard should support ICE; Connolly said the Guard is a support function and would respond to a direct request through the governor, but he could not identify a specific scenario in the abstract. No vote or final action was taken during the hearing, and the committee appeared to continue its review after testimony and questioning.

Transcript Highlights:

• insurance law enforcement as well as insurance companies<00:08:47.080> to<00:08:47.279> detect
• /c><00:08:48.240> prevent<00:08:48.560> and<00:08:48.720> deter companies to detect
• uh prevent and deter companies to detect uh prevent and deter Insurance<00:08:49.560> crimes<
• Early detection gives us the greatest opportunity for prevention and treatment of this disease.
• Early detection gives us the greatest opportunity for prevention and treatment of this disease.

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:20 SB18 Discussion: 01:36 SB18 Vote: 05:07 SB24 Discussion: 06:37 SB24 Vote: 10:50 HB524 Discussion: 12:03 HB524 Vote: 13:55 HB421 Discussion: 15:13 HB421 Vote: 20:50 HB236 Discussion: 21:53 HB236 Vote: 23:34 HB210 Discussion: 25:40 HB210 Vote: 29:56, 958, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and took up several insurance and health-related bills, beginning with Senate Bill 18, which was presented by Senator Girdler and insurance witness Adam Sheridan. The bill was described as addressing a shortage of garage liability insurance for used auto dealers in Kentucky, which has left many small dealers with only one or two coverage options and, in some cases, unable to obtain the insurance needed for a dealer license. The committee adopted a motion and second, then passed SB 18 unanimously and reported it favorably with the recommendation that it pass on the House floor. The committee then considered Senate Bill 24, also presented by Senator Girdler with testimony from Eric DeCampo of the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The bill was framed as an anti-fraud measure that would expand the definition of a fraudulent insurance act to cover misrepresentations about property damage and repair costs in property insurance claims. Testimony emphasized that insurance fraud raises premiums for consumers and that the bill would help deter inflated or fabricated claims. After a brief question about whether the bill created new felonies, the committee voted to pass SB 24 unanimously and report it favorably. House Bill 524, presented by Rep. Aaron Thompson with officials from the Office of the Controller and State Risk, would extend reinsurance requirements for the state’s fire and tornado/self-insurance fund from July 1 of this year to July 1, 2030, and rename the fund the Commonwealth’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fund. The bill was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously. House Bill 421, presented by Rep. Amy Neighbors, would require full coverage of FDA-approved bowel preps without out-of-pocket cost or prior authorization issues and update colorectal cancer screening coverage rules for high-risk patients by incorporating multisociety task force guidelines. Members discussed the bill’s personal importance and its minimal fiscal impact; it passed unanimously with a committee substitute. House Bill 236, presented by Rep. Adam Moore and Commissioner Sharon Clark, would cap annual out-of-pocket costs for epinephrine at $100. Members spoke in support, including personal remarks about the importance of access to epinephrine, and the bill passed unanimously with a favorable recommendation. Finally, House Bill 210, presented by Rep. Michael “Sarge” Pollock and Dr. Steve Robertson of the Kentucky Dental Association, addressed dental limited benefit plans and direct payment to dentists. Members asked whether the bill also affected vision/hearing arrangements or third-party administrators; the witness said it was intended for non-ERISA dental plans in Kentucky and suggested follow-up with the commissioner for further clarification. The committee adopted the committee substitute and then passed HB 210 favorably, with 15 yes votes and no votes against. The meeting then adjourned, with a reminder about the Banking and Insurance dinner later that evening.

Transcript Highlights:

• level like I make the making at at making any applications possibly going on where where not able to detect
• A cases just detect in southern Georgia about 30 miles north of the Florida board.
• We enacted that response from the disease was detected.
• And as I mentioned before, we have not detected another case which tells us this is a low prevalence.
• This disease you've heard about recently as well, probably, but we first detected this in 2017 and we

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Alzheimer's disease and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction, early detection
• > early Research driving risk reduction in early Research driving risk reduction in early detection
• > and<00:03:32.920> maximizing<00:03:33.480> quality<00:03:33.840> care detection
• and maximizing quality care detection and maximizing quality care and<00:03:34.159> support<00

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• FWC's role in derelict vessel enforcement is to serve as the lead state agency in the detection, investigation
• The process starts with detection.
• FWC's role in derelict vessel enforcement is to serve as the lead state agency and detection investigation
• The process starts with detection.

Summary: The Committee on Environment and Natural Resources received a presentation from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission on derelict vessels, enforcement challenges, and a long-term stored vessel study. FWC reported about 1,040 derelict vessels currently in its database, with roughly 600 new cases entering each year, and noted that hurricanes account for a large share of recent cases. The agency explained the legal definition of derelict vessels, the environmental and navigation hazards they create, and its enforcement process, including investigation, notice to owners, administrative hearings, removal authorization, and recovery of costs through registration holds. FWC also described prevention efforts such as at-risk vessel enforcement, nuisance vessel designations, public awareness campaigns, and the vessel turn-in program, which has received more than 250 applications and removed more than 145 vessels since rollout. Committee members asked about owner resistance to removal, rapid-response options for hazardous vessels, county differences in derelict vessel numbers, and how local governments participate. FWC said only a small percentage of owners contest removals, that the agency relies on contractors and does not generally have its own removal equipment, and that local governments may conduct removals with their own funding but must still provide due process. Members also asked where removed vessels go; FWC said they are taken to landfills, with recyclable materials recovered, and that storage is used only when necessary for public safety because it is costly. The presentation also highlighted the long-term stored vessel study, which found a strong correlation between long-term anchored vessels and later derelict vessels, especially in Monroe County. No votes were taken on the presentation, and the committee adjourned after Senator Errington moved to adjourn and there was no objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• AI surveillance is a weapon still and just as dangerous as firearms.
• AI surveillance is a weapon cameras.
• It says, uh, so armed with a weapon means a weapon other than a firearm. Okay. Is that a car?
• <02:04:57.840> means It says uh so armed with a weapon means It says uh so armed with a weapon
• <02:05:00.960> Is a weapon other than a firearm. Okay. Is a weapon other than a firearm.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Before legalization, I experienced firsthand how cannabis prohibition was weaponized against communities
• And we're talking about going back to the days when prohibition was weaponized to put people like me
• And we're talking about going back to the days when prohibition was weaponized to put people like me
• in cages. and I urge this committee in all Days when prohibition was weaponized to put people like me

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions held a public hearing on Initiative Petition 25-10, House Bill 5002, titled “An Act to Restore a Sensible Marijuana Policy,” which would repeal Massachusetts’ adult-use cannabis legalization framework. Chairs Brendan Crighton and Kate Hogan outlined the Article 48 initiative process and explained that the committee is gathering testimony for a report to the legislature. The hearing was organized into expert, proponent, opponent, and public testimony, with written testimony accepted through March 27. The first witness, Jessica Trow of MassBudget, testified in opposition to repeal and focused on cannabis-related revenue and social equity. She said legalization has generated nearly $2 billion statewide since adult-use sales began, with revenue flowing through the Marijuana Regulation Fund, the state sales tax, and local taxes and fees. She emphasized that funds support public health, the Cannabis Control Commission’s social equity work, the Cannabis Social Equity Fund, and municipal budgets, and argued that legalization has created pathways for communities harmed by prohibition. The petition’s spokesperson, Wendy Wakeman, argued in favor of repeal, saying legalization has worsened public health, safety, and quality of life, citing higher potency, addiction, youth use, impaired driving, workplace positives, and black-market concerns. Committee members questioned her about the data sources, the will of the voters, the role of paid signature gatherers, and the petition’s funding, including out-of-state and dark-money concerns. Opponents of the initiative then testified that repeal would harm a regulated industry that has created jobs, tax revenue, and social equity opportunities. Caroline Pino of STEM, Kristen Rogers of Levia, Judith Ledbetter of Project De-Stigmatized Healthcare, and Armani White of Firehouse Dispensary/EON described their businesses, community investments, and personal reliance on cannabis, and warned that repeal would push consumers back to the illicit market and undermine equity programs. In public testimony, Lucas Thayer of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition and Jeff Rawson, a chemist and consumer protection advocate, also opposed the measure, arguing that regulated cannabis is safer than unregulated products and that repeal would damage investments and public safety. The hearing ended after the public testimony, and the committee voted to close the hearing.