Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Black. Representative Boykin. Representative Boyko. Here. Representative Costlow.
• Representative Banderman, Black, Boykin... Yes. Black. Aye. Boykin. Aye. Boyko. Aye. Koslow.

Summary: The Committee on Utilities held a public hearing on Senate Bill 1629, which Senator Fitzwater described as a clarifying measure to last year’s Dig Right/one-call infrastructure protection law. He said the bill responds to misinterpretations by some communities about tracer wire requirements for sewer mains and storm sewers, and that the intent is to avoid unnecessary costs for home builders and homebuyers while preserving underground utility safety. Committee members asked about the six-foot depth threshold, what utilities remain covered, and whether the bill weakens damage-prevention rules; Fitzwater and a committee member said it does not. Testimony in support came from the St. Louis Home Builders, who said the bill corrects a comma-related ambiguity and reduces unnecessary costs, and from Missouri 811, which said the bill reflects the original intent and raised no concerns. No opposition testimony was offered. In executive session, the committee first adopted a substitute combining House Bill 3351 and House Bill 3371, which deal with rules for detaching from a water district and allow a third party to pay debt owed by the district. The combined House Committee Substitute for HB 3351 and HB 3371 then received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee also considered a substitute for Senate Bill 903, described by Representative Simmons as adding copper wire and other wireline theft and damage provisions to critical infrastructure protections, with felony penalties and exceptions for legitimate possession by contractors. That measure also received a do-pass recommendation by a vote of 17-0. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• candidates out there that are minorities right now, and today, we have a female minority who was the first black
• female African-American promoted in the Air Guard. ...black female African-American promoted into the
• He'll be retiring soon, but he is also a black African-American. Yes, sir. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard a prayer from Pastor Neil Bernard of New Wine Christian Center, and recognized a number of visiting groups and observances, including AMI Kids, Mother’s Day, the Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association, Pro-Life Day at the Capitol, the American Cancer Society and Cancer Action Network, Municipal Day for the Louisiana Municipal Association, Recreation and Parks Association Day, St. John Day, Hoopla basketball activities, Main Street program participants, Leadership North Shore, the Lack of Seeing High School basketball team, Literacy Champion recognition, Orleans Parish Sheriff Michelle Woodford, and LACE Day for chamber executives. Majority Leader Steve Scalise also addressed the chamber, praising recent economic investment in Louisiana, coastal restoration funding, and the state’s improved national reputation. The House received Senate messages and Legislative Bureau reports on numerous Senate bills, many of which were referred to committee or laid over, and several House and Senate resolutions were introduced or adopted, largely commemorative or study-related measures. The chamber then took up several House bills in regular order. HB 89, concerning district attorney retiree health insurance coverage in the Third Judicial District, was amended and passed 87-5. HB 451, dealing with ATC notice procedures, passed 98-0 after technical amendments. HB 456, revising workers’ compensation petition requirements and allowing employers broader access to disputed claims, drew extended debate over whether it would burden injured workers; it passed 67-30. HB 579, expanding the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights and related confidentiality and complaint provisions, passed 98-0. HB 595, requiring local authorities to respond timely to permit-related matters affecting natural resource development, passed 92-3. HB 621, requiring recycling of decommissioned renewable energy components and updating waste rules, passed 99-0. HB 818, requiring school systems to publish annual assessment schedules and related testing information, passed 98-0. Additional bills considered included HB 841, creating a code of conduct for landmen negotiating pipeline easements and authorizing penalties for bad-faith conduct, which passed 98-0; HB 1060, establishing a two-year domestic violence intervention court pilot program in the 19th Judicial District with coordinated services and data collection, which passed 86-13; and HB 1101, a workers’ compensation measure defining maximum medical improvement, adjusting benefit durations, and addressing misrepresentation and fraud, which was under debate at the end of the excerpt. Throughout the floor session, members repeatedly emphasized that the bills were intended to clarify procedures, improve transparency, or address public safety and economic development, while opponents of some measures raised concerns about added burdens on workers or injured claimants.

Bills: HR244, HR245, HR246, HR247, HR248, HR249, HR250, HR251, HCR101, HCR102, HR223, HR224, HR225, HR226, HR227, HR229, HR230, HR231, HR232, HR234, HR235, HR236, HR237, HR238, HR239, HR240, HR241, HR242, HR243, HCR94, HCR95, HCR96, HCR97, HCR98, HCR99, HCR100, SCR31, SCR33, SCR35, SCR37, SCR56, SCR57, SB171, SB251, SB252, SB353, SB367, SB433, SB461, HR170, HR191, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR217, HCR11, HCR53, HCR60, HCR66, HCR68, HB66, HB153, HB165, HB326, HB387, HB454, HB455, HB484, HB513, HB603, HB660, HB719, HB762, HB766, HB793, HB802, HB816, HB833, HB940, HB947, HB950, HB975, HB1028, HB1039, HB1051, HB1053, HB1080, HB1201, HB1215, HB1228, HB1251, HB1252, SCR2, SB26, SB28, SB29, SB30, SB41, SB44, SB64, SB84, SB87, SB93, SB98, SB107, SB118, SB142, SB192, SB195, SB199, SB219, SB222, SB234, SB241, SB255, SB275, SB277, SB292, SB294, SB306, SB314, SB482, SB233, SB326, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, HCR72, HR37, HCR64, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB258, HB633, HB801, HB89, HB341, HB451, HB456, HB579, HB595, HB621, HB818, HB841, HB1064, HB1101, HB1191, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, SB1, SB23, SB32, SB42, SB43, SB46, SB51, SB110, SB113, SB150, SB154, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB221, SB253, SB289, SB310, SB351, SB399, SB404, SB502, HCR32, HB955, HB284, HB617, HB730, HB926, HB1125, HB1194, HB1203, HB798, HB998, HB1084, HB1223, HB646, HB824, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB59, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB911, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89, SB68, SB149

Keywords: disclosure, local law, public notice, legislative transparency, Artists at the Capitol Day, art education, Louisiana Art Education Association, recognition, community engagement, House Resolution 247, HR247, Laura Lewis, birthday commendation, 104th birthday, centenarian, longevity, St. James Parish, Louisiana House of Representatives, Mount Calvary Baptist Church, ceremonial resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• Black women.
• And the Black Caucus had determined that we were going to wear all black with a kente cloth stole.
• The Black Caucus was sitting on the first couple rows.
• And the Black Caucus had determined that we were going to wear all black with a kente cloth stole.
• The Black Caucus was sitting on the first couple rows.

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• because at some us back into the black?
• What is the plan to get us into the black?
• I is the plan to get us into the black?
• You know, I think as as I asked black?
• </c> has put the cancer center in the black has put the cancer center in the black the<02:21:12.640><

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, most cases in the criminal legal system are low-income, Black or Brown Californians who face
• Further, most cases in the criminal legal system are low-income, Black or Brown Californians who face
• Further, most cases in the criminal legal system are low-income, Black or Brown Californians who face
• Further, most cases in the criminal legal system are low-income, Black or Brown Californians who face
• In San Diego County alone, 14.9% of Black defendants To individuals previously convicted.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are a black hole where people forgot that kids need to be protected.
• They are a black hole where people forgot that kids need to be protected.
• We have Black women. I'm also Asian and white.
• You know, we have Asian women, we have brown women, we have Black women, and we have trans women.
• We have black women. I'm also Asian and white.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Kristen Nemers with the California Black Power Network and the Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation
• So the fact that AB 57 is one of the 16 priority bills introduced by the California Legislative Black
• Look, the reality is that not every person who's Black is a descendant of African slavery.
• And many generations of generational wealth have been denied our Black brothers and sisters.
• Again, not every Black person that's here.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 1521, the Judiciary Committee’s civil law omnibus measure. The bill makes a number of minor, mostly clarifying changes, including repealing obsolete Government Code provisions, allowing juvenile courts to hear petitions to establish records of birth, death, or marriage, requiring notice of probate petitions to the Department of Child Support Services, and correcting typos in existing law. It had no opposition and was moved on a do-pass basis to Appropriations, though it was later placed on call pending additional votes. Members then heard AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s Home Purchase Assistance Program funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. The author and supporters framed it as a reparative, race-neutral-by-lineage effort to address historic housing discrimination and the racial wealth gap, while opponents argued it was an unconstitutional racial proxy and should instead be based on individual injury. The bill drew strong support and opposition testimony, was amended, and was approved on a do-pass as amended vote to Appropriations, then placed on call. AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, was heard next. The bill would expand and standardize caregiving and guardianship tools for families facing immigration-related separation, including broader use of caregiver authorization affidavits, recognition of non-relative extended family caregivers, and a new short-term guardianship process that preserves parental rights. Supporters said it would reduce trauma and help children remain with trusted caregivers; there was no opposition testimony. The committee approved it on a do-pass to Human Services vote and placed it on call. The committee also heard AB 392, which would address non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit media by requiring uploader consent certifications, faster takedown procedures, and civil remedies against uploaders and hosting sites. A survivor testified in support, and members discussed implementation details and possible amendments; the bill was moved on a do-pass as amended basis to Appropriations and placed on call. AB 692, which would prohibit employer “stay-or-pay” debt agreements that require workers to repay training or other costs if they leave or are terminated, also advanced despite opposition from business and industry groups concerned about impacts on signing bonuses and voluntary training programs. It was sent to Appropriations on a do-pass as amended vote and placed on call, along with AB 1234, a wage-claim enforcement bill aimed at reducing Labor Commissioner delays and adding consequences for employers who fail to participate in the process. The committee also heard AB 394, which expands protections for transit workers and allows transit agencies to seek restraining orders against violent riders; it received broad support, some concern about system-wide bans, and was discussed with amendments that preserved judicial discretion.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:48:30.639><c> Perseverance,</c> Black History Month. Perseverance, Black History Month.
• Black History Month is not only about reflecting on the past.
• Black History Month is not only about reflecting on the past.
• I have a little-known Black history fact.
• Since today is known black history fact.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Shear Bolton Boyd bracie Brar bedo Black Shear Bolton Boyd bracie Brar bedo Black Shear Bolton Boyd
• and white it's not so am see it in black and white it's not so am see it in black and white it's not
• and white and you can find it in black and white and you can find it in black and white and you can
• Caucus staff our guest of the Black Caucus staff our guest of the Black Caucus staff our guest of the
• Alabama black caucus let's give them a Alabama black caucus let's give them a Alabama black caucus let's

Bills: HB 9, HB 22, HB 908, HB 1392

Keywords: property tax, ad valorem tax, tangible personal property, income-producing property, business personal property, tax exemption, local government finance, appraisal district, chief appraiser, rendition statement, property tax relief, small business, commercial property, leased property, related business entity, unified business enterprise, tax situs, Texas Tax Code, local taxing unit, constitutional amendment

Transcript Highlights:

• As a Black mother raising a Black autistic child, ABA is a universal... sorry, I can't speak.
• mother raising a Community as a black mother raising a black<00:24:15.400><c> autistic</c><00:24:16.480
• I have three Black children, as Nuda said, and my Black children need to learn how to cope with this
• immigrant mother of three Black children and demanding that something that is working for me and my
• </c> black immigrant U mother of three black black immigrant U mother of three black children<00:45:31.000

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But we found larger than average effects for Black students.
• And in particular, your figure number four really, the gains for Black students really jumps out.
• any theories at this point as to why the community school model has shown the greatest gains with Black
• Lincoln is a school of about 1,400 students whose demographics include 70% Latino, 19% Black, and 10%
• And I want to see what it is about the community school model that is so impactful for Black students

Summary: The joint informational and oversight hearing focused on community schools in California, with members emphasizing that the purpose was to examine effectiveness, implementation, and sustainability rather than the Governor’s budget proposal. The California Department of Education described the California Community Schools Partnership Program, created in 2021 and funded with more than $4 billion, including planning, implementation, extension, and county coordination grants. Officials said nearly 2,500 schools are participating and highlighted the statewide technical assistance structure, including the State Transformational Assistance Center, eight regional centers, county offices, and CDE support. Researchers from the Learning Policy Institute and UCLA presented early findings and implementation data. LPI reported reductions in chronic absenteeism and suspensions, along with gains in math and English language arts, with especially large benefits for Black students and other historically underserved groups. UCLA described the Annual Progress Report as a statewide improvement tool showing growth in capacity-building, shared decision-making, whole-child supports, and continuous improvement. Members asked about how the reports measure outcomes, how to interpret outliers, and how to distinguish community schools effects from other concurrent initiatives; presenters said matched comparison methods and deeper case-study work are being used, with additional statewide findings expected in June. Panelists from Oakland Unified, LAUSD/UTLA, San Diego Unified, and advocacy organizations described key elements of success: integrated student supports, strong family and student engagement, collaborative leadership, community partnerships, and school-site decision-making. They gave examples such as wellness centers, dual enrollment, student senates, parent leadership, and community campaigns that built trust and increased participation. Members also raised concerns about sustainability, implementation fidelity, and whether community schools improve participation in LCAP processes. Presenters said major barriers include unclear early guidance, the need for a mindset shift away from top-down models, and uncertainty about long-term funding for coordinators and other staff. The panel’s recommendations centered on stable ongoing funding, stronger technical assistance, shared governance, and embedding community schools practices into district and county systems.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representatives, seeking the ways of peace and the road to freedom for all, especially during this Black
• May we honor the legacy of William Clay Sr. as we celebrate Black History Month. Thank you.
• Again, sir, that's not what it says in black and white in the bill.
• We’re not having the conversation about the fact that Black women die in this state at 87.6 more per
• We're not having the conversation about the fact that black women die in this state at 87.6 more per

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal by roll call vote, 139-1. Members spent much of the morning introducing guests and recognizing visitors, including Missouri FFA officers, library advocates, park and recreation professionals, interns, community leaders, and family members. The chamber also heard a tribute to William Clay Sr. in observance of Black History Month. The first major bill taken up was House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1757, which would require universal gifted-student screening by the end of third grade and clarify how schools identify gifted students. The sponsor and supporters said the bill is meant to expand access to gifted services, reduce bias in identification, and ensure students are screened regardless of zip code or family resources. Several members asked about funding, screening methods, and whether the bill would create an unfunded mandate; the sponsor said schools would have flexibility to use two of seven screening options and that the bill would not require a gifted program unless a district reaches the 3% threshold. The House adopted the committee substitute and ordered the bill perfected and printed. The chamber then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bills 1667 and 2294, the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. The sponsor said the measure would require medical care for infants born alive during or after an abortion attempt and impose civil and criminal penalties for failure to provide care. Supporters framed the bill as protecting newborns who survive an abortive attempt, while opponents argued it was duplicative of existing law, could criminalize medical providers, and would worsen Missouri’s maternity-care shortages and discourage doctors from practicing in the state. Members debated the bill’s language, intent, and possible effects on abortion-related investigations and medical practice; the discussion continued beyond the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also was no stranger to seeing when a white supremacist came into a Black neighborhood and shot dead
• three Black folks because he wanted to kill Black people that day.
• this state done anything to protect the marginalized communities, including Jewish people, Arabs, Black
• folks because he wanted to kill Black people that day.
• this state done anything to protect the marginalized communities, including Jewish people, Arabs, Black

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Summary: The committee took up several bills and one set of confirmations. SB 330, relating to disability provisions for firefighters, law enforcement, and correctional officers, was explained as clarifying the heart disease presumption and allowing transferred law enforcement officers to rely on a prior physical if the new agency fails to provide one; it was reported favorably. SB 526, a broad commercial construction bill, was amended with a title amendment and a delete-all amendment before being reported favorably. SB 1192 created a pilot program for callback queues at certain executive agencies to reduce hold times, and it was also reported favorably. SB 1078 established gubernatorial transition procedures, including liaisons, briefing materials, office space, and access to records; an amendment narrowed and reassigned some duties and increased penalties for improper disclosure, and the bill passed favorably. SB 7022 extended and updated a public records exemption for classroom examinations and assessment instruments through 2031, and it was reported favorably. SB 1250 removed the Florida Commission on Human Relations’ requirement to use registered mail for certain notices, allowing less expensive notice methods, and it passed favorably. SB 1698 allowed certain employer notices and posters to be posted electronically instead of physically, and it was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of 10 appointees to the Florida Commission on Human Relations and the State Retirement Commission. SB 1072 created an anti-Semitism task force within the Attorney General’s Office of Civil Rights to review anti-Semitism in Florida, improve community relations, advise on law enforcement training, assess digital media literacy efforts, review hate crime statutes, and issue annual reports. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with many speakers opposing it on First Amendment, academic freedom, and equal-protection grounds and arguing it could chill criticism of Israel or be used selectively; supporters said it was needed to address rising anti-Semitism and that the state’s definition of anti-Semitism had already been adopted in statute. After debate, the bill was reported favorably. SB 862, as amended, set a $60,000 salary goal by 2030 for state correctional officers, probation officers, and institutional security specialists, with annual raises subject to appropriations; members questioned a separate provision allowing deployment of correctional officers during emergencies, including whether that could intersect with immigration enforcement, but the sponsor said he would follow up and that the bill was aimed at recruitment, retention, and workforce stability. The bill received support from law enforcement and corrections groups and was reported favorably. SB 1642, the Freedom in the Workplace Act, generated the most contentious discussion: it would bar certain pronoun-related requirements, prohibit mandatory training or activities related to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a condition of employment, require sex on employment forms to reflect biological sex, and extend similar protections to public employees and contractors. Supporters framed it as protecting free speech, conscience, and against compelled speech; opponents argued it would authorize discrimination against transgender and nonbinary people, invite litigation, and harm workplace safety and inclusion. An amendment moved the bill into the chapter governing public employers and employees, and the bill was then reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we know exactly who that harms: Black and brown immigrant Nevadans who are already over-policed and
• more equitable and effective, and it paves the way for increased criminalization, particularly of Black
• Please do not resurrect this black eye on the state of Nevada. Thank you.
• Please do not resurrect this black eye on the state of Nevada. Thank you.
• backwards, one that will criminalize poverty, mental illness, and homelessness, and push back more Black

Bills: AB275, SB371, SB457

Keywords: criminal procedure, wiretap, law enforcement, child protection, sexual offenses, SB371, Nevada, trespass, criminal trespass, NRS 207.200, property rights, misdemeanor, warning period, 24 months, 36 months, no trespassing, posted signs, fencing, private property, public property

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> Cameron</c> chair Vice chair Representatives Cameron chair Vice chair Representatives Cameron black
• :47.960><c> of</c><00:32:48.039><c> the</c><00:32:48.120><c> Hawaii</c><00:32:48.360><c> state</c> black
• on behalf of the Hawaii state black on behalf of the Hawaii state energy<00:32:48.960><c> office</c>
• Cameron Black on behalf of the Hawaii State Energy Office. We stand on our testimony and comments.
• Cameron black on behalf of<00:39:15.200><c> the</c><00:39:15.280><c> Hawaii</c><00:39:15.599><c> state

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Water and Land met on March 18, 2025, and heard testimony on several measures related to state funds, public lands, wastewater, port infrastructure, and other land and water issues. Early in the hearing, SB 1395, relating to state funds and climate mitigation financing, drew support from the Governor’s office, the Hawaii Climate Advisory Team, the State Energy Office, and others, while the Tax Foundation of Hawaii urged the committee not to revert to the original version because of concerns about a special fund and compliance with state statutes. After discussion, the chair said the bill would be deferred because of budget uncertainty and the need to preserve reserves, and members agreed to that recommendation. The committee then took up SB 1393, SB 1669, SB 102, SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946, among others. SB 1393 and SB 1669 received support or comments from agencies including the Attorney General’s office, the State Energy Office, and other departments; SB 1669 was sent on with amendments and to Finance for further review. SB 102, concerning a third-party review process, prompted questions about who would select consultants and whether the bill would affect staffing and permitting costs; it was advanced with amendments, with one member noting reservations about the shift to private third-party review. SB 1511, SB 1083, and SB 946 also moved forward, generally with amendments or as amended, and several members noted reservations tied to budget impacts or statutory language. The committee also heard testimony on HB 1393, which involved public lands and school facilities, where the Department of Education sought a change to the deletion language and the School Facilities Authority said it stood on its written comments. For SB 146, relating to the Ali Canal, the University of Hawaiʻi and DLNR supported the measure, and a member asked about the estimated annual cost, which was described as $125,000 per year. On SB 946, members discussed whether removing the term “person” could narrow the law too much; after that discussion, the committee agreed to restore the term and proceed with an HD1. The meeting ended with the committee recessing after completing its agenda and adopting the chair’s recommendations on the measures considered.

Transcript Highlights:

• LESC has the bilingual, multicultural, black, and Hispanic.
• Chair, online 64 the bilingual, multiple, multicultural Black and Hispanic Education Act initiatives.
• Am I missing something particularly with the Black Education Act and the Hispanic Education Act?
• In the past, the legislature has made one-time appropriations such as this for the Black Education Act
• And if they are meeting the measures, would they be in black?

Transcript Highlights:

• Black people and other minorities. These slurs are well documented and extensive.
• Mackey, Black people will believe anything they read, and we let them vote? Why?
• Martin said, I got fired because of the crazy black ladies on CNN that demanded I be fired because I

Keywords: nomination, Patrick Davis, Assistant Attorney General, Ed Martin, January 6th, public testimony

Summary: This meeting focused primarily on the nomination of Patrick Davis to serve as Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legislative Affairs. Members discussed Mr. Davis's qualifications and experience, emphasizing his commitment to effectively serving the American public and working collaboratively with Congress. The committee also briefly revisited the nominations of John Eisenberg and Brett Shumate but decided to hold them over until the next meeting. Additionally, concerns regarding the nomination of Ed Martin as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia were raised, particularly regarding his past statements and conduct related to the January 6th insurrection and its aftermath. The discussion highlighted the importance of reviewing Mr. Martin's responses to various questions before proceeding with a vote on his nomination.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so because of that, for the past four years, we have been more engaged with dealing with Black maternal
• mortality rates, because Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues
• And we feel our current abortion laws and climate place all women, and especially Black women, more at

Keywords: SB31, medical emergency, reproductive health, testimonials, abortion laws, Texas

Summary: This transcript is from a Faith Days at the Capitol press conference supporting Texas abortion-related legislation, especially Senate Bill 31 and House Bill 44, referred to as the “Life of the Mother Act.” Speakers said the bills would clarify the medical-emergency exception in Texas law so doctors can provide evidence-based care when a pregnancy threatens a patient’s life or health, and several noted concerns about delayed treatment, loss of fertility, and women leaving Texas because of uncertainty under current law. Faith leaders from Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Jewish, and other traditions described pastoral experiences with women and families affected by the abortion ban and said their religious beliefs support protecting the life of the mother. Multiple speakers emphasized that the current legal climate has created fear for pregnant Texans, especially those facing miscarriage or high-risk pregnancies, and argued that SB 31 would restore clarity, physician discretion, and religious freedom. Several also linked the issue to broader concerns about maternal mortality, including the higher risks faced by Black women, and framed the bill as a matter of bodily autonomy and family well-being. A Catholic attendee and clergy members shared personal stories about daughters, granddaughters, and congregants who could be harmed by delayed care. Representative Charlie Geren, the House author of HB 44, said the bill was the most important he had carried in his 24 years in the Legislature and pledged to work to get it passed. Representative Josie Garcia also spoke in support, saying existing medical ethics and malpractice rules already hold providers accountable and arguing that supporting mothers is consistent with being pro-life. The event concluded as a coordinated advocacy effort, including mention of a postcard campaign that had gathered more than 6,000 submissions since January 14.