Transcript Highlights:

• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear energy resources would be dispatchable
• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear later. resources have.
• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear energy resources would be dispatchable

Summary: The committee first heard SB 868, the Plug and Play Solar Act, which would streamline approval for portable plug-in solar devices for homes and apartments. The author and supporters argued the bill would help renters and other Californians lower electric bills, expand access to solar, and create statewide safety standards through UL certification and the National Electrical Code. Opponents, including electrical workers, firefighters, utilities, and PG&E, raised concerns about shock, fire, backfeeding, older electrical systems, and the bill bypassing the California Electrical Code and Building Standards Commission process. After extended discussion and testimony from UL, the author agreed to add California Electrical Code language, and several opponents indicated they would move to neutral; the committee then passed the bill out as amended to the Senate Judiciary Committee on a roll call vote. The committee then took up SB 886, which would establish rules for large data centers to prevent electricity cost shifts to other ratepayers. The author and supporters said rapid data center growth could drive major grid costs and that the bill would require data centers to pay for their own infrastructure, participate in demand response, and secure new zero-carbon resources. Supporters included environmental and consumer groups, while opponents such as the Data Center Coalition, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, utilities, and business groups argued the bill was unnecessary, could duplicate CPUC proceedings, and might impose operationally risky mandates, especially around demand response and backup power. Committee staff described amendments narrowing the bill to large data centers, clarifying tariff and cost-allocation provisions, replacing behind-the-meter storage with a pre-funded long-term clean energy contract, and exempting certain public and critical facilities; the discussion continued with questions about cost responsibility, clean energy targets, and peak-load management.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear energy resources would be dispatchable
• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear later. resources have.
• And the contracts that they would be required to execute with nuclear energy resources would be dispatchable

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• thousand abandoned uranium mine sites in the state of New Mexico created as demand for this country's nuclear
• industrial complex to create the country's nuclear stockpile.
• We provided over half the uranium for the country. the country's nuclear stockpile.

Committee: Senate House Appropriations & Finance

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Secretary of State, the State Land Office, the Attorney General, and the State Auditor. The Secretary of State said its requested general fund budget of $15.88 million was intended to maintain baseline operations, replace lost federal cyber and election support, and address a 12% vacancy rate. Officials warned that the House recommendation still left major gaps for election security, tabulator replacement, campaign finance system upgrades, overseas and military ballot services, ballot tracking, and a new tax lien filing system. Senators pressed about the election fund, county burdens, and the risk of underfunding election administration; the office said the House had provided $15 million for the election fund for the primary and another $15 million for the general election, but not enough for operations or all capital needs. The State Land Office said it was satisfied with the House budget action and had no additional request. Staff described the office’s record revenues, low vacancy rate, clean audits, and proposed new positions tied to forestry, economic development, petroleum, geothermal, and royalty compliance work. Senators asked about long-term revenue trends, forest thinning and biomass opportunities, and bookkeeping around the land maintenance fund; the office said the new positions were intended to generate revenue and support land management, including fire mitigation. The Attorney General’s office presented a budget built around a 0% general fund increase, greater use of the Consumer Settlement Fund, and $4.5 million in special/extraordinary litigation funding. The AG emphasized active litigation and investigations involving consumer fraud, Medicaid fraud, federal funding cuts, Meta and other technology platforms, AI and child safety, gaming compacts, tobacco, and possible litigation over abandoned uranium mine cleanup. Senators asked about scam enforcement, the structure of settlement funds, and whether the office could take on uranium-related litigation; the AG said the office could prepare a litigation budget but warned such efforts would require sustained funding. The State Auditor said the House budget added only modest increases while the office faced about a 40% vacancy rate, difficulty recruiting auditors, and a shrinking pool of public accounting firms, creating risks for constitutional audit responsibilities.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all this is coming from lawsuits where there are nuclear verdicts.
• What we mean by nuclear verdicts is that all of a sudden you have a lawsuit.
• times it’s a very unfortunate event, but it’s meant to essentially set limits so you can avoid those nuclear

Committees: Joint Transportation , Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and its consultant described the study as focused on transportation mitigation, not on whether dam removal should occur. They outlined geologic risk work on drawdown and erosion, identified vulnerable embankments and nearby roads, rail, and utilities, and explained a total logistics cost model used to compare base conditions and several future scenarios. Those scenarios included no-dam conditions with new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, a combined “many solutions” scenario, and a future scenario still to be defined. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could test reduced grain volumes; staff said the model can estimate transportation changes and costs, but not broader farm-economics impacts. WSU’s independent review said the model had improved but still had limitations in spatial detail, routing accuracy, and testing, and that stakeholder engagement remained important though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received an update on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Consultants said the study is in its early information-gathering phase, with a statewide survey of cities and counties, interviews, national research, and legal review of possible funding mechanisms. They described current sidewalk funding as fragmented, with grants, transportation benefit districts, levies, and some utility-tax allocations used in Washington, but no dedicated statewide source. They said the study is especially examining a possible sidewalk utility fee, while parcel taxes appear unlikely under Washington’s property-tax rules. Members asked whether any new mechanism would duplicate existing taxes, how a sidewalk fee would be collected, and whether development requirements for sidewalks count as dedicated funding; the consultants said the study is aimed at expanding local options rather than mandating adoption. Deliverables include a preliminary draft by mid-December, a “Sidewalks 101” document by year-end, and a final report by mid-June next year. The committee also heard a brief update on the ocean-going vessels at berth emissions study. Staff explained that the report is nearing completion and will be presented at the next JTC meeting. They highlighted federal Clean Air Act constraints, noting that Washington’s options are shaped by California’s waiver-based standards and that deviations from California’s vessel-at-berth rules could invite litigation. Staff said stakeholder outreach is underway and asked for any missing participants to be identified before the final report is issued. Finally, the committee began hearing from county representatives on local transportation challenges. The county engineers’ association emphasized ongoing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs, but the presentation was cut off as the meeting moved on to the next item.

Transcript Highlights:

• And all this is coming from lawsuits where there's nuclear verdicts.
• And what we mean by nuclear verdicts is all of a sudden you have a lawsuit.
• essentially set... ...a very unfortunate event, but it's meant to essentially set so you can avoid those nuclear

Committee: Joint Joint Transportation Committee

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Joint Transportation Committee study of transportation impacts if the Lower Snake River dams were removed. WSDOT and Jacobs described the study’s phases, including current work on geology, infrastructure risk, and a total logistics cost model. They explained that the study is examining how freight now moved by barge—especially wheat, fertilizer, and wood—could shift to rail and roads, and they outlined several scenarios ranging from no-dam future conditions to new unit-train terminals, short-line rail options, and a combined “many solutions” scenario. Members asked about irrigation, impacts in Idaho and Oregon, port capacity, emissions, competition, EV trucks, and whether the model could estimate transportation effects if grain volumes decline. The presenters said the study assumes current production levels continue, does not model irrigation changes or broader farm-economics impacts, but does account for transloading costs and can estimate transportation impacts under different volume assumptions. WSU’s independent review team said the model has improved substantially but still needed refinement, especially in routing, road data, and spatial detail, and that stakeholder engagement had been strong though delayed by model development. No votes were taken. The committee then received a presentation on the alternative sidewalk funding study. Staff and consultants said the study is exploring ways local governments could sustainably fund sidewalk maintenance, repair, and new construction, using a statewide survey, interviews, national research, and case studies in eight jurisdictions. They noted sidewalks are important for pedestrian safety and connectivity, but there is no dedicated funding source in Washington, and existing grants and local revenue tools are highly competitive or limited. The consultants highlighted sidewalk fees or utility-style charges as the most promising option to study, while a parcel tax was largely set aside because of state property-tax uniformity concerns. Members asked whether the study would duplicate existing funding or add to current taxes, and how a sidewalk fee would be collected; the consultants said the goal is to expand local options, not mandate adoption, and that fees would likely be billed through utilities rather than property taxes. A preliminary draft report is due December 15, with a final report due in mid-June. Next, staff gave a brief update on the ocean-going vessels study, which is examining shore power and emissions rules for vessels at berth. The presenter explained that federal Clean Air Act rules and California waiver authority create legal limits on how far Washington can go if it wants to adopt similar standards, and that deviations from California’s approach can increase litigation risk. The report will summarize stakeholder outreach and will be presented in draft form at the next JTC meeting. Finally, county engineers from Chelan and Douglas counties began a presentation on county transportation challenges, with the association’s director emphasizing collaboration with state agencies and local partners on issues such as fish passage barriers and infrastructure needs. The county presentation was only beginning when the transcript ended, and no committee action or votes were recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:17:17.439><c> fossil</c><00:17:17.919><c> fuels</c><00:17:18.319><c> and</c><00:17:18.640><c> nuclear
• </c> development of fossil fuels and nuclear development of fossil fuels and nuclear power,<00:17:19.600

Summary: The House Executive Departments and Administration Committee met in executive session on November 5, 2025, to consider House Bills 244, 610, and 727, and Senate Bills 94 and 193. On HB 244, which recodifies municipal enforcement of the building and fire code, the committee adopted amendment 2025-2952H by a 16-0 vote, then voted 16-0 to report the bill ought to pass as amended and placed it on the consent calendar. The discussion emphasized that the bill reorganizes building code statutes into a single chapter and was the product of substantial subcommittee work. On HB 610, concerning repeal of the Office of the Consumer Advocate, the committee adopted amendment 2025-3076H by a 16-0 vote. The amendment narrowed the office’s charge to residential utility customers, added duties for the Residential Ratepayer Advisory Board, allowed a two-thirds board recommendation to remove a consumer advocate for failing to perform duties, and broadened the qualifications pool for the position while retaining attorney eligibility. The current consumer advocate, Donald Crease, testified that he still preferred the existing statute but appreciated the committee’s effort to preserve a vigilant, independent ratepayer voice; members generally described the amendment as a more focused, less drastic approach. The committee then voted 16-0 to report HB 610 ought to pass as amended and placed it on consent. For HB 727, relating to the New Hampshire retirement system, the committee voted to inexpediently legislate by a 15-0 vote, with one member recused, explaining that the bill’s subject matter had already been addressed in House Bill 2 and signed by the governor. The bill was also placed on the consent calendar. On Senate Bill 94, prohibiting municipal amendments to the state building code, the committee heard extensive explanation from Mr. Sherman about a substitute amendment, 2025-2972H, which would preserve the prohibition on technical municipal amendments and avoid an unintended trigger that could reopen technical amendments across the code if the state falls behind on model code updates. The committee adopted the amendment 15-1 and then moved toward an ought to pass as amended recommendation; the transcript cuts off before the final disposition on SB 94 is fully completed. Senate Bill 193 was listed at the start of the meeting, but no discussion of it appears in the provided transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And the biggest deterrent<00:42:21.280><c> to</c><00:42:21.520><c> more</c><00:42:21.760><c> crimes</
• c><00:42:22.160><c> is</c><00:42:22.319><c> meaning</c><00:42:22.640><c> is</c> deterrent to more crimes
• is meaning is deterrent to more crimes is meaning is when<00:42:23.200><c> someone</c><00:42:23.599>

Transcript Highlights:

• we’re doing is enhancing that penalty and making it easier to enforce and creating a sufficient deterrent
• “And making it easier to enforce and creating a sufficient deterrent.
• “To make it easier to enforce, to create a sufficient deterrent so that these crimes are not being committed

Bills: HR188 , HR189 , HR190 , HR191 , HR179 , HR180 , HR181 , HR182 , HR183 , HR185 , HR186 , HR187 , HCR75 , HCR76 , HCR77 , HCR78 , HCR79 , SCR24 , SCR36 , SCR39 , SB64 , SB107 , SB152 , SB185 , SB217 , SB232 , SB278 , SB290 , SB294 , SB320 , SB321 , SB419 , SB424 , SB436 , SB440 , SB468 , SB470 , SB476 , SB482 , SB489 , HCR32 , SCR11 , HB12 , HB42 , HB205 , HB222 , HB267 , HB324 , HB325 , HB350 , HB478 , HB610 , HB617 , HB679 , HB745 , HB749 , HB797 , HB807 , HB821 , HB896 , HB979 , HB992 , HB1000 , HB1024 , HB1050 , HB1166 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1193 , HB1207 , HB1218 , HB1223 , SB256 , SB180 , HR1 , HR17 , HCR5 , HCR4 , HCR47 , HB59 , HB74 , HB159 , HB330 , HB364 , HB414 , HB458 , HB525 , HB568 , HB786 , HB1008 , HB1033 , HB1034 , HB1041 , HB1062 , HB1070 , HB1079 , HB1112 , HB1118 , HB1139 , HB1151 , HB1176 , HB1182 , HB1196 , HB1214 , HB1241 , HB87 , HB115 , HB162 , HB368 , HB433 , HB441 , HB447 , HB466 , HB481 , HB741 , HB1242 , HB362 , HB893 , HB990 , HB1007 , HB1153 , HB1243 , SB162 , SB349 , SB350 , SB382 , SB383 , SB127 , SB244 , HB615 , HB864 , HB1103 , HB1175 , HB31 , HB225 , HB608 , HB664 , HB897 , HB977 , HB1003 , HB1160 , HB1180 , HB911 , HB306 , HB366 , HB1161 , HB1230 , HB181 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB393 , HB459 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB682 , HB733 , HB772 , HB773 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1058 , HB1082 , HB1113 , HB1189 , HB1234 , HB1240

Keywords: hunting dogs, field trials, working dogs, dog training, greyhound protection, Farm Bill, federal overreach, sportsmen, sportswomen, wildlife management, conservation, rural communities, Louisiana hunting, hunting tradition, animal welfare, dog breeders, dog owners, outdoor recreation, Kathy Taylor, musical achievements

Transcript Highlights:

• And finally, stronger laws create real deterrence. A felony classification sends a clear message.
• So there is a real deterrent from the outset.
• disturbing the peace a felony, where mine was a misdemeanor, but we both wanted to make sure there was a deterrent

Bills: HB36 , HB52 , HB56 , HB68 , HB92 , HB119 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB289 , HB351 , HB552 , HB784

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: HB 52, Act 192, Louisiana criminal procedure, misdemeanor jury trial, six-person jury, bench trial, trial without jury, Article 779, Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal justice, defendant rights, retroactive application, prospective application, fine threshold, court procedure, misdemeanor prosecution, driving, impaired, fines, legislation

Transcript Highlights:

• The original SEPA provided a deterrent to keep state and local officers from enforcing federal laws,
• And I find nothing in the bill that would serve as any sort of deterrent to officers where they defined
• Where's the deterrent? My end goal isn't to sue anyone.

Committee: House Crime and Public Safety

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first went into executive session, where House Bills 3012, 2997, and 3058 were combined into a House committee substitute and then voted do pass by a 17-0 roll call. House Bill 2868 was set aside for further work on a substitute. The committee then moved into public hearings, beginning with House Bill 1740, “Melanie’s Law,” which would increase penalties for intoxicated driving cases involving injury or death and expand ignition interlock requirements, including for high-BAC offenders. The sponsor and family members of victims described the bill as a response to fatal crashes involving loved ones, while law enforcement, MoDOT, prosecutors, and MADD supported the measure as a prevention tool and cited data on recidivism and fatal crashes. Members asked about BAC thresholds, whether the bill would cover drug impairment, fiscal impacts, and the relationship to existing sentencing and parole rules. No vote was taken on HB 1740 during the hearing. The committee also heard House Bills 3049 and 368, described by the sponsors as technical cleanup bills to resolve conflicts in Missouri’s sex offender registry statutes after court rulings and to reorganize and clarify the law. A prosecutor testified in support, and members discussed registry tiers, age-of-consent issues, and how the changes might affect people whose offenses were tied to older laws or unusual fact patterns. The bills were presented as consistency and cleanup measures, and no opposition testimony was offered. Next, House Bill 2311 was heard, proposing to raise the age of consent to 18 and reduce the close-in-age exception from four years to three. The sponsor said the change was intended to align the law with recent marriage-age changes and avoid mixed signals. Members raised concerns about criminalizing high-school relationships and about consistency with existing law, but there was no testimony in opposition or a vote. Finally, House Bill 3105, a revised Second Amendment Preservation Act-style bill, was heard. The sponsor said it would remove unconstitutional language from the prior law, bar state and local officials from knowingly violating law-abiding citizens’ firearm rights, and preserve cooperation with federal law enforcement. Supporters, including sheriffs, argued it protects constitutional rights while allowing officers to act against dangerous criminals and people in crisis. Opponents, including gun-rights advocates, argued the bill still lacked a meaningful deterrent to federal overreach and raised concerns about vague language such as “danger to self or others,” which they said could function like a red-flag law and be misused. The hearing ended without a vote on HB 3105.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it becomes a deterrent to them being promoted.
• So, it becomes a deterrent to them being promoted.
• So, it becomes a deterrent to them being promoted.

Bills: SB2141 , SB2593 , SB2824 , SB2135 , SB2115

Committee: House Labor

Keywords: retirement, law enforcement, pension, public safety, employee contributions, Law Enforcement Standards Board, LESB, civil service exemption, collective bargaining exemption, law enforcement certification, police standards, law enforcement training, officer certification, training and curriculum coordinator, lead investigative agent, administrative manager, administrator, Hawaii HRS 76-16, Hawaii HRS 139-3, personnel exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• So you're recognized for the deterrence.
• this as a misdemeanor minimizes the seriousness of the offense and fails to serve as an adequate deterrent
• this as a misdemeanor minimizes the seriousness of the offense and fails to serve as an adequate deterrent

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee heard a series of bills, beginning with HB 759, which would lower Florida’s minimum age to purchase or transfer firearms from 21 to 18. The bill drew strong opposition from gun-violence prevention groups, Parkland survivors and families, and several members who argued the current law was enacted after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas shooting and should not be reversed. Supporters, including gun-rights advocates and some members, argued 18-year-olds are legal adults who serve in the military, vote, and should have full Second Amendment rights. After debate, the committee voted 13-5 to report HB 759 favorably. The committee then unanimously approved HB 431, extending Level 2 background screening requirements for youth athletic coaches through July 1, 2026, and HB 231, which keeps certain medical examiner information confidential, both with little opposition. It also approved HB 663, increasing penalties for unlawfully using tracking devices or apps in furtherance of dangerous crimes, after adopting a technical amendment, and HB 845, which clarifies the intake process for Veterans Treatment Court and removes Veterans Hall of Fame language from the bill. Each of those measures passed without recorded opposition. Members also approved PCS for HB 255, known as Dexter’s Law, which creates a sentencing multiplier for aggravated animal cruelty cases. The bill was presented as a response to a high-profile dog abuse case and was supported by animal welfare and law enforcement groups; members cited animal cruelty as a predictor of broader violence. The committee then approved HB 1021, allowing active law enforcement officers to carry concealed weapons at sporting events, after debate over identification, venue procedures, and whether the bill should extend more broadly; it passed 16-1. Finally, HB 653, adding aggravating factors for capital felonies involving the assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, was reported favorably after brief discussion about federal penalties and deterrence. The transcript ends as the committee begins hearing HB 6025, a repeal bill related to emergency restrictions on firearms during local states of emergency, but the discussion is cut off before action is taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think we've got a Couple of things there that are maybe a deterrent in some standpoints.

Committee: House Administrative Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• for a hearing by the of licensing and regulation to business and commerce. of fraud detection and deterrence

Bills: SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825 , SJR1 , SJR2 , SJR5 , SJR33 , SJR34 , SJR35 , SJR37 , SJR38 , SJR39 , SCR12 , SB4 , SB40 , SB701 , SB702 , SB703 , SB704 , SB705 , SB706 , SB707 , SB708 , SB709 , SB710 , SB711 , SB712 , SB713 , SB714 , SB715 , SB716 , SB717 , SB718 , SB719 , SB720 , SB721 , SB722 , SB723 , SB724 , SB725 , SB726 , SB727 , SB728 , SB729 , SB730 , SB731 , SB732 , SB733 , SB734 , SB735 , SB736 , SB737 , SB738 , SB739 , SB740 , SB741 , SB742 , SB743 , SB744 , SB745 , SB746 , SB747 , SB748 , SB749 , SB750 , SB751 , SB752 , SB753 , SB754 , SB755 , SB756 , SB757 , SB758 , SB759 , SB760 , SB761 , SB762 , SB763 , SB764 , SB765 , SB766 , SB767 , SB768 , SB769 , SB770 , SB771 , SB772 , SB773 , SB774 , SB775 , SB776 , SB777 , SB778 , SB779 , SB780 , SB781 , SB782 , SB783 , SB784 , SB785 , SB786 , SB787 , SB788 , SB789 , SB790 , SB791 , SB792 , SB793 , SB794 , SB795 , SB796 , SB797 , SB798 , SB799 , SB800 , SB801 , SB802 , SB803 , SB804 , SB805 , SB806 , SB807 , SB808 , SB809 , SB810 , SB811 , SB812 , SB813 , SB814 , SB815 , SB816 , SB817 , SB818 , SB819 , SB820 , SB821 , SB822 , SB823 , SB824 , SB825

Transcript Highlights:

• So since those penalties I just listed are obviously insufficient to have a deterrent effect, and since
• So since those penalties I just listed are obviously insufficient to have a deterrent effect, and since
• So since those penalties I just listed are obviously insufficient to have a deterrent effect, and since
• So since those penalties I just listed are obviously insufficient to have a deterrent effect, and since
• So since those penalties I just listed are obviously insufficient to have a deterrent effect, and since

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, obviously, uh, I was on a phone conference call with NEI, the Nuclear Energy Institute, uh, I don't
• Now, obviously, uh, I was on a phone conference call with NEI, the Nuclear Energy Institute, uh, I don't
• The speaker said that NEI, the Nuclear Energy Institute, had brought up going forward with nuclear and
• We don't have tons of resources contributing to clean energy, but other than the nuclear power plant,
• </c><00:41:08.880><c> Um,</c> nuclear power plant. Um, nuclear power plant.

Committee: House Science, Technology and Energy

Transcript Highlights:

• I submit there's an argument that it may serve as a deterrent and reduce that likelihood.
• I submit there's an argument that it may serve as a deterrent and reduce that likelihood.
• And once again, the idea one would hope would be a deterrent.
• What would be the deterrent?

Bills: HR257 , HR258 , HR259 , HR260 , HR261 , HR262 , HR263 , HCR105 , HCR106 , HR252 , HR253 , HR254 , HR255 , HR256 , HCR103 , HCR104 , SB83 , SB143 , SB155 , SB228 , SB283 , SB295 , SB338 , SB388 , SB408 , SB431 , HR84 , HR188 , HR205 , HB302 , HB597 , HB819 , HB1257 , HB1258 , SCR24 , SB45 , SB58 , SB71 , SB81 , SB92 , SB100 , SB109 , SB141 , SB156 , SB181 , SB203 , SB204 , SB205 , SB207 , SB213 , SB214 , SB216 , SB229 , SB257 , SB274 , SB290 , SB304 , SB374 , SB379 , SB396 , SB410 , SB425 , SB427 , SB429 , SB479 , SB522 , SB357 , SB406 , HR171 , HCR49 , HCR65 , HCR72 , HR37 , HCR64 , HR170 , HR191 , HR206 , HR207 , HR208 , HR217 , HCR11 , HCR53 , HCR60 , HCR66 , HCR68 , HR9 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR50 , HCR62 , HCR67 , HCR71 , HCR78 , HCR81 , SCR19 , SCR3 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SCR11 , SCR22 , SCR2 , SCR20 , HCR6 , HB64 , HB68 , HB92 , HB130 , HB258 , HB633 , HB801 , HB61 , HB98 , HB102 , HB139 , HB142 , HB170 , HB185 , HB194 , HB199 , HB231 , HB247 , HB294 , HB336 , HB474 , HB661 , HB842 , HB852 , HB301 , HB359 , HB657 , HB675 , HB680 , HB727 , HB79 , HB251 , HB625 , HB769 , HB775 , HB783 , HB895 , HB1011 , HB1057 , HB1155 , HB1186 , HB1224 , HB1245 , HB1247 , HB1253 , HB1254 , HB1255 , HB1256 , 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 , SB8 , SB10 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB14 , SB16 , SB17 , SB18 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB40 , SB48 , SB55 , SB69 , SB75 , SB77 , SB78 , SB85 , SB102 , SB115 , SB133 , SB140 , SB148 , SB151 , SB165 , SB169 , SB170 , SB185 , SB197 , SB200 , SB217 , SB235 , SB278 , SB280 , SB291 , SB300 , SB303 , SB315 , SB324 , SB330 , SB411 , SB416 , SB420 , SB436 , SB438 , SB449 , SB455 , SB456 , SB477 , SB489 , SB521 , HB646 , HB824 , HB341 , HB682 , HB766 , HB926 , HB998 , HB1051 , HB1080 , HB1201 , HB1223 , HB603 , HB940 , HB1191 , SB47 , HB901 , HR20 , HR74 , HB284 , HB306 , HB366 , HB393 , HB458 , HB577 , HB582 , HB605 , HB614 , HB733 , HB752 , HB773 , HB798 , HB911 , HB955 , HB996 , HB1035 , HB1069 , HB1113 , HB1140 , HB1180 , HB1240 , SB82 , SB89 , SB149 , SB382

Keywords: condolences, memorial resolution, House Resolution, Shreveport, children, tragedy, sympathy, bereavement, tribute, mourning, schoolchildren, public charter school, elementary school, Head Start, family loss, Louisiana House of Representatives, condolence resolution, House resolution, victims, family support

Transcript Highlights:

• and evidence surrounding the efficacy behind increased criminal penalties and its impact on crime deterrence
• Other studies find that the severity of punishment does not generally have an increased effect on deterrence
• That the severity of punishment does not generally have an increased effect on deterrence.
• Rather, it is the certainty of punishment that has a greater deterrence effect than the severity of the

Committee: House Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• My question is, aren't there other purposes for crimes and sentencing other than just deterrence?
• The only thing I would add in response is I think deterrence is obviously a major goal of our justice
• The only thing I would add in response is I think deterrence is obviously a major goal of our justice
• Studies have shown... ...that increased punishment has little or no deterrent effect.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety bills, with extensive testimony and debate. AB 1535 would add political affiliation as a sentencing aggravator when a felony is motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived political affiliation. The author said the bill is intended to deter political violence while preserving judicial discretion; supporters framed it as a response to rising threats and attacks tied to politics. Opponents, including ACLU Cal Action, Initiate Justice, and public defender groups, argued the term is vague, could sweep in protected speech and association, and would expand punishment without addressing crime prevention. The bill was later moved on a due-pass recommendation and passed on roll call. AB 1656 would add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for good-cause continuances so a vertical prosecutor can stay with a case. The author and a San Diego DA representative said the change would support trauma-informed prosecution and improve continuity for survivors. Most support testimony came from prosecutors, victim advocates, and civil liberties groups, while some public defender and justice organizations remained in opposition or pending review of amendments. The committee ultimately approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended vote. AB 1589 would allow Level 1 reserve peace officers to use firearm suppressors while on duty, matching the exemption already available to full-time officers. The author and reserve officer witnesses said the bill is a narrow safety measure tied to hearing protection and parity in training and equipment. Opponents, including Brady and ACLU Cal Action, said suppressors are unnecessary, could endanger the public and other officers, and further militarize policing. After discussion about safety, fiscal concerns, and community trust, the committee passed the bill on a due-pass vote. The committee also took up AB 1566, which would align the statutory definition of severe neglect with the structured decision-making tool used by county child welfare agencies. Supporters said the bill would reduce overreporting, racial disparities, and unnecessary family trauma while keeping mandated reporting in place. Opponents, including school resource officer groups, warned it would lower reporting thresholds and risk missing serious abuse. Members debated the impact on child safety versus unnecessary investigations, and the bill was held on call after a split vote. In addition, the committee approved several consent items, including bills on human trafficking data, criminal procedure jurisdiction, firearms/unsafe handguns, and the Hugs Act of 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• One is I feel like it's somewhat a workforce deterrent.
• /c><00:21:24.880><c> workforce</c> like it's somewhat a workforce like it's somewhat a workforce deterrent
• 27.039><c> have</c><00:21:27.200><c> an</c><00:21:27.360><c> individual</c><00:21:27.840><c> go</c> deterrent
• If you have an individual go deterrent.

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Health Services heard Senate Bill 18, a bill described by the sponsor and podiatry witnesses as a modernization of Kentucky’s podiatry laws. The bill would recognize and regulate podiatric assistants, podiatric residents, and supervising podiatrists; allow podiatrists to supervise physician assistants in podiatry practices with approval from the relevant licensing boards; require new podiatrists licensed after January 1, 2027 to complete at least two years of residency; and extend disciplinary authority to the new categories. Witnesses said the measure would improve access to foot and ankle care, especially in rural areas, without expanding scope of practice. The Kentucky Medical Association was said to be neutral after working on the language with the sponsors. Committee members raised concerns about the meaning of “supervision,” whether it required direct or indirect oversight, and whether the bill could broaden billing or coding privileges. Dr. Roberts said supervision could mean direct supervision or indirect supervision, including being available by telephone, and noted the bill mirrors language used in allopathic PA supervision. He also said the bill would not change office staff billing roles and that podiatric assistants would not bill separately. Several senators said they supported moving the bill forward but remained concerned about workforce, cost, and scope creep. The committee adopted a committee substitute, then voted on the bill. The motion passed unanimously with favorable expression. After the vote, the committee moved on to a presentation on outpatient pediatric therapies, where providers described Medicaid reimbursement pressures, workforce turnover, and long waiting lists for children’s therapy services, but no action was taken on that presentation in the portion provided.