Transcript Highlights:

• Donors and distributing organizations are not liable for civil damages or criminal penalties resulting
• Like other donors and distributing organizations, religious organizations are not liable for civil damages
• or civil penalties resulting from the nature, age, condition, or packaging of the children's items unless
• You have a procedural bar and then another bar. But the one is very easy, right?
• And the act also applies to civil detention, not just confinement.

Summary: The committee heard several public hearings on criminal justice and victim-related bills. SB 6087 would expand existing liability protections for donations of children’s items to include religious organizations and add strollers and car seats to the definition of children’s items; the sponsor said it would make it easier to donate usable baby equipment, and the Washington State Board of Health said it supported the goal but noted rulemaking and funding concerns under the original version. SB 5934 would change the standard for post-conviction DNA testing so courts must grant testing unless the state shows by clear and convincing evidence that the results could not demonstrate a likelihood of innocence; the Innocence Project and a DNA exoneree supported it as a way to reduce years of litigation, while prosecutors and sheriffs/police chiefs opposed it as a burden shift that could increase frivolous motions and strain lab and attorney resources. SB 5520 would revise Washington’s wrongful-conviction compensation law by broadening definitions, extending filing deadlines, removing the waiver requirement, and making other process changes; the sponsor and Innocence Project said it would reduce barriers and better fulfill the state’s promise to exonerees, and a DNA exoneree described years of litigation just to access compensation. The committee also heard SB 6017, which would expand victim-centered and trauma-informed protections. The bill would allow a court to appoint a representative to ask questions of victims when a defendant represents themself, extend forensic exam consent to minors 13 and older in non-fatal strangulation cases, add female genital mutilation survivors to protections similar to the Sexual Assault Survivors Bill of Rights, and reauthorize and broaden the Safe Advisory Group’s mandate. Survivors, advocates, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy strongly supported the bill, describing courtroom questioning by self-represented defendants as retraumatizing and urging broader access to services for FGM survivors; defense advocates raised constitutional concerns about limiting a pro se defendant’s right to personally question witnesses and said the bill could be vulnerable to challenge without narrower guardrails. The hearing drew extensive survivor testimony, and the chair noted 108 people signed in support and one opposed. Finally, the committee heard SB 5890, which would create an alternative reckless-driving offense for driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. The sponsor, a former firefighter, framed the bill as an accountability measure aimed at preventing severe crashes caused by extreme speeding. A committee member asked about officer discretion in emergencies, and the sponsor said the bill targets excessive speed while acknowledging that some situations may still be problematic. A preliminary fiscal note had been received.

Transcript Highlights:

• Does DCS have in their procedures—I'm sure they’ve got a procedural manual—their protocol?
• Is there a procedure backup plan for care immediately? That’s what I’m asking.
• Is there a procedure backup plan for care immediately? That’s what I’m asking.
• I still just have a lot of procedural... ...questions that need answering.
• section is involved in complex civil litigation for DCS.

Committee: House House Government Committee of Reference

Summary: The special committee on government convened to discuss child welfare reform, with members framing the meeting as a response to Arizona Auditor General findings and broader concerns about the Department of Child Safety (DCS). The chair emphasized that the committee’s goal was to improve accountability, oversight, and child-centered practices rather than assign blame, and said bills advanced from the committee would move to the floor. Roll was taken, and the committee then heard testimony on several bills focused on foster care and DCS operations. HB 2611 was heard first. The bill would require termination of a group foster home employee who tests positive on a drug screen, establish screening and safety requirements for group homes, expand foster youth rights, and include designated advocates on family/service teams. An amendment was adopted that changed the drug-testing language to require removal from child contact pending confirmatory review rather than automatic termination, and to require testing after certain incidents. Supporters, including foster youth and former foster youth, described unsafe conditions in group homes, bullying, drug use by staff, inadequate training, and the need for posted rights, mental health services, and stronger accountability. Some members raised questions about the amendment, drug-testing procedures, backup staffing, and contracting authority, but the amendment passed and HB 2611 was given a do pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. The committee next considered HB 2035, which would add extended family members to the search, notification, and placement process when a child enters custody and create a presumption that placement with relatives or significant adults is in the child’s best interest. Testimony strongly favored kinship placement, with speakers arguing that children do better with familiar caregivers and that current practice often fails to locate or prioritize relatives. Several witnesses described tragic cases, including the death of Zariah Finley Dodd, to argue that repeated placements and congregate care increase risk. Some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law and asked for clarification on differences from prior legislation; the sponsor said the bill strengthens existing policy and adds written documentation requirements. HB 2035 was ultimately given a do pass recommendation by a 4-2 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 4049, which would authorize DCS to employ legal counsel and incur legal expenses, along with an amendment that would require independent representation or review in certain cases involving credible allegations against DCS or its agents. The sponsor and several witnesses argued that the Attorney General’s office has a structural conflict when representing DCS, and that independent counsel would better ensure honesty and accountability in court proceedings. Others cautioned that keeping representation within the Attorney General’s office preserves consistency, oversight, and existing checks and balances. Discussion continued on the structure of legal representation for DCS, but the transcript ends before a final vote on HB 4049 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• The blue is the criminal, and then the gold are the civil investigations.
• These are the criminal actions and civil actions that we have actually filed.
• The civil actions are low. Most of these are qui tam or whistleblower cases.
• Generally, in civil cases, we don't... Just how does that work?
• But we don't suspend in civil cases.

Committee: All LEGISLATIVE JOINT AUDITING-MEDICAID SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• Most of the time, the civil court portion is not starting until 11 or 12.
• It says all civil suits have to have this included into it.
• Procedure and what's needed...
• procedure.
• They're just going to make the rules of engagement procedures.

Bills: HCR41 , HB11 , HB227 , HB243 , HB278 , HB335 , HB424 , HB454 , HB455 , HB492 , HB623 , HB641 , HB660 , HB708 , HB719 , HB940 , HB1029 , HB1053 , HB1069 , HB1077

Committee: House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first took up H.C.R. 41, which would direct the ATC to allow electronic rebates for beer purchases and clarify that rebates are the manufacturer’s responsibility. The author and supporters said it would align beer with wine and other liquor rules. With no opposition, the resolution was moved forward. The committee then advanced H.B. 1029, which extends a moratorium on certain alcoholic beverage permits in House District 3 to give Shreveport and the MPC more time to revise local ordinances; it also moved forward without objection. The committee next considered two related bills by Rep. Egan on district attorney funding. H.B. 660, as amended, raises the state warrant amount used to support assistant district attorneys from $50,000 to $60,000 and sets district attorney salaries at $65,000 effective July 1, 2026. The Louisiana District Attorneys Association and several DAs supported the bill, saying it would help recruit and retain prosecutors. H.B. 719, also amended, increases the number of assistant district attorney warrants in many judicial districts statewide, with supporters describing it as a response to crime, population changes, and local workload needs. Both bills were reported favorably as amended. Rep. Ventrella’s H.B. 227, allowing court filings on letter-sized paper instead of only legal-sized paper, was also moved favorably. The committee then heard extensive testimony on H.B. 335 by Rep. Henry, which would expand citizenship verification requirements for entities administering public benefits. Supporters said it was meant to ensure state dollars go to U.S. and Louisiana citizens and to add accountability for NGOs; opponents, including farmers, food-access nonprofits, and health providers, argued it would create administrative burdens, chill participation in SNAP-related programs, and discourage vulnerable people from seeking food or medical help. After an amendment exempting nonprofit food distribution was adopted, the bill was reported favorably by a 12-5 vote. Finally, the committee took up H.B. 623, a tobacco and vapor products permitting bill. After adopting a three-minute rule, the committee accepted an amendment removing tobacco products from the proposed three-tier permitting system and excluding lawful marijuana products authorized by LDH. The amended bill was then reported favorably. The transcript ends as the committee was beginning H.B. 708.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> animal welfare procedures. animal welfare procedures.
• </c><00:50:56.480><c> and</c> related to licensing procedures and related to licensing procedures and
• </c><01:37:06.239><c> penalty</c> we did still increase the civil penalty we did still increase the civil
• </c><01:38:37.600><c> monetary</c> proposes to specify that civil monetary proposes to specify that civil
• H 938, an act judiciary procedures.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's just adding five articles from the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• It's just adding five articles from the Code of Criminal Procedure.
• The procedures we have in place, and she was going to make clear that, I mean, day on 323, the procedures
• any of those type activities that take place within our prisons, where there are procedures.
• For somebody who litigates this for a living, I can tell you the procedures are not in place.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on April 29, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred House Bill 517. The committee then heard and passed several bills focused on impaired driving, wrongful conviction compensation, gaming promo play, child protection, and criminal penalties related to sexual exploitation and worship-service interference. Senate Bill 118 would require substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders, with supporters arguing early screening could identify treatment needs and reduce repeat offenses; it was reported favorably. Senate Bill 125 increased the wrongful conviction compensation cap from 10 to 15 years and from $400,000 to $600,000, with testimony emphasizing the hardship faced by people who were wrongfully imprisoned for decades; it also passed favorably. Senate Bill 294 allowed gaming operators to allocate promotional play across licenses without increasing the total amount, and it was reported favorably despite one opposition card. The committee also approved Senate Bill 87, which clarified the definition of commercial sexual activity to address conflicts in child sex trafficking statutes and better reach online solicitation and related conduct. Senate Bill 93 established minimum bond amounts for certain child sex abuse material offenses, and Chair Villio offered an amendment expanding related bail and revocation provisions for certain violent, sex, and firearm offenses; the amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 98 added certain school employees, including school resource officers and security guards, to the definition of educator for purposes of prohibited sexual conduct with students, and it passed favorably. Senate Bill 199 imposed a mandatory minimum sentence for a second offense of purchasing commercial sexual activity and required sex offender registration; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up House Bill 333, which would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to house inmates within 30 miles of their home or offense location. The author argued this would preserve family ties and reduce recidivism, but sheriffs, district attorneys, and DOC representatives opposed it as impractical given limited bed space, security needs, and existing placement criteria; the bill was not moved. House Bill 828 would create an independent Louisiana Correctional Medical Review Board to investigate deaths in custody, but law enforcement and corrections witnesses warned it could interfere with homicide investigations and duplicate existing coroner and agency reviews; the author asked for voluntary deferral, which the committee granted. House Bill 146, authorizing a Sabine Parish sports wagering election, was heard but received no motion and remained in committee. The committee also approved Senate Bill 277, expanding concealed-carry exemptions for certain statewide elected officials in the State Capitol, and Senate Bill 306, creating the crime of obstructing worship services in a church or other place of worship; SB 306 was amended to reduce a proposed fine from $10,000 to $2,500 after concerns about jury-trial implications. The meeting ended with adjournment after all remaining items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• Dental procedures are not just in the mouth.
• Dental procedures are not just in the mouth.
• Watch the procedures. Talk to the patients and the volunteers.
• Watch the procedures. Talk to the patients and the volunteers.
• If they happen to get arrested doing civil disobedience. **Representative Baker**: Thank you, Mr.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a law enforcement entity in the sense that we investigate and prosecute our own criminal and civil
• So, on the collection part, a lot of that is civil.
• .<01:41:03.880><c> It</c><01:41:03.960><c> is</c><01:41:04.080><c> unfortunate</c> procedure.
• It is unfortunate procedure.
• </c><01:42:10.520><c> I</c> I have followed the same procedure I I have followed the same procedure I

Bills: HF1338

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• required by IDEA, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, or OSPI, has adopted procedures
• These procedures are referred to as the special education community complaint processes.
• These procedures are referred to as the special education community complaint processes.
• Community complaints are the most accessible of all procedural safeguards.
• Reports as they avoid costly due process proceedings or civil suits, and OSPI utilizes them to train

Bills: SB6278

Committee: House Education

Keywords: teacher preparation, principal preparation, educator preparation, alternative route certification, teacher certification, principal certification, Washington Professional Educator Standards Board, PESB, field placement, student teacher, residency, mentoring, school district partnerships, K-12 education, preK-12, high-need schools, Title I, special education, English language learner, rural schools

Transcript Highlights:

• The first offense is a $500 civil penalty. Second, $500 civil penalty. Let me...
• First offense is a $500 civil penalty. Second, $500 civil penalty.
• By the way, I believe in the civil rights of the child.
• You've got to pay another attorney, right, to secure your civil rights?
• Let’s be clear at the outset: SB 1635 is an anti-civil liberties bill.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes and then heard a long series of bills, mostly from Senators Hoffman, Fernandez, and Bolick. Early action included SB 1436 on school bond/override ballot language, which passed 4-3 after brief debate over ballot length and transparency. SB 1568, requiring election systems to keep clocks within 60 seconds of official time and making violations a misdemeanor, was amended and passed 4-3 despite concerns about machine failures and the breadth of the penalty. SB 1569, limiting special election board members from collecting voter registrations while assisting confined voters, also passed 4-3 after testimony from county officials and a deputy registrar describing alleged misuse of SEBs. SB 1746, requiring schools to serve as polling places and closing schools on regular primary/general election days for staff training, passed 4-3 over objections about school autonomy and safety. SB 1295, allowing certain incarcerated people needing long-term care or treatment to be transferred to contracted medical institutions, passed unanimously after an amendment narrowing the medical eligibility language. The committee then took up SB 1067, a county blight/abatement bill allowing property tax bills to include assessments for removing rubbish, debris, and dilapidated structures; county officials from Gila and Pima Counties strongly supported it, and it passed 7-0. SB 1285, which would have repealed kratom protections and added kratom and its alkaloids to the narcotic-drug list, drew strong opposition from industry and a pharmacist and failed 3-4 after debate over safety, regulation, and criminal penalties. SB 1413, removing the $100,000 restitution cap for serious injury or death caused by a moving violation, passed after a short explanation that it was intended to conform statutes to a prior Arizona Supreme Court ruling. SB 1476, making prenatal exposure to dangerous or narcotic drugs and fetal alcohol syndrome a class six felony child neglect offense with an affirmative defense for mothers who completed treatment, drew emotional testimony from a foster/adoptive parent and opposition from reproductive justice and criminal defense advocates; it passed 4-2. Later, SB 1585, creating standards and funding mechanisms for sex offender-specific evaluations, treatment, and polygraphs, passed 4-2 after supporters argued it would improve oversight and opponents questioned the added surcharge and appropriation. SB 1662, requiring probation conditions to be the least restrictive necessary and tailored to risk and needs, passed 5-0 with support from justice reform advocates and defense attorneys. SB 1664, adjusting constable nomination signature requirements in Maricopa and Pima Counties, passed unanimously after county association support. The committee then began SB 1666 on in-state custodial interference, with the sponsor and a supporter describing repeated violations of custody orders and arguing for a tiered civil-penalty-to-felony structure; the transcript ends during questioning on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I've got some questions over procedure.”
• So I've got some questions over procedure.
• Wesson's procedure.
• But we don't have any procedure where we just notify them that, and Any procedure where we just notify
• But I do know that he didn't file a motion for that under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure; he just

Committee: All ALC-CLAIMS REVIEW/LITIGATION REPORTS OVERSIGHT

Summary: The committee first reviewed litigation reports from the Department of Labor and Licensing involving wage claims brought under the Arkansas Minimum Wage Act. Members questioned the department’s authority, jurisdiction, use of attorney fees and costs, and whether defendants had to be licensed. The department explained it has long enforced wage and overtime laws, that the claims were small-dollar cases handled by investigators and counsel, and that one case had been paid and dismissed while others were unresolved or had service issues. The committee voted to review or batch-file the labor cases after discussion. The University of Arkansas System then reported three pending lawsuits: an age- and race-discrimination claim by a tenured professor that was resolved early; an ADA/FMLA retaliation claim by a former employee that survived in part on a motion to dismiss and was moving into discovery; and a Section 1983 claim against a UAMS sergeant arising from a parking-ticket dispute, with the university explaining that only punitive damages could create personal exposure for the officer. The committee reviewed each report and voted to accept them. The Department of Finance and Administration presented a proposed tax settlement reducing a sales-and-use tax assessment from about $48,000 to $20,000 and waiving interest and penalties, which the committee approved for review. The Claims Commission then presented several claims: an unpaid salary differential for a Department of Health employee, reissued warrants, unpaid DHS bills, and multiple negotiated settlements involving ATRS, UAMS, Arkansas State Police, and ARDOT. Members approved or affirmed most of these items, including a $65,000 settlement in the Tetronics/ATRS matter, a $150,000 medical-negligence settlement, and several vehicle-accident settlements. The most extended debate involved a tax-delinquent property sale claim by Sharon Greer and relatives. The claimant argued they were not properly notified and sought the $4,200 excess from the 2009 sale. Land Commissioner counsel explained the excess had escheated to the county after the statutory claim period expired, while members debated sovereign immunity, standing, heirs, and whether the committee could or should award money anyway. The committee ultimately chose to hold the matter over for further review in a future joint session rather than decide it immediately. The committee also heard appeals from dismissed claims, including a UAMS medical-negligence claim, a land-sale notice claim, a pothole claim against ARDOT, and a judicial-immunity claim against the Court of Appeals; most dismissals were affirmed, and the Simpson matter was held over for additional review after the claimant testified.

Transcript Highlights:

• has been highly successful at targeting sophisticated financial crimes and scams, and will am... up civil
• address Senate Bill 1497, a one-sentence amendment to Article 18. 0.0215 of the Code of Criminal Procedure
• The bill seeks to establish clear definitions and procedures for the forfeiture of digital currency.
• So as a matter of procedural correction, Senator Huffman moved.
• I'm a policy attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project.

Bills: SB1281 , SB1300 , SB1379 , SB1451 , SB1497 , SB1498 , SB1499

Committee: Senate Criminal Justice

Transcript Highlights:

• That's the committee procedures that we'll go through.
• We tried many years ago, I think more thoughtfully, to develop a process and a procedure where the Sentencing
• So Emily's back as the committee secretary, and you'll see some procedures that we refer to her in a
• So, Phillip, do you want to try and explain in about five minutes what that process of procedure is?
• It's also going to be about the process and procedure.

Committee: Senate Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Say it again. of the rules and procedures they have that the commission has, and they can dismiss the
• The concept, as I understand it, the Civil Justice Reform This is federal, of course, but it requires
• by the Congress to the Republic of Texas in 1838, and is a general jurisdiction court where I hear civil
• Civil litigation. As you mentioned, Senator Huffman takes too long and costs too much.
• and members of the committee, my name is Kirsten Budwine and I'm a. policy attorney with the Texas Civil

Bills: SB260 , SB263 , SB293 , SJR18

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• In the civil laws, those are generally lacking.
• </c> we think if you think of the civil we think if you think of the civil rights<00:32:23.120><c> movement
• Harassment isn't included in the Civil Rights Act.
• And I'll enhance our civil rights laws.
• </c> Harassment isn't included in the Civil Harassment isn't included in the Civil Rights<00:37:29.359

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee will come to order. Julia, please call the roll.
• Why should civil law be any different? Your bill does right or wrong.
• ... ...reviewed a case where the physician billed a patient for 16 spinal procedures and injections at
• And then less than a month later, another 10 spinal procedures, again, all at once and in his office,
• We see this all the time in pre-tort cases, and to perform this many procedures on a patient at once,

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• task force, requested through a letter to all police chiefs to designate at least one officer as a civil
• I think the infrastructure is already there with the civil rights officers in each department.
• enforcement by providing civil investigative demand authority, or subpoena power, to the Civil Rights
• Ensuring the Civil Rights Division is equipped with similar law enforcement authorities as other civil
• Ensuring the Civil Rights Division is equipped with similar law enforcement authorities as other civil

Summary: The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism met to hear testimony from Chief James Hicks of the Natick Police Department, who chairs the Municipal Police Training Committee, and Chief Thomas Fowler of the Salisbury Police Department. They described the statewide civil-rights-officer model for hate-crime response, the HEART Unit, and MPTC training authority under POST, and urged the commission to recommend incorporating the IHRA definition of antisemitism into police training and to fund that effort. Commissioners asked about how law enforcement should handle antisemitic incidents that may not rise to crimes, the 2022 Mapping Project, masking during protests, and the role of HART; the chiefs said departments can update training quickly, that every department should have a trained civil-rights officer, and that HART’s expertise should be integrated statewide. The commission also approved the October 16, 2025 minutes after correcting an initial procedural error. The rest of the meeting focused on the draft report, especially the prefatory statement and the definition section. Commissioners broadly praised the report’s scope and the chairs’ work, but offered many edits aimed at tightening language, reducing advocacy tone, and clarifying the “Massachusetts way” of combating antisemitism. Several members wanted stronger emphasis on Massachusetts values, education, moral leadership, and the distinction between hate incidents, hate crimes, and statutory offenses; others urged clearer references to constitutional protections, First Amendment limits, and Attorney General review of legal statements. There was also discussion of whether to keep or remove references to alternative definitions of antisemitism: some commissioners argued that only the IHRA definition should be centered, while others said acknowledging other definitions was factually important and would reflect the range of testimony. Commissioners also raised specific substantive edits for later sections, including adding examples such as the 2022 Mapping Project, strengthening language on online intimidation, academic boycotts, and divestment campaigns, and clarifying that some conduct may be hateful even if lawful. In the higher education section, members praised recommendations on mandatory training, bystander intervention, trauma-informed responses, mental health supports, and campus climate surveys, while suggesting a few technical edits and additional best-practice examples. No final votes were taken on the draft report during this portion; the chairs said they would incorporate feedback into a revised draft before the remaining meetings and eventual vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• A third version of the idea of civil discourse goes to how we treat each other. ...of the idea of civil
• And civil discourse. And we're going to insist upon that.
• In that sense, civil discourse isn't just a campus value.
• From your comments, sir, civil discourse isn't just a campus value.
• But I find it, you know, again, on civil discourse, this is a select committee on civil... ...civil discourse

Summary: The joint Senate and House Select Committee on Civil Discourse and Freedom of Speech in Higher Education convened for its first public hearing, adopted its proposed rules without objection, and framed the hearing as an organizational, invited-testimony-only session. Members repeatedly condemned political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, saying the committee was created in response to concerns about civil discourse, intimidation, and hostility on college campuses. Several members emphasized that the goal was not to suppress speech but to protect open expression while maintaining order, due process, and institutional accountability. The first witness, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Commissioner Wyn Rosser, outlined implementation of Senate Bill 37. He described the General Education Advisory Committee, which is reviewing broad core-curriculum knowledge and skills and may recommend reducing the current 42-hour core, while leaving review of specific courses to individual institutions. He also explained the new Office of the Ombudsman, the board’s role in supporting it, and existing training and certification requirements for governing board members. Members asked about enforcement tools, transparency, and whether the ombudsman would investigate complaints involving censorship, retaliation, or political bias; Rosser said some enforcement exists in certain laws, but he deferred on the exact scope of the ombudsman’s investigatory authority and on issues outside the agency’s role. University of Texas at Austin President Jim Davis testified that UT Austin supports free speech, academic freedom, and civil discourse, and he described three areas of focus: speech on campus grounds, classroom discourse, and how people treat one another. He said the university enforces time, place, and manner rules, expects professors to present alternative views on controversial topics, and has created internal reporting and appeal processes for students and faculty. Members questioned him about heckler’s veto incidents, protests, off-campus participants, complaints about professors, hate speech, and whether the university would protect speakers and students from disruption or unfair targeting. Davis said the university would not tolerate disruptions, would use due process and factual review, and is working to align campus practices with the new law and regents’ expectations. Ricky Adam Jr. of Turning Point USA’s Club America described the group’s campus and high-school organizing, praised Charlie Kirk’s approach to open debate, and said the organization is expanding in Texas. He raised concerns about school administrators and a counselor at an Early College High School in Killeen allegedly interfering with a student club and withholding footage, and committee members said they would seek information and, if necessary, use legislative process to investigate. Members from both chambers reiterated support for free speech, criticized political violence and campus suppression of viewpoints, and stressed that future hearings would continue examining implementation and enforcement issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• time, it was evident that she possesses a unique and deep knowledge of state personnel rules and procedures
• This was a heinous procedure that was committed by the U.S. government from 1907 to 1987.
• First forced civilization impact Native families and Native Community within the United States, which
• But yet as you heard, there was another procedure not spoken to.
• I want, or the voice to say no, I absolutely don't want this procedure.

Bills: SM13 , SM14 , SM13 , SM14

Committees: Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Keywords: land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, there's no statute of limitations that exists for civil actions against real estate appraisers
• I'm surprised it's not in the Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee, but I'm going to ask Representative
• The act does not provide regulatory procedures, though, for other circumstances regarding termination
• And so this provides an opportunity to streamline and modernize our self-storage unit procedures and
• And finally, House Bill 2240 establishes clear procedures for termination or nonrenewal.

Summary: The Consumer Protection and Business Committee heard public hearings on several bills related to real estate, self-storage, and consumer disclosures. House Bill 2477 would shorten the time to bring claims against appraisers arising from appraisal reports to two years from discovery or five years from signing, except fraud claims, and would limit liability to specified clients and intended users. The sponsor and appraiser witnesses said the bill would reduce long-tail liability, lower insurance and recordkeeping burdens, and help attract new appraisers; no opposition testimony was heard in the excerpt. House Bill 2512 would prohibit real estate brokers from marketing residential properties to exclusive groups unless the property is also publicly marketed. Supporters, including Washington Realtors, Zillow, Habitat for Humanity, Windermere, and others, said it would promote transparency, competition, and fair housing; opponents argued it could limit homeowner privacy and autonomy, and the Attorney General’s office said the Washington Law Against Discrimination already covers discrimination concerns and objected to placing enforcement in that statute. House Bill 2240 would modernize self-storage rental agreements by allowing electronic execution, deeming continued use after notice as acceptance, and setting notice and disposal rules after termination or nonrenewal; storage industry witnesses supported the bill as clarifying safety and notice procedures, while an advocacy witness opposed it as harmful to unhoused people and others who rely on storage units. House Bill 2465 would require a water recreation safety guide for short-term rentals with pools or similar facilities; the sponsor and hospitality industry supported it as a low-cost safety measure, while cities raised implementation concerns and asked for an amendment on where the guide would be posted. House Bill 2501 would update a seller disclosure notice to reflect the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency’s shift from a no-cost insurance program to a loan-and-grant remediation program, and it drew support as a technical correction. House Bill 2624 would exempt public entities, tribes, and nonprofit land conservancies from the 2025 “solicited real estate transactions” appraisal and notice requirements; conservation groups and the Department of Natural Resources supported it as necessary to preserve land acquisition and grant funding, and the sponsor described it as a cleanup bill. The committee then moved into executive session and took action on two liquor-related bills. House Bill 2536, allowing wineries to hold a spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license or beer/wine restaurant license at one location, was moved out of committee with a due pass recommendation by a 14-1 vote. House Bill 2476, modifying the spirits, beer, and wine theater license, was amended via a proposed substitute that restored the 120-seat-per-screen limit except for theaters admitting only patrons 21 and older; the substitute was reported out with a due pass recommendation by a 13-2 vote. Members discussed the balance between business flexibility and concerns about alcohol access in family settings and recovery communities.