Transcript Highlights:

• colleagues for their trust, and I appreciate the people of Palm Beach County for the incredible privilege
• Today we have the privilege of bringing in and recognizing two incredible American heroes, two people
• It is a privilege you are here today.
• TODAY WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF HAVING BRIAN FENTON CHANGE ORDER, YOU'RE HERE.
• The public conversations I have are privileged and confidential, but what would happen is if someone

Bills: SCR46, SB31, SB39, SB227, SB330, SB401, SB407, SB467, SB482, SB500, SB506, SB512, SB527, SB584, SB619, SB636, SB646, SB647, SB648, SB659, SB663, SB715, SB732, SB758, SB801, SB816, SB847, SB870, SB884, SB1020, SB1055, SB1065, SB1137, SB1169, SB1181, SB1283, SB1383, SB1395, SB1410, SB1433, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1666, SB1718, SB1727, SB1756, SB1757, SB1845, SB1924, SB1964, SB1972, SB2018, SB2031, SB2075, SB2076, SB2080, SB2111, SB2117, SB2154, SB2161, SB2173, SB2206, SB2225, SB2253, SB2268, SB2314, SB2322, SB2351, SB2371, SB2476, SB2533, SB2540, SB2570, SB2589, SB2623, SB2658, SB2660, SB2692, SB2693, SB2717, SB2722, SB2753, SB2779, SB2877, SB2880, SB2900, SB2920, SB3031, HJR4, SB5, SB260, SB1786, SJR3, SJR18, SB1, SJR36, SJR50, SJR63, SJR84, SJR59, SCR12, SCR39, SCR46, SCR48, SCR19, SB2023, SB62, SB666, SB847, SB284, SB854, SB1073, SB810, SB1505, SB583, SB1502, SB507, SB1026, SB1433, SB1434, SB1376, SB1585, SB1772, SB2016, SB1163, SB619, SB1122, SB732, SB731, SB397, SB508, SB1436, SB287, SB261, SB1882, SB393, SB1791, SB529, SB209, SB2429, SB1999, SB511, SB2309, SB510, SB1924, SB2253, SB2018, SB2206, SB584, SB1085, SB1490, SB2314, SB2046, SB1975, SB2717, SB1262, SB1524, SB1137, SB636, SB2056, SB1558, SB884, SB227, SB517, SB1200, SB1410, SB1626, SB1845, SB1863, SB2681, SB2200, SB2199, SB1757, SB2050, SB2458, SB2201, SB1055, SB2660, SB2662, SB1065, SB801, SB2533, SB3014, SB3013, SB758, SB648, SB647, SB512, SB1721, SB2268, SB2366, SB1013, SB2692, SB2570, SB2797, SB2111, SB2371, SB2383, SB646, SB1169, SB1754, SB1718, SB2779, SB2004, SB1756, SB2119, SB527, SB2322, SB2448, SB1777, SB1283, SB407, SB2392, SB2076, SB2786, SB3031, SB2877, SB2876, SB2284, SB2225, SB1540, SB2920, SB2929, SB1395, SB1972, SB2540, SB2742, SB2595, SB2217, SB2117, SB715, SB2330, SB1964, SB1383, SB500, SB1640, SB2001, SB2080, SB2722, SB506, SB2514, SB2623, SB2658, SB1574, SB2900, SB2753, SB2398, SB401, SB1241, SB2927, SB2173, SB2538, SB898, SB467, SB1449, SB2529, SB1531, SB2846, SB2476, SB2031, SB986, SB1181, SB2075, SB2154, SB2864, SB31, SB2880, SB1359, SB2386, SB771, SB2844, SB2550, SB1351, SB1423, SB1931, SB2245, SB2589, SB2707, SB2807, SB2351, SB410, SB659, SB816, SB2776, SB2693, SB2580, SB1980, SB1886, SB1234, SB739, SB482, SB456, SB127, SB1666, SB2843, SB2801, SB800, SB2055, SB784, SB2986, SB735, SB1012, SB324, SB2926, SB2938, SB2007, SB2138, SB1242, HJR4, HB135, HB 1109, SCR30, SCR3, SB2615, SB1049, SB2310, SB1224, SB2972, SB1568, SB2841, SB2885, SB3016, SB2858, SB2610, SB2139, SB1856, SB2035, SB2308, SB2306, SB2041, SB1528, SB1681, SB1141, SB2401, SB2530, SB2375, SB547, SB1266, SB1373, SB1467, SB2069, SB2269, SB2480, SB2544, SB672, SB904, SB2695, SB2891, SB2422, SB2543, SB1854, SB317, SB2539, SB2532, SB2925, SB1250, SB2082, SB2203, SB457, SB2357, HCR35, HCR64, SB227, SB401, SB512, SB527, SB648, SB1490, SB1558, SB1574, SB1626, SB1756, SB1924, SB1964, SB2018, SB2031, SB2111, SB2117, SB2206, SB2570, SB2658, SB2692, SB2900, SB3031, SB407, SB1395, SB1433, SB1718, SB2322, SB2877, SR453, SR461, SJR86, SB3060, SB3061, HB18, HB26, HB36, HB37, HB48, HB 126, HB150, HB252, HB503, HB517, HB581, HB742, HB754, HB972, HB 1024, HB 1041, HB 1089, HB1442, HB1562, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1696, HB1718, HB1732, HB1741, HB2103, HB2216, HB2733, HB2884, HB2986, HB3700, SB1888, SJR86, SB3060, SB3061, HB18, HB26, HB36, HB37, HB48, HB 126, HB150, HB252, HB503, HB517, HB581, HB742, HB754, HB972, HB 1024, HB 1041, HB 1089, HB1442, HB1562, HB1633, HB1689, HB1690, HB1696, HB1718, HB1732, HB1741, HB2103, HB2216, HB2733, HB2884, HB2986, HB3700, SB1888

Keywords: Texas beef, cattle industry, agricultural heritage, Texas strip steak, economic growth, SB 31, Life of the Mother Act, Texas abortion law, medical emergency, reasonable medical judgment, pregnancy complications, maternal health, life-threatening condition, ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, unborn child, abortion exception, abortion ban, physician liability

Transcript Highlights:

• Bethke outlines, and ensures records necessary for the functions of the MAC maintain attorney-client privilege
• It doesn't require any privileges under the U.S. or Texas constitutions to be waived or the rules of
• Senator Creighton: Those privileges under the U.S. or Texas constitutions are fully preserved on their
• It doesn't require any privileges under the U.S. or Texas constitutions to be waived or the rules of
• evidence. any privileges under the U.S. or Texas constitutions to be waived or the rules of evidence

Bills: SB330, SB663, SB1020, SB1152, SB1164, SB1896, SB2111, SB2196, SB2383, SB2581, SB2797, SB2798, SB2371

Keywords: county funding, prosecutors' offices, elections, law enforcement, local government, community supervision, budget approval, corrections department, strategic plan, judicial oversight, SB 1020, Texas, personal bond office, pretrial release, electronic monitoring, GPS monitoring, global positioning system, bond conditions, probation, parole

Summary: The committee heard several criminal justice bills, with testimony largely focused on public safety, court procedures, and local criminal justice administration. SB 2371 would expand mandatory skimmer-reporting requirements from gas pumps to ATMs, point-of-sale systems, and virtual currency kiosks, with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center saying centralized reporting would improve investigations, preserve evidence, and help identify organized criminal groups. SB 2581 would repeal a special law governing commissary funds in certain large counties; the sponsor and the Sheriff’s Association said it would restore parity with other counties while keeping spending subject to audit and inmate-benefit limits. Both bills were laid out and left pending after testimony, with no public witnesses opposing them at the hearing. The committee also heard SB 330, which would require voter approval before counties over a certain size reduce prosecutor funding, similar to an existing law for law enforcement budgets. Supporters argued prosecutors are essential to public safety and need stable funding, while an opponent from the Texas Civil Rights Project said the bill would restrict local budget flexibility and impose costly elections. SB 663 would remove district judges’ approval role for community supervision and corrections department budgets, replacing it with judge review after TDCJ-CJAD approval; probation officials said the change would reduce delays and confusion without reducing judicial oversight. SB 1020 would require more immediate sharing of ankle-monitor violation information and clarify that such records are not judicial work product; the Harris County DA’s office and Crime Stoppers supported it, citing inconsistent local practices and delays that can hinder prosecutions. The committee then took up SB 1164 on emergency detention and court-ordered mental health services. The bill, from the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, would update emergency detention forms, clarify officer duties, allow filings in the county where a person is apprehended or located, and add a factor related to a person’s inability to recognize symptoms or appreciate treatment risks. Supporters included family members, law enforcement, and mental health and judicial witnesses who described cases where earlier intervention might have prevented tragedy; opponents warned the broader language could be misused and emphasized due process and the need for dangerousness to remain the standard. SB 2111 on indigent defense would expand access to counsel at first hearings, strengthen managed assigned counsel programs, create internships and fellowships, and adjust other defense-related procedures; the Texas Indigent Defense Commission and county defense program leaders supported it, while the committee substitute removed some provisions to reduce fiscal impact. Finally, SB 2383 would let recently retired DPS officers return to work in limited roles to help address staffing shortages, and SB 2797 would create reciprocal discovery requirements for criminal cases; prosecutors and some committee members said it would reduce trial surprise and improve truth-seeking, while others questioned whether the bill fully matched the state’s disclosure obligations and whether it could burden defense rights. Several bills were left pending after testimony, and the committee established a quorum later in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• My colleagues in the legislature and across the state government, we're privileged to serve the people
• 20.279> legislative My colleagues in the legislature and across the state government, we're privileged
• <00:17:54.799> we're across the state government we're across the state government we're privileged
• 55.880> the<00:17:56.039> people<00:17:56.280> of<00:17:56.480> Hawaii privileged
• to serve the people of Hawaii privileged to serve the people of Hawaii and<00:17:57.240> to<00

Keywords: House Agenda:, 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it has been a privilege to be a part of this, not only in my community, but to work with a whole
• c> be<01:43:13.480> a<01:43:13.520> part<01:43:13.760> of it has been a privilege
• to be a part of it has been a privilege to be a part of this,<01:43:14.120> not<01:43:14.320>
• to be on you know, it's been a privilege to be on this<01:50:57.400> committee<01:50:58.200><
• and so I hope to it's been a privilege and so I hope to continue<01:51:39.680> working<01:51:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, um, I have had the privilege to tour juvenile probation programs across the country as part
• <00:14:14.959> to<00:14:15.199> sit impact and I've had the privilege to sit impact
• and I've had the privilege to sit in<00:14:15.600> on<00:14:16.240> one<00:14:16.480><
• And you are privileged<00:14:52.480> that<00:14:52.720> all<00:14:52.959> of<00:
• /c><01:24:18.560> us privileged, experienced parents like us privileged, experienced parents like

Bills: HF2362, HF2136, HF1316, HF2009, HF1918, HF1614

Keywords: youth intervention, funding, mental health, education, community programs, HF1316, child support, new hire reporting, centralized work reporting system, independent contractors, payors, employers, payor of funds, withholding orders, income withholding, child support enforcement, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gig economy, rideshare drivers, delivery drivers

Transcript Highlights:

• Um I am a white privileged<01:10:30.719> woman<01:10:31.360> and<01:10:31.600> no
• ><01:10:31.920> I<01:10:32.159> have<01:10:32.400> not privileged woman and no I
• There is no need for Wyoming to have a special privilege for these organizations.
• <01:35:12.480> for<01:35:12.639> these special uh privilege for these special uh privilege
• like was mentioned and I kind privileges like was mentioned and I kind of<01:49:04.639> looked

Bills: HB0003, HB0117, HB0041

Keywords: pregnancy centers, abortion, pro-life, healthcare, women's rights, state regulation, civil rights, freedom of speech, informed consent, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, law enforcement, death benefits, retirement, survivor support, public safety, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I get the privilege of being last. Sorry, Brian. Good morning. Is it still morning?
• I think I get the privilege of being last. Sorry, Brian. Good morning. Is it still morning?
• “There’s a privilege. We generally would presume it’s confidential.
• So if you have, let’s say, like attorney-client privilege, right?” “Right, right.
• It’s the child’s privilege to waive it, but if they waive the privilege and tell their parents, they

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The Senate will proceed out of order for moments of personal privilege.
• May I ask for a moment of personal privilege? Thank you, Mr. President.
• Uh, I request a moment of personal privilege. >> Granted. >> Thank you.
• Uh, I request a moment of personal privilege. >> Granted. >> Thank you.
• . privilege. privilege.

Keywords: 981, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, approved the journal, and received a series of messages on bills that had been correctly printed, engrossed, re-engrossed, revised, or transmitted from the House and Revisor. The chamber also introduced and laid over several resolutions, including SJR 22 on Plastic Pollution Awareness Week, SJR 23 recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education, and SR 006 for National Donate Life Month. The Senate then paused for personal privilege remarks recognizing military families and public safety telecommunicators, including a gubernatorial proclamation designating April 12–18, 2026, as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. On the consent calendar, the Senate passed SB 20, concerning child care provider licensing and related regulatory changes, with four no votes, and SB 137, concerning administrative burden reduction, unanimously. The chamber also passed SB 140, exempting certain drugs from affordability reviews, by a 20-15 vote; SB 141, concerning optional wildlife-related motor vehicle registration fees and wildlife crossings, by a 28-7 vote; SB 143, updating the name of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee, by a 23-12 vote; HB 1332, concerning the legislative department cash fund, unanimously; HB 1333, concerning payment of legislative department expenses, unanimously; and SB 80, creating the cradle-to-career grant program, by a 31-4 vote. SB 90 was laid over until April 14. The Senate also adopted a third-reading amendment to HB 1331, reducing the appropriation further, and then passed HB 1331 on third reading by a 33-2 vote. In general orders, the Senate laid over HB 1071, SB 134, and HB 1084 to later dates. The committee then took up HB 1126, dealing with firearms dealer requirements, where the sponsor described new security, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement provisions; opponents argued it would burden small businesses and drive dealers out of state. Amendment L58, which would have required a small business impact analysis, failed, and the transcript cuts off amid debate on amendment L59, which would require a public stakeholder meeting before finalizing the rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Not incarcerated would take them, their losing their privilege. Yeah, they also lose their CDL.
• Everything is a privilege, not a right, so I'm not really looking for a carveout myself.
• Everything is a privilege, not a right, so I'm not really looking for a carveout myself.
• Everything is a privilege, not a right, so I'm not really looking for a carveout myself.
• Everything is a privilege, not a right, so I'm not really looking for a carveout myself.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And their license or operating privilege shall be revoked for a period of 90 days, and for a second offense
• For the record, my name is Jay Rues, and I have the privilege to serve as mayor of the city of Manchester
• to serve as mayor of have the privilege to serve as mayor of the<00:23:26.240> city<00:23:26.440
• But one of the things that I have the privilege of applying to the law is prosecutorial discretion, and
• of the things that I have the privilege of the things that I have the privilege of<01:15:36.480>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• to that question is something that you have been fighting at least the entire time I've had the privilege
• ><00:37:18.640> the least the entire time I've had the least the entire time I've had the privilege
• of serving with you and that privilege of serving with you and that is<00:37:20.079> audit<00
• I have, for the last nine, just over nine years, had the privilege of being an assistant public defender
• of being an assistant had the privilege of being an assistant public<01:41:57.840> defender<01

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think I might take constitutional privilege or something like that, or plead the fifth.
• Constitutional privilege or something like that, or plead the fifth.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• For the members here, truly each and every one of you, it is a personal privilege for me to get to work
• the fact that we get to really work hard together is our responsibility, but it's also obviously a privilege

Summary: The committee heard a final wrap-up presentation from Director So Lee on the Legislative Finance Committee’s budget framework for the upcoming session. He said the state remains in a strong fiscal position, though revenue estimates are lower than earlier projections and available nonrecurring funds have declined by more than $1 billion from the prior session. He emphasized that the recommendation still preserves reserves above 30 percent and supports targeted investments in the committee’s three priorities: increasing per capita earned income through education and workforce development, improving access to high-quality health care and behavioral health, and enhancing quality of life through infrastructure, water, parks, trails, and other community amenities. Director Lee highlighted several major funding areas, including a proposed expansion of the UNM medical education program, water projects, capital outlay for state agency assets, and use of a mix of severance tax bonds, general obligation bonds, and cash for capital needs. He also noted continued pressure from health insurance, liability, and compensation costs, and said the committee would keep using pilot programs for new initiatives. Members broadly praised the staff, interim travel, and budget analysis work. During member comments, Senator Woods focused on school funding stability, liability costs, and fraud or waste in state agencies, arguing the state should take more claims to court to establish precedent and better protect taxpayers. Other members thanked staff and leadership for their work and collaboration. The committee then adopted the catch-up cleanup items and the overall LFC budget framework, with Senator Woods recorded in opposition, and created a technical committee with members from both chambers to resolve any final technical issues before the January session.

Transcript Highlights:

• I get for a point of personal privilege? I get for a point of personal privilege?
• that they have or that uh that privilege that they have or that uh that privilege that they have or
• First important and personal privilege. First important and personal privilege.
• You're recognized. personal privilege. You're recognized. personal privilege. You're recognized.
• . have a moment of personal privilege. have a moment of personal privilege.

Keywords: 920, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Earlier this year, my family and I had the privilege of participating in Wreaths Across America at the
• <00:56:52.480> of family and I had the privilege of family and I had the privilege of participating
• of the house the form of the privileges of the house the form of the resolution<02:12:11.480> is<
• The Chair will not at this point determine whether the resolution constitutes a question of privilege
• <02:13:47.800> that constitutes a question of privilege that constitutes a question of privilege

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, and through the members, I have the privilege of welcoming some distinguished guests from
• It's an honor and a real privilege to be here. I think it's only my second time here.
• It's a real privilege to be here. It's, I think, only my second time here.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then took up several bills and procedural matters. It adopted an emergency preamble and passed to be enacted a sick leave bank for Anisee Contreras of the Trial Court, and it also passed a bill reauthorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional on-premises liquor licenses. The chamber ordered several other bills to third reading, including a Wellesley bill on police and fire residency limits and a House bill on Commonwealth bond terms, along with multiple calendar items that were advanced without debate. The Senate then considered and passed the bill increasing access to disposable menstrual products in prisons, homeless shelters, and public schools. Senators Comerford and O'Connor spoke in strong support, describing the measure as a continuation of prior Senate action and a response to period poverty, with O'Connor highlighting community efforts by Free Period and related funding support. The bill was amended, ordered to a third reading, and passed to be engrossed by a unanimous roll call. The Senate also passed a bill on menstrual product ingredient disclosure after adopting a Ways and Means amendment; Comerford said the measure would require manufacturers to disclose ingredients and chemicals, citing concerns about PFAS and other harmful substances. That bill also passed to be engrossed by roll call. The chamber next took up a major public safety bill strengthening the move-over law. Senator Tarr described the bill as expanding protections to utility workers and disabled vehicles and adding escalating penalties, while Senator Feeney emphasized the dangers faced by workers on roadways and the need to protect them. Several proposed amendments were considered: one on municipally owned utility vehicles was adopted, while amendments on interior lights during stops, higher penalties, non-surchargeability, green lights for municipal emergency management vehicles, and public access to driving records were rejected or withdrawn. The amended bill was then ordered to a third reading and passed to be engrossed by a 39-0 roll call. The Senate also paused to honor the late Senator Edward J. Kennedy of Lowell, adopting a motion to adjourn in his memory after a tribute to his public service and community advocacy. Earlier, the chamber recognized a guest, Rocco LaGrasso, during Italian-American Heritage Month. The session ended with the Senate adjourning to meet again the following Monday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• And if I could just take a moment to take personal privilege: Members, we have some special guests that's
• And if I could just take a moment to take personal privilege: Members, we have some special guests that's
• And if I could just take a moment to take personal privilege: Members, we have some special guests that's

Bills: SB511, SB512, HB591, HB909, HB938, HB1154, HB1187

Keywords: automobile repairs, insurance transparency, repair shop liability, non-OEM parts, policyholder rights, automobile insurance, appraisal process, insurance policyholders, dispute resolution, claim valuation, family leave, insurance, paid leave, employment benefits, caregiver support, behavioral health, crisis services, mental health care, insurance coverage, healthcare access

Transcript Highlights:

• Why should they have special privileges?
• I must add that any time I see somebody trying to pass a law that says legislators get special privileges
• Are there any points of personal privilege for the motion to adjourn?

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate met with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then moved through several Committee of the Whole calendars considering House bills on topics including licensing timeframes, homicide, forcible entry and detainer, nuisance actions, family/abortion-related offenses, patient records, education, public health, child support, school curricula, tax administration, state treasurer investments, public records, shopping carts, health professional licensure, and state land use. Most bills were reported out with do-pass recommendations, several with committee amendments adopted first. The transcript includes repeated roll-call and voice votes, with members often explaining opposition on bills involving vaccination mandates, fetal/prenatal development instruction, public records fee exemptions for legislators, shopping cart regulation, and small subdivision water-supply concerns. Supporters generally framed bills as clarifying law, improving enforcement, or limiting burdens on government and businesses. Opponents raised concerns about public health, local control, school costs, transparency abuses, and water policy. The Senate also recessed briefly and later returned to third reading votes on multiple bills. Several measures passed on final vote, including HB 2016, HB 2140, HB 2195, HB 2439, HB 2028, HB 2557, HB 2086, HB 2830, HB 2327, HB 2460, HB 4056, and HB 2660, with recorded vote totals generally ranging from 16-10 to 26-0. The session ended with committee announcements, a note about a softball game sign-up, and adjournment until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I have had the privilege of knowing and working with several colleagues from Defend Florida, Florida
• And I have had the privilege of knowing and working with from Carabell, Florida.
• And I have had the privilege of knowing and working with several colleagues from Defend Florida, Florida

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 62 by Senator Errington, which would create an enforceable requirement that partisan candidates meet the 365-day party affiliation or no-party registration requirement before qualifying. The committee adopted an amendment changing the effective date to upon becoming law, heard no opposition, and then approved the bill. The committee also approved a slate of 15 gubernatorial nominees en bloc and recommended them to the floor. The Florida Supervisors of Elections presented their 2026 legislative priorities. Their requests included automatically updating voter records when DHSMV changes driver license numbers, treating verified petition signing by inactive voters as voter activity that restores active status, adding election equipment and ballots to the state’s critical infrastructure protections, clarifying public-records treatment of election worker names and addresses, allowing more flexibility for early voting sites when a supervisor’s office is not suitable, eliminating the need for provisional-ballot envelopes when polling hours are extended by emergency order, and allowing vote-by-mail voters to remain on the list for the next general election unless they opt out. Senators asked questions about inactive voter status, security implications, early voting site requirements, and vote-by-mail renewal, and several members expressed support or interest in the supervisors’ proposals. During public testimony, several speakers urged stronger election-integrity measures, including proof of citizenship, tighter chain-of-custody controls, more hand-counting or manual audits, quarterly list maintenance, and reduced reliance on vote-by-mail and voting machines. They also criticized current audit systems and cited outside reports and research they said showed vulnerabilities in Florida’s election process. No additional committee action was taken after public testimony, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have the privilege to disagree with one another. But to what degree do you think?
• We have the privilege to disagree with one another, but to what degree do you think you have the opportunity
• So Senator Cleveland, I was privileged to be invited to one of those. So I know you did do them.

Summary: The Joint Select Committee on Civic Health met to discuss next steps for its work on civic health, including related efforts by the Project for Civic Health and a proposed Evans School research survey of legislators. The chair reviewed the committee’s mandate and described ongoing partner initiatives, including shared principles of engaging with respect, seeking common ground, and disagreeing constructively. Members generally supported the Evans School proposal, though one member asked how the project would measure success, and the chair said the goal was to gather broad input from legislators on strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. A major portion of the meeting focused on a draft committee statement condemning political violence. Members agreed to remove the word “crazed” from the description of a recent assassination, with concerns raised that the term implied irrationality and could stigmatize disability. Members also suggested broadening the language to include non-abusive and productive dialogue, and replacing or supplementing “pray” with more inclusive wording; the final phrasing settled on “hope and pray.” The committee also briefly debated whether to describe the United States as a democracy or a representative republic, ultimately agreeing on “representative democratic republic” and approving the statement for posting and distribution, with several members still needing to provide digital signatures. The rest of the meeting was an open discussion about how to improve civility and relationship-building in the Legislature. Members emphasized the value of in-person meetings, shared meals, mentoring newer legislators, and more intentional cross-party conversations. Several said there are fewer informal opportunities now than in the past, especially after the pandemic, and suggested ideas such as retreats, regular gatherings, and bringing in outside experts like the National Institute for Civil Discourse. The chair said he would relay the committee’s support for the Evans School survey and adjourned the meeting after noting the discussion had produced several constructive ideas for future work.