Transcript Highlights:

• Section D1 seeks a statutory defense to prosecution for criminal negligence by a veterinarian or anyone
• Our official or licensed positions provide a defense to prosecution for alleged criminal negligence occurring
• This exception for veterinarians is just a defense.
• But the other thing I want to draw attention to is that she, as a defense, even where there wasn't a
• statutory defense, said, "I was just acting in my..." role as a veterinarian.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I I practice defense work could be used.
• I I practice defense work for<00:31:05.840><c> for</c><00:31:05.919><c> for</c><00:31:06.720><c> a</c
• work for I was on the injury defense work for I was on the other<00:31:09.679><c> side</c> other side
• </c><00:33:04.720><c> firm</c> contract and then when defense firm contract and then when defense firm
• Everything that I'm seeking as a defense attorney, I'm looking to try to get the numbers that help me

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 2:00 P.M., 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:47:13.199><c> to</c><01:47:13.360><c> any</c> should be an absolute defense to any should be
• I managed $100 million in research programs for the Department of Defense at DARPA.
• is not as important in our justice system as criminal defense?
• </c> provide uh Indigent criminal defense provide uh Indigent criminal defense services<03:01:55.640>
• </c><03:18:35.120><c> as</c> to pay for Indigent criminal defense as to pay for Indigent criminal defense

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232 from prime sponsor Representative Mark Pearson, who said the bill is intended to protect conscience rights for health care professionals and students, especially in relation to abortion and sterilization-related procedures. He argued that protecting ethical objections would help retain and recruit medical workers in New Hampshire, reduce moral injury, and preserve patient access to care. Pearson said the bill is not meant to allow discrimination based on protected characteristics and emphasized that it is limited to objections to specific procedures, with an amendment added to address concerns raised by Chairman Lynn. Members questioned Pearson closely about the scope of the bill and amendment, including whether it could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers or receptionists, whether a provider could refuse emergency care, and who would determine when an emergency exists. Pearson said the bill does not apply to emergency situations or to treatment after an abortion has already occurred, and he stated that emergency triage would control in obvious emergencies. He also said the intent was not to allow a person to take a job and then unexpectedly refuse duties, and he suggested the amendment could be tweaked to clarify its application to facilities and staff. Additional questions focused on whether the bill should be broader than the procedures listed, how it would interact with federal conscience protections, and whether it could affect contraception-related services, including pharmacies. Pearson responded that the bill addresses the specific issues raised by people he and his wife had spoken with, and he was open to revising the amendment to reduce ambiguity. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, in this moment, we are grateful to put him first, to honor his service, his fight, and his defense
• Speaker, in this moment, we are grateful to put him first, to honor his service, his fight, his defense
• House Bill 281 establishes warranty of habitability as an affirmative defense that tenants can raise
• The right to keep and bear arms includes the right to use them for self-defense in the home.
• The right to keep and bear arms includes the right to use them for self-defense in the home.

Keywords: April 22, 2026 - Reconvened Session, 976, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, we, the Committee on Transportation and Defense, report that we have had under consideration
• March 9, 2026: House Bill 717, as amended by the Transportation and Defense Committee, regarding motor
• So I want to, if you look at the top, you'll understand that the Department of Defense does require a
• surrendered to U.S. forces on September 4, 1945, and whereas in 1981, the United States Department of Defense
• recognized the civilians who contributed to the defense of Wake Island during World War II as eligible

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition, the Department of Defense is pursuing building geothermal-electric power plants inside the
• fence line of their defense bases, of which New Mexico, of course, has four, as a way to enhance energy
• My name is Maurice Hall, I'm with the Environmental Defense Fund.
• Environmental Defense Fund. And Dr.
• On slide number five, the Environmental Defense Fund is a global organization, but we work primarily

Committee: House Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• You have your non-defense spending, which is about $960 billion, and then your defense spending, which
• How that's all broken out between defense and non-defense spending.
• also increased some spending, about $150 billion for Homeland Security and about $129 billion for defense
• What we want to do is we want to be that first line of defense for our districts and our schools in trying
• We want to be that first line of defense for our districts and our schools in trying to support them

Committee: House Federal Funding Stabilization Subcommittee

Transcript Highlights:

• Minnesotans will not submit with silent reluctance but will remain proactive in the defense of rights
• reluctance but will remain proactive in reluctance but will remain proactive in the<00:06:14.680><c> defense
• </c><00:06:15.240><c> defense</c><00:06:16.240><c> of</c><00:06:16.479><c> Rights</c><00:06:16.840><c
• > not</c><00:06:17.080><c> just</c> the defense defense of Rights not just the defense defense of Rights

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• to those who have signed up to speak, beginning with Emma Davidson Trigg of the National Women's Defense
• My name is Emma Davidson Trigg, and I'm the founding director of the National Women's Defense League,
• For those reasons, the National Women's Defense League respectfully urges a favorable report on HB 355

Bills: HJR11 , HB59 , HB418 , HB342 , HB408 , HB409 , HB133 , HB134 , HB414 , HB355

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: HOPE Court, homeless court, housing instability, homelessness, poverty elimination, problem-solving court, community court, diversion program, criminal justice reform, reentry, warrants, fines and fees, low-level offenses, housing access, public safety, recidivism, Delaware Judiciary, DSHA, DHSS, DELJIS

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and heard presentations on several bills. House Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute 1 for House Bill 145 would restrict government use of reverse keyword searches, generally prohibiting reverse keyword court orders and voluntary requests, with a narrow exception for Class A violent felony investigations and rules on notice, deletion, and inadmissibility of unlawfully obtained evidence. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 368, with House Amendment 1, would limit Delaware law enforcement and the Department of Correction’s participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, especially regarding civil immigration warrants and detainers, while preserving exceptions for serious offenses and valid judicial processes; the Department of Correction said it had no operational or fiscal impact and supported the exclusions, and an ACLU-affiliated witness testified in support. House Substitute 1 for House Bill 427 would allow certain 16- and 17-year-olds to participate in hunting and target practice without direct adult supervision if they have parental permission, hunter education, and a valid Delaware hunting license. House Bill 355, the “Speak Your Truth Act,” would expand anti-SLAPP-style protections for survivors of sexual assault, discrimination, and harassment by raising the burden in defamation suits and allowing attorney’s fees and damages; advocates from the National Women’s Defense League and the Speak Your Truth movement supported it. House Bill 134 would increase penalties for repeat animal cruelty offenders and lengthen animal ownership bans. The committee also heard House Bill 133, as amended, which would create a hardship waiver process allowing courts to waive fines and fees for defendants who cannot afford them, while preserving restitution and exempting certain traffic-related penalties and victim compensation assessments. The administration said the bill is intended to address uncollectable debt and noted millions in outstanding fines and fees, while local government and police representatives raised concerns about lost revenue, administrative burden, and consistency; the Fines and Fees Justice Center supported the measure. Committee members asked about how the waiver funding would affect local governments, volunteer fire companies, and related fees, and the administration said the $5 million budgeted this year would cover the waiver costs and be treated as an annual expense going forward. No committee votes were taken during the excerpted discussion, but the chair indicated that bills ready for action would be circulated for signature or moved to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• And one of those is when it's committed in a lawful defense.
• And one of those is when it's committed in the lawful defense of a person.
• If you guys were here and you remember that, we had a bunch of us in a room—prosecutors, defense attorneys

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In the gallery today, we have two veterans and special guests from the Department of Defense.
• We have Gino Talas... ...and special guests from the Department of Defense.
• Kelly May Douglas, is serving currently in the Office of Military Family Policy for the Department of Defense

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Special guest speaker tomorrow is from the Secretary of Defense.
• I know some of the compact bills and other bills the Department of Defense would like us to take a look
• at this session, so that will be your opportunity to hear directly from the Department of Defense.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the journal. Members then introduced the Doctor of the Day, Dr. John Lynch, and recognized several guest groups in the gallery, including Arizona electric co-op representatives, March of Dimes participants, CRNAs, AEA retirees, a University of Arizona legislative fellow, and ACLU visitors. Attendance was recorded at 58 present, one absent, and one excused. The chamber handled routine floor business, including temporary committee replacements, referral of HB 2677 from Judiciary to Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and the first reading and referral of a large number of House bills and one concurrent resolution. The bill list covered a wide range of topics, including education, appropriations, housing, taxes, health care, public safety, energy, water, labor, elections, and several measures related to abortion, firearms, and tribal affairs. Second reading of bills was also announced for another extensive set of measures. During announcements, members promoted a blood drive, a Veterans Caucus coffee-and-donuts event and lunch with a Department of Defense speaker, and several committee meetings or cancellations. No substantive debate or votes on legislation occurred beyond the procedural motions and the final motion to adjourn. The House adjourned until 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Council member and has also served as the Director of External Affairs for the California Housing Defense
• I respectfully ask for an aye vote. for the California Housing Defense Fund.
• that, he served as a consultant and development director for the Western Region of the Environmental Defense

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a brief recognition of Senator Seyarto’s upcoming birthday. The pro tem introduced Matu LeMay of the Quebec National Assembly, who was visiting to discuss California-Quebec environmental collaboration, including their long-standing linkage of cap-and-trade markets. Messages from the Governor and Assembly were deemed read, journals were approved, and Joint Rule 62A was suspended to allow certain bills to be heard in Appropriations Committee with shortened notice. The chamber then considered three gubernatorial appointments. Courtney Welch was confirmed to the California Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors by a 29-1 vote, Janessa Goldbeck was confirmed to the California Veterans Board by a 28-0 vote, and Tom Huntington was confirmed to the State Parks and Recreation Commission by a 28-0 vote. The Senate also adopted the consent calendar, which included Senate Bill 607, by a 37-0 vote. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials honoring Elizabeth “Betsy” Hammer Carr, Alberto Ronel, William Louis “Bill” McIntyre Jr., and Joy Atkinson. Senators described their activism, public service, community leadership, and personal impact, with particular emphasis on Carr’s social justice work, Ronel’s health care service and the need for worker safety, McIntyre’s business and civic contributions, and Atkinson’s decades of mentorship and leadership for Black women in politics. Family members and guests were recognized in the gallery during the memorials. The Senate announced that the next floor session would be Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9 a.m., with the chamber in recess until later that day for adjournment proceedings.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aaron White, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, you are recognized, sir.
• Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, you are recognized, sir. Waves in support.
• Erin Waite, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In support. Any further?

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee met with a quorum present and considered two bills. HB 59, by Rep. Koster, would expand Florida’s wrongful incarceration compensation process by extending the filing deadline from 90 days to two years, removing the statute’s clean hands provision, and allowing exonerees to choose between a civil lawsuit and the state compensation process. Supporters from criminal defense, innocence, civil liberties, and justice reform groups appeared in support, and members spoke favorably about the bill’s purpose. A technical amendment was adopted to align the bill with the Senate companion and remove conflicting statutory language. The committee then voted 17-0 to report HB 59 favorably as amended. The committee next heard HB 243, by Rep. Andrade, which would prevent cash bond funds posted by third parties from being automatically used to satisfy a criminal defendant’s fines, fees, or judgments. The sponsor said the bill protects third-party depositors, while some members raised concerns about clerk revenue, bail incentives, and whether third-party organizations posting bonds should be treated differently. Rep. Gottlieb indicated he would support an amendment allowing a cash depositor to authorize those funds to be used for costs at the time of posting, and the sponsor said he would accept that concept. Public testimony was in support from Florida Smart Justice Alliance and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. After debate, the committee voted 15-3 to report HB 243 favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Lynn Berkeley-Baskin, Justice Jobs Coalition and Law Defense in L.A., opposed.
• What we're saying is simple: if data already exists and has been made available to the defense, make
• Lynn Berkeley, Baskin, Justice to Jobs, Sacramento, and Law Defense at an L.A., in support.
• We're looking—often defense attorneys are looking for charges and convictions, all of which are being
• Frequently, survivors themselves are arrested for domestic violence, whether it's for self-defense or

Committee: House Public Safety

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if I'm a criminal defense attorney, can I call the other officers?
• >> Absolutely. >> I'd subpoena everybody there if I'm the criminal defense lawyer.
• attorney, part of my duty at that point for my zealous defense of my client is to talk to every witness
• I mean, I mean, I'm just... zealous defense of my client is to talk zealous defense of my client is to
• </c> prosecution is a criminal defense prosecution is a criminal defense attorney<00:38:31.400><c> who

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Martha Thomas, the Chief Education Officer from the Defensive Line, can you please stand?
• Chris Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer from the Defensive Line, please stand.
• Members, House Bill 705 is a department of… ...defense-sponsored bill that would provide cosmetology
• HCR 142 by Garren, designating Fort Worth as the official aviation and defense capital of Texas for a
• HCR 142 by Garren, designating Fort Worth as the official aviation and defense capital of Texas for a

Bills: HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , SB304 , SB608 , SB2312 , SB494 , SB530 , HB45 , HB2520 , HB35 , HB47 , HB318 , HB349 , HB554 , HB1359 , HB1373 , HB2254 , HB2259 , HB2853 , HB3073 , HB3088 , HB353 , HB355 , HB786 , HB762 , HB705 , HB932 , HB849 , HB 1119 , HB3041 , HB713 , HB3104 , HB3970 , HB4042 , HB4490 , HB1731 , HB2607 , HB3689 , HB1788 , HB1612 , HB138 , HB15 , HB1971 , HB1338 , HB2989 , HB267 , HB 1201 , HB2954 , HB5265 , HB1804 , HB5061 , HB1520 , HB1545 , HJR110 , HJR203 , HB1887 , HB1914 , HB2402 , HB2306 , HB1809 , HB2350 , HB3000 , HB3237 , HB3326 , HB3211 , HB 1056 , HB2081 , HB2187 , HB3092 , HB3308 , HB3526 , HB3750 , HB3527 , HB4219 , HB4230 , HB4290 , HB5238 , HB4804 , HB4749 , HB245 , HB1465 , HB1482 , HB294 , HB793 , HB809 , HB3928 , HB334 , HB2037 , HB1973 , HB285 , HB4341 , HB4264 , HB 1043 , HB837 , HB 1234 , HB 1193 , HB 1194 , HB1646 , HB1729 , HB2498 , HB1314 , HB2295 , HB1353 , HB1531 , HB1988 , HB5398 , HB3960 , HB3923 , HB1407 , HB1764 , HB2221 , HB2214 , HB2517 , HB2518 , HB2213 , HB5008 , HB5092 , HB3421 , HB3663 , HB3748 , HB3800 , HB3756 , HB2613 , HB3782 , HB5246 , HB4344 , HB4044 , HB4066 , HB2702 , HB2807 , HB2869 , HB2898 , HB3181 , HB3250 , HB4153 , HB2091 , HB2115 , HB2542 , HB2768 , HB3349 , HB3352 , HB4406 , HB1593 , HB1899 , HB3133 , HB4432 , HB4960 , HB3214 , HB3915 , HB3508 , HB2145 , HCR6 , HCR12 , HCR34 , HCR50 , HCR55 , HCR58 , HCR70 , HCR71 , HCR72 , HCR74 , HCR75 , HCR78 , HCR80 , HCR93 , HCR100 , HCR107 , HCR116 , HCR117 , HCR90

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• Before working as a security officer, I served as military police with the Department of Defense and
• We are often the first point of contact screening people into buildings and the first line of defense
• Many times, we are the first line of defense when something puts our safety at risk.
• Many times, we are the first line of defense when something goes wrong.
• John Rodney, Immigrant Defense Project, proud co-sponsor.

Committee: Senate Public Safety

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So on the next two slides, last year I presented on the Department of Energy's defense-related uranium
• Last year, I presented on the Department of Energy's Defense-related uranium mine cleanup program.
• The one gentleman on here who has not yet been confirmed is Dave Beck, who is the nominee for defense
• I also used them for the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board when I was on the NACO board.
• And, you know, it's kind of like the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board is doing oversight.

Summary: The committee first heard a presentation from the Environment Department on PFAS contamination in private wells in La Cienega, Santa Fe County. Staff said the plume likely came from historic use of firefighting foam associated with airport and National Guard fire-training activities, with possible additional contribution from septic systems and consumer products. They described the contamination as affecting about 200 private wells, the short-term response of providing residential filters through a $2 million legislative appropriation, and ongoing work to define the plume’s full extent, identify responsible parties, and consider longer-term regional water solutions. Members asked about filter costs, replacement schedules, disposal of used cartridges, follow-up testing, health studies, and whether cleanup or containment had begun; the department said cleanup would follow once the plume is fully mapped and that DOH is soliciting interest in a blood study. The committee also discussed the need to track disposal of PFAS filters and the possibility of broader statewide capacity for similar work. The committee then took up abandoned uranium mine cleanup. NMED and EMNRD staff reviewed the new uranium mine reclamation program created by HB 164, the state dashboard tracking sites, and the FY26 appropriation of $20 million for neglected contaminated sites, of which $12 million is being used for neglected uranium mines and the remainder for other contaminated sites. They said six contractors were hired, three priority sites in Grant County are moving forward quickly, and additional sites are being prepared for possible FY27 work. Members pressed for details on how funds are spent, why the revolving fund remains unfunded, how federal, state, tribal, and landowner requirements are coordinated, where contaminated material will be moved, and whether cleanup could also address homes built with contaminated materials. Staff said the work is governed by multiple regulatory layers, that the state is seeking an additional $25 million for FY27-FY28 plus a time extension, and that partnerships with tribes would require longer-term agreements. The committee also discussed federal cleanup efforts and the new Good Samaritan law, with members urging stronger advocacy for New Mexico sites, including tribal lands, and asking whether the Attorney General should pursue legal action against federal parties responsible for legacy contamination. Staff explained that some sites are already covered by settlement funds tied to responsible parties, while neglected sites are those with no responsible party and no other cleanup program. The committee then heard from EMNRD on Class VI carbon sequestration primacy. Staff said New Mexico currently has no operating Class VI wells, about 27 Class II acid-gas injection wells are operating, and only a small number might be candidates for conversion. They explained that the state’s primacy application would require more public outreach than federal rules alone, and that cost estimates for post-injection site care are based on long planning horizons, with some costs borne by operators and some by the state after closure. No votes were taken on the substantive items discussed; the committee approved the prior meeting minutes and took a brief recess between presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm bringing this bill this year at the request of the Department of Defense as part of a strategic move
• The bill is being presented at the request of the Department of Defense to help merge laws so that a
• The Department of Defense is grateful for the opportunity to support the policies reflected in HB 62
• My name is Melissa Wlette and I'm the New England region liaison for the Defense State Liaison Office
• , and we are a small office within the Defense Department that work on state level policies that are

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 1191, senate, all