Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a parent of a 17-year-old senior this year.
• They might be important for a child caring for a disabled parent.
• So parent providers are already exempt.
• My parents and in-laws graciously stepped in.
• My 75-year-old parents did not seek a career as caregivers.

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on HB 2337, which would repeal the planned 2027 requirement that certain family-member long-term care providers complete annual continuing education. Rep. Barnard said the bill was intended to reduce burdens on relatives caring for one loved one and to avoid forcing them into courses that are often not relevant to the person they support. Supportive testimony from family providers and disability advocates emphasized that family caregivers already receive individualized training from doctors and therapists, that the available course library is often geared toward aging-related care rather than developmental disabilities, and that mandatory CE could create compliance barriers and risk losing caregivers. Opponents, including SEIU 775 representatives and family caregivers who support the current system, argued that continuing education improves care quality, helps caregivers stay prepared as needs change, and should remain mandatory; they also said the state had already responded to prior concerns by expanding the course catalog and allowing repeat courses for credit. No action was taken on HB 2337. The committee then heard HB 2311, a technical bill making administrative changes to the Workforce Education Investment and Accountability and Oversight Board. The bill would extend co-chair terms, allow more than four meetings per year, shift consultation on workforce investment effectiveness to the Student Achievement Council, and eliminate the requirement for a public data dashboard. The bill sponsor and supporters from WASAC, Microsoft, and the United Faculty of Washington State said the changes would improve board operations and oversight, while also raising broader concerns that WEA funds have been used to supplant general fund support for higher education. Testimony noted the dashboard had not been funded and that WASAC already tracks related metrics through other tools. No vote was taken on HB 2311 during the hearing. The committee then moved to executive action on HB 2132, which limits disclosure and retention of personally identifying information in WASFA records. An amendment by Rep. Levitt was adopted to allow the Student Achievement Council to share applicant information with entities beyond higher education institutions under binding data-sharing agreements. The committee then adopted the amended substitute bill and voted it out of committee. The final roll call was 9-8 in favor, and Substitute HB 2132 was reported out with a do pass recommendation. The committee also announced that executive action on HB 288 and HB 2148 would be delayed and that no action would be taken on those bills that day.

Transcript Highlights:

• store, and requires that parents be connected to parental features that are available in the apps when
• And frankly, parents have no incentive to lie.
• Every parent, every child is at risk, and every parent is worried for good reason.
• And we, as parents, were left with impossible choices.
• And not have the courts, as if that parent was a derelict parent, have the courts decide some stranger

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to reproductive access, child safety online, immigration enforcement in schools, health privacy, location data, digital provenance, reparations, and age assurance. AB 54 would protect the medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and others from liability; AB 1137 would strengthen reporting and enforcement tools for child sexual abuse material on social media; AB 49 would limit ICE activity at California public schools; AB 82 would expand privacy and safety protections for gender-affirming care patients and providers; AB 1355 would restrict the collection, use, and sale of precise location data; AB 853 would expand provenance requirements for AI-generated and authentic content; AB 62 would create a pathway for restitution for racially biased eminent domain takings; and AB 1043 would create a device-based age assurance framework for online services. Supporters generally framed the bills as necessary responses to current harms: reproductive rights advocates emphasized California’s role as a safe haven; child safety witnesses described the persistence and re-victimization caused by CSAM online; immigrant rights and education advocates said schools should remain safe from immigration enforcement; health and LGBTQ+ advocates stressed privacy and safety risks tied to tracking and harassment; privacy and consumer groups backed limits on location data and stronger provenance tools; and reparations advocates said AB 62 would help address historic injustices. Opposition came from family policy, tech, business, law enforcement, and industry groups, who raised concerns about safety claims, constitutional issues, implementation burdens, transparency, law enforcement access, and the need to preserve existing privacy frameworks and voluntary standards. The committee members largely expressed support for the policy goals while noting implementation concerns on some measures. Several members asked for or were offered coauthor status on bills. AB 1137, AB 54, AB 49, AB 82, AB 1355, AB 853, and AB 62 all received do-pass votes to Appropriations, with some members voting no or not voting on certain bills. AB 1355 and AB 853 were advanced with amendments or ongoing work promised with opponents, and AB 1043 was presented with discussion of possible amendments on parental consent and age assurance details, though the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> the school closest to you if a parent the school closest to you if a parent wants<01:47:47.400><
• control</c><01:48:22.080><c> and</c> parents having that parental control and parents having that parental
• Decisions made farthest from the parent often involve the parent the least.
• Decisions made farthest from the parent often involve the parent the least.
• Decisions made farthest from the parent often involve the parent the least.

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Next up on the docket is RS 33085, Representative Skog, on pediatric transition parental rights.
• That was terrible, and I didn't know what could I offer those parents? Nothing.
• If the parents are involved and say yes, they can do that.
• /or the parents can file a lawsuit.
• I think this is a protection for parental authority.

Committee: House State Affairs

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from Wednesday, January 28 by voice vote. It then set aside RS 33085, Representative Skog’s proposal, after noting the sponsor was absent, and moved on to RS 3308, Representative Shepard’s bill on firearms instructor enhanced licensing. Shepard said the measure would make enhanced concealed carry permits easier and more affordable by removing the requirement for an attorney to be present for instructors with eight years of experience, while preserving reciprocity with other states. After questions about reciprocity and the bill’s effect, the committee voted to introduce RS 3308. The committee next heard RS 33085, also from Representative Skog, concerning pediatric transition parental rights. Skog said the bill would prohibit social transitioning of minors without parental knowledge or consent, and would allow the attorney general or parents to seek legal action if it occurs. Members asked for clarification about whether the bill was limited to social transitioning, what examples had prompted the proposal, and who could be sued under the private right of action. Skog said it was limited to social transitioning and related conduct, and that the bill would provide injunctive and declaratory relief as well as a lawsuit option. After discussion, the committee voted to introduce RS 33085, with one member requesting to be recorded as opposed. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> coming home to missing parents. coming home to missing parents.
• ><c> want</c><00:38:51.440><c> their</c> all parents, our families want their all parents, our families
• </c> her parents and that stays with kids. her parents and that stays with kids.
• Thank you. day that my parents are not going to be day that my parents are not going to be there<01:17
• </c><01:40:20.080><c> had</c> can go to school or your parents had can go to school or your parents had

Bills: HF3435 , HF3409

Committee: House Education Policy

Keywords: school access, school site, school district, charter school, federal agents, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, USCIS, immigration enforcement, judicial warrant, student privacy, school safety, sanctuary schools, warrant requirement, federal warrant, school grounds

Transcript Highlights:

• And as a parent navigating it, I sure know the system is not set up for parents to know how things work
• I'm the parent here. You know, I've not experienced this.
• I may be overstepping because I don't know as many parents at my son's school as I...
• As I was saying, I just think from the parent perspective, the fear is a big barrier.
• I think from the parent perspective, the fear is a big barrier.

Summary: The meeting was a 14(c) Task Force hearing focused on employment experiences of Oklahomans with disabilities and the state’s use of subminimum wage. Numerous self-advocates and workers testified about their jobs, accommodations, pay, transportation barriers, and the importance of community integration. Several speakers described positive experiences in competitive or community jobs, while others recounted being underused, fired without explanation, or paid by piece rate or minimum wage in sheltered or enclave settings. Many emphasized that fair pay, independence, ABLE accounts, and supportive employers matter to them, and several said they want future careers, promotions, or even to own businesses and help others with disabilities find work. Task force members discussed recurring themes from the testimony: transportation as a major barrier, the importance of community and self-advocacy, employer misconceptions and stigma, the need for better transition services from school to work, and the difficulty families face navigating benefits and employment systems. Members also raised concerns about people being fired without explanation and about the need for meaningful options for those not ready for competitive employment. Suggestions included more employer education, reverse job fairs, job coaching, benefits planning, better coordination between DDS and DRS, and stronger transition supports in schools and through programs like Project SEARCH. Staff then presented research on how other states have phased out or eliminated 14(c) certificates. Examples included Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington, with common approaches such as phase-out timelines, technical assistance, provider transition plans, and support for competitive integrated employment. The presenters noted that Oklahoma still has 40 entities using 14(c), most of them DDS providers, but many providers are already moving away from it. Members discussed potential unintended consequences, the need for a clear timeline, the possibility of blending or braiding services, and whether Oklahoma should create a more one-stop, employer-friendly system. No votes were taken, and the group agreed to continue gathering information and return in June to begin shaping priorities and possible policy directions.

Transcript Highlights:

• These non-parent voting members lead to outnumbering the parents, resulting in an even less safe environment
• Parents should be the guiding influence and the strongest voice.
• School health advisory councils should be guided by parents first.
• The answer is they cannot now with this; there'll be parents. Why?
• One hundred percent, the parents need to be the guiding light.

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to move the intent calendar deadline to 4 p.m. and then took up several bills by suspending the regular order of business. Senate Bill 2031, concerning removal of high fences around breeder deer release sites, passed after an amendment shortened the testing period from five years to three, tied visible identification requirements to the date Parks and Wildlife began requiring them, and made the bill effective immediately. Senate Bill 1490, a cleanup to adult charter high school funding, and Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2227, creating a process for delayed birth certificates and renamed the Charles E. Barton Act, both passed unanimously after floor amendments. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1964, regulating artificial intelligence systems used by state agencies, also passed unanimously after the author described guardrails for high-risk AI and disclosure requirements. The Senate then considered Senate Bill 2877, which increases penalties for election fraud and related attempts; after debate over whether existing law already covers some conduct and whether the bill was necessary given the small number of convictions, it passed to engrossment and later final passage on a 21-10 vote. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2658, on brackish groundwater production and study, passed after four amendments, including one giving water districts authority to stop production if monitoring shows harm to freshwater supplies or subsidence and another returning a portion of transported water revenue to districts. Committee Substitute Senate Bill 648, strengthening recording requirements for real property instruments to help prevent deed theft, also passed on a 26-4 vote. Other measures approved included Committee Substitute Senate Bill 401, making it easier for homeschool students to participate in UIL activities through local district opt-in/nearest-district participation rules; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 407, requiring health care facilities to honor conscience or religious vaccine exemptions for employees, despite extensive questioning about patient safety and immunocompromised patients; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 2117, creating a Texas Committee on Foreign Investment to review risky foreign acquisitions; Senate Bill 1718, adding the NRA annual meeting to the major events reimbursement program after a failed amendment seeking equal space for gun-control advocacy; Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1626, clarifying limits on censorship and interference with digital expression by social media platforms; and Senate Bill 2206, updating the state R&D franchise tax credit and related sales tax treatment, which passed 31-0. The chamber also debated Senate Bill 1395 on school health advisory councils. An initial amendment to restore voting seats for teachers and school employees failed, but a later amendment by Senator West added students back in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The Senate then handled routine motions, committee scheduling, first-reading referrals, and adjourned until April 29, with the session ending in memory of two constituents.

Transcript Highlights:

• I actually terminated parents, Corona rights when they're alga still abuse.
• Abandonment, neglect later moved to representing parents in the dependency system where a defendant parents
• Petition was filed and the parental rights were terminated.
• Now there are a 3 full biological siblings with 3 sets of parents.
• As soon as their opinion is reported, parents are investigated.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This isn't just a parenting issue.
• This isn't just a parenting issue.
• We all can feel that as parents.
• from the app store, and requires that parents be connected to any parental features that are available
• tools and parental consent.

Summary: The committee first heard AB 56, which would require social media platforms to display a warning label about potential mental health harms from prolonged use, with amendments shortening the initial warning and allowing immediate access to the platform. The author and supporters, including a parent who lost a daughter to suicide and a therapist, argued that social media contributes to teen anxiety, self-harm, and other harms and that families need clearer public health information. Opponents from tech and civil liberties groups argued the bill would be ineffective, burdensome, and likely unconstitutional, saying it would create warning fatigue and should be replaced by more targeted tools and digital literacy measures. Several members discussed emergency access concerns, language access, and whether the warning should be more actionable; the bill was moved on a 9-0 vote to the Judiciary Committee. The committee then took up AB 358, which would amend CalECPA to allow law enforcement, with the victim’s consent, to inspect certain abandoned tracking or surveillance devices found in a victim’s home, vehicle, or personal property without first obtaining a warrant. The author and a San Diego prosecutor said the bill is narrowly tailored to devices used solely for spying and is intended to help stalking and domestic violence survivors act quickly before evidence is lost. Opponents from EFF and the ACLU warned the bill would weaken warrant protections, create a loophole around CalECPA, and reduce transparency and accountability. Members debated Fourth Amendment issues, abandonment, and the practical need for rapid access; the bill passed the committee on a 9-0 vote to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1137, which builds on last year’s CSAM reporting law by allowing any user to report child sexual abuse material, requiring clearer reporting mechanisms, adding human review in some cases, and mandating third-party audits and public reporting. Supporters, including survivor advocates and a parent of a child victim, said the bill would reduce the burden on survivors and improve removal of abusive content. Tech industry opponents said they support the goal but objected to the human-review mandate, public audit disclosures, and enforcement provisions, arguing they could create security risks and compliance burdens. Members generally supported the bill’s intent but raised questions about audit frequency and human review; the bill was moved on call with seven votes at the time of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> are the agents themselves, not parents are the agents themselves, not parents or<00:54:51.040><c
• But as a parent, I can go sign a document for my kid to buy a carb.
• But I'm the parent. I can do that.
• </c><01:00:16.079><c> sibling</c> include a spouse parent sibling include a spouse parent sibling grandparent
• </c><01:00:29.920><c> does</c><01:00:30.240><c> not</c> a parent does not a parent does not count<01:

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Keywords: Judiciary, Division A - Room 216, 29 January, 2026; 3:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents are able to work and go to school.
• These are programs that parents choose.
• Parents choose.
• Parents choose.
• So, last question: Can parents pay more?

Summary: The committee heard first from LFC staff on a brief about New Mexico’s universal child care expansion. Staff said child care assistance has clear benefits for parents and families, but LFC has not found evidence in New Mexico that it improves children’s educational outcomes; they argued pre-K is the better tool for that goal. The brief highlighted four concerns with universal access: an estimated annual cost of about $849.7 million, a sharp decline in registered homes, possible crowding out of lower-income families, and reduced access for children under age two. Staff also suggested possible mitigations such as prioritizing slots for low-income and at-risk families, reinstating sliding-scale co-pays, and tying quality improvements to workforce wages. Members raised questions about the cost estimate, funding sources, provider quality, and whether the data showed actual crowding out. Several lawmakers expressed support for child care generally but concern about the fiscal impact and whether universal access would divert resources from the families most in need. Others emphasized the importance of child care for workforce participation, rural communities, and family stability, and questioned how registered homes are counted and regulated. LFC staff clarified that the cost estimate was for child care assistance only, not the entire ECECD budget, and that the data showed declines in the share of lowest-income children and infants/toddlers served, though not causation. The ECECD secretary then presented the department’s response, saying universal child care is intended to complete a cradle-to-career system and that the department has already seen strong uptake, increased capacity, and rising workforce participation. She said 6,206 families were found eligible in the first month, the share of infants and toddlers served rose, and new provider applications and licensed slots increased after the November rollout. The department also emphasized wage increases, quality improvements, and a new wage scale/career lattice, while projecting a lower near-term cost than LFC’s estimate and requesting additional funding for child care, early pre-K, home visiting, workforce systems, and capacity-building. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion provided; the discussion was informational and focused on questions and testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> so yeah we we we appreciate the parents so yeah we we we appreciate the parents who<00:24:16.640
• </c><00:43:23.200><c> to</c><00:43:23.400><c> do</c> or from the parents to do or from the parents to
• parents or Guardians about the potential parents or Guardians about the potential use<00:45:48.640><c
• I'm just wondering at what point, you know, and then parents will then...
• </c> not with their parents not with their parents thank<00:55:27.440><c> you</c><00:55:28.280><c> questions

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are rural facilities, and some of them are Owned by private equity parent corporate.
• And we've got parents calling the Department of Health asking us.
• Tell me that this bill doesn't change anything when it comes to parental rights.
• So, it's my understanding that's not changing, and we're not mandating parents to get a.
• Parents still have parental rights and choice; that does not change.

Committee: House House Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• What have you been hearing from parents since the topic of special education and the state's deficit
• since the topic of hearing from parents since the topic of special<00:08:23.360><c> education</c><00
• :08:24.159><c> and</c><00:08:24.360><c> the</c><00:08:24.800><c> state's</c> Well, parents are always
• And the one thing I always came out of that is parents are really those students' champions. teacher
• What kind of organizations are out there, private or nonprofit, that parents could turn to?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:47:13.920><c> were</c> investigations because parents were investigations because parents were
• Parent<00:59:08.160><c> aware.
• </c><01:08:34.799><c> And</c> parents to have a say in that. And parents to have a say in that.
• parents.
• <01:24:33.840><c> saw</c><01:24:34.080><c> hazardous</c> As a parent, if I saw hazardous As a parent,

Committee: House Children and Families Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This directly impacts the economic success of working parents in the state.
• In short, El Paso's working parents need our help.
• Um, currently, um, at Workforce Solutions Borderplex, we have about 4500 parents participating in our
• Um, 96% of these parents are female, and 70% of them, both female and male, are single parents.
• Very often in our, uh, with our childcare parents.

Committee: House S/C on Workforce

Transcript Highlights:

• Parents should know what their children are using.
• Parents should know what their children are using.
• Parents should know what their children are using.
• However, when we move to a parental opt out in this bill, we are so permissive.
• However, when we move to a parental opt out in this bill, we are so permissive.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And whereas every family in Florida possesses the fundamental right to parental informant And whereas
• every family in Florida possesses the fundamental right to parental informed consent related to the
• Parents should know what their children are using.
• I think that this bill weakens protections for parents and for consumers when it comes to AI.
• However, when we move to a parental opt-out in this bill, we are so permissive.

Summary: The Senate convened with an opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then administered the oath of office to newly elected Senator Brian Nathan of District 14, with his family present. The chamber also read the governor’s amended special session proclamation, which expanded the call to include legislation on congressional redistricting and related litigation, artificial intelligence protections including an AI Bill of Rights and related public records exemptions, and medical freedom. The secretary then read the bills filed within the call: SB 2D (Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights), SB 4D (public records), SB 60 (medical freedom), and SB 8D (congressional districts).

Transcript Highlights:

• Costs that hit parents, more than 30%.
• </c><02:38:41.760><c> are</c> 1049, a bill to ensure that parents are 1049, a bill to ensure that parents
• Parents have a right to know what their Parents have a right to know what their children<03:03:11.600
• ><c> strengthen</c> By empowering parents, we strengthen By empowering parents, we strengthen student
• </c> families, our children, and our parents. families, our children, and our parents.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill was initially brought to me by a group of concerned foster parents.
• I'm also a foster parent, and I am representing myself today.
• I am a current foster parent and former foster youth.
• I want to start by saying something clearly: I believe in parental rights.
• Parents didn't want their kids hanging out with her because she was a foster kid.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from February 12, 16, and 17, 2026. It then heard House Bill 593, a Department of Environmental Quality cleanup bill tied to the DOGE Task Force review. Senator Semmelroth explained that the bill removes obsolete references and repeals outdated provisions related to the state hazardous waste management planning committee and the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Act council. After brief support from a Republic Services representative and DEQ’s hazardous waste bureau chief, the committee voted to send HB 593 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Next, the committee heard House Bill 714, which repeals the Hazardous Waste Siting Act and consolidates hazardous waste siting provisions into the Hazardous Waste Management Act. Senator Burkey said the bill streamlines Idaho’s hazardous waste laws while preserving safety, public notice, hearings, and expert review. Republic Services and DEQ testified in support, describing the measure as protective, efficient, and the product of stakeholder review. The committee then voted to send HB 714 to the floor with a do pass recommendation. The committee also considered House Bill 788, a pilot program intended to reduce Medicaid prior authorization burdens for certain medical professionals who precept medical students in high-need specialties. Representative Wheeler said the goal is to increase preceptorships by giving eligible providers a temporary “gold card” exemption, and he asked for a sunset date of July 1, 2030. The Idaho Freedom Foundation testified in opposition, arguing prior authorization is a cost-control tool and that the bill could raise Medicaid costs. The committee voted to send HB 788 to amending orders, with several senators recorded as no. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 724, which would establish foster child safety rights, require written notice of those rights, and direct courts and the Department of Health and Welfare to consider safety in placement and visitation decisions. Representative Wheeler said the bill responds to concerns from foster parents and aims to ensure children in state custody have clear protections. Multiple foster parents, a child psychologist, and a former foster youth testified in support, describing serious safety failures and arguing that children need clearer rights and more complete information before reunification or placement decisions. The committee voted to send HB 724 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the meeting adjourned.