Transcript Highlights:

• penalty and a private civil right of action.
• SB8 is not a bill that will create a penalty, either civil or criminal. ...for any individual.
• It guarantees more violence, more trauma, and more legal liabilities for this state.
• It's very, very similar to a civil Medicaid fraud.
• penalty and a private civil right of action.

Bills: SB 8 , HB7 , HB15 , HB265 , HCR13 , SB8 , HB7 , HB15 , HB265 , HCR13

Transcript Highlights:

• 63-3069, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding notice of adjustment of federal or state tax liability
• House Bill No. 738, by the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to the formation of limited liability
• House Bill No. 738, by the State Affairs Committee, an act relating to the formation of limited liability
• title, legislative findings and intent, definitions, provisions regarding certain prohibited acts, civil
• title, legislative findings and intent, definitions, provisions regarding certain prohibited acts, civil

Transcript Highlights:

• Scofield, related to the creation of money services business terms of service agreements providing a civil
• the Committee on Public Education, Order, Registry, Information for the Committee on Judiciary and Civil
• and a study on the effects of the detention orders. in a juvenile court proceeding in front of the Civil
• Relating to private civil cause, action against local entities and campus police departments that violate
• former district court judges were assigning as a visiting judge for the Committee on Judiciary and Civil

Transcript Highlights:

• We're taking on that liability.
• So it's not necessarily the amount of hours, but how much liability we're actually taking on.
• Lane Martin: It's our stamp and it's our liability that we are now taking on.
• We're taking on that liability.
• So it's not necessarily the amount of hours, but how much liability we're actually taking on.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a licensed engineer in the state of Florida with a focus on water resources, a civil engineer with
• We would definitely want to make sure we have zero unfunded actuarial liability.
• But long term, our objective is to have no unfunded actuarial liability, but I don't know exactly the
• And then could you tell us if the liabilities from last year have been covered, or do we have excess
• And then could you tell us if the liabilities from last year have been covered, or do we have excess

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So they're denying liability on gotten. So they're denying liability on that<01:04:02.079><c> basis.
• But we are going to reach out liability.
• liability and are going to pay some or liability and are going to pay some or all<01:19:12.320><c> or
• So, we agree we're going that liability.
• </c><01:21:15.199><c> for</c> they first have to accept liability for they first have to accept liability

Committee: House Labor, Industrial and Rehabilitative Services

Transcript Highlights:

• For the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, HB 3717 by Harris relates to the establishment
• For the Committee on Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence, HB 3719 by Hunter concerns the availability of
• It authorizes fees, administrative and civil penalties, and creates criminal offenses for violations,
• HB 3787 by Lujan relates to the sale or distribution of counterfeit or unsafe lighters, imposing a civil
• to the display of certain flags in governmental buildings or on governmental property, providing a civil

Transcript Highlights:

• So, House Bill 1064, relative to liability of governmental units, was the bill brought before us following
• and pieces of testimony that we have ample, ample justification for passing this. um relative to liability
• of governmental um relative to liability of governmental units<00:20:27.000><c> was</c><00:20:27.200
• them out of protections from discrimination, and as I've said at least 12 to 13 times before, our civil
• Okay. at least 12 to 13 times before at least 12 to 13 times before our<00:31:34.160><c> civil</c><00

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a 30-year-old civil rights organization dedicated to ending housing discrimination and segregation
• We're a nonprofit civil rights organization that seeks to eradicate housing discrimination and advocates
• Water reimbursement fees, liability insurance fees, parking fees, excessive late fees—the list goes on
• Does the state have any liability by putting a certain certification?
• Does the state have any liability by putting a certain certification?

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The committee took up several House measures. HCR 66, as amended, asked Louisiana Economic Development and the Governor’s Office of Rural Development to study rural parish assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities, and it was moved forward without objection. HB 387, a clarification to allow the fire marshal’s office to review architectural and engineering plans equally, also passed favorably without objection. HB 1223, which would have LED promote Louisiana’s clinical trial capacity and adjust internal review board processes, was amended and moved favorably. HB 950, aimed at helping older adults recognize and avoid fraud through materials and resources from the Office of Elderly Affairs, was reported favorably. HB 975, a routine measure to recreate the Public Service Commission, was also reported favorably. HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, was amended and moved favorably. HB 1222, described as a Grocery Initiative Act to let LED identify ways to address food deserts and food insecurity, was introduced near the end of the meeting. The most extensive debate centered on HB 617, a consumer transparency bill requiring mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing. The author said the bill was intended to curb hidden fees and help consumers compare prices, with examples such as hotel resort fees and automatic restaurant service charges. Supporters argued it would improve transparency, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups said the bill was too broad, vague about terms like “total price,” unclear on enforcement and penalties, and could create compliance burdens and litigation risk, especially for small businesses. Housing advocates opposed the bill’s housing carve-out, arguing it could weaken renters’ ability to bring unfair-practice claims. Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard lengthy testimony on HB 797, which would create a Bayou Gold certification for certain transactional gold vendors that meet state-defined standards such as segregation, insurance, and nearby storage. The sponsor said the goal was to give consumers confidence and encourage vendors to keep gold closer to Louisiana, while critics argued the program would amount to a state endorsement of private companies, create misleading consumer impressions, and expose the state to confusion or liability. The bill drew opposition from the Sound Money Defense League and others, but the committee ultimately reported HB 797 favorably, with the understanding it still had to go to Finance. HB 1228, a hearing-aid cleanup bill updating definitions, contracts, testing periods, and licensing rules, was also moved favorably without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• and criminal liability.
• Liability. This is—we already have a constitutional right to abortion in this state.
• would ensure continued access to medication abortion and shield providers and manufacturers from liability
• is legal in California, and it shields providers, manufacturers, pharmacists, and individuals from civil
• and criminal liability and professional discipline.

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion. The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills. The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> going to be able to receive civil going to be able to receive civil protections<00:04:44.160><c>
• </c> apply for a civil protection order. apply for a civil protection order.
• No, not in a civil manner. and abuse? No, not in a civil manner. No. No. No.
• We're going civil.
• </c> have looked at civil domestic violence. have looked at civil domestic violence.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1651, which would create a civil sexual assault protective order for survivors who do not have a domestic violence or stalking relationship with the offender, and would also update the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights regarding evidence kit retention and tracking. Representative Jennifer Rhodes, the sponsor, said the bill is intended to fill gaps for survivors assaulted by strangers, acquaintances, or others outside existing protective-order categories, and to ensure evidence is preserved for the longer of the statute of limitations or the retention period. Committee members asked whether the new order could be misused and how the bill would prevent frivolous petitions; the sponsor said the same legal process would apply and a victim would still have to prove they were actually assaulted. Representative Eileen Kelly and Lynn Shallet of the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence testified in support, saying current law leaves many sexual assault survivors without a meaningful civil remedy unless they qualify for domestic violence or stalking relief. Shallet said the gap has existed for decades and noted that other states already have standalone sexual assault protective orders. She also said the bill would clarify survivors’ rights to know the status and location of their evidence kits. Shauna Foster of New Beginnings Without Violence and Abuse described local cases where survivors were denied protective orders because they lacked the required relationship with the offender, including a co-worker assault and an assault involving an unhoused survivor. Lisa Curtis, a survivor and founder of Safe Haven Ballet, gave emotional testimony in support, describing her own sexual assault and the difficulty of seeking protection and justice. She said survivors need safety to recover and that the bill would better align the justice system with trauma-informed support. Janet Carroll, a sexual assault nurse examiner and advisory board co-chair, testified that the bill’s evidence-kit provisions reflect federal changes and existing tracking practices. She explained that New Hampshire uses a kit tracking system that lets patients and professionals follow kits through the process, and said the bill would codify the right to be informed of a kit’s status and location. No vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• with the place of worship or disrupting the normal functioning of religious services and provides civil
• with the place of worship or disrupting the normal functioning of religious services and provides civil
• And it is because of the liability that it carries with use-of-force training and PTI training and all
• But then again, liability purposes was that we felt most across the state that that wasn't the best practice
• issues in this committee, literally issues of life and death, issues of personal liberty, issues of our civil

Committee: House Community Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Victims often don't realize what's happened until they're facing bills, legal trouble, or tax liabilities
• We must ensure that our state sees older adults not as a liability, but as contributors to our society
• Far from ensuring equality, under this language, the delicate balance of civil rights would be lost.
• In the preamble, it states that we are grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty.
• And there is a civil rights movement underway in this country.

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• And down below in 5318, it gives immunity from civil liability and then... confidentiality to that person
• That current section deals with so much more than civil penalties.
• It's much more than just civil liability or confidentiality, but we can talk offline about... ...that

Committee: House Education Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• What we're trying to do with this additional amendment is ensure that there be no liability or enforcement
• Yeah, that's, that deals with the liability related to sonic booms and...
• No, and I think they, I believe they make clear as well that this does not impact liability related to
• any civil liability or liability related to, you know, a vehicle running a stop sign or something like

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Summary: The Senate Committee on Judiciary B met on May 21 with a quorum present, approved the May 14 minutes, and then took up a long agenda of bills and resolutions. It first reported Senate Resolution 125 favorably, which urged the Navy to expedite funding and implementation of medium-unmanned surface vessels, citing jobs and private investment tied to Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City. The committee then heard House Bill 1253, the Gracie Claire Rushing Act, from Chairwoman Butler and Crystal Romero, who described the painful history of Gracie’s death, exhumation, and discovery that her heart had not been returned after autopsy; the bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also reported favorably House Bill 89, a local retirement health insurance measure for the Third and 30th Judicial Districts; House Bill 1257, barring elected officials and immediate family members from owning interests in electronic monitoring companies; House Bill 1029, as amended, creating a moratorium on alcohol beverage licenses in House District 3 until 2027; House Bill 1011, making a juror-per-diem donation program for CASA permissive statewide; House Bill 1064, creating a domestic violence intervention court pilot in East Baton Rouge Parish with support from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and YWCA; House Bill 816, prohibiting foreign adversaries from buying land near military installations; and House Bill 940, creating a counter-unmanned aircraft system task force to coordinate law enforcement response to drone threats. The committee then heard House Bill 1247, which addresses the shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners by creating a statewide SANE coordinator in the Attorney General’s office and a response standards subcommittee; after adopting a technical amendment set, it was reported favorably with amendments. House Bill 335, expanding public-benefit eligibility verification to entities administering benefits and adding legislative auditor oversight, was also amended after concerns from food banks and disaster-response nonprofits, with members agreeing to work on additional floor amendments to protect essential services during emergencies. House Bill 623, a tobacco-related deadline fix, was voluntarily deferred to allow more time for drafting. The committee also reported favorably HCR 64, extending a report deadline for the Supreme Court drug and specialty court office. Later, the committee reported favorably House Bill 243, changing recusal procedures so cases go first to the Attorney General rather than a private lawyer; House Bill 451, allowing hearing notices to be sent more than 30 days in advance and electronically; House Bill 1251, reducing permit costs for very small in-state distillers; House Bill 1053, allowing salons, barbers, and boutiques to offer limited complimentary wine or champagne without a permit; House Bill 153, barring criminal-justice debt from being reported to credit agencies; House Bill 59, authorizing East Baton Rouge Parish to transfer funds to the public defender’s office; HCR 50, a task force request; HCR 102, continuing the Senior Task Force on Fraud Prevention; and House Bill 1098, part of the aerospace package addressing liability related to sonic booms. The meeting ended with adjournment after a brief exchange about LSU and McNeese football.

Transcript Highlights:

• we're trying to do with this additional amendment is ensure that it doesn't apply, that there be no liability
• Yeah, that's... that deals with the liability related to sonic booms and...
• I believe they make clear as well that this does not impact liability related to any civil liability
• or liability related to, you know, a vehicle running a stop sign or something like that in connection

Committee: Senate Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:

• Why did the Senate in the 60s... they showed me from when the Civil they showed me from when the Civil
• I want to liability to the taxpayer.
• From the civil rights innovation.
• </c><07:45:37.680><c> war,</c> the aftermath of the civil war, the aftermath of the civil war, the<07
• </c><07:53:03.600><c> rights</c> One of the big six of the civil rights One of the big six of the civil

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh but the intent is civil commitment.
• Uh so it's technically a civil the time.
• </c> Uh it has to be for any sort of civil Uh it has to be for any sort of civil commitment<00:18:33.200
• You would be by limiting liability.
• Any increase in liability enterprise.

Committee: House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Health, Human Services, and Elderly Affairs heard HB 1790-FN, which would address involuntary admissions for certain individuals with a substance use disorder. Representative Lucy Weber introduced the bill for Representative Long, and the committee heard extensive testimony both in support of and in opposition to the proposal. Opponents, including John Burns of SOS Recovery and Jake Barry of New Futures, argued that involuntary commitment is not well supported by research, can retraumatize people, may increase overdose risk after release, and could undermine New Hampshire’s existing recovery and harm-reduction efforts. They emphasized that treatment should be voluntary, trauma-informed, and paired with housing, recovery supports, and other community-based services. Representative Long said he was willing to accept DHHS’s request to amend the bill into a study commission, though he expressed concern that a prior state study had not led to action. He said the commission should focus on implementation details, including where people would be placed, staffing, withdrawal management, elopement prevention, length of commitment, and aftercare. He described involuntary commitment as one tool for people with severe dangerous addictions, distinct from drug court, and said it could help avoid criminal records. Committee members asked about capacity at New Hampshire Hospital and how the proposal would work in practice. DHHS officials Katya Fox and Cynthia Pabonis testified that the bill raises major policy and fiscal concerns. They said New Hampshire’s current system has benefited from investments in naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, recovery centers, and community-based services, and that those investments have helped reduce overdose deaths. They estimated the bill would require a new 70-bed facility costing about $40 million to build and about $33.3 million annually to operate, with only a small portion offset by insurance, plus more than $600,000 in annual legal costs and additional staffing and system changes. They also said New Hampshire Hospital has 185 beds, with about 100 patients typically ready for less restrictive settings, and that housing shortages are a major bottleneck. NAMI New Hampshire also testified in opposition, saying families often want any possible treatment for loved ones but still opposed the bill. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tort liability. Our state's tort liability is rising at record-breaking levels.
• This year alone, we've allocated about $500 million towards our tort liability.
• Our state's tort liability is rising at record-breaking levels.
• This year alone, we've allocated about $500 million towards our tort liability.
• . ...about how we can curb the rising cost of tort liability for our state.

Bills: SB6061 , SB6234 , SB6170 , SB6176 , SB6182 , SB6335 , SB5647 , SB6047 , HB2367 , HB2606 , SB5998 , SB6005 , SB6003 , SB6129 , SB6225 , SB6228 , SB6231

Summary: The Senate convened with roll call, prayer, and approval of the previous day’s journal, then moved to a resolution honoring piano teachers. Senate Resolution 8698 was adopted after remarks from Senator Conway and others describing the role of piano teachers in music education, family life, and community service. Members of the Washington State Music Teachers Association and the National Guild of Piano Teachers were recognized in the gallery. The chamber then took up the operating budget and considered a long series of amendments. Several amendments focused on housing costs and local planning, utility and energy policy, ballot measure costs, state spending growth, tort liability, and paid family and medical leave. Some amendments were adopted, including a study of utility cost impacts from climate laws, a grid-related funding amendment, a tort liability oversight/reporting amendment, and a workgroup on services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Others were rejected, including proposals to create a housing task force, cap state spending growth, fund ballot initiative costs, restore local planning grants, and change paid family and medical leave usage rules. Debate on the budget amendments was often partisan and detailed, with supporters arguing for fiscal restraint, cost transparency, and relief for taxpayers and local governments, while opponents emphasized existing work, program solvency, and the need to preserve services. The Senate also heard amendments on zero-based budgeting, federal education tax credit opt-in language, reproductive health funding, food assistance work requirements, and support for the Pediatric Interim Care Center; some were defeated and some were adopted. Roll-call votes were taken on certain amendments, and the transcript ends during consideration of Amendment 0787, which would restore funding for the Pediatric Interim Care Center.

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, they are showing up on the state's books as a liability.
• And I will tell you, well-plugging liability over $600 million.
• of those wells can turn a liability column item into a revenue stream.
• Remember that $600 million liability I showed you.
• So the liability becomes infrastructure. National momentum.

Summary: The Energy Development and Transmission Committee met in interim session and approved the November 6 minutes. Chair Novak outlined the committee’s study agenda, including large energy users such as data centers, geothermal, landowner relations, wind and solar, and other energy topics across the state. The meeting was framed as informational only, with no bills or formal legislative action taken beyond the minutes approval. Testimony focused first on landowner relations. Oliver County Commissioner Dave Berger described the county’s energy history and local support for coal and related development. North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue emphasized proactive, face-to-face communication with landowners, respect for property rights, and the need for developers to be transparent about tradeoffs; he also discussed insurance and liability concerns tied to easements. Committee members asked about eminent domain, local versus state authority, and how communities can better understand the revenue and infrastructure implications of energy development. Department of Agriculture Deputy Commissioner Tom Bodine then described the department’s ombudsman programs for pipeline restoration and reclamation, wind restoration, and royalty oversight. He said the programs provide confidential, third-party assistance on reclamation and royalty disputes, but do not provide legal advice. Senators raised concerns about post-production deductions in royalty leases and whether the ombudsman can explain them; Bodine said the program can clarify statements and deductions but cannot resolve legal disputes. He also said the department has not received requests related to fiber lines. Representatives from Grid United and One Oak described their project development and landowner engagement practices. Grid United’s Brent Johnson discussed the North Plains Connector transmission project, its route selection process, voluntary acquisition approach, and efforts to avoid eminent domain by working closely with regulators, counties, townships, and landowners. One Oak’s Danette Welsh and Tom Giltner described the company’s midstream operations, extensive North Dakota footprint, and emphasis on direct landowner communication, consistent local regulation, careful construction practices, and post-construction reclamation. Members asked about setbacks, zoning consistency, invasive species prevention, outside advocacy groups, and eminent domain use; One Oak said it has not used eminent domain on its North Dakota projects, largely because most gathering lines are negotiated easements.