Transcript Highlights:

• These cuts will directly harm Southeast Asian elders, refugees, and survivors of war who already face
• restricting health care access for 200,000 immigrants, including refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors
• restricting health care access for 200,000 immigrants, including refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors
• restricting health care access for 200,000 immigrants, including refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors
• restricting health care access for 200,000 immigrants, including refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held a May Revision hearing covering several health-related budget proposals and broader concerns about the state’s budget structure. The Chair opened by praising some May Revision changes, such as added health IT funding, county administration support tied to Medi-Cal changes, a delay in Medi-Cal cuts for some lawfully present immigrants, and additional support for Covered California subsidies, while criticizing proposed increases in Medi-Cal premiums, changes to senior eligibility, the lack of a Medi-Cal dental solution, and other reductions affecting counties, mobile crisis units, workforce incentives, and physician shortages. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the state’s budget condition remains weak despite progress on the structural deficit, and the Department of Finance said the May Revision uses a mix of reductions, reforms, revenue proposals, and fund shifts to cut out-year deficits. The committee first heard Department of State Hospitals proposals, including adjustments to county bed billing authority, contract exemption language for online clinical/pharmacy subscriptions, reversion of unspent funds, a revised Metro Central Utility Plant replacement project, electronic health record implementation, and workforce development funded partly through Behavioral Health Services Act resources. DSH also described savings and realignments in incompetent-to-stand-trial and conditional release programs, including extending the independent placement panel program and shifting funds to support additional bed capacity and a mental health rehab center. Members asked about the use of BHSA funds for workforce programs, and the department said the proposal would replace General Fund support with BHSA reimbursements. The Emergency Medical Services Authority proposed funding for statewide behavioral health crisis response guidance and for enterprise system development, and the Department of Managed Health Care proposed modernization of its complaint system and claims-settlement data system to improve oversight and comply with AB 3275. The largest discussion centered on the administration’s BHSA spending plan under Proposition 1, including state-directed prevention, workforce, and other uses, plus General Fund offsets for existing programs. The LAO questioned whether some proposed offsets fit Proposition 1’s non-supplant and eligible-use requirements, while the administration argued the uses were consistent with the measure and that the state-directed share can be adjusted annually. The Commission for Behavioral Health’s proposals drew the most public and member concern. The administration proposed cutting the commission’s Innovation Partnership Fund from $20 million to $10 million and reducing the Community Advocacy Program by $6.7 million, while redirecting BHSA dollars to other state purposes and direct services. Commissioners, advocates, and several members argued the cuts would weaken community voice, reduce support for underserved populations, and disrupt grants already in process; they also objected to using BHSA funds to backfill General Fund commitments. Public commenters, including youth, disability, behavioral health, LGBTQ, tribal, veteran, immigrant, and community-based organization representatives, overwhelmingly opposed the cuts and urged preservation of prevention, advocacy, mobile crisis, and innovation funding. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• I work directly with wildfire survivors as they navigate their insurance recovery process, and I'm here
• 00.120><c> directly</c><00:36:00.560><c> with</c><00:36:00.760><c> wildfire</c><00:36:01.359><c> survivors
• </c><00:36:02.080><c> as</c> work directly with wildfire survivors as work directly with wildfire survivors
• Here on Maui, we had a number of our displaced wildfire survivors, and so making sure that folks for
• Here on Maui, we had a number of our displaced wildfire survivors, and so making sure that folks for

Bills: SB2960 , SB2347 , SB2272 , SB3137 , SB3132 , SB2271 , SB2804 , SB2175 , SB2487

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Keywords: homeowners insurance, disaster recovery, replacement cost value, state of emergency, policyholder rights, insurance extensions, tenant rights, landlord obligations, housing crisis, eviction prevention, multilingual access, SB2272, Act 105, home health licensing, home health agency, home health services, Department of Health, DOH, CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

Summary: The committee heard several resolutions and one bill focused on energy reliability, utility infrastructure, insurance, tenant rights, and home health licensing. On the energy side, members heard HCR 203/HR 193 on a status update for the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, HCR 204/HR 194 on a comprehensive PUC analysis of cost reduction and risk, and HCR 202/HR 192 creating a legislative task force on future energy pathways. Testimony on the energy measures was generally supportive from the PUC, DCCA’s Division of Consumer Advocacy, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with OHA urging that equity, native Hawaiian impacts, and public trust resources be considered alongside cost savings. The committee also heard HCR 125/HR 117 on coordinating with utilities to address aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; Hawaiian Electric supported the measure, Hawaiian Telcom and Charter Spectrum said much of the work is already underway and questioned whether the resolution was necessary, and committee questioning focused on existing double-pole tracking and the role of DOT and the PUC. The committee then took up HCR 137/HR 129 on timely reimbursement of health care claims under the clean claims statute. The DCCA Insurance Division and the Hawaii Insurers Council opposed the measure as drafted, saying it could be read to require payment beyond policy limits and could raise premiums or reduce market participation. United Policyholders supported the measure, arguing it would simply give policyholders more time to collect benefits they already purchased, and clarified that it was not intended to increase coverage beyond policy limits. The committee later amended the resolution to direct the DCCA Insurance Division to prioritize investigation and enforcement of clean claims complaints. In the decision meeting, the committee recommended and adopted passage of HCR 203/HR 193 as is, HCR 204/HR 194 with an amendment removing the eighth whereas clause, HCR 202/HR 192 with an amendment adding a committee representative to the task force, HCR 125/HR 117 as is, and HCR 137/HR 129 with amendments. The committee also heard SB 2960 SC1 on property insurance, which would extend the time policyholders have after a declared disaster to document replacement-cost claims. The Insurance Division and Hawaii Insurers Council opposed it, warning it could force coverage beyond policy limits and increase premiums, while United Policyholders supported it and said it would help disaster survivors recover benefits they already paid for; members questioned whether similar laws in other states had caused premium spikes and clarified that the bill was not intended to exceed policy limits. The committee also heard SB 2347 SD1 on multilingual tenant-rights notices, with OHA, Hawaii Appleseed, and others supporting the bill but urging restoration of language requiring landlords to directly provide the notice at lease signing. Finally, SB 2272 SD1 HD1 on home health licensing drew support from the Department of Health, SHPDA, and the Health Care Association of Hawaii, with the association requesting an effective date amendment; testimony explained that the bill would allow state licensing compliance to be demonstrated through CMS-approved accreditation or certification surveys, potentially reducing duplication and freeing state resources.

Transcript Highlights:

• As a survivor of prior sexual assault, this environment did not feel rehabilitative.
• As<00:30:57.880><c> a</c><00:30:57.920><c> survivor</c><00:30:58.400><c> of</c><00:30:58.520><c> prior
• </c><00:30:58.800><c> sexual</c><00:30:59.320><c> assault,</c> As a survivor of prior sexual assault,
• As a survivor of prior sexual assault, this<00:31:00.240><c> environment</c><00:31:00.760><c> did</c
• I am a survivor of sexual assault, and that trauma was one of the most devastating things that I had

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We are a membership of 20 member programs serving survivors of domestic violence.
• of 20 member programs<00:52:03.880><c> strong</c><00:52:04.440><c> serving</c><00:52:04.760><c> survivors
• this measure, making sure that we are adequately preparing all of our systems partners to serve survivors
• that people know exactly what the dangers are and the lethalities are in the relationships that survivors
• that people know exactly what the dangers are and the lethalities are in the relationships that survivors

Bills: HB1518 , HB1699 , HB1747 , HB1705 , HB1565 , HB1801 , HB1645 , HB2115 , HB2114

Committee: House Human Services & Homelessness

Keywords: HB1518, Hawaii SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps, Department of Human Services, DHS, pre-release SNAP, pre-release application process, incarcerated individuals, prisoner reentry, reentry services, formerly incarcerated, jail release, prison release, recidivism, food security, benefits eligibility, controlled substance felony, drug felony, drug conviction

Summary: The committee opened its first meeting of the 2020 session and heard testimony on several measures, beginning with HB 1518, which would allow people incarcerated and nearing release to apply for SNAP benefits before release. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Department of Human Services said they support the bill and are already piloting a pre-release application process at two facilities, with plans to expand it. The Attorney General’s Office supported the intent but noted a technical issue: one section of the bill appears to affect TANF as well as SNAP, while the title refers only to SNAP. A wide range of advocates, including Catholic Charities, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Hunger Action Network, Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, ACLU of Hawaii, and others, testified in strong support, emphasizing food insecurity after release, reentry stability, and reduced recidivism. The committee did not take a vote during the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1747, which would direct the Department of Human Services to seek federal waivers or extensions related to restricting certain SNAP purchases, including sugary drinks. DHS said it had already been approved for a narrow demonstration waiver and was working with retailers on implementation, with a target date of August 1. Supporters of the measure argued it would promote healthier choices, while opponents, including Hawaii Appleseed, the Hawaii Public Health Institute, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said such restrictions are ineffective, stigmatize low-income residents, create burdens for retailers and DHS, and may be difficult to implement. Members asked DHS to clarify the scope of the waiver and confirmed it applies to sugary drinks and beverages containing more than 10 grams of sugar. Finally, the committee took up HB 1705, which would allow licensed mental health counselors to serve as child custody evaluators, but there was no testimony from the relevant agencies and the item was quickly set aside. The committee also heard HB 1565, which would establish a judiciary working group to improve family court processes and legal representation for youth in the child welfare system. The Attorney General’s Office offered minor technical amendments, and supporters from the Office of Wellness and Resilience, High Hopes Hawaii, Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and a social work student described the need for legal representation, citing better reunification and stability outcomes and the importance of youth voice in court proceedings. No votes or final actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• filed by Representative Decker of Cambridge, honoring Transition House on 50 years of service to survivors

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Fiala, relative to survivors and holders of abuse or harassment prevention orders, comes from the House

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate took up several third-reading matters and advanced them by voice vote. It adopted an amendment substituting a new draft for Senate No. 1425, a bill further regulating amendment of a conservation restriction in Hanson, and then passed the bill to be engrossed. The chamber also passed to be engrossed a sick leave bank bill for Marie LaTondra of the Department of Transitional Assistance. The Senate suspended rules to act on a House bill authorizing the Department of Fire District No. 1 prudential committee to appoint a treasurer, ordering it to a third reading and then passing it to be engrossed. It also considered a House bill authorizing Scituate to issue four additional on-premises alcohol licenses; Senator O'Connor offered an amendment, which was adopted, and the bill as amended was ordered to a third reading and then passed to be engrossed. On procedural and referral matters, the Senate suspended rules and joint rules to move forward a petition to include inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, referring it to the Committee on Public Health. It also ordered a House bill on the appointment of the police chief in Fall River to a third reading, and referred a House petition concerning survivors and holders of abuse or harassment prevention orders to the Judiciary Committee. The Senate adopted an order to reconvene the following Wednesday at 11 a.m., then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That hurts wildfire survivors.

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I am an advocate, a worker, and also someone who is a survivor of online stalking and abuse.
• I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse material.
• I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse material.
• I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse material.
• I am also a survivor of child sexual abuse material.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• filed by Representative Decker of Cambridge honoring Transition House on 50 years of service to survivors

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then received a gubernatorial message recommending fiscal year 2027 appropriations legislation, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Rules reported and the House adopted a resolution honoring Transition House on its 50 years of service to survivors of domestic violence and their families. The House also suspended Joint Rule 12 for two filed petitions: one concerning vacancies on the Groton-Dunstable School Committee and another establishing a sick leave bank for an employee of the Department of Public Health. The House then took up several engrossed bills and emergency preambles, including Senate 2908 and Senate 3031/House 31, both of which received the required separate emergency preamble votes and were adopted 5-0. The chamber also passed to enactment House 4203 and House 4204, both relating to the election of candidates in Haverhill, and House 5096, which extends the period for Southbridge to grant additional on-premises alcohol licenses. Later, the House concurred in a Senate amendment to House 4137 authorizing Wayland to establish a Millennium Fund for the Whalen Free Public Library. It also adopted an amendment substituting House 5531 for House 4614 concerning James J. O'Neill Park, and then passed the bill to be engrossed as amended. The session included a citation recognizing the Sandwich High School Lady Blue Knights girls varsity lacrosse team as 2026 MIAA Division IV-A state champions, with remarks spread upon the record. The House adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to an informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• A cancer survivor, Bishop O'Neal is married to Tourist O'Neal Senior and is known for her deep love of
• A cancer survivor,<02:14:40.800><c> Bishop</c><02:14:41.440><c> O'Neal</c><02:14:42.480><c> is</c><02
• :14:42.719><c> married</c><02:14:43.040><c> to</c> survivor, Bishop O'Neal is married to survivor, Bishop
• seeking counseling, families survivors seeking counseling, families needing<02:20:03.840><c> emergency
• </c> survivors in the aftermath of the war. survivors in the aftermath of the war.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we heard from one of the survivors of that shooting.
• But what we didn't hear from, not survivors of that shooting.
• I come to you also as a mother of four; my youngest daughter, Evelyn, is a leukemia survivor.

Summary: The committee first took up CS for SB 896 on school safety, which would expand the Guardian program to public postsecondary institutions, require active assailant response plans and threat management protocols, improve reporting and information sharing, and make it a felony to discharge a weapon within 1,000 feet of a campus. A late-file amendment by Senator Polsky was adopted to clarify that students who are also employees or faculty at a public postsecondary institution are not eligible for the Guardian program. The bill drew strong opposition from faculty, students, and gun-safety advocates who argued that more guns on campus would create confusion, weaken safety, and undermine campus police; supporters said trained guardians would improve deterrence and protection. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably by a roll call vote. The committee then considered SB 1690 on child care and early learning services, which updates child care laws, reduces some regulatory burdens, and expands the Florida Education Foundation’s authority to fundraise for early learning from birth through VPK. Members discussed oversight of the related direct-support organization and the removal of certain notice requirements, while supporters from Moms Rising and other advocates said the bill would help families access affordable, high-quality child care and support home-based providers. One opponent argued the bill added more government regulation, but the committee adopted the amendment and reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee passed CS for SB 118, a narrow bill on non-ad valorem special assessments for recreational vehicle parks, clarifying how assessments are calculated for RV spaces and campsites. The bill received supportive comments from RV advocates and was reported favorably without controversy. The committee then took up CS for SB 1220, the Department of Transportation package, which included provisions on seaports and airports, personal delivery devices, autonomous vehicles, broadband and utility permitting, and advanced air mobility. Amendments were adopted that revised research institute membership, limited some delivery-device provisions, and clarified cruiser light rules for law enforcement; after questions about utility preemption and PDD safety, the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee began hearing SB 1756 on medical freedom, which would require new vaccine educational materials, expand school-entry exemptions to include conscience-based objections, limit the Surgeon General’s emergency vaccination authority, and allow behind-the-counter ivermectin for adults with written information and liability protections. The bill drew extensive testimony from both supporters and opponents, with supporters emphasizing parental rights, informed consent, and vaccine injury concerns, and opponents warning about reduced immunization rates, public health risks, and the appropriateness of ivermectin provisions. The transcript ends during public testimony and debate on SB 1756, before final action on that bill is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• And we heard from one of the survivors of that shooting.
• But what we didn't hear from, not survivors of that shooting.
• I come to you also as a mother of four; my youngest daughter, Evelyn, is a leukemia survivor.

Committee: Senate Appropriations

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Today, survivors of human trafficking are still being convicted for crimes their traffickers compelled
• It establishes an affirmative defense to prosecution for criminal offenses that the survivor can demonstrate
• opportunity to go back to school, the ability to get a job, and to really go from being a victim to a survivor

Bills: SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB 2 , SB 3 , SB 5 , SB 9 , SB 10 , SB 14 , SB 16 , SB 18 , SB 34 , SB 6 , SB 7 , SB 8 , SB 11 , SB 12 , SB 13 , SB 15 , SB 17 , SB 4 , SB1 , SB2 , SB3 , SB5 , SB9 , SB10 , SB14 , SB16 , SB18 , SB34 , SB6 , SB7 , SB8 , SB11 , SB12 , SB13 , SB15 , SB17 , SB4

Keywords: flooding, public safety, outdoor warning sirens, disaster preparedness, emergency response, flood warning, outdoor sirens, local government, safety measures, flood management, emergency preparedness, municipal safety, disaster response, disaster relief, emergency funding, Meteorological forecasting, local government assistance, training facilities, hemp regulation, consumable products

Transcript Highlights:

• adjusting benefits as veterans age and face new health challenges, and assisting families with accessing survivor
• provides them the authority to prepare, present, and prosecute claims on behalf of veterans and their survivors
• assistance for Medi-Cal and VA health care, in-home care referrals, and aid and attendance support, and survivor

Summary: The joint informational hearing focused on the role of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs), CalVet’s support for them, and the growing problem of for-profit, unaccredited claims companies. Committee leaders and witnesses emphasized that CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans and their families, helping with disability claims, education benefits, survivor benefits, housing, health care, and other wraparound services. Testimony highlighted the return on investment from CVSO work, with witnesses citing hundreds of millions in new federal benefits secured for California veterans and arguing that current state funding is too low relative to the workload and need. County representatives from Nevada, Los Angeles, and San Luis Obispo described local models of service. Los Angeles County highlighted a “no wrong door” approach, peer navigators, suicide review work, justice-involved veteran services, and homelessness coordination, while San Luis Obispo described rural outreach, mental health partnerships, and high suicide rates in its county. Nevada County stressed that smaller counties can be disadvantaged by workload-based formulas and that additional funding would expand access, especially in rural areas. Several witnesses said veterans often need more than claims help and should be connected to mental health, employment, food, and family supports. Much of the discussion centered on predatory claims consultants, which witnesses said charge veterans for services that accredited CVSOs provide free. Members and witnesses described cases involving requests for VA and banking logins, misleading advertising, and contracts that can take a percentage of veterans’ benefits. Committee members expressed support for legislation to curb these practices and for increased funding for CVSOs, including the Legislature’s intent to fund 50% of county veterans’ services operations. A CalVet deputy secretary also testified that California’s accreditation and training system improves claim quality and appeal outcomes, and that CalVet works with CVSOs through training, district offices, and appeals representation.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last month, I joined a bipartisan group convened by the First Lady, where we heard from young survivors
• Last month, I joined a bipartisan group convened by the First Lady, where we heard from young survivors
• Senator Klobuchar, I rise today as a strong, unwavering advocate for women, children, and survivors of
• Senator Klobuchar, I rise today as a strong, unwavering advocate for women, children, and survivors of
• Let me be clear, this bill survivors.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, April 28, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• happening, and this is an attempt to provide some measure of justice for those victims and those survivors

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Judiciary Committee met and advanced a series of bills, with little opposition and several members noting support for the committee’s bipartisan approach. Senate Bill 2305 (judgments by confession), Senate Print 3413 (judgments in Article 78 disability pension cases), Senate Print 3778 (annual reporting on the drug treatment court program), and Senate Print 4957 (review of bail data reports by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct) were each moved and reported to the floor. Members emphasized the importance of data collection and reporting, especially on bail and drug treatment courts. The committee also discussed Senate Print 8624, which would allow courts to award community damages against an estate in sexual abuse cases. Supporters described it as an important first step to provide justice for survivors and to create a carve-out from existing limits on punitive damages after death. Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick raised concerns about the dead man statute and evidentiary issues, but said she was willing to work on revisions. The bill was advanced. Other bills reported to the floor included Senate Print 9766, making technical corrections to ensure gender neutrality in admission-to-practice rules and limiting required disclosure of prior law enforcement or criminal justice interactions; Senate Print 9770, concerning alternate jurors in civil cases, with some discussion about its civil-only scope; Senate Print 9792, allowing amendment of Court of Claims filings to correct jurisdictional pleading defects and setting procedures for dismissal for noncompliance; and Senate Print 9794, requiring disclosure of generative AI use in civil actions. Each bill was moved by committee members and approved without recorded opposition.

Transcript Highlights:

• That hurts wildfire survivors.

Summary: The Assembly Banking and Finance Committee met to hear its only agenda item, AB 493 by Assemblymember Harabedian, which would require lenders to pay interest to homeowners on post-loss insurance payouts held in escrow. The author said current law already pays interest on some escrowed funds, but excludes insurance proceeds after a loss; he argued the bill would help wildfire survivors and other homeowners rebuilding after major property damage. He noted amendments clarifying that the bill applies only to loans and only to insurance payouts still held in escrow on or after the bill’s effective date. Support came from the Consumer Federation of California, whose representative said the measure closes a loophole and would provide modest but meaningful help to homeowners facing long rebuild timelines. The California Bankers Association did not oppose the bill but raised concerns about aligning it with existing mortgage servicing law and the treatment of hazard insurance proceeds, saying it wanted to work with the author on technical issues. Committee members expressed support, emphasizing the need to help displaced homeowners access funds more quickly. The committee voted unanimously to pass AB 493 and refer it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations. The roll call showed the bill receiving eight votes, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><01:10:22.560><c> have</c><01:10:22.719><c> shown</c> day since, survivors have shown day since,
• Today, 70% of Eaton Fire survivors have not yet returned home.
• </c><01:12:11.440><c> have</c> Today, 70% of Eton Fire survivors have Today, 70% of Eton Fire survivors
• Survivors need our help and they health.
• Survivors need our help and they need<01:12:48.880><c> it</c><01:12:49.520><c> right</c><01:12:50.000

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• lives alone, or an elderly person who lives with family, vulnerable groups such as sexual assault survivors
• It matters for people in recovery and for domestic violence survivors, and it matters for you and me

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House first adopted several resolutions from the Committee on Rules, including congratulations to four Eagle Scouts and recognition of Sturbridge on the 250th anniversary of the United States. The chamber then took up a series of bills reported by Ways and Means and other committees, repeatedly suspending the rules to move them forward. These included the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, a Fall River land conveyance bill, a Belmont alcohol licensing bill, a Reading senior property tax exemption bill, and a Linfield funding transfer bill, with each measure advancing by amendment or being passed to a third reading or engrossment. A major portion of the session focused on the Massachusetts Consumer Data Privacy Act, with multiple members speaking in support. Supporters described the bill as a broad consumer privacy framework that would limit data collection, require consent for sensitive data, ban the sale of precise location data, restrict targeted advertising to minors, create consumer rights to access, correct, delete, and opt out of data uses, and provide enforcement tools for the Attorney General and, in limited cases, a private right of action. Several members emphasized protections for reproductive health, immigrant communities, and neural data, while others argued the bill would not burden small businesses and would instead hold large data holders accountable. The House adopted the Ways and Means amendment and ordered the bill to a third reading, then later passed the bill to be engrossed and enacted. The House also considered and enacted Senate 2563, a bill updating language in the laws concerning individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Members described the measure as removing outdated and offensive terminology and replacing it with person-first language without changing substantive law. After debate, the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then enacted it by roll call. In addition, the House enacted the fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations bill, House 5470, and approved a bill extending deadlines for Middleton and Milton, both by roll call votes with no opposition. Later, the House took up a temporary summer 2026 local-option pilot allowing municipalities to extend liquor license hours and permit public consumption in designated districts. Supporters framed it as an economic development and tourism measure tied to major upcoming events, and the House adopted an amendment, passed the bill to be engrossed, and then concurred with the Senate version. The session ended with the House adopting an adjournment order and adjourning to meet again the following Monday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Our coalition was started in 2016 by people who are living with HIV, many of whom are survivors of sexual
• But we're also made up of clinicians, advocates, Of whom were survivors of sexual assault.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The Committee for the Administration of Criminal Justice met on April 8, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 322, which would prohibit fees for victims or family members requesting transcripts of executive-session testimony before the Board of Pardons and Parole, was described as a cleanup measure and was reported favorably without objection. HB 635, dealing with criminal activity by agents of foreign adversaries or foreign terrorist organizations, received extensive support testimony from advocacy groups focused on foreign influence and transnational repression; the committee adopted a technical amendment and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 132, which expands battery of a police officer to cover intentional sound directed at an officer and related conduct, drew strong support from law enforcement groups and significant opposition from civil liberties and criminal defense organizations concerned about vagueness, First Amendment issues, and impacts on parades and protests; after adopting an amendment moving the sound-related language into the general battery definition, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee also considered HB 275, which increases minimum sentences when domestic abuse occurs in the presence of a child and extends the penalty to battery of a dating partner. Supporters argued the bill recognizes the lasting trauma to children exposed to domestic violence, while opponents warned that mandatory minimums reduce judicial discretion and that the child-presence language is broad; the committee adopted two amendment sets and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 808, revising Louisiana’s HIV exposure law to require a substantial likelihood of transmission based on current medical science and to narrow criminal liability for negligible-risk conduct, drew broad support from physicians, advocates, and people living with HIV, with testimony emphasizing that the law should reflect modern science and avoid overcriminalization; after adopting an amendment set, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. Finally, HB 1054, sponsored by Chair Villio, would allow certain law-enforcement drone footage to be self-authenticating with notice requirements; it received support from prosecutors and sheriffs’ groups and was reported favorably without objection.