Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Minnesota Library Association. Minnesota Library Association.
• ><c> those</c> Libraries lease them, and those Libraries lease them, and those libraries<00:04:33.800
• Libraries do drive discovery, and library readers often become book buyers.
• Libraries are.
• c> for</c><00:52:01.360><c> the</c> from library the library market for the from library the library

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But as you can imagine, Mr.
• There's a lot of discussions going on, as you can imagine.
• the ongoing support for a geo-library bond issue.
• For decades, library collections have been dominated by a single library economic reality.
• Library in beautiful Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we at request a quarterly report from the Imagination Library executive director.
• I mean, we can't mandate it, but I look at things like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library or I look
• I mean, we can't mandate it, but I look at things like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library or I look
• ><00:49:07.560><c> step</c> Imagination Library as a real step Imagination Library as a real step forward
• <00:49:17.000><c> Library</c><00:49:18.240><c> or</c> Imagination Library or Imagination Library or I

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The committee first approved a motion and then deferred a large batch of 246 contracts totaling about $187.8 million until the April 2026 meeting. It then moved through the agenda and reviewed several pulled items, beginning with four Attorney General contingent-fee contracts. Committee members questioned why the contracts were new, what the $20 million maximums meant, and how the fees would work; the AG’s office explained they were new awards from a September RFP, that the $20 million was an outside estimate tied to a full recovery, and that one contract would require a $380 million recovery to pay out the maximum. The committee voted to consider those contracts reviewed without objection. The Department of Highways then explained an “alternative delivery support” contract, describing it as a procurement method different from the usual design-bid-build model and noting it can help with innovation, speed, timeliness, or cost reduction. After that explanation, the committee again voted to consider the contract reviewed without objection. The Kentucky Horse Park/Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation presented eight legal services contracts; members focused on differing hourly rates and retroactive approval. The corporation said it had selected four firms through an RFP to maintain flexibility and avoid conflicts, would use in-house counsel first, and did not expect to use the maximum rates. Senator Thomas argued the committee’s statutory hourly rate cap is outdated and should be revisited. The committee then approved the contracts. One Transportation Office of the Secretary contract was deferred to the April meeting, consistent with the agency’s prior request. The committee then reviewed Cabinet for Health and Family Services items from the Department of Community Based Services: three contract amendments and one memorandum of agreement. Members asked about funding sources, service outcomes, and whether the programs reduce future need; the agency said one amendment was a $55,000 increase offset by reductions elsewhere, that the total contract amount with the agency did not change, and that follow-up data show over 90% of children remain in the home after services. The committee approved those items. Finally, the committee reviewed a LIHEAP contract amendment from the Division of Family Support, which the agency said used federal funds, not state general funds, to add newly appropriated federal money for low-income home energy assistance and crisis heating support. Members asked about future funding and were told that continuation depends on Congress. The committee approved that item. It then began reviewing Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities memoranda of agreement tied to Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center staffing; members asked for a count of personnel, and the agency said it would provide that information, after which the discussion continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> So, to the library, I I'm a big proponent of the libraries.
• Um libraries.
• Um, we've talked a lot about public libraries, county libraries, city libraries.
• </c><00:48:01.040><c> Does</c> county libraries, city libraries.
• Does county libraries, city libraries.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, it applies to both uh school libraries and uh county public libraries.
• </c> content of those libraries. content of those libraries.
• </c> believe about their libraries. believe about their libraries.
• </c> library into a children's section. library into a children's section.
• not</c><01:55:15.119><c> have</c> library Wyoming libraries do not have library Wyoming libraries do

Bills: HB0066, HJ0005, HB0010

Keywords: administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, state agencies, regulatory interpretation, statutory interpretation, separation of powers, individual liberty, administrative procedure, agency action, Wyoming Supreme Court, district court review, oil and gas inspector, regulatory challenge, anti-deference, law enforcement, memorial, Patrolman Rosa

Transcript Highlights:

• You can imagine the overtime. And so, as I say, my big deal is we still have a lot of work to do.
• It's hard to imagine water that high. We removed 66 vehicles from the waterways.
• Just real quick, I wanted to give you some background on the Library Association.
• The Library Association is a professional association supporting library staff across the state by providing
• Right now, sometimes what we're finding, particularly in our smaller libraries and rural public libraries

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You can imagine the overtime. And so, as I say, my big deal is we still have a lot of work to do.
• It's hard to imagine water that high. We removed 66 vehicles from the waterways.
• Just real quick, I wanted to give you some background on the Library Association.
• Give you some background on the Library Association.
• Sometimes what we're finding, particularly in our smaller libraries and rural public libraries, is when

Summary: The committee first heard HB 2825, which would replace criminal enforcement for unpaid court fines, fees, restitution, and incarceration costs with a civil collection framework and end arrest warrants and contempt proceedings for nonpayment. Representative Chris Lopez said the bill would let people keep working and repay debts through wage garnishment and other civil tools, while a Justice Action Network representative testified in support. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment limiting challenges to a second default judgment entered within one year of a prior one, then passed HB 2825 with a 7-0 due pass recommendation. The committee then took up HB 2070, an emergency appropriation of $25 million for Gila County flood relief. Gila County supervisors, mayors from Globe and Miami, the county emergency manager, and public works staff described severe flooding, deaths, major debris and sediment removal, damaged roads and utilities, and the county’s inability to meet matching-fund requirements for federal or state grants. Members discussed FEMA denials, federal review, and the need to act before monsoon season. HB 2070 passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. Next, HB 2129, which moves the deadline for municipal library trustees’ annual report from the first Monday in July to the second Monday, was supported by the Arizona Library Association as a simple timing fix for smaller and rural libraries. It passed 6-1. HB 2439, exempting public and semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ water pollution rules, was presented as a way to reduce regulatory confusion and costs for small businesses; it also passed 6-0 with one member absent. The committee then approved HB 2773, barring Arizona and its entities from assisting the International Criminal Court, after debate over sovereignty and constitutional authority, by a 4-3 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• You would go to a library, to a university library. That is how it's accessed.
• You go to libraries and research libraries.
• I can't imagine... ...I vote yes. I can't imagine... Nobody else reads them.
• This isn't imagined.
• This isn't imagined.

Summary: The committee heard a series of bills on taxes, public health, veterans’ benefits, public notices, HOA rules, and school policy. SB 1045, which would bar local governments from taxing or feeing blockchain use in residences, passed 4-3 after brief discussion; supporters framed it as a tax-preemption measure, while opponents argued it would reduce local revenue. SB 1019, which would prohibit adding fluoride to public water systems, drew extensive testimony. The sponsor argued fluoride should be topical rather than systemic and cited emerging research on possible health risks, while dental and public health advocates strongly opposed the bill, citing decades of evidence that fluoridation reduces tooth decay and saves money. The committee voted 4-3 to advance the bill, with members on both sides explaining their votes at length. The committee also advanced SB 1050, granting free lifetime state park passes to Arizona veterans, after Arizona State Parks said it was neutral but warned of possible revenue losses; the bill passed 4-3. SB 1078, clarifying that court review of public-records denials is de novo, passed unanimously 7-0 with support from the Goldwater Institute and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• So is that referring to school libraries? Yes. So is that referring to school libraries? Yes.
• School libraries, yeah. So is that referring to school libraries? Yes.
• , specifically the Maricopa County Library System, the Pima County Library System, and the Coconino County
• The association—the library association. So, Mr.
• He was making— no, it was the library. It was the library association. No, no, ma'am. No, Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you’re very aware that Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library.
• I know you're very aware that Dolly Pardon founded the imagination library.
• You're very aware that Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library.
• And she created that Imagination Library in a tribute to her father, who we know is unable to read or
• Imagination Library sends books to children in their homes from birth to age five.

Bills: SB5223, SB6071, SB5966, SB6061, SB6016, SB5973, SB5053, SB5249, SB5899, SB6190, SB5574, SB5873, SB5924, SB6263, SB6282, SB5950, SB6074, SB6096, SB5609, SB5901, SB5943, SB5975, SJM8016, SB5907, SB6031, SB6155, SB6158, SB6227, SB5947, SB6085, SB6234, SB6274, SB5909, SB6044, SB6239, SB6045, SB6089, SB6170, SB5954, SB5762, SB6032, SB6066, SB6082, SB6164, SB6176, SB6319, SB6308, SB6200, SB6080, SJM8014, SB6177, SB6052, SB6182, SB5828, SB6335, SB6017, SB5470, SB5990, SB5046, SB5387, SB5637, SB5647, SB5839, SB5888, SB5962, SB6018, SB6037, SB6047, SB6078, SB6130, SB6147, SB6151, SB6197, SB6220, SB6256, SB6311, SB6343

Keywords: criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, healthcare, nutrition, medically tailored meals, dietary support, food security, chronic illness, tourism, self-supported assessment, funding, statewide promotion, economic development

Transcript Highlights:

• I thought it was school libraries.
• , specifically Maricopa County Library System, the Pima County Library System, the Coconino County Library
• Well, there's already a felony on it if it's outside the library.
• The association—the library association... So, Mr.
• He was making... no, it was the library. It was the library association. No, no, ma'am. No, Mr.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 1078, which would require courts reviewing public-records disputes to apply de novo review rather than deferring to an agency’s decision to withhold records. Senator Kavanaugh and a Goldwater Institute witness argued the bill would restore transparency and independent judicial review. The committee recommended the bill do pass on a 4-3 vote. The committee then considered SB 1184, which would add military division flags approved by the Department of Defense to the list of flags that HOAs and planned communities may not prohibit. Kavanaugh said the bill responds to HOA restrictions on veterans displaying unit flags. Members discussed whether the bill should also cover other flags, including LGBTQ flags, but no amendment was adopted. The bill passed 7-0. SB 1586 followed, requiring Arizona agencies to post federal guidance they create, adopt, or receive. Supporters said it would improve transparency; an opposing member said agencies already post such material and the bill was unnecessary. It passed 4-3. SB 1665, a state agency hiring reform bill, would require standardized hiring scores, interview panel grades, overall grades, and an appeal process for unsuccessful applicants. The State Personnel Board supported it as a merit-based reform, while ADOA opposed it as costly and burdensome, estimating more than $3 million in compliance costs and warning it could slow hiring. After extended testimony, the committee recommended it do pass 4-3. The committee also approved SCR 1024, which would require legislative candidates to reside in their district for one year and, if affiliated, be members of their party for one year before the election; it passed 6-1 after discussion about residency rules and ballot-measure concerns. Later, the committee heard SB 1135, which increases workers’ compensation burial expenses for fallen first responders from $5,000 to $10,000. Family members and first responders testified in support, describing the financial strain after line-of-duty deaths. The bill passed 6-1 with one member present. SB 1136, which allows surviving spouses of first responders to keep death benefits even if they remarry, also drew emotional testimony from widows and supporters and passed 5-2. The committee then took up SB 1435, expanding the existing prohibition on exposing minors to sexually explicit material to public libraries and making violations a class 6 felony; supporters framed it as child protection, while opponents warned it could chill library access and criminalize librarians. The bill passed 4-3. Finally, SB 1567 was introduced as another expansion of the same underlying law, prohibiting government entities and contractors from exposing minors to sexually explicit materials and from using public facilities for filming or facilitating sexually explicit acts; the sponsor described it as part of a broader effort to protect children, and the committee began discussion of the measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• That is 5952, and we will go on to Senate Bill 5961, the Imagination Library. Is that you?
• Senate Bill 5961 transfers the Imagination Library of Washington program from DCYF to OSPI.
• early literacy moving to OSPI with the Imagination Library from DCYF, it made sense that we looked at
• early literacy moving to OSPI with the Imagination Library from DCYF, it made sense that we looked at
• We have Senate Bill 5961, the Imagination Library bill, before us.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5992, which would create a non-appropriated Youth Development Fund account to support grants for positive youth development programs serving ages 5 to 24. Staff explained that OSPI would administer grants to nonprofits, tribes, and local parks and recreation entities, with school districts and ESDs eligible mainly as partners; annual reporting would be required. The sponsor and many testifiers, including students, youth-serving nonprofits, tribal representatives, and agency partners, described after-school, mentoring, arts, sports, outdoor, and wraparound programs as important for mental health, belonging, safety, civic engagement, and prevention, especially for vulnerable and rural youth. The committee then moved to executive session and adopted a substitute and passed SB 5992 to the Rules Committee. The committee also took executive action on Senate Bill 5952, which would standardize the process for excusing high school students from physical education, and on Senate Bill 5961, which would transfer the Imagination Library of Washington from DCYF to OSPI. In both cases, the committee adopted proposed substitutes that narrowed or adjusted the bills, then voted them out of committee: SB 5952 was sent to Rules, and SB 5961 was sent to Ways and Means. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5969 on allowing an IEP transition plan to satisfy high school and beyond plan requirements; after discussion, a substitute was adopted that instead directs OSPI to reduce duplication in the statewide IEP system, and the bill was passed to Ways and Means. Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 5918, which would increase materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) funding by $100 per student or $100,000 per district, whichever is greater, starting in the 2026-27 school year. Testimony from educators, administrators, school board members, PTA, and OSPI emphasized that districts are using local levy dollars to cover basic operating costs such as utilities, insurance, curriculum, and maintenance, leaving less for enrichment and forcing cuts or deferred purchases. One opponent argued against additional taxes and questioned the return on school spending. The sponsor framed the bill as necessary to meet the state’s paramount duty to fund basic education. The transcript then shifted to Senate Bill 5951 on school access to albuterol, which would allow schools to keep stock albuterol under a statewide standing order and let trained staff administer it under certain conditions; students, nurses, and advocates testified that stock albuterol could reduce absences and improve safety for students with asthma. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 6042 on school mapping, which would require school safety plans to include accurate, interoperable digital maps for first responders; the sponsor and emergency response witnesses said standardized maps are critical for coordinated, timely response in school emergencies.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so the first new application we have is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
• </c><00:04:47.199><c> Library.
• Um, and what we would like to do is have a Dolly Parton Imagination Library license plate with the revenue
• <00:05:41.680><c> Library</c><00:05:42.080><c> license</c><00:05:42.560><c> plate</c><00:05:43.199><c
• > with</c> Imagination Library license plate with Imagination Library license plate with the<00:05:43.680

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• local libraries.
• It helps speeds up the libraries.
• As chairman of the library board, I've worked extensively with many libraries across the state, along
• </c> Library or any other library Library or any other library association.<00:28:08.559><c> Nothing<
• As you can imagine, notification.

Keywords: 958, all

Bills: HR202, HB2095, SB2657, SB2138, SB3110, SB3082, SB3109, HB1800

Keywords: Hawaii, Hawaiʻi, house resolution, congratulatory resolution, education, public schools, librarian of the year, middle school principal of the year, school counselor of the year, teacher of the year, library system, blind and print disabled, accessible learning, braille, audio technology, principal, school counselor, agriculture education, culinary arts, student recognition

Transcript Highlights:

• Does a public library have different sections of the library? It absolutely does.
• And what is a public library?
• Pornography in a library, whether it's a public library or a school library, you shouldn't call the librarian
• And it doesn't pull more money out of libraries. Our libraries are starving anyway.
• Let's use our imagination.

Bills: HJR175, HJR88, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR9, HCR40, HB5138, SB17, HB4944, HB2284, HB3421, SB1569, SB2420, SB1968, SB2351, SB2544, SB1490, SB1349, SB1568, SB2776, HB3531, HB2149, HB4327, HB3158, HB3717, HB4520, SB888, SB552, HB3138, HB3704, HB2921, HB4853, HB4506, HB3892, HJR161, HJR175, HJR88, HB1937, HB3334, HB5444, HB5137, HB361, HB321, HB5447, HB464, HB678, HB2294, HB4172, HB3225, HB1769, HB5394, HB1837, HB1787, HB2271, HB2440, HB5134, HB5149, HB2151, HB2073, HB2186, HB2025, HB1936, HB1777, HB1663, HB 1306, HB 1290, HB1527, HB4802, HB3462, HB2963, HB2462, HB2560, HB644, HB2725, HB2621, HB2588, HB1443, HB1403, HB3032, HB1557, HB1664, HB2811, HB2088, HB2598, HB3062, HB3134, HB3940, HB4027, HB4097, HB4862, HB4170, HB4157, HB4205, HB4279, HB4377, HB4838, HB5424, HB5294, HB4870, HB4763, HB5639, HB4112, HB2275, HB1677, HB5014, HB3848, HB3797, HB3727, HB3709, HB3177, HB3057, HB4176, HB4202, HB2180, HB3528, HB3658, HB21, HB49, HB216, HB346, HB573, HB565, HB954, HB1953, HB2686, HB1441, HB2734, HB1650, HB3161, HB2876, HB3185, HB3388, HB2761, HB3233, HB 1186, HB1534, HB5506, HB5129, HB3619, HB778, HB2867, HB3221, HB3672, HB2434, HB4903, HB3687, HB3675, HB4609, HB4582, HB4921, HB3866, HB3901, HB4534, HB2446, HB3984, HB700, HB4012, HB4491, HB4088, HB229, HB4234, HB722, HB4136, HB4105, HB4413, HB170, HB551, HB2858, HB3053, HB3142, HB3180, HB3722, HB2200, HB1794, HB1784, HB1581, HB2530, HB4308, HB1896, HB2974, HB3359, HB4580, HB2458, HB2215, HB3332, HB2278, HB3015, HB3151, HB1368, HCR76, HCR127, HCR9, HCR40

Keywords: constitutional amendment, medium of exchange, currency rights, digital currency, financial autonomy, tax exemption, rainwater harvesting, graywater system, local government, ad valorem taxation, housing finance, multifamily residential, low income, audit requirements, affordable housing, development bonds, oil waste, gas waste, liability, treatment processes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> in school libraries. This isn't that. in school libraries. This isn't that.
• 54.399><c> the</c> The School Library Association, the The School Library Association, the American<04
• </c><04:30:38.640><c> is</c> other materials, the public library is other materials, the public library
• In a library in a laid out that way.
• . library. library.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We haven't selected one yet, I imagine that that will happen.
• Nor does it make further cuts to the California Library Services Act.
• State Library proposals. So we're going to go in that order.
• Or, you know, I'm imagining my own family situation.
• a Library Services and Technology Act grant to the State Library in April.

Summary: The committee heard the May Revision presentation for the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance, with public comment focused heavily on K-12 priorities such as universal school meals, kitchen infrastructure, food service and custodial support, youth leadership grants, Special Olympics funding, English learner support, universal pre-K, literacy investments, and concerns about community college funding shifts. Speakers also urged support for expanded learning, teacher recruitment and training, and maintaining or increasing funding for community colleges and student support programs. Finance and the LAO then reviewed the Proposition 98 outlook. Finance said the May Revision lowers the 2025-26 Prop. 98 guarantee to $114.6 billion, about $4.3 billion below January, due mainly to lower revenue estimates, with smaller effects from attendance and property tax changes. The administration also described rebenching for universal transitional kindergarten and a one-time rebench tied to Los Angeles fire-related property tax losses, along with changes to the Public School System Stabilization Account, deferrals, and updated COLA assumptions. The LAO said the budget relies too much on deferrals and one-time funds, creates a structural shortfall, and should instead align ongoing spending with the guarantee and preserve a reserve buffer. Members questioned the TK rebench and the shift of funding from community colleges to K-12, asking why it was being applied retroactively and how colleges would be held harmless. Finance said the changes align funding with where TK costs are being incurred and that reappropriation funding and other adjustments would offset impacts on community colleges. The LAO argued the historical split formula is outdated and should be abandoned in favor of budgeting around current priorities rather than fixed percentages. Members also raised concerns about draining the rainy day reserve and using deferrals, while the LAO said preserving reserves would better protect against future volatility. The committee then moved to specific K-12 and education proposals. Finance outlined May Revision changes including state operations adjustments for the Department of Education, technical trailer bill changes, a $100 million student teacher stipend program administered by Kern County, and updates to the charter school facility grant program. The LAO recommended rejecting the proposed increases for expanded learning, literacy coaches, and the student teacher stipend as currently structured, while supporting the minimum grant increase for expanded learning. Members expressed support for teacher recruitment efforts but questioned whether one-time funding can sustain ongoing programs and whether the student teacher stipend should be targeted to shortage areas or low-income communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Libraries serve humanity.
• To the library.
• Public Library system.
• our school-based library systems, and innovative programs like Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, and
• Parton's Imagination Library, and all of these collectively work together to provide literacy opportunity

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and discharged several identical Assembly/Senate bills from committee so they could be substituted on the calendar. The chamber then took up and previously adopted two commemorative resolutions: one designating April 2026 as Sikh Heritage Month and another honoring Korean War veterans. Senators from both parties spoke in support of the Sikh resolution, emphasizing the community’s contributions, service, and the need for recognition and inclusion; the resolution was opened for co-sponsorship and the Sikh guests in the gallery were recognized. The Korean War resolution drew remarks from members recalling family service and the sacrifices of veterans, with repeated calls to preserve their stories and honor their legacy. The Senate then moved through the calendar, passing a series of bills. Among them were measures related to charter bus safety and seat belt awareness, coverage for doula services under insurance, social services/EBT-related changes, education, navigation, highway, public service, and hospital-closure reporting. Several bills passed unanimously or with only one dissenting vote; the social services bill drew the most opposition, with Senator Murray objecting that New York should first address EBT chip technology and skimming before adding new vendor requirements. One bill on the calendar was laid aside for the day. The chamber also adopted a supplemental bill authorizing the South Country Central School District to finance certain deficits, described by Senator Murray as a necessary rescue to keep the district operating and pay staff. Senators discussed the state budget impasse during debate on an extender bill, with the sponsor explaining it was a “clean extender” to keep government running through May 4 and cover payroll, health, education, and other essential payments. Senator Helming raised concerns about the lack of rural health transformation funding and the consequences of the delayed budget for schools, local governments, and hospitals. The extender passed, and the Senate adjourned until Monday, May 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as you can imagine, I had a lot of time to think.
• I want you to imagine your children and...
• , and libraries, and for any employee thereof, but I don't think in 1974 they could have imagined the
• , and libraries, and for any employee thereof, but I don't think in 1974 they could have imagined the
• and their libraries today.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee hearing began with opening remarks from the House and Senate chairs outlining procedures for a large public hearing with more than 100 witnesses on 64 legislative proposals. They explained time limits, rules for in-person and virtual testimony, written testimony procedures, and the committee’s reporting deadline. Testimony then moved through a series of juvenile justice, child protection, and civil liberties bills, with witnesses generally urging favorable reports or, in one case, opposing expanded juvenile court transparency and child advocate access to records. Several witnesses supported bills aimed at juvenile justice reform. Representative Hendricks backed H. 1744 to prevent child labor exploitation and trafficking, citing federal findings of child labor in seafood processing and calling for stronger penalties and a ban on minors working in such facilities. Senator Gomez supported S. 1131 and S. 1121 to reduce juvenile fees, fines, restitution burdens, and bail-related costs, arguing they worsen racial and economic disparities. Senator Crean and other advocates supported S. 1051/H. 1695 to expand juvenile diversion eligibility, while multiple witnesses from juvenile justice and immigrant advocacy groups supported H. 1657/S. 1058 to expand juvenile expungement and to limit sharing juvenile fingerprints with federal authorities, describing recent ICE detentions of Chelsea students and the resulting fear in immigrant communities. Witnesses also supported H. 1918/S. 1240 to narrow the youthful offender statute, raising the minimum age and reducing mandatory adult-style penalties for youth. The committee also heard testimony on child safety and bodily autonomy bills. Middlesex District Attorney Marion Ryan supported H. 1752 to protect children left in extreme temperatures, explaining it would create civil penalties, allow emergency responders to remove children from cars without liability, and add criminal penalties when serious injury results. Representative Thurber and Senator O’Connor testified for H. 2011/S. 1227, a bill prohibiting coercion or mandates for health-related interventions, including vaccinations, and allowing legal remedies for violations. Senator Jalen supported S. 1136/H. 1847 to prevent false confessions by requiring recording of interrogations and banning deceptive tactics, and several innocence-project and legal-services witnesses described wrongful convictions tied to false confessions and coercive interrogations. Another major topic was H. 1626, which would require age verification for pornographic content and launch an education campaign about online sexual exploitation; Representative Cruz and survivor Udoz Wallace testified in support, describing nonconsensual image sharing and deepfake harms. Not all testimony was supportive. The Committee for Public Counsel Services opposed S. 1035, which would increase transparency in juvenile court proceedings, and H. 1689, which would expand the child advocate’s access to confidential juvenile records, arguing both would undermine privacy and trauma-informed protections for children and families. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the portion of the hearing provided; the session consisted of opening remarks and public testimony on the listed bills.