Transcript Highlights:

• lives while still allowing law enforcement access to necessary public safety information.
• By allowing survivors to seal these offenses that were committed as victims of trafficking.
• That allow you to, oh, they've got an EMS, they've got a pulser.
• Thank you for allowing me to be here.
• The county will absorb the cost.

Bills: SB251, SB608, SB487, SB535, SB761, SB955, SB957, SB958, SB988, SB990, SB1019, SB1021, SB1120

Keywords: criminal law, magistrates, Bell County, judicial authority, legal framework, evidence collection, sexual assault kits, reporting, law enforcement, transparency, confidentiality, victim protection, stalking, indecent assault, invasive visual recording, criminal justice, privacy rights, SB 535, Texas criminal procedure, rape shield

Transcript Highlights:

• In fact, just so you know, 45 sirens in the city of Lubbock only cost a million dollars.
• Right now it's the family restroom that's still allowed to occur.
• So if we're allowed to use taxpayer dollars to advocate for policy.
• We look at the problem of maximum loss often.
• In your bill, it allows the county association to track bills, and as they track bills...

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:

• For example, if a bridge project cost half a million dollars, changing the amount to $1 would not allow
• What my amendment does is that it changes the maximum allowable amount from $4,000 to $5,000, and to
• that it changes the the the maximum that it changes the the the maximum allowable<05:57:57.120><
• So the point being is that, um, I thought that it would be reasonable to adjust that upper maximum allowable
• So the point being is that, um, I thought that it would be reasonable to adjust that upper maximum allowable

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It increases the cost of the plan.
• It increases the cost of the plan.
• They're looking at what the tariffs are going to cost them. It's going to affect everybody.
• They're looking at what the tariffs are going to cost them. It's going to affect everybody.
• They're looking at what the tariffs are going to cost them. It's going to affect everybody.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Rather, it only allows the individual the opportunity.
• Pays the cost of projects by anywhere between 30 and 50% on construction costs.
• We need to keep the price of cost. The cost of living down, and I am strong opposition to 1448.
• AB 998 allows schools to manage confiscated vapes as household hazardous waste and allows hazardous waste
• The more you wait, the more it's going to cost.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Recommendations continue funding the administrative costs.
• How cost effective are your public engagement efforts?
• Your agency cut costs by having more authority.
• These numbers are in 2018 dollars, so as you can imagine, construction costs, interest costs, labor.
• Absolutely the statute it was created in Senate bill 7 from 2019 and the statute allows allowed at that

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:52:26.800> on be able to offset utility costs on be able to offset utility costs on another
• This would then put the burden and cost on the state to do this work.
• they exceed statutory maximums. they exceed statutory maximums.
• We need to allow law children.
• <01:22:20.600> rules, counties are allowed different rules, counties are allowed different

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• total cost of replacement value. total cost of replacement value.
• By comparing the total educational gross square footage we just calculated to the maximum allowable educational
• We touched very briefly on the maximum allowable educational gross square footage.
• cost of replacement. cost of replacement.
• cost requests in the future. cost requests in the future.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c> under<00:08:46.399> Minnesota This is already allowed under Minnesota This is already allowed
• Personality is not allowed in debate.
• Cash Patel even said that Americans are not allowed to carry firearms to protests.
• Greg Bovino said that Prey wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.
• Greg Bovino said that Prey wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• And there remain Californians who are unable to pay the full monthly cost of communication services.
• or low-income plans or will include participation in a lifeline program, which brings down the cost
• , the option of a stand-alone broadband service is currently not allowed.
• My crystal ball does not allow me to see the potential impacts.
• And really, some of those are going to be based on, you know, what market costs are for programs.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But it would be a nonprofit, and again, not a cost to the state or our taxpayers.
• The owner is responsible for the payment of all boarding costs.
• This would allow a public utility to request recovery of costs for RNG infrastructure in the state of
• The maximum extent practical language, excuse me, on line 20.
• But they weren’t allowed—the state prosecutor and the sheriff’s office were not allowed to bring the

Summary: The committee met and first reported favorably CS for SB 1782, which creates a new offense for dangerous excessive speeding, with support noted from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida PBA. It also reported favorably CS for SB 306, which addresses Medicaid managed care provider network access by requiring after-hours and holiday appointment availability and a minimum level of primary care participation. CS for SB 716, imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain sexual offenses committed by registered sex offenders or predators, and CS for SB 1084, expanding protections against non-consensual dissemination of intimate images and digitally forged intimate images, were also approved. The committee then approved CS for CS for SB 1604, a corrections package that would require prepayment of court costs for certain inmate lawsuits, shorten the limitations period for confinement-condition claims, allow consecutive sentencing in some cases, and revise mental health treatment procedures in correctional settings. Members discussed constitutional concerns and access-to-courts issues, but the bill was reported favorably. CS for CS for SB 1804, which creates a capital offense for trafficking a child 12 or younger or a mentally incapacitated person for sexual exploitation, drew extensive debate and opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Floridaans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty; despite objections about constitutionality and ethics, it was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for SB 1838, expanding protections for court officials against tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for CS for SB 890, the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which creates a statewide VTE registry and requires blood clot screening and training in hospitals and care facilities. Members and public witnesses spoke in strong support of the blood clot bill, including family members and survivors. Finally, the committee reported favorably CS for SB 1252, directing FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database, CS for SB 468, increasing penalties for fleeing or eluding law enforcement and allowing vehicle impoundment, CS for SB 490, expanding off-duty concealed carry eligibility for correctional officers and correctional probation officers, and CS for SB 572, the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which was amended to refine enclosure, confiscation, euthanasia, and insurance requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the House conferees be allowed to exceed the differences. County. Thank you, Mr.
• I move that the House conferees be allowed to exceed the differences in Section 71.012 and Section 1
• There is a cost to this.
• Make no mistake, there is a cost to this, but I think that the cost of doing nothing There is a cost
• But I think that the cost of doing nothing is far greater.

Summary: The House opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then approved the House Journal for the 65th and 66th days, with the first journal approval passing by roll call 124-0. Members then offered several introductions recognizing interns and special guests, including a lengthy tribute to law enforcement officers who were wounded in the line of duty and the presentation of Capitol-flown flags to some of them. The chamber received committee reports from Fiscal Review recommending passage of several measures, including Senate Joint Resolution 87, Senate Bills 878 and 994, conference reports on House Bill 2818 and Senate Bill 973, and Senate Bill 1825. The House then took up House Bill 2818, a conference report dealing with annexation-related language for the St. Joseph Airport and added provisions affecting St. Charles and Jefferson counties. After debate about local control and development, the House approved the conference report 140-7 and then passed the bill 136-7. Members next considered Senate Bill 1825, which updates county salary commission schedules, removes sheriffs and prosecutors from salary commissions, and gives certain fourth-class counties additional time to transition to third-class status. After discussion about county pay, coroners, and local fiscal impacts, the House adopted the Senate substitute 109-35 and finally passed the bill 106-39. The House also approved House Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 87, the so-called constitutional sheriff resolution, after adopting a St. Louis City amendment clarifying the City of St. Louis sheriff provisions; the resolution passed 100-47. Finally, the House passed Senate Bill 878, which expands pharmacist authority for certain common ailments, emergency waivers, and behind-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, with a House amendment adding blood pressure cuff and opioid-alternative language; it passed 132-13. Senate Bill 903, addressing theft and vandalism involving telecommunications and critical infrastructure, also passed 137-5. The House then announced upcoming committee meetings, noted additional bills to be considered upon return, and adjourned until May 12, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Well, there's no cost to the health care provider, but there is a cost to insurance companies and the
• Well, there's no cost to the health care provider, but there is a cost to insurance companies and the
• This bill would allow individuals to sue those that help a person access This bill would allow individuals
• of medical costs?
• Thank you for allowing me to speak.

Summary: The subcommittee considered a long agenda of civil justice and claims measures. HB 1173, relating to the Florida Trust Code, was presented as a clarification of standing in trust litigation after recent case law; after questions about who may sue, an amendment was adopted clarifying that an expressly named charity retains standing, and the bill passed 14-2. HB 1437, on attorney’s fees in motor vehicle PIP disputes, drew testimony from insurers and reform groups opposing a return to fee-driven litigation and from medical groups supporting fee recovery for prevailing parties; it passed 17-0. CS/HB 147, addressing prohibited debt-collection communications during nighttime and early morning hours, was described as a clarification of an outdated statute in light of modern communications, with support from business groups and no opposition in the vote; it passed 18-0. The committee then heard several claims bills against the Department of Children and Families. HB 6511, for relief of L.P., described severe injuries to a child after DCF allegedly failed to act on warning signs; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill passed 18-0. HB 6515, for relief of Michael Barnett, involved DCF’s alleged failure to investigate domestic violence that preceded the killing of three children and injury of a fourth; members asked about the settlement amount and the case’s circumstances, and the bill also passed 18-0. HB 1517, expanding wrongful death law to allow parents of an unborn child to recover for the child’s death, generated the most extensive debate. The sponsor said it aligns civil law with existing criminal definitions and excludes claims against mothers and providers of lawful medical care, including IVF; opponents warned it could be used to target reproductive care, support networks, and domestic violence survivors, while supporters framed it as a justice measure for families. An amendment clarifying damages rules for minors and unborn children was adopted, and the bill passed 13-4. Finally, HB 947, on evidence of medical damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases, sought to allow broader evidence at trial and to change “shall” to “may”; supporters said it would improve fairness and transparency, while opponents argued it would weaken post-2023 tort reforms and reintroduce inflated medical damages. The amendment was adopted and the bill was then taken up with additional opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• cost of power.
• That brings down cost. This bill will allow us to do that. We have challenges now.
• cost of power.
• That brings down cost. This bill will allow us to do that. power to people's businesses.
• and maximum maximum reliability and maximum resilience. resilience. resilience.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, September 18, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , material costs, infrastructure, and permitting costs, and of course, local regulatory constraints.
• Increased housing costs by offering the opportunity for more homes on less land at a lower cost and with
• Presently, there are over 10 states that already allow this.
• I can tell you based. ...upon the cost of financing today, the cost of construction, the increased costs
• The bill only allows for the use of deposits for actual... construction costs as defined in the bill.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , material cost, infrastructure, and permitting costs, and of course local regulatory constraints, and
• less land at lower cost and less burden on local infrastructure.
• There are 2 minutes maximum, no exception limit.
• I can tell you based upon the cost of financing today, the cost of construction, the increase, uh, cost
• The bill only allows for use of deposits for actual construction costs as defined in the bill, um.

Transcript Highlights:

• Beginning June 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, Commerce is required to calculate the maximum annual
• rent increase percentage allowed and publish this information on their website as well as in a press
• The percentage allowed is published on their website as well as in a press release.
• awarded to the party that... ...to the House version, including specifying that attorney's fees and costs
• Basically, that means the attorney... ...fees and costs are awarded to the entity that brings the suit

Summary: The conference committee met on engrossed House Bill 1217 and received a staff briefing on the proposed conference striking amendment S-3395.2. Staff explained that the amendment would set rent increase limits under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at 7% plus CPI or 10%, whichever is less, retain and modify various exemptions, update notice requirements, add a July 1, 2040 expiration date, and require the Department of Commerce to create an online landlord resource center. For manufactured/mobile home tenancies, the amendment would limit rent increases to 5% in any 12-month period, adjust exemptions and notice provisions, and align enforcement language with the RLTA changes. The amendment also removes certain miscellaneous provisions from the Senate version, including a social vulnerability assessment and a JLARC review requirement. Representative Lowe raised a procedural point of order about whether the landlord resource center could be added in conference, but the chair ruled the point not well taken under Joint Rule 18. Senator Gainer asked for clarification about the landlord resource center and the referenced RCW 43.31.605; staff explained it would direct landlords to existing Commerce resources, including the landlord mitigation program and related subprograms, and noted that the resource center language was originally in the House bill. A motion was made to reject prior amendments, adopt striking amendment S-3395.2, and give the bill a do pass recommendation. Senator Gainer and Representative Lowe spoke in opposition, citing concerns about the bill’s balance, the landlord provisions, and the speed of the process. The committee then voted 4-2 to recommend the conference committee report, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• And as the Secretary mentioned, each time we wait, it costs money, and that will cost more subsidy.
• It costs developers.
• Of those seven, only the $4 per lot park fee is a recurring cost, where 50% of the cost can be passed
• Because, you know, the cost of food has gone up, cost of transportation, gas has gone up, the cost of
• It's a cost-effective prevention strategy.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard an overview of the Governor’s housing reorganization proposal and trailer bill language that would consolidate several affordable housing finance programs under the new Housing Development and Finance Committee (HDFC). Administration officials said the plan is intended to create a one-stop application and award process, reduce duplication, and pair state subsidy with private activity bonds and federal tax credits so projects can move from award to construction more quickly. The proposal would also shift some positions and reallocate portions of the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program and other housing funds. The Legislative Analyst’s Office said the concept has merit but raised concerns about the proposed bond set-aside floor and recommended more flexibility and earlier reallocation of unused bonds. Several senators questioned the structure and, especially, the proposed changes to the climate-related ASIC program, arguing that it could weaken the program’s original transportation-and-housing integration and that the budget lacks enough direct funding for core housing production programs. The item was held open. The committee then received an update from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee on federal tax credit changes and state housing finance tools. Staff explained that federal H.R. 1 increased the 9% low-income housing tax credit allocation and reduced the bond-financing threshold for the 4% credit from 50% to 25%, allowing California to finance many more projects. They reported that emergency regulations were adopted quickly to implement the new federal rules, resulting in awards for 195 projects and more than 25,000 units in the 4% program, while the 9% program funded 58 projects and nearly 3,000 units. Members discussed the importance of state enhanced low-income housing tax credits, with committee questions focused on how much additional leverage state credits provide and how they help fill remaining financing gaps. The final portion of the hearing focused on the Civil Rights Department’s response to federal civil rights policy changes and on three programs facing the end of limited-term funding: California vs. Hate, the Community Conflict Resolution Unit, and Investigations and Conciliation Enhancement. Director Kevin Kish said federal civil rights enforcement has been weakened by closed offices, shuttered programs, and reduced support for fair housing organizations, while CRD’s open caseload has grown from about 8,700 to more than 12,000 matters. He said the department is using overtime, triage, and process reengineering to manage the surge and to direct people to the right services. Senators expressed strong support for continuing the programs and concern that California is being asked to do more with less as federal protections erode. No votes were taken on the informational items, and the committee discussed the vote-only budget requests for CRD separately.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if we come to a point where there is no agreement to allow us to look at those records to do our
• Uh and that that to the maximum extent.
• If so, then I recommend we continue to allow them to move forward with the scope as they've defined and
• The two managers that you heard from at the last meeting for local special education costs, they will
• be working on the local special education costs audit.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee received an update from the LBA on three audits related to education programs. Christine Young reported that the special education audit is in report-writing, with 44 of 81 observations completed, and that a draft is expected early in the third quarter with a final report later in the summer. She also said the doorway program audit has a draft report with 12 observations, auditee responses were received May 14, an exit conference was held May 18, and the report is now expected to be presented at the June fiscal committee meeting. The bulk of the discussion focused on the education freedom accounts audit and a proposed expansion of scope. Beulah Skids explained that the original audit, required by the 2022 law creating the EFA program, would be expanded to examine whether students were New Hampshire residents at enrollment and throughout participation, and whether records of educational attainment satisfied program requirements. She described the current work, the draft cooperation agreement being developed with the Department of Education and the Children’s Scholarship Fund, and the department’s concerns about the audit period and the term "educational progress," which the LBA said it would revise. The committee discussed that the expanded work would depend on a written agreement giving the LBA access to needed records, policies, and staff, with the Department of Education potentially serving as an intermediary for data access. Members raised concerns about the scope period and data access. Senator Lang asked that the residency review be limited to the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years, rather than the broader 2022-25 period, because those years captured the major program expansions; the committee appeared to agree, with clarification that the reference was to school years, not fiscal years. Members also discussed reconciliation of EFA funds, noting that the department has agreed to reopen rulemaking to make reconciliation more frequent so unused funds can be returned to the state sooner. Several members expressed frustration that access to data had been delayed, while LBA staff said the cooperation agreement is intended to prevent further roadblocks and that the AG’s office could review it if needed.

Transcript Highlights:

• They're just not allowed.
• The owner refused referral to low-cost and, actually, no-cost veterinary treatment, and it didn't recognize
• What this process would do is allow law enforcement, animal control, What this process would do is allow
• Current statute does allow for civil citations to be used for dogs, but does not allow them for other
• I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without him.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy public hearing on a wide range of civil actions, labor, consumer protection, and animal welfare bills. Chair Lydia Edwards and Representative Michael Day opened with strict testimony rules and time limits, then heard from legislators and advocates on measures including animal-abuser pet ownership bans (S. 1207/H. 1914), a name-change privacy bill (S. 1045/H. 1973), tort claims reform (H. 1724), law enforcement council coverage under the Tort Claims Act (S. 1199), civil rights and qualified immunity-related proposals (H. 1641), employee free speech/captive audience restrictions (S. 1078/H. 1653), consumer protection and civil rights jurisdiction expansion (S. 1041), private right of action for wage theft (H. 1916), gun-owner liability insurance (H. 1836), pseudoephedrine sales tracking (S. 1243/H. 1581), prepaid legal services plans (H. 1612), structured settlement protections (H. 1863), third-party litigation financing disclosure (H. 1861), antitrust reform for small businesses and workers (S. 1038/H. 1982), legal notices in online-only newspapers (S. 1279/H. 1632), and several animal cruelty and protection bills including H. 1938, H. 1949, S. 1277/H. 1934, and H. 1764. Testimony was largely supportive from bill sponsors and advocacy groups, with repeated themes of protecting vulnerable people and animals, improving access to justice, and updating outdated laws. Supporters of the animal bills argued for stronger possession bans, broader cruelty citations, and civil removal tools to prevent repeat abuse; opponents or conditional supporters raised due process and enforcement concerns, especially around warrantless seizures and requiring retail or shelter staff to check registries. On the labor and consumer side, supporters said the antitrust bill would curb monopoly power and help small businesses and workers, while opponents warned it could destabilize competition and burden successful firms. The employee free speech bill was backed as a response to captive audience meetings, and the wage-theft bill was presented as a way to let workers or organizations pursue claims when individual employees are afraid to come forward. Several public officials and association representatives testified on the law enforcement and civil rights bills. Chiefs of police supported adding law enforcement councils to the Tort Claims Act, saying it would close a liability gap for regional mutual-aid collaborations. But police representatives opposed changes to the Massachusetts Civil Rights Act and qualified immunity-related provisions, arguing the federal system already provides a workable forum and that expanding liability could increase costs, reduce morale, and worsen recruitment and retention. On the consumer/civil rights bill, Senator Collins and a veteran described an out-of-state assault case that they said showed the need for Massachusetts to let residents seek redress at home when rights are violated elsewhere. No votes or formal committee actions were taken during the hearing itself; the committee mainly received testimony and questions. Several witnesses indicated they had submitted written testimony or proposed amendments, and some bills drew requests for favorable reports while others were explicitly opposed unless amended.