Transcript Highlights:

• So that same child it device specific.
• </c> pornographic magazine to my uh my child pornographic magazine to my uh my child then<00:30:34.320
• It is a child a pornographic magazine.
• And I I would say it is a the child.
• </c> just functions to provide their child just functions to provide their child with<01:08:57.359><c

Summary: The subcommittee work session focused on House Bill 293, which would prevent minors from accessing obscenity on certain internet-connected electronic devices. Chair Pardell opened by noting the bill had been discussed several times and that the goal was to find language acceptable to the committee. Representative Coutab argued the bill is important for child safety, said parents vary in technical ability, and pointed to Apple as evidence that filtering tools can be implemented. He asked whether the other members saw a path forward and what it might look like. Representatives McFarland and Tur both said they support the underlying concern but questioned the bill’s structure and practicality. McFarland emphasized parental responsibility and individual liberty, said any final language should avoid infringing on rights or creating indirect pressure on corporations, and suggested looking at other states’ approaches and Apple’s closed ecosystem as a limited example. Tur said the bill may solve one problem while creating others, especially by placing the burden on device manufacturers and browsers rather than on the content providers; he cited the recent Texas Paxton decision as an example of a more targeted age-verification approach aimed at websites. Both expressed concern that a broad device-level mandate may be difficult to implement consistently across different platforms. Chair Pardell responded that the bill is intended to add protective measures rather than impose a blanket ban, and compared it to existing restrictions on minors accessing alcohol, tobacco, or pornographic magazines. She said the proposal is meant to ask for the user’s age during device setup, not to require identification or database checks, and stressed that parents would still be responsible for entering accurate information. Members also discussed whether Apple’s tools are generalizable to Android and other ecosystems, whether the market is already developing solutions, and whether a parent-facing filter or device-level controls would be the best route. Pardell said the committee had received public feedback and that another work session would likely be held in October; no vote or final action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this bill will give them the ability, if they do take that child and that child is so violent that
• </c><00:43:34.480><c> so</c> do take that child and that child is so do take that child and that child
• </c><00:58:23.359><c> is</c> I see that counsel for the child is I see that counsel for the child is
• </c><01:17:48.560><c> of</c> aged 14 child that a child 14 years of aged 14 child that a child 14 years
• </c> child is prosecuted in this instance. child is prosecuted in this instance.

Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met on February 6, 2026, took roll, approved a motion to convene, and heard agency updates from materials in the packet. The council then took up Senate Bill 125 out of order because Senator Carol was present. The bill was presented as a collaborative effort focused on creating a secure, state-run high-acuity mental health facility for justice-involved youth who need specialized psychiatric care and cannot be appropriately served in detention or by private hospitals. Speakers said the facility would fill a gap in services, improve safety and treatment outcomes, and be designed with trauma-informed, medically equipped spaces rather than a jail-like setting. The presenters also outlined other parts of the bill, including a placement process in which DJJ and CHFS would evaluate youth and provide recommendations before the judge makes the final decision, with certain hospital-declination provisions to be delayed until the new facility is operating. They described payment incentives for hospitals treating high-acuity youth, confidentiality and escape-related disclosure provisions, and contracts with a public teaching university for clinical services. The proposed facility was described as a 24-bed center at Central State, with staffing to include mental health professionals and juvenile detention staff receiving enhanced training. Dr. Clark Lester said staffing needs would vary by youth and could include one-to-one supervision for some patients. The bill also addressed female juvenile detention capacity. Speakers said the number of detained girls has risen sharply since 2024, peaking at 51 in 2025, and that current facilities cannot meet the separation requirements for boys and girls or high- and low-level youth. The proposal would build two female detention centers, with possible locations discussed in central Kentucky and western Kentucky, and a third or fourth center could be added if population data show the need. Members asked about hospital placement authority, staffing, and average length of stay for girls; the presenters said the current court-order process would remain until the new facility is built and that they would provide additional data later. No vote was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• child care programs to maximize the number of children served.
• We are expanding child care access by 25,000 new slots.
• prioritizing child care in this budget.
• My name is Sam Wilkinson with End Child Poverty in California.
• Yes, Senia Robancho with End Child Poverty in California.

Committee: House Budget

Transcript Highlights:

• So now that child can be cared for appropriately even if she is afraid to take it.
• Now that child can be cared for appropriately, even if she is afraid to tell her parents.
• A child.
• While known…” “Diseases are not critical evidence in child abuse cases.
• The child and provides courts with a clear record of what was actually said.

Committee: House Judiciary, Rules and Administration

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:55:16.000><c> Since</c><00:55:16.400><c> WS93421</c> child under age 18.
• Since WS93421 child under age 18.
• So, this is artificial intelligence generating an image of a child and then that image of the child being
• </c> child pornography. child pornography.
• not an actual child and it's artificial<01:11:58.239><c> intelligence.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so what this bill says is think of child maintenance or child support through a divorce section.
• And it says until they're 18 or 21, if they're in college, they should have to pay some child support
• The same thing is as child support.
• Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know
• Okay, because I know whenever you said child support, many times in child support agreements, you know

Committee: House Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> expanded child independent care credit. expanded child independent care credit.
• ,</c><00:46:29.680><c> that</c> have a child 0 to four, one child, that have a child 0 to four, one child
• </c> employer provided child uh care credit. employer provided child uh care credit.
• for family child care.
• Child care is essential to child care.

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• a child is living either with a caregiver, such as with a grandparent, or if the child is in foster
• Child support is often redirected under this redirection statute under the child support section, and
• </c><00:03:06.239><c> support</c><00:03:06.560><c> services</c> the child support services the child
• </c> be in the child's best interest child be in the child's best interest child support<00:03:49.519
• </c> redirection statute under the child redirection statute under the child support<00:03:53.239><c>

Bills: HF1855 , HF102 , HF1082 , HF1354 , HF2184 , HF1792 , HF2296 , HF2429 , HF2543 , HF2566

Committee: House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law

Transcript Highlights:

• and center-based child care.
• and center-based child care.
• and center-based child care.
• family child care providers and center-based<00:04:46.640><c> child</c><00:04:47.080><c> child</c><00
• </c> center-based child child care. center-based child child care.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Their children, their child or children.
• or another child was the victim.
• is... ...safety of a child, that to me is a critical component of our law.
• It never does when you lose a child. Let me just be clear about that.
• We talk a lot about the best interest of the child.

Summary: The committee heard several bills, with the most detailed discussion focused on AB 316, AB 251, AB 474, AB 1201, AB 464, and AB 614. AB 316 would prevent AI developers or deployers from arguing in civil cases that an AI system’s alleged autonomy absolves them of responsibility. Supporters framed it as a narrow guardrail to protect families, especially children, from harms like dangerous chatbots and deepfakes; opponents, including TechNet and the Chamber of Progress, raised concerns about possible strict-liability implications. The bill was moved out of committee to Privacy and Consumer Protection. AB 251 would let judges lower the burden of proof in elder abuse cases when a skilled nursing facility or RCFE intentionally destroys evidence. Supporters said the measure is needed because elder abuse victims are often unable to testify and records are vulnerable to spoliation, while opponents argued existing sanctions are sufficient and warned of more litigation. The bill passed, with committee members emphasizing the vulnerability of elder abuse victims. AB 474 sought to expand nonprofit home-sharing programs, including tax incentives for low-income homeowners and changes to housing law and lodger rules. Supporters said it would help older adults and low-income Californians avoid homelessness, but several members and the California Apartment Association raised concerns about removing lodger-law protections for homeowners; the author committed to keep working on the issue. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 1201 would give courts discretion to provide family reunification services to parents with certain violent felony convictions, rather than applying an automatic bypass. Supporters from Starting Over Inc. described personal experiences with permanent family separation and argued the bill would give parents a fair chance when the conviction is unrelated to child safety. Some members supported the measure but questioned whether domestic violence histories should be treated differently; the author said the bill still allows courts to deny services when reunification would endanger a child. The bill passed to Human Services. AB 464 addressed sexual abuse and retaliation in state prisons by extending reporting time after release, adding 90-day monitoring after reports, barring rehiring of confirmed abusers, and strengthening reporting and anti-retaliation rules. Survivors testified about abuse, retaliation, and failures in CDCR’s response; the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 614 would standardize the Government Claims Act filing deadline at one year for all claims. The author and supporters argued the current six-month deadline for injury and wrongful death claims is too short for victims to learn the process, find counsel, and gather evidence, while businesses often get a full year. A civil rights attorney and a family member of a deceased jail detainee testified in support, describing how the current deadline can block meritorious claims. The bill was presented for committee consideration as the hearing continued.

Transcript Highlights:

• In the event of a near-fatality of a child who was in the care of or receiving child...
• In the event of a near-fatality of a child who was in the care of or receiving child welfare services
• If the child was in the care of or receiving child welfare services within three months preceding the
• If the child was in the care of or receiving child welfare services within three months preceding the
• I urge you yes so we can start looking at these child care contracts.

Summary: The Senate Human Services Committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5977, which would require DCYF to publish child near-fatality review reports within 180 days and post them publicly, with confidential information redacted as allowed by law. Senator Nikki Torres said the bill is intended to improve transparency, accountability, and child protection. There was no public testimony on the bill, and the hearing was closed. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6184, an Office of Homeless Youth request bill sponsored by the chair. The bill makes technical and policy updates to OHY programs, including replacing the term “street youth” with “unaccompanied homeless youth,” allowing certain flexible funds to go directly to youth or vendors, renaming and making permanent the H-Sync program, expanding eligibility and housing options in the Independent Youth Housing Program, and clarifying shelter and reporting provisions. Testifiers from Commerce, advocates, school support organizations, and a youth advocate all supported the bill, emphasizing that the changes would improve access, consistency, and housing stability for unhoused youth. The hearing was then closed. The committee moved into executive session on seven bills. SB 5681, concerning intellectual and developmental disability services at age 20, had Amendment A1 fail and the proposed substitute was adopted and sent to Ways and Means. SB 5917, regarding abortion medication in DOC, saw one amendment adopted and multiple Christian amendments rejected before the bill was sent to Rules. SB 5942, renaming the DCYF Oversight Board as the DCYF Accountability Board and revising its duties, had only Amendment C16 adopted; the amended bill passed to Rules. SB 6024, on duplicative audits for community residential providers, passed without amendment. SB 6036, concerning adult family homes and foster care licensees, had Amendment D1 adopted and the bill passed to Rules. SB 6085, on the DOC institutional welfare account, had Amendment E1 adopted and the bill was sent to Ways and Means after several other amendments failed. In each case, the committee voted to advance the bill after considering amendments, with most of the proposed changes from Senator Christian failing except where noted.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't think it means that the child has to leave their school.
• So I don't think it means that the child has to leave their school.
• So I don't think it means that the child has to leave their school.
• So I don't think it means that the child has to leave their school.
• So I don't think it means that the child has to leave their school.

Committee: Senate Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• He described situations where a woman was able to hold her child, even if the child only lived for moments
• hold the child.
• And the child, that is clinical standard practice across the board.
• the legislation passed by this body for the dignified care of the remains of a child.
• We're emotionally attached to the child.

Summary: The Health Services Committee met with a quorum and first considered House Bill 389, a cleanup measure related to the CASPER prescription monitoring program. Representative Duval and staff explained that the bill addresses implementation issues the Office of Inspector General encountered and aligns the definition of “practitioner” for in-state and out-of-state providers. The committee took no questions, then approved the bill unanimously and reported it favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 501, which would allow a pharmacist to fill a prescription for a limited period after the prescribing provider has died, so patients can maintain continuity of care. Sponsors and a pharmacist witness said the bill is intended to reduce uncertainty and liability for pharmacists, excludes controlled substances to comply with federal law, and leaves professional judgment with the pharmacist. Members asked about documentation and verification, and the sponsor said the bill applies when the pharmacist knows of the death and that pharmacies would document the situation as they normally do. The committee discussed the issue briefly and passed the bill unanimously with favorable expression. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 414 for discussion only. Representative Tate and Adia Wisher described it as “Love Them Both,” a perinatal palliative care proposal meant to provide wraparound support for women and families facing fatal fetal anomalies or other serious pregnancy complications. Testimony emphasized that the bill would encourage referrals to programs offering medical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and bereavement support, with examples such as Footprints at St. Elizabeth. Members discussed access, referrals, counseling, coverage language, and the role of fathers, and supporters stressed that the services would be optional and intended to broaden support rather than impose penalties. No vote was taken on House Bill 414.

Transcript Highlights:

• Repeat offender uses a child in a sexual performance or promotes a sexual performance of a child.
• It is mandatory life if someone traffics a child under the age of 12. Thank you.
• We know that if someone traffics a child, especially sex traffics a child, that, to Representative Baker's
• We know that if someone traffics a child, especially second. or the death penalty.
• We know that if someone traffics a child, especially sex traffics a child, that to Representative Baker's

Summary: The committee heard three member bills. CS/HB 1095 would create a criminal offender substance abuse pilot program in Hillsborough County for probationers ordered to abstain from drugs and alcohol, with frequent testing, immediate arrest for violations, and a cap of 150 participants. An amendment removed the fiscal impact by eliminating an appropriation and directing any appropriated funds to the administering entity; the amendment and bill both passed, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee substitute. CS/HB 1455 would establish mandatory minimum sentences for repeat sexual offenders or predators who commit specified sexual offenses, including 10-year and 20-year minimums depending on the offense, with no gain time or discretionary early release. The only public testimony was in support from the Smart Justice Alliance. The committee approved the bill 11-1 and reported it favorably. CS/HB 1283 would make the sex trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person a capital felony punishable by death or life imprisonment. Members questioned the fiscal impact, housing on death row, and how the death penalty process would work; the sponsor said the bill was aimed at the worst offenders and that current law already provides mandatory life for trafficking a child under 12. Public testimony included opposition from the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and support from the Smart Justice Alliance. After debate focused on constitutionality and the death penalty, the committee passed the bill 10-3 and reported it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• She's a special needs child.
• for consistent services to child care providers.
• Hatfield with Every Child California.
• Every Child California is proud to be a co-sponsor of SB 1110.
• I mean, you have a child coming in and you want to do the right thing for your child and children at

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• support and child connecting child support and child protection<01:42:48.040><c> and</c><01:42:48.159
• </c><02:07:06.400><c> access</c><02:07:06.679><c> to</c> child and father and child access to child and
• I have to be able to link mother to child and father to child, marriage, divorce.
• I have to be able to link mother to child and father to child, marriage, divorce.
• I have to be able to link mother to child and father to child, marriage, divorce.

Committee: House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• pornography to victimization of each child.
• This only applies in prosecutions and investigations for child sexual assault.
• pornography per child.
• On child pornography, right? Because that shocks the conscience.
• As a victim of a child sex crime, even I cannot support this bill.

Bills: AB275 , SB371 , SB457

Committee: Assembly Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• That's from one child to the next, Representative. Oh, my goodness.
• So it'd be for birth of a child, adoption, and fostering of a child.
• It does include adoption and the birth of a child.
• Raising a family, raising a child, bonding with a child should not be looked at as some kind of a luxury
• But at the end of the day, raising a child, it's not a luxury, it's an obligation.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee met on May 19, 2026, with a quorum present and first heard a presentation from Superintendent Cade Brumley on Louisiana’s recent education scorecard, which showed the state ranked first nationally in reading growth, second in math growth, and first overall in academic growth from 2022 to 2026. Members praised teachers and the department for the results. The committee then deferred SB 507 at the author’s request. The committee reported several bills favorably. SB 484 by Sen. Abraham, as amended, transfers selected duties from the Board of Regents to university management boards and Louisiana Works, adjusts authority over certain higher-education initiatives, creates a study of LUMCON’s placement, and adds financial reporting and early-warning requirements for universities. SB 157 by Sen. Jenkins, as amended, creates six weeks of paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 employees for birth, adoption, or fostering, with a reimbursement fund subject to appropriation; testimony emphasized family support, recruitment and retention, and health benefits. SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requires human trafficking prevention and victim-identification training in schools and updates coordination and service language; the amendment made implementation subject to appropriation and clarified the governor’s office role. The committee also reported SB 450 by Sen. Edmonds, as amended, requiring mandatory reporting of school threats and physical security assessments, with student witnesses and members stressing school safety and the need for funding and practical security measures. SB 132 by Sen. Klein-Peter, as amended, requires exterior master key boxes and updated school mapping data for emergency response, with an amendment exempting districts already using such boxes. Finally, Rep. Carver presented HR 251 on recess for K-3 students, citing Oklahoma’s expanded recess law and research on physical activity and learning, but said he would keep the resolution parked for further discussion rather than seek a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• So with this, at least they have a shot of still being able to bring a child into the world.
• to pick up a second job or care for their medically fragile child.
• to pick up a second job or care for their medically fragile child.
• to earn some income for the care of their child.
• Parents and caregivers know their child best and can provide the best care possible.

Summary: The Health Care Facilities and Systems Subcommittee met with a quorum present and took up five bills. The first, CS/HB 1119 on pediatric readiness in hospital emergency departments, would require hospitals with ERs to adopt evidence-based pediatric care policies, train staff, designate a pediatric emergency care coordinator, complete the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment, and meet minimum equipment and planning standards. Members discussed transport to the closest appropriate facility and implementation concerns, but the bill passed 16-0. The committee then approved HB 677, which would add standard fertility preservation services to the state group insurance program for employees undergoing chemotherapy, and CSHB 497, which would authorize nonprofit agricultural organization medical benefit plans for Florida Farm Bureau members, aimed at improving affordable coverage for farmers and ranchers. HB 677 passed 16-0, and CSHB 497 passed 18-0 after questions about membership, regulation, disclosures, and how the plan would compare with ACA coverage. The subcommittee also approved PCS/HB 791 on surrendered newborn infants, allowing infant safety devices at hospitals, EMS stations, and fire stations as an alternative safe-haven option. Members discussed alarms, unmanned stations, and whether churches should be included; the bill passed 18-0. Finally, HB 1529 on home health aides for medically fragile children was amended and passed 18-0. The bill seeks a federal waiver so compensation for parents serving as home health aides does not count against Medicaid eligibility, and the amendments added reporting of adverse incidents, set work-hour limits, and protected certain other benefits. The chair closed by emphasizing the committee’s role in implementation oversight and fixing problems after enactment.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have schools that refuse to restrain any child, even if that results in the child running out
• The teacher's so busy with a child.
• the child safe at her risk and the risk of the child she was carrying.
• Think of this as your own child.
• How did I fail my child? I live with that every single day. I failed my child.

Bills: HJR6 , HJR7 , HB120 , HB60 , HB151 , HR1 , HM13 , SB40 , SB104

Committee: House House Judiciary

Summary: The committee first heard two related House Joint Resolutions sponsored by Representative McQueen. H.J.R. 6 would equalize the legislature’s 60-day and 30-day sessions into two 45-day sessions, remove the germaneness requirement from the second session of a biennium, and clarify veto-override language. H.J.R. 7 would keep the current 60-day and 30-day session lengths but make the same germaneness and veto-override changes. Supporters argued the measures would modernize the legislature, improve internal control of the agenda, and make the flow of work more efficient; opponents warned of more bills, lobbying fatigue, and reduced public participation. Both resolutions were moved on due pass and passed the committee 8-0. The committee then heard House Bill 120 on limiting student restraint and seclusion in schools. The sponsor and LESC staff said the bill arose from a stakeholder working group and would clarify definitions, prohibit dangerous practices such as mechanical, chemical, and prone restraint, require training and school safety plans, improve reporting to parents and the Public Education Department, and strengthen oversight. Testimony from educators, disability advocates, parents, and state officials strongly supported the bill, describing harmful and sometimes underreported restraint and seclusion incidents and emphasizing the need for clearer rules and de-escalation training. Some members raised concerns about implementation, definitions, teacher safety, and whether the data were sufficient; the sponsor and staff said the bill was meant to give teachers tools and minimum standards, not to require intervention in every situation. The bill passed on a due pass motion 9-1. Next, the committee considered House Bill 60, which would add certain crimes against peace officers to the Victims of Crime Act so officers injured in the line of duty would receive the same notification, participation, and restitution-related rights as other victims. The sponsor and the district attorney supporting the bill said it was a public safety measure with negligible cost and would also extend protections to affected family members. Support came from law enforcement, business, and public safety groups. Members asked about whether the officer must know the assailant is a peace officer, how the rights would work if the officer is also a witness, and how restitution interacts with workers’ compensation; the sponsor said the bill applies when the officer is acting in the lawful discharge of duties and the defendant knows the person is an officer. The committee passed HB 60 unanimously, 11-0. Finally, the committee began hearing House Bill 151, a committee substitute on the childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations. The sponsor said the bill, called the Survivor’s Justice measure, would extend the time for survivors to file claims from age 24 to age 58, add public actors to the bill’s scope, and create an administrative compensation fund supported by an appropriation, with $12.5 million already in the budget and a request for another $12.5 million. The sponsor explained that the change reflects the average age at which survivors come forward and that the bill is part of a long-running effort to address childhood sexual abuse claims.