Transcript Highlights:

• </c> fugitives, and domestic abusers. fugitives, and domestic abusers.
• We need to be preventing violence.
• </c> domestic abusers. domestic abusers.
• That's a law that prevents felons and domestic abusers from buying weapons.
• </c><01:03:37.920><c> We</c> abused their victims. Beanag rounds. We abused their victims.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, February 12, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we don't spend as much time talking about the actual kid problems and how to prevent the problems
• How do we prevent kids from having the trauma and the bad home lives that result in going into the CYFD
• That doesn't mean we should sit back and let waste and abuse take place.
• Now, have we found all fraud and abuse?
• We have over about 300 active cases of fraud, waste, and abuse.

Committee: Senate Senate Rules

Transcript Highlights:

• Disease Prevention and Women and Children's Health HB 1787 by Howard relating to the establishment of
• a higher education for Human Education and prevention referred the Committee on Higher Education, HB
• HB 1841 by Gehan relating to the reporting of child abuse or neglect.
• of neglect of an individual's name is added to a central abuse child or neglect registry.
• or neglect, sexual assault or abuse, indecent assaults, talking or trafficking, or for the Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• It doesn't prevent child abuse. It doesn't protect another child from being harmed tomorrow.
• Suspected of abuse a year.
• . abusers. abusers.
• </c> potentially being abused in those cases. potentially being abused in those cases.
• </c> prevents overcriminalization. prevents overcriminalization.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So it is the state of California that is preventing Glock and many clones.
• , that she is passionate about gun violence prevention.
• She concluded that this is not inevitable but preventable.
• likelihood of being abused.
• We need better prevention. I could not agree with that more.

Summary: The committee first adopted a seven-bill consent calendar, then heard several public safety measures. AB 1127 by Assembly Member Gabriel would restrict sale of certain semi-automatic handguns that can be easily converted to automatic weapons with “switches”; supporters, including Everytown and Moms Demand Action, said it targets a specific Glock-style design flaw linked to mass shootings, while the NRA and gun-rights groups argued the bill duplicates existing federal law and effectively bans popular handguns. The bill was moved on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Judiciary and remained on call. AB 468, also by Gabriel, would increase penalties and clarify offenses involving looting and impersonating emergency personnel in evacuation zones and during disasters; firefighters, district attorneys, and law enforcement supported it as a deterrent, while public defenders and justice advocates warned it was overbroad and could worsen racial profiling. The committee approved the bill on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations, also held on call. The committee then heard AB 1187 by Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez, which would require eight hours of firearm safety training, including live-fire instruction, before obtaining a firearm safety certificate and would add a requirement for new residents who import firearms. Supporters said California should require training comparable to other safety-sensitive activities and that the measure would reduce gun deaths; opponents argued the bill misunderstands the existing FSC process, would be hard to implement because of range and instructor limits, and would burden a constitutional right. The bill passed on a due-pass-as-amended motion to Appropriations and was held on call. The committee also heard AB 1424 by Rodriguez, which would require CDCR climate resiliency and heat-safety measures in prisons, including temperature monitoring, shade, showers, fans, and emergency planning. Prisoner-rights and labor groups strongly supported the bill, citing extreme heat, wildfire, and flooding risks, while one opponent said the monitoring mandate could be too costly; the bill was moved on a due-pass motion to Labor and Employment and held on call. Finally, the committee began hearing AB 1258 by Assembly Member Kalra, which would extend the sunset of the Young Adult Deferred Entry Program through 2029 for selected counties. Kalra and Santa Clara County Judge Erica You described the program’s success in reducing recidivism and providing wraparound services for young adults with felony charges, including housing, counseling, and parenting support. The transcript cuts off before the committee completed action on AB 1258.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's protections in place to prevent abuse.
• Yet the majority of blood clots are actually very preventable.
• majority of this is preventable.
• Her passing was not only devastating, it was preventable.
• placed in homes where they may be at risk for further abuse.

Committee: Senate Fiscal Policy

Summary: The committee took up a series of criminal justice, health, and public safety bills, with several measures reported favorably after brief sponsor presentations and mostly no opposition. CS for SB 1782 on dangerous excessive speeding, CS for SB 306 on Medicaid provider network access, CS for SB 716 on mandatory minimums for certain sexual offenses by registered offenders, CS for SB 1084 on intimate image dissemination and digitally forged images, and CS for CS for SB 1604 on corrections-related litigation and sentencing changes all passed the committee. Members also approved CS for SB 1838, which increases protections for court officials from tampering, harassment, and retaliation, and CS for SB 1252, which directs FDLE to study a statewide pawn data database. CS for SB 468 on fleeing or eluding, CS for SB 490 on off-duty concealed carry for certain officers, and CS for SB 890 on blood clot screening and treatment also received favorable votes, with SB 890 drawing supportive testimony from the bill sponsor, medical and patient advocates, and family members affected by blood clots. The most extensive debate centered on CS for CS for SB 1804, which would create a capital offense for adults trafficking children under 12 or mentally incapacitated persons for sexual exploitation. Senator Martin defended the bill as a response to especially heinous crimes and argued it fit within constitutional punishment principles, while several members raised concerns about the Eighth Amendment, the risk of lengthy and costly litigation, and the possibility of retraumatizing victims. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition, citing moral objections, due process concerns, and constitutional precedent; the bill nevertheless was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS for CS for SB 572, the “Pam Rock Act,” which tightens dangerous-dog rules, adds enclosure, microchip, insurance, and penalty requirements, and allows stronger enforcement actions after serious attacks. The Rock family and animal control supporters testified in favor, describing the bill as a response to fatal dog attacks and urging stronger accountability for owners. For SB 572, members discussed insurance requirements, the role of local authorities in classifying dangerous dogs, and whether the bill would affect ordinary pet insurance or only liability coverage after a serious attack. The sponsor said the measure is not breed-specific and is aimed at dogs that have already caused significant harm. The committee also heard testimony from family members of Pam Rock and other victims, along with supporters from animal control and sheriff’s offices. All of the bills taken up in the meeting that were voted on were reported favorably, and no roll-call votes failed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I speak today on behalf of the Gloucester Coalition for the Prevention of Domestic Abuse.
• She was almost killed by the abuser in front of her children.
• Her abuser knew exactly what he was doing. He weaponized her immigration status.
• Victims are afraid to call 911 or report abuse.
• But these pertain to preventing informal. I'll respect the time.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing focused on the Safe Communities Act, House 2580 and Senate 1681, along with related proposals to limit local and state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibit 287(g) agreements, and expand legal defense for immigrants. Most testimony came from advocates, attorneys, labor leaders, health care professionals, educators, and community members who argued that fear of ICE discourages immigrants from reporting crimes, seeking medical care, attending school, or cooperating with courts, and that a clear statewide policy would improve public safety, due process, and trust in institutions. Several speakers described personal or client experiences involving domestic violence, trafficking, workplace abuse, or children affected by deportation, and many emphasized economic harms to workers, families, and small businesses. Health care witnesses said immigration enforcement is causing patients to miss appointments, avoid emergency rooms, and delay preventive care, with resulting public health consequences. Labor and education representatives said immigrant workers and students are increasingly fearful, and that the state should not allow local police to act as ICE agents or enter 287(g) agreements. ACLU and coalition witnesses cited examples they said showed existing or recent collaboration between local agencies and ICE, including courthouse alerts, vehicle stops, and use of municipal spaces, while also arguing that the bill would still allow cooperation on criminal matters and public safety emergencies. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that serious criminal offenders should be deported and defending ICE’s role. Committee members asked several questions about whether the harms described were widespread or anecdotal, and about the distinction between assisting ICE in civil immigration arrests versus responding to violent or public safety emergencies. Witnesses said the bill was aimed at civil immigration enforcement, not criminal investigations or emergency situations. At the end of the hearing, a committee member requested a study on immigration enforcement’s effect on emergency room wait times, and the committee then adjourned without taking a vote on the legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is about elder financial abuse, which is not new to any of us.
• So that made me very motivated to look at elder financial abuse in a different way.
• The silver tsunami is rapidly approaching, and with it potentially even more victims of financial abuse
• The silver tsunami is rapidly approaching, and with it potentially even more victims of financial abuse
• AB-71 is a much-needed tool, and potentially even more victims of financial abuse.

Committee: Senate Banking and Financial Institutions

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Suicide is the most preventable death of all deaths.
• I train people how to recognize the signs, and I know it's preventable.
• It's preventable and it's everybody's business. Thank you.
• We will never know if signage could have prevented...
• Thank you all for your commitment to prevent suicide in our community.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing opened with remarks from House Chair Mindy Domb and Senate Vice Chair Robyn Kennedy, who outlined procedures for the hybrid public hearing, noted the committee would hear testimony on 15 bills related to treatment settings, and recognized members present. The first major bill discussed was H. 4200, authorizing a pilot program for psychedelic-assisted treatment in licensed facilities. Representative Jim O’Day and witnesses from Control Z supported the bill, describing it as a tightly controlled, medically supervised pilot with DPH oversight, limited sites, and screening requirements. Committee members asked about the number of sites and whether Column Health still existed; witnesses said the bill contemplated three separate pilot programs and that Column Health no longer existed after being purchased by another company. The committee also heard testimony on S. 1405 to make the drug stewardship program permanent by removing its 2026 sunset date. Senator John Keenan and others said the program helps collect and safely dispose of unused medications, reduces diversion, and should remain in place because manufacturers should bear disposal costs. A member from Boston added support based on local concerns about people searching through bags for drugs, and Keenan explained the original sunset reflected pilot status and industry pushback. A large portion of the hearing focused on S. 1394 and H. 2193, which would strengthen implementation of the 2023 Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform. The Children’s Mental Health Campaign, Parent/Professional Advocacy League, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Elliott Community Human Services testified that the roadmap’s helpline, community behavioral health centers, and crisis services are important but unevenly implemented. They urged a single point of accountability within EOHHS, regular strategic planning, a public data dashboard, and financial analysis of the behavioral health system and the access and crisis intervention trust fund. Witnesses said commercial insurance often does not fully reimburse community behavioral health center services, making sustainability difficult, and asked for better coordination across agencies and crisis response systems. Committee members asked whether the roadmap includes substance use disorder; witnesses said it is intended to cover behavioral health broadly, including mental health and substance use. The committee also heard testimony on bills to ban aversives and on suicide prevention signage. Lisa Jean Graff testified in support of S. 1394 by urging a statewide ban on aversive practices, including electric shock, withholding food or bathroom access, and other painful interventions, arguing disabled people deserve the same protections from harm as others. Fonda Bryant and Carol McLean supported a bill requiring suicide prevention signs on tall parking garages, describing personal experiences and saying the signs could create a brief pause and connect people to 988 or other help. McLean said her son died by suicide from a parking garage and that signage might have made a difference. The committee also heard strong testimony in support of creating intensive stabilization and treatment units within DMH facilities (S. 1398/H. 2204), with the Massachusetts Nurses Association and a DMH nurse arguing that highly assaultive patients need specialized, more secure units to protect staff and other patients and to improve care. Additional testimony supported creating a dedicated board for licensed mental health counselors (H. 4696/S. 1382), with Rep. John Badger, the Mass Mental Health Counselors Association, and others saying LMHCs are a large and growing workforce that needs its own licensing board, clearer standards, and faster implementation of existing licensure reforms. The committee also heard extensive testimony on H. 2223 regarding benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics. Survivors and advocates described severe withdrawal, lack of informed consent, cognitive harms, and long-term disability, while a physician supported the bill as a way to improve disclosure of risks. Finally, the committee heard multiple witnesses in favor of H. 2231/S. 1383 to establish peer-run respite centers statewide. Advocates and people with lived experience said peer respites provide non-coercive, home-like alternatives to hospitalization, can reduce trauma and repeated admissions, and may be especially important for marginalized communities; they also cited cost savings and existing positive outcomes from current respite programs. No votes or final committee actions were taken during the hearing portion reflected in the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• Puppy-selling pet stores prevent a ton of problems for animals and consumers.
• This could have been prevented $20,000.
• Um I'm not the the on and prevent.
• The goal is to prevent a there.
• been tortured and abused for profit is<00:31:34.480><c> wrong.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• where the parent had sexually abused a child, and that the parent might somehow be able to prevent that
• This bill does not change the duty to investigate abuse. That duty already exists in Idaho law.
• I felt at risk because I know there's no law preventing that here.
• So, yeah, I don't see that happening, although anyone in power can abuse their authority.
• , although anyone in power can abuse their power wherever they're at.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes from March 9, 2026, then heard House Bill 860, a cleanup bill revising Idaho’s parental rights and 988/suicide-crisis-related statutes. Representative Ehart said the bill clarifies when schools, hospitals, and crisis responders may provide non-emergency first aid, emergency treatment, suicide-related follow-up, and evidence collection without parental permission, especially in cases involving abuse or when a parent may be the alleged perpetrator. Support came from the Idaho Medical Association, Idaho 988, and several youth testifiers who described being hung up on or harmed by current law; the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association raised a late concern about language affecting time-sensitive evidence collection in child sex abuse cases and proposed a narrow amendment. Despite that concern, the committee voted unanimously to send HB 860 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 680, which would require audio or video recording of all interviews of alleged child abuse victims unless good cause exists. Representative Skog said the bill is intended to protect children, improve the reliability of interviews, and aid prosecutions. Supporters included the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association and a virtual witness who said recording preserves the child’s statement and reduces repeated questioning. No one testified in opposition, and the committee unanimously sent HB 680 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 752, a bill creating criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully entering opposite-sex public restrooms and changing rooms, with listed exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, law enforcement, family assistance, and similar situations. The sponsor and supporters argued it protects privacy and safety for women and girls and aligns with existing sex-based facility restrictions; opponents, including transgender Idahoans, clergy, parents, civil rights advocates, and Planned Parenthood, said it would criminalize transgender people, invite harassment, and be difficult to enforce. Law enforcement representatives testified that existing trespass laws already address unwanted presence and that officers cannot reliably determine sex in the field. The bill drew extensive debate over enforcement, privacy, and safety, but the transcript ends before a final committee vote on HB 752 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> can be referred to a substance abuse can be referred to a substance abuse counselor<00:29:59.159
• or for substance abuse counselor or for substance abuse assessment<00:30:01.840><c> U</c><00:30:02.600
• </c> education and for substance uh abuse education and for substance uh abuse treatment<00:32:59.720
• and inform parents and build... the Hawaii substance abuse the Hawaii substance abuse Coalition<00:40
• </c><01:16:52.800><c> Prevention</c> that Substance Abuse Prevention that Substance Abuse Prevention

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The House Committees on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs and Agriculture and Food Systems heard testimony and began decision-making on HB 1246, which would establish the Hawaii Cannabis and Hemp Office within DCCA to regulate cannabis. Chair Tarnas described the bill as divisive and noted the hearing had received 95 testimonies in support, 135 in opposition, and 11 comments. Members were told the office would be administratively attached to DCCA, and the department emphasized it would not direct day-to-day operations. DCCA also raised concerns about banking access due to federal law, while the Department of Agriculture supported a one-plant, one-agency approach and noted its current authority over cannabis plant importation and movement. Several agencies and advocates supported the bill with cautions or requested amendments. The Department of Health said it appreciated the bill’s public health protections but remained concerned about increased adult-use access, youth mental health, pregnancy-related risks, and effects on developing brains; it requested a 12-month delayed effective date. The Attorney General’s office said legalization should include safeguards, recommended a longer implementation timeline and seed funding, and flagged issues in the bill involving impaired driving, open-container language, and penalties for under-21 possession. The Office of the Public Defender supported the bill but objected to new driving and possession offenses, saying existing law already covers impaired driving. Doctors for Drug Policy Reform supported the measure, citing regulation of intoxicating cannabinoids, testing, childproof packaging, and public education as public-health benefits. Opponents focused on youth access, public safety, and the bill’s broader social effects. The Honolulu Police Department opposed the bill over access and diversion concerns, and the City and County of Honolulu Prosecutor strongly opposed legalization, citing higher-potency cannabis, youth harms, psychiatric risks, and increased poison-center calls. The Hawaiʻi Substance Abuse Coalition argued legalization should wait until prevention programs are in place and funded first, while the Hawaiʻi Family Forum and Hawaiian Republican Women also opposed the measure, citing concerns about youth exposure, added bureaucracy, and taxpayer costs. The Tax Foundation of Hawaiʻi questioned the purpose of the proposed cannabis taxes, asking why cannabis should be taxed heavily if legalization is intended. The hearing continued with additional testimony after a brief audio issue for one testifier.

Transcript Highlights:

• This includes domestic abusers.
• Usually, that means that a abusers.
• </c> abuser over the victim where the abuser abuser over the victim where the abuser uses<00:16:05.839
• abuse are almost always financially<00:18:59.840><c> abused</c><00:19:00.240><c> by</c><00:19:00.400
• </c> financially abused by their partners. financially abused by their partners.

Committee: House Rules and Legislative Administration

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Shaken baby syndrome is now called abusive head trauma, and it is brain damage from baby shaking.
• And the second one is the child sexual abuse...
• One is a licensed social worker with expertise in child abuse and neglect.
• it out. are abused.
• It depends on the level of abuse.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 97, which would appropriate funding to the Department of Health for updated shaken baby syndrome, now called abusive head trauma, prevention training and educational materials, including baby models used in demonstrations. Testimony from the sponsor and the New Mexico Injury and Violence Prevention Coalition supported the bill and emphasized that the materials had not been updated since 2016. Members noted the budget already included about $167,000 for this purpose, and the bill was tabled without opposition. The committee then heard House Bill 280, creating a Youth Internship Pilot Project to support paid internships for youth as a workforce development tool. Supporters from New Mexico Voices for Children said the bill would provide mentorship and relevant work-based learning, while members questioned what occupations would qualify, whether the program would focus on trades and high-demand jobs, and how schools, employers, and Workforce Solutions would participate. The bill was tabled, with Representatives Duncan and Pettigrew recorded in opposition. The main item of the meeting was House Bill 151, as substituted by the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The bill would create a compensation fund and commission for survivors of childhood sexual abuse involving public entities, while also allowing a three-year lookback window for claims and preserving private civil claims for private entities. The sponsor explained that the substitute removed a forward-looking statute-of-limitations change, set a $700,000 cap tied to the Tort Claims Act, used an administrative eligibility process with a "more likely than not" standard, and included reporting, confidentiality, and referral provisions. Supporters described the measure as a survivor-centered way to provide compensation while limiting state exposure, but members raised concerns about attorney fees, fund solvency, private versus public liability, rural impacts, and whether the state should pay for claims involving public institutions. After public testimony in support, the committee adopted the substitute but then voted on the bill itself and ended in an 8-8 tie, so the measure remained in committee and was not advanced.

Transcript Highlights:

• is simply recognizing the signs of the abuse.
• While we often think of elder abuse in probate matters, unfortunately, elder abuse, elder abuse occurs
• and prevent abuse on this vulnerable population.
• He got abused and exploited by the probate court.
• I'm now being abused and exploited by the probate court. I'm a victim of elder abuse.

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Transcript Highlights:

• allowing fire departments to make an expenditure for educational and training supplies and fire prevention
• prevention program, and reports the same back with a recommendation that they each do pass, respectfully
• prevention program, and reports the same back with a recommendation that they each do pass, respectfully
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 5466, relating to an abuse prevention program.
• Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 546, relating to an abuse prevention program.

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But you can do something to prevent it from happening to another family.
• Uh, and, and it's too easy, but my biggest thing is like this was 100% preventable and didn't have to
• We can send them to inpatient rehab in the substance abuse felony treatment program.
• In, in this scenario, we would have prevented that.
• We would have prevented the death of Sam and Mason. By doing the halftime off, yes ma'am.

Committee: House Corrections

Transcript Highlights:

• We can send them to inpatient rehab and the Substance Abuse Felony Treatment Program.
• We have certain defendants who have a substance abuse issue or need rehab work.
• In this scenario, we would have prevented that.
• We would have prevented that. ...the death of Sam and Mason. I'm off? Yes, ma'am.
• We do have a responsibility to act and prevent future tragedies.

Bills: HB1482 , HB2017 , HB2103 , HB2341 , HB2756

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: community supervision, repeat offenders, intoxication, Texas Penal Code, criminal justice reform, intoxication manslaughter, criminal penalties, mandatory supervision, parole eligibility, Grayson's Law, mental health, trauma, jailers, law enforcement, occupational health, diligent participation, state jail felony, time credits, rehabilitation programs, de-escalation

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Our caucus has passed fraud prevention Our caucus has passed fraud prevention and<00:00:58.400><
• We'll talk more about that and abuse. We'll talk more about that today. today. today.
• Prevention<00:07:23.919><c> is</c><00:07:24.160><c> critical</c><00:07:25.160><c> and</c> Prevention
• The focus is on prevention and strengthening systems, not just enforcement.
• Um we've seen abuse, they weren't fraud.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: Senate DFL leaders held a press conference outlining a fraud-prevention agenda centered on transparency, accountability, and modernization of state systems. Majority Leader Erin Murphy said Minnesotans are angry about fraud and that the caucus has already passed multiple fraud-prevention measures, but more work is needed. She and other senators emphasized that outdated county and state IT systems leave programs vulnerable to waste and abuse, and said they want to pursue both immediate upgrades and longer-term funding solutions, including possible bonding for technology infrastructure. Senator Zena Mohamed described legislation to overhaul program integrity in Medicaid and human services by adding safeguards before, during, and after provider enrollment and service delivery. She said the goal is to prevent theft before dollars are spent, rein in third-party entities that profit without accountability, and improve consumer protections and reporting pathways. Senator Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger highlighted a bill to ban cryptocurrency kiosks, arguing they are heavily used in scams targeting seniors and vulnerable people, and also backed a state consumer financial protection bureau and stronger False Claims Act enforcement. Senator Rob Kupec focused on ethics and conflicts of interest, including a proposal to bar legislative members and certain state employees from quickly moving into jobs tied to entities receiving state appropriations or grants. He also said lawmakers should strengthen penalties for theft of public funds and restrict state contracts for people convicted of fraud. Senator Heather Gustafson promoted her Office of Inspector General bill, saying oversight is fragmented and an independent office is needed for investigations, safeguards, and early detection; she said the Senate passed the bill 60-7 last year and she wants it enacted. In response to questions, Murphy and Gustafson said the OIG should have law-enforcement powers, that bipartisan support exists in principle, and that the House needs to settle on a single proposal. The senators also said prepayment review can be useful but can disrupt services, and they argued agencies must use the tools already given to them while lawmakers continue oversight.

Transcript Highlights:

• There were some allies that prevented ICE from entering that mosque.
• and images of child sexual abuse.
• Changing one pixel from an image of child sexual abuse can prevent police from matching that child to
• The original sexual abuse image with some minor credit.
• The bill prevents officer judgment or discretion.

Committee: House Community Safety

Keywords: 904, all