Video & Transcript Research : 'Jodi Kadoyama'
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HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
House Chamber - Wed Mar 18, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 29
Hawaii House Floor Meeting
Bills:
HR203, SB2802, SB3081, SB2902, SB2005, SB3252, SB2096, SB2095, SB2046, SB2999, SB3103, SB83, SB2041, SB3234, SB3156, SB3154, SB2146, SB2053, SB2010, SB2009, SB2667, SB3215, SB2698, SB2363, SB2372, SB2673, SB2948, SB2277, SB2057, SB3085, SB3025, SB2761
Keywords:
H.R. 203, House Resolution, Hawaii education, teacher of the year, educator recognition, Jessica Canyon, Natsumi Yamasato, Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary School, National Blue Ribbon School, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, public education, K-12, elementary school, STEM education, literacy, teacher appreciation, school excellence, Hawaiʻi Legislature, keiki
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- So, is Jody Oh, you're here present. Um please proceed.
- I'm Jody Hashimoto.
- So, Jody, I see your resume. I agree with Dr.
- </c><00:03:11.840><c> Um</c> Jody on board. Um Jody on board.
- So, Jody, I see your except for me.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services committee heard and considered several gubernatorial nominations to state boards and councils. The nominees included Jody Hashimoto for the Honolulu County Subarea Health Planning Council (GM 539), Mary Pat Waterhouse for the State Council on Mental Health (GM 556), Shaun Kanani Apuuni for the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Council (GM 564), Chrissy Kiamaluhia Doyle for the Hawaii State LGBTQ+ Commission (GM 732), and John Kawamura for the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment (GM 736). Each nominee described relevant experience and why they wanted to serve, and supporters from the Department of Health and various community organizations testified in favor of the appointments.
Committee members and supporting testimony emphasized the nominees’ experience and the value of their perspectives. Hashimoto was praised for healthcare consulting, management, financial, IT, and organizational expertise; Waterhouse for her lived experience and active service in mental health; Apuuni for juvenile justice policy work and national coalition ties; Doyle for her work in education and community representation; and Kawamura for his long career in wastewater operations and environmental protection. The Department of Health also strongly supported Waterhouse and Kawamura.
Because quorum was initially limited, the chair noted that decision-making would occur later in the calendar once more members were present. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up each nomination and adopted the chair’s recommendation to advise and consent on all five measures, with no objections or written reservations noted. The meeting then adjourned.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 25th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is named after her daughter, Jody.
- Jody was not a statistic or a headline.
- Jody was not a statistic or a headline.
- We have William on behalf of Jody Mann, Melissa Kennedy on behalf of Jody Mann.
- We have William on behalf of Jody Mann, Melissa Kennedy, on behalf of Jody Mann.
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee met on March 25, 2026, and first voluntarily deferred HB 884. The committee then took up HB 806, which strengthens Louisiana’s hit-and-run laws by adding rapid notification procedures through law enforcement systems and clarifying investigative protocols. Vice Chair LaFleur and several family members of hit-and-run victims testified in strong support, describing the bill as a needed accountability and public-safety measure; it was adopted as amended and reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 143, which raises the per diem paid to sheriffs for housing state inmates in parish jails from $26.39 to $29.39 to match current appropriations practice. Sheriffs and committee members emphasized that local jails are underfunded and provide important programming and cost savings to the state; the bill was reported favorably.
The committee next approved several local or criminal justice measures. HB 93, which places the Lincoln Parish jury commission under the clerk or deputy clerk, was reported favorably without opposition. HB 166, which removes Vermilion Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District, drew discussion about regional juvenile detention funding and representation, with members noting similar concerns from other parishes; it was reported favorably. HB 429, which adds theft or unauthorized entry of critical infrastructure as a predicate crime for terrorism and expands protections for energy facilities, received support from industry groups and law enforcement, with one opposition card filed; it was amended and reported favorably. HB 231, creating the crime of intentional evasion of service of process for certain court orders, especially protective orders, was also amended and reported favorably after testimony from the sponsor and support from domestic violence and women’s advocacy groups.
The committee then advanced a package of bills by Chairwoman Villio aimed at protecting minors and addressing impaired driving. HB 58 and its companion constitutional amendment HB 51 would restrict post-conviction bail for offenders convicted of aggravated offenses against minors; the Attorney General’s office and law enforcement groups supported the measures, while the Southern Poverty Law Center opposed them, and both measures were reported favorably. HB 69 would make it a misdemeanor to tamper with or circumvent court-ordered ignition interlock requirements while on probation or otherwise required by law, and HB 82 would increase penalties for repeat DWI offenders with prior serious injury or death-related convictions; both were supported by prosecutors, police, sheriffs, and MADD, amended where needed, and reported favorably. The committee adjourned after completing action on the listed bills.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/05/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- In 1983, Jodi and I officially took over the dairy herd.
- In 1983, Jodi and I officially took over the dairy herd.
- In 1983, Jodi and I officially took over the dairy herd.
- </c> "Question, and I'll turn it over to Jody to respond to Chair Westrom's, or Mr.
- Thank you, Jody.
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Health and Human Services Feb 2nd, 2026 at 08:33 am
House Health & Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- So I have Jody Hendricks, and then Anne McKinney, so go ahead, Jody.
- Anne McKinney, so go ahead, Jody. Hello, Chair and members of the committee.
- Anne McKinney, so go ahead, Jody. Hello, Chair and members of the committee.
- Anne McKinney, so go ahead, Jody. Hello, Chair and members of the committee.
- Anne McKinney, so go ahead, Jody. Hello, Chair and members of the committee.
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- May I defer that to Jody? Jody Ann said she's going to answer that.
- Jody Ann, if you recognize yourself, you can proceed with your slide show. I'll do it.
- And so, Jody Ann, I'm looking at the graphic that you have.
- And so, uh, Jody Ann, I'm looking at, I'm looking at the, the graphic that you have.
- So, Jody Ann, you began talking about the reason why...
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Arkansas DHS hospital spending and reimbursement methods, with Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks explaining Medicaid hospital payments. They described fee-for-service per diem payments, cost settlements, and the upper payment limit (UPL) program, noting that SFY 2025 hospital payments included $688 million in inpatient/outpatient claims, $473 million in UPL payments, $248 million in cost settlements, and about $47 million in other payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked about why per diem rates vary, how cost settlements work, why UPL applies mainly to private hospitals, and how assessment fees are structured and funded. DHS said the hospital assessment fee is broad-based and uniform, used as the state share to draw federal funds, and that supplemental hospital payments after federal match totaled $548 million with no general revenue used.
The Arkansas Hospital Association’s Jody Ann Tritt then gave a broader overview of the hospital landscape, explaining the different hospital types in the state, including critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals. She said Arkansas hospitals face financial strain, citing a negative 5.18% patient service margin statewide and lower reimbursement than surrounding states. She argued that Arkansas hospitals are paid less than hospitals in neighboring states for similar services, that commercial payer rates and administrative burdens are a major problem, and that Medicaid and Medicare rates remain below cost even with UPL support. She also said hospitals are the backbone of community care, provide emergency and public health functions, and are looking for ways to invest in technology and telehealth but often lack the revenue to do so.
Members pressed for clearer data on hospital finances, reimbursement adequacy, and the impact of commercial insurers. Tritt said the association had just authorized a statewide survey to gather updated financial information from hospitals, which she said would take about a year to complete. She also explained that Medicaid pays weekly, Medicare and commercial plans can involve delays and denials, and that hospitals often spend significant resources on revenue cycle work. The discussion ended with a brief update on assisted living reimbursement: DHS said one facility, The Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, nine Living Choices waiver clients were being transitioned, and the updated rate study would be available after cost reports are collected, likely before the end of the fiscal year. The meeting then adjourned.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- May I defer that to Jody? Jody Ann said she's going to answer that.
- We'll have Jody Ann up shortly for the Hospital Association to add to the conversation.
- Jody Ann, if you recognize yourself, you can proceed with your slide show. I'll do it.
- Jody Ann, if you recognize yourself, you can proceed with your slide show. I'll do it.
- And so, Jody Ann, I'm looking at the graphic that you have.
Summary:
The subcommittee met to review Department of Human Services hospital payments in Arkansas Medicaid, with DHS Secretary Janet Mann and Deputy Secretary Misty Eubanks presenting first, followed by Arkansas Hospital Association Executive Vice President Jody Ann Tritt and a brief comment from Arkansas Children’s. DHS outlined the main hospital payment streams: fee-for-service per diem payments, upper payment limit (UPL) supplemental payments, cost settlements, and smaller payments such as graduate medical education and disproportionate share hospital funds. Members asked for plain-language explanations of cost settlements, why per diem rates vary by hospital type, and why UPL applies to private hospitals. DHS said cost settlements and UPL are mechanisms to help offset Medicaid underpayment, with SFY 2025 hospital payments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and no general revenue used for supplemental payments beyond the state share funded through hospital assessments and related financing structures.
Committee members focused heavily on whether Arkansas hospitals are adequately reimbursed and why rural hospitals struggle. Tritt explained that critical access hospitals, rural emergency hospitals, PPS hospitals, and specialty hospitals operate under different federal and state rules, and said lower per diem rates for some facilities help with cash flow and later cost settlement adjustments. She said Arkansas hospitals are under financial strain, citing a negative patient services margin statewide and noting that Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial payers all contribute to the problem. She also said the association had just authorized a statewide survey of hospital finances and costs, which she expected would take about a year to complete.
A major theme was commercial insurance reimbursement. Tritt argued Arkansas hospitals are paid far less than hospitals in neighboring states even though premiums are similar, and said administrative burdens, prior authorizations, and denials add to the problem. She said hospitals receive about 52 to 53 cents on the dollar for Medicaid costs without UPL and about 78 cents with UPL, still below cost. Members also discussed Medicare wage index issues, Medicare Advantage, and whether hospitals could use technology or alternative arrangements to improve finances. No votes were taken on the hospital presentation.
At the end of the meeting, DHS provided a brief update on Living Choices and assisted living reimbursement. Officials said one assisted living facility, Pillars of the Community in Crossett, had announced closure, with nine waiver clients being transitioned to other settings. DHS said the current cost reporting period was underway and that a new rate study could be ready for review before the end of the fiscal year if reports were submitted on time. Members also asked about the broader waiver plan, and DHS said the next waiver iteration would likely be brought back to the committee in the summer.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice Mar 25th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- This bill is named after her daughter, Jody.
- Jody is a hit-and-run victim, and I'm not going to... ...after her daughter, Jody.
- Jody was not a statistic or a headline.
- We have Lois Crowe on behalf of Jody Mann.
- We have William on behalf of Jody Mann, Melissa Kennedy on behalf of Jody Mann.
Keywords:
bail, conviction, aggravated offense, minors, constitutional amendment, bail reform, post-conviction, minor victims, legal rights, ignition interlock device, DUI, public safety, vehicle operation, criminal justice reform, DWI, driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, penalties, criminal justice, jury commission
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- A lot of us lost a very good friend two days ago, representative, former representative, Jody Lobosky
- Jody was very petite in stature, but when dealing with a bill, and particularly in that bill, she was
- I just want to say that we all love Jody very, very much.
- I just wanted to rise for a moment to say something about Jody.
- But again, Jody, the Lord is looking down upon you favorably, and we all know His comments were that
Bills:
SB 2, SB 10, HB27, HB18, HB17, SB 9, SB 7, SB 17, SB 4, HB18, SR 1, SR 2, SR 5, HB18, HB17, SB9, SB7, SB17, SB4, SR1, SR2, SR5, SB2, SB10, HB27
Keywords:
HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance
AR
Arkansas 2026 Regular Session
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE Mar 16th, 2026
ALC-HOSPITAL, MEDICAID, & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES STUDY SUBCOMMITTEE
Transcript Highlights:
- Witness: May I defer that to Jody? Jody Ann said she's going to answer that.
- Representative Love: Madam Chair, I'll get back in the queue when Jody Ann gets up. Thank you.
- I'm Jody Ann Tritt. I'm the executive vice president of the Arkansas Hospital Association.
- And so, Jody Ann, I'm looking at the graphic that you have.
- And so, Jody Ann, I'm looking at the graphic that you have.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, we have Jody Tass, or Tass. I always get that wrong, don't I, Jody?
- Chairman, we have Jody Tass or Tass. I always get that wrong, don't I, Jody.
- Uh, Jody, you're on the list again.
- Um, Jody... Who you're representing, and you have a couple of minutes.
- Jody Paulson, not here. Okay. Mr. Fincham, please move the bill. Mr.
Summary:
The committee took up several appropriations, transportation, naming, and education measures. It first approved SB 1035, which provides a FY27 General Fund appropriation for a 5% salary increase for Arizona Department of Corrections sworn officers and civilian employees; an amendment set the appropriation at $34 million and extended the raise to private prison employees under contract. Testimony from corrections advocates emphasized severe staffing shortages and pay gaps with other law enforcement employers, while some senators objected to including private prisons. The bill passed 6-3. The committee then approved SCM 102 and SCM 1006, which rename stretches of highway in honor of L.F. Quinn and PFC Michael Nolan, respectively, after emotional testimony from family members and local supporters; both memorial measures passed 9-1. SB 1065, appropriating $3.64 million for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Military Veterans Fund, also passed 6-4 after supporters described HBOT as a promising, drug-free treatment for veterans, while opponents questioned the evidence and FDA approval for the claimed uses. SB 1248, which clarifies funding and attendance rules for county jail and juvenile detention education programs, passed unanimously 10-0 after county school officials said it would prevent double-counting students and separate funding streams properly.
The committee also advanced transportation bills focused on the fast-growing West Valley corridor. SB 1204 appropriates $5.5 million to ADOT to design and conduct environmental analysis for interchange improvements at U.S. 60 and SR 303; supporters from the City of Surprise described severe congestion, safety risks, and economic impacts, while some senators argued the project should be funded through HURF rather than the General Fund. It passed 8-1, and the chair invited members to discuss broader HURF funding issues later. SB 1207, a smaller $150,000 study bill to examine financing mechanisms for development tied to U.S. 60/SR 303 infrastructure, also passed 7-1 after local officials said it would help align growth with transportation funding. SB 1274, creating a Police Foundation specialty license plate and fund for Phoenix Police Foundation programs, passed 6-2; the foundation said proceeds would support officer wellness, remembrance, and community/youth outreach. Finally, SB 1001, a $1 million appropriation for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program, passed 9-0 after blind seniors and advocates testified that the services preserve independence and prevent more costly institutional care. The committee also heard SB 1161, which would make non-lapsing a prior $750,000 DPS appropriation for the Yuma County Family Advocacy Center, with the sponsor explaining it was intended to allow the funds to be spent over multiple years; the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Rep. Ben Bakeberg departing member remarks 5/18/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And to Jody Withers, who is going to not be happy that he gets called out, but just the Rolodex of knowledge
- So, thank you for that, Jody. researchers in in education, they're researchers in in education, they're
- </c><00:01:41.280><c> And</c><00:01:41.440><c> to</c><00:01:41.560><c> Jody</c><00:01:41.840><c> Withers
- And to Jody Withers who they're amazing.
- And to Jody Withers who is<00:01:43.600><c> going</c><00:01:43.760><c> to</c><00:01:44.200><c> not</c
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
February 5, 2026 - 09:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- Clerk: Jodi James, the Florida Cannabis Action Network is here for info only. Chair: Yes, Ma'am.
- Jodi James: Good morning Chair. Thank you very much to all the Jodi James: members.
- Jodi James: Are you implying that I have no presumption of innocence?
- Jodi James: That's not good lawmaking. Constitutionally protected, state legal, parity.
- Jodi James: Do you believe that adults can be adults and still have access to marijuana?
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Consumer Protection & Business Jan 21st, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Consumer Protection & Business
Transcript Highlights:
- Jody, we are ready when you're ready. You have three minutes. Good afternoon.
- Jody Cowell: Good afternoon, Madam Chair, members of the committee.
- My name is Jody Cowell, and I own and operate, with my husband, One Wines.
- Jody Cowell continued: ...simply because the businesses do not share common ownership.
- Do we have any questions for Jody? Okay, Jody, have a nice afternoon.
Keywords:
alcohol service, sports facilities, amusement venues, recreational activities, patron engagement, alcohol warehousing, regulation, liquor distribution, storage standards, state laws, liquor licenses, multiple premises, alcohol distribution, commercial leasing, regulatory reform, winery, restaurant license, alcohol, spirits, beer
Summary:
The Consumer Protection and Business Committee held public hearings on several alcohol-licensing bills. House Bill 2128 would expand the sports entertainment facility liquor license to cover facilities where patrons engage in sports, amusement, or recreational activities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor and the Washington Hospitality Association, said it would help a controlled, fenced-in adventure park in Leavenworth serve alcohol throughout the park while preserving LCB oversight and safety controls. A remote testifier from the park could not be heard. Members asked about whether the bill expanded alcohol access and about violation rates; staff said a fiscal note had been requested but not yet received.
House Bill 2207 would create a bonded beer warehouse license and align beer warehousing with existing wine warehousing rules. The prime sponsor said it would help a Ridgefield logistics warehouse store beer as it already stores wine and spirits, though she noted she was considering amendments to address direct-to-consumer shipping and federal compliance. Brewers supported the bill as a parity and small-business measure, while distributors and spirits/wine distributors opposed or raised concerns about direct-to-consumer shipping, public access, and the need for stronger guardrails. The warehouse owner testified that the facility is highly secured and that the bill would help breweries avoid unnecessary warehousing costs.
House Bill 2536 would allow wineries to hold spirits, beer, and wine restaurant licenses at additional winery locations. The sponsor and Washington Wine Institute said the bill would reduce administrative burdens and let wineries operate more like breweries already can, without increasing alcohol access. DeLille Cellars testified that current law forces wineries to create separate entities and duplicate payroll, HR, accounting, and compliance systems for offsite tasting-room restaurants. House Bill 2476 would remove the 120-seat-per-screen limit for theaters seeking a spirits, beer, and wine theater license. Theater owners and hospitality groups supported the change, saying theaters already operate under alcohol control plans and that the cap limits attendance at popular events; the sponsor said the bill would not expand alcohol access, only remove an outdated seating restriction.
The committee also heard House Bill 1701, which would allow multiple liquor licensees to operate separate premises within a shared facility and let LCB review leases or agreements. The sponsor said it would help a Chelan winery/brewery/restaurant complex operate under separate leases, and he said he was willing to remove the Public Records Act exemption again. Distributors supported transparency but opposed the PRA exemption and urged filing lease information with the LCB. In executive action, the committee adopted Amendment Claude 407 to House Bill 2229, which restores the current name of the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, and then reported Substitute House Bill 2229 out of committee with a due pass recommendation by an 8-6 vote, with one member excused.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, next speaker is Jody Liggett. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Mr.
- My name is Jody Liggett, and I'm here today speaking on behalf of Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona
- Chair, we have signed in Jody Paulson. Seeing none, moving on. Signed in: Jody Paulson.
- Jody Liggett. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
- Next speaker, Jody Liggett. Good morning again. It's the morning, I think. Good morning, Mr.
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, drive-by shooting, gun violence, firearms, felony, vehicle forfeiture, driver license revocation, drive by shooting, public safety, criminal penalties, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't see her yeah she's on Jodie I don't see her yeah she's on there<01:31:39.040><c> Jody</c><01
- Yes, you have Jody Froland on Zoom.
- Don't ever apologize, Jody. Jody is amazing.
- </c> right Senator ay well thanks and hi Jody right Senator ay well thanks and hi Jody um<01:47:10.840
- <01:47:47.280><c> and</c><01:47:47.760><c> Wendy</c><01:47:48.119><c> and</c> Jody and Wendy and Jody
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Natural Resources
Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference
Transcript Highlights:
- Collar, Kerry Citric, Summer Baker, Jody Brackett, Gary Stewart, Patty Party, Joel E.
- Chair, board members, my name is Jody Brackett.
- There are well over a thousand... ...board members, my name is Jody Brackett.
- All right, signed in we have Jody Brackett, Gary Stewart, Melissa Price, Joel Cully, Laurel Adrian, and
- Hi, my name is Jody Brackett.
Summary:
The Natural Resources Committee approved the minutes from January 20 and January 27, 2026, and then heard several bills dealing with water policy, environmental regulation, wildlife management, and cosmetics testing. SB 1278 would ban intentional solar radiation management activities in Arizona and bar public entities and recipients of public funds from supporting such technologies; supporters argued it was needed to stop geoengineering, while opponents said it would block research and distract from real pollution problems. The committee voted 5-2 to give SB 1278 a do pass recommendation.
The committee then considered SB 1279, which updates Arizona’s weather modification/cloud seeding permitting process by adding ADWR and ADEQ review, public notice and meetings, and a licensing database. A nine-page amendment shifted complaint enforcement to ADWR, added cease-and-desist and fine authority, and changed rulemaking timelines; the amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 5-2. Testimony was mixed: supporters emphasized transparency and safety, Salt River Project was neutral after stakeholder work, and ADEQ said it was neutral but warned it lacked standards, resources, and time to develop the required chemical limits and rules.
SB 1005, which would prohibit the sale of cosmetics developed with animal testing beginning in 2027, received a do pass recommendation 4-2 after supporters cited cruelty concerns and the availability of non-animal testing methods. SB 1202, requiring ADWR to include outline data in five-year groundwater supply-and-demand assessments, also passed 4-2 despite agency concerns that the bill would require extensive hydrologic modeling, significant resources, and could produce misleading conclusions about available water. SB 1280, barring state transport or use of public resources to move Mexican gray wolf pups into Arizona, passed 4-2 after testimony split between conservation advocates, who said it would hinder recovery, and supporters concerned about livestock impacts; Game and Fish was neutral. Finally, SB 1287, with a conforming amendment, passed 5-1 to extend a groundwater-use provision for irrigation grandfathered rights from initial AMAs to subsequent AMAs, which ADWR said would reduce burden and create parity across management areas.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, next speaker is Jody Liggett. Good morning. Good morning. Good morning, Mr.
- My name is Jody Liggett, and I'm here today speaking on behalf of Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona
- Chair, we have signed in Jody Paulson. Seeing none, moving on.
- Jody Liggett. Good morning, Mr. Chairman and members of the committee.
- Next speaker, Jody Liggett. Good morning again. It's the morning, I think. Good morning, Mr.
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee met with a full roster of members present and heard a series of bills focused largely on criminal law, victims’ rights, and family law. The committee first heard HB 2133, which would require commercial websites distributing sexual material online to verify consent and age for each depicted person, including AI-generated or altered images. Supporters said it would close loopholes in existing revenge-porn and child-exploitation laws, while opponents warned it added more complexity to already lengthy criminal statutes. The bill passed 7-1. The committee then heard HB 2043, expanding felony murder to include unborn children; supporters argued it would close a gap in the homicide statutes, while opponents raised concerns about personhood, reproductive rights, and abortion-related implications. It passed 6-2. HB 2144, allowing child support calculations to begin during pregnancy and limiting pregnancy-related expenses, also passed 6-2 after testimony split between supporters citing parental responsibility and opponents warning about fetal personhood and abortion-related concerns.
The committee next considered HB 2126, allowing a venue change in civil actions when a party is employed by the local judicial branch or clerk’s office. The sponsor described it as a fairness and public-confidence measure, and county representatives said they were working on amendments; it passed 7-0 with one member voting present pending amended language. HB 2045, expanding the definition of discharging a weapon from a motor vehicle to include the immediate area around the vehicle, drew testimony about drive-by shootings and concerns about vagueness and overlap with existing homicide laws; it passed 7-1. HB 2046, requiring notice to victims for pre-hearings in annual probation review hearings for certain young sex-offense probationers, passed unanimously. HB 2048, which would limit private process servers from serving certain exclusive-possession orders of protection, prompted debate over victim safety, service delays, and whether private servers were improperly charging fees; it passed 8-0 with one present.
The committee also heard HB 2074, as amended, creating a mandatory reporting requirement for medical-facility employees, contractors, or volunteers who know a partial-birth abortion occurred, with the amendment increasing the penalty to a class six felony. Supporters framed it as a reporting and accountability measure, while opponents argued it targeted a procedure already banned and would add unnecessary abortion restrictions. The amended bill passed 5-3. Finally, the committee heard HB 264, creating criminal penalties for injuring or killing vulnerable pedestrians using mobility aids. Opponents said it duplicated existing traffic and homicide laws and could criminalize negligent accidents; after some members expressed reservations but voted yes pending further discussion, the bill passed 8-1. The committee then adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So I'm going to have Jodi in a minute, when she talks.
- Chairman, I'll stop and turn it over to Jody. Where's Patty?
- But I'll let Jody add anything. Jody Phillips, Texas Deer Association.
- Yes, Jody Phillips, TDA.
- Follow up on something, didn't you, Jodi?
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/03/2026 - Senate Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Appropriations, Transportation and Technology
Transcript Highlights:
- Jody Paulson. No one here. Okay, will the vice chair please move the bill?
- Chairman, we have Jody Tass, or Tass. I always get that wrong, don't I, Jody.
- Jody, you're on the list again.
- Um, Jody... Jody Tass, City of Surprise, the 10th biggest city in the state of Arizona.
- Jody Paulson, not here. Okay. Mr. Finchem, please move the bill. Mr.
Bills:
SB1001, SB1035, SB1056, SB1065, SB1138, SB1161, SB1204, SB1207, SB1248, SB1274, SB1284, SCM1002, SCM1006, SCR1020
Keywords:
appropriation, economic security, blind individuals, older adults, state funding, Arizona Department of Corrections, ADC, corrections, prison, jail, correctional officers, prison guards, staffing, retention, salary increase, pay raise, wage increase, general fund, state budget, private prisons