Bills: HB442, HB459, HB90, HB91, HB461, HB481

Keywords: codification, Code of Alabama 1975, cumulative supplement, replacement volume, technical corrections, code cleanup, state code update, local laws, Secretary of State, Code Commissioner, Thomson Reuters, boating violation, scrivener's error, typographical correction, clerical correction, legislative housekeeping, 2024 Regular Session, 2025 session statutes, county local laws, official code publication

Transcript Highlights:

• There was a report from Thomson Reuters last year, The Future of Professionals, that said that AI has

Summary: The Civil Justice and Claims Subcommittee met with a quorum and took up House Bill 413, relating to attorney’s fees, suit money, and costs in family law cases. Representative Gottlieb explained that the bill and strike-all amendment were intended to promote fairness, create more uniformity across circuits, expand judicial discretion in awarding fees, and strengthen enforcement language. Members discussed how the amendment’s reference to good-faith settlement offers would apply only after trial in fee determinations, not during the trial itself. Jamie Epstein of the Florida Bar’s Family Law Section supported the measure overall, saying it would improve consistency and deter bad-faith litigation, but noted concern about one paragraph creating a presumption of entitlement to fees in contempt actions. The committee adopted the strike-all amendment and then passed HB 413 favorably as amended by a 13-0 vote. Chair Koster said the bill would provide needed clarification in family law practice and help parties litigate more professionally and amicably. After the vote, the committee heard a presentation from Florida Bar President Sayah Baker Barnes on the Florida Bar’s role and the impact of artificial intelligence on the legal profession. Baker Barnes described the Florida Bar as an arm of the Florida Supreme Court responsible for regulating lawyers, protecting the public, handling discipline, reimbursing some victims of lawyer theft through the client security fund, and providing continuing legal education. She said AI use among lawyers has grown rapidly and that the Bar has created committees, guidance, and an ethics opinion to help lawyers use AI responsibly. She emphasized that lawyers remain responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated citations and work product, noted that Florida courts have already disciplined lawyers and a pro se litigant for fake AI-generated citations, and discussed confidentiality, privilege, and deepfake concerns. Members asked about protecting client information and finding best-practice resources, and she directed them to the Bar’s LegalFuel site and AI guidance materials. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HR 867 by Lauterbach, HR 870 by Pohl, HR 871 by Compost, HR 872 by Reuters, HR 875 by Lopez de Cameron
• HR 867 by Lauterbach, HR 870 by Pohl, HR 871 by Compost, HR 872 by Reuters, HR 875 by Lopez de Cameron
• HR 867 by Lauterbach, HR 870 by Pohl, HR 871 by Compost, HR 872 by Reuters, HR 875 by Lopez de Cameron
• HR 867 by Lauterbach, HR 870 by Pohl, HR 871 by Compost, HR 872 by Reuters, HR 875 by Lopez de Cameron
• Thomson voting aye, Mr. Meyer voting aye, Ms. Flores voting aye, Ms. Noble voting aye.

Bills: HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102, HB 107, HB1587, HB3684, HB658, HJR99, HB1399, HJR5, HJR2, HJR6, HJR31, HB1971, SJR3, HB1775, HJR72, HB502, HB3109, HJR98, HJR8, HJR133, HB 118, HB388, HB 114, HB205, HB2789, HB2791, HB499, HB2960, HB3163, HB3135, HB2427, HB1618, HB1672, HB1722, HB1338, HB787, HB2618, HB879, HB 1126, HB4134, HB3513, HB718, HB1536, HB1445, HB1640, HB1893, HB1734, HB3229, HB3306, HB 1276, HB3272, HB3276, HB3516, HB4145, HB1585, HB4810, HB2989, HB2558, HB3014, HB2742, HB1695, HB23, HB33, HB144, HB 109, HB 103, HB148, HB3809, HB1686, HB2217, HB2156, HB220, HB2421, HB2363, HB3773, HB421, HB2584, HB2615, HB2455, HB3711, HB2559, HB3747, HB2775, HB2886, HB3126, HB3666, HB3595, HB3260, HB3506, HB1638, HB3376, HB3826, HB3628, HB1349, HB3770, HB1831, HB1762, HB2614, HB3113, HB267, HB322, HB431, HB869, HB 1203, HB 1201, HB 1244, HB1875, HB1950, HB2152, HB2290, HB2341, HB2436, HB2809, HB2856, HB3012, HB2954, HCR56, HCR102

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, nuclear energy, electric generation, funding, Texas nuclear development fund, advanced reactors, HJR 133, Texas constitutional amendment, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, homestead exemption, surviving spouse, veteran, veterans benefits, service-connected death, presumed service-connected condition

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomson. Here. Madam Vice Chair. Here. Madam Chair. Thank you.
• Representative Thomson. Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Yes. Representative Thomson, yes. Madam Vice Chair.
• Representative Thomson. Yes. Madam Vice Chair. Yes. Madam Chair. Yes.
• Next we have Representative Thomson.
• Madam Chair, Representative Thomson, members of the committee.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So we have a product called Thomson Reuters and IBM that we are using, and those products have some features

Summary: The Budget Subcommittee on State Administration heard presentations on the Department of Industrial Relations’ labor-related budget items, with the main focus on proposed trailer bill language to reform the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) and a related budget change proposal for staffing. DIR said SIBTF has grown far beyond its original purpose, citing the 2020 Todd decision, expanded eligibility based on chronic or asymptomatic conditions, and a backlog that has grown to more than 30,000 pending cases. The administration argued the reforms would restore guardrails, reduce liabilities and employer assessments, and speed processing for severely injured workers; the LAO said the proposal was largely consistent with its prior recommendations. Members raised concerns about using trailer bill language for major policy changes, the retroactive application to open cases, and the impact on workers already in the queue, while supporters from employer groups and public agencies backed the proposal as necessary to control costs and restore sustainability. Public comment was split, with injured-worker advocates opposing the retroactive changes and business/public employer representatives supporting the reforms. The committee then heard the SIBTF workload request, which would phase in 177 positions over five years at a cost of $36.5 million, including staff for the Division of Workers’ Compensation, the Office of the Director Legal Unit, and administrative support. DIR said the additional staffing is intended to address very high caseloads and reduce processing times, but emphasized that the request assumes the reform package is adopted; LAO agreed the staffing increase made sense if paired with reforms. Members asked about vacancy rates, current staffing, and whether the workload request would become the new normal, and DIR said it would monitor caseload trends and adjust future requests as needed. Finally, the committee received an update on the California Workplace Outreach Program (CWOP), which DIR described as a partnership with community-based organizations to educate workers and help employers comply with labor laws. DIR reported that CWOP has reached 1.75 million workers and employers and made 8 million touchpoints since 2020, with the current round awarding $50.7 million to 87 partners for a two-year period through June 2027. Members and public commenters highlighted the program’s role in reaching immigrant, farmworker, janitorial, nail salon, and other vulnerable communities, and several speakers urged continued funding at $30 million per year for five years. No votes were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• we rent from Canon, for example, and the subscription services that we purchased from Westlaw and Thomson
• Reuters.

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomson. Here. Madam Vice Chair. Madam Chair. Present. Okay, thank you.
• And Representative Thomson? Yes. Representative Thomson? Yes. Madam Vice Chair? Yes. Madam Chair.
• But that's Representative Thomson. Thank you, Madam Chair.
• Representative Thomson. Thank you. Just a couple of questions, Madam Chair.
• Madam Chair, Representative Thomson, yes.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Mr.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Mr.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.

Bills: HM3, HM11, HM14, HM15, HM18, HM21, HB10, HB11, HB12, HB13, HB14, HB31, HB50

Keywords: nurses, health care workers, healthcare workers, frontline workers, hospital staff, clinicians, allied health professionals, support staff, public health, workforce shortage, nursing shortage, safe staffing, patient safety, rural health care, frontier communities, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorder, substance abuse, health care memorial

Transcript Highlights:

• Reuter. Here. Veet. Zimmerman. All right.
• Representative Reuter. To inquire? You may proceed.
• Representative Reuter. Representative Reuter. Proceed.
• Representative Reuter. To inquire, please proceed.
• Representative Reuter. Okay. Thank you very much. Representative Reuter. To inquire? Proceed.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomson. Here. Madam Vice Chair. Madam Chair. Present.
• Next, we have Representative Thomson. Excuse me. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you for this.
• And then what I was talking about with Representative Thomson, I would be willing to... ...asked.
• And then what I was talking about with Representative Thomson, I would be willing to look at a nonviolent
• Next, we have Representative Thomson. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll be brief. Just ditto, ditto.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomson. Here. Vice Chair. Here. Chair. Present. Chair, we have a quorum. Thank you.
• Representative Thomson. Thank you, Madam Chair. And I, too, am in support. I'm just curious.
• Madam Chair, Representative Thomson, last state fiscal year we expended a little bit over $350,000 on
• Representative Thomson? Yes. Madam Vice Chair? Yes. Madam Chair? Yes.
• Committee, Representative Thomson. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• , Reuter.
• Well, Representative Reuter, did you have any thoughts on the charging versus the report?
• Representative Reuter? I'd let you proceed if you'd like. Okay. Representative Reuter?
• Representative Reuter?
• Representative Reuter?

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Vice Chair Thomson? Gerdes, Guerin, Harless. Harris. Aye. Hernandez. Longoria. Aye. McQueen. Aye.
• Vice Chair Thomson. Aye. Gerdes. Aye. Garren. Aye. Harless. Aye. Harris? Aye. Hernandez?

Bills: HB2450, SB378, SB764, SB917, SB1254, SB1255

Keywords: elevator inspection, building safety, construction standards, health and safety code, regulatory requirements, SB 378, Texas Occupations Code, barbering, cosmetology, barber, cosmetologist, licensing, professional licensing, unauthorized practice, medical procedures, skin incision, dermis, injections, devices, consumer safety

Transcript Highlights:

• It used to be owned by Thomson Reuters, but the team that works on it has broken off from Thomson Reuters
• 04:34:05.400> owned<04:34:06.160> by<04:34:06.359> Thompson<04:34:06.719> Reuters
• c><04:34:07.561> but<04:34:08.039> um<04:34:08.199> the uh owned by Thompson Reuters
• but um the uh owned by Thompson Reuters but um the team<04:34:08.719> that<04:34:09.320> works
• roughly about a from Thompson Reuters roughly about a year<04:34:12.199> ago<04:34:12.879>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a Department of Corrections capital budget presentation on HB 25, focused largely on urgent maintenance and security needs at the New Hampshire State Prison for Men and other DOC facilities. DOC officials described the governor’s proposed priorities: boiler surge and radiator tank replacements, electronic controls and camera upgrades, and replacement of HVAC units using R22 refrigerant. They also outlined additional requested projects totaling $15.4 million, including a body alarm/man-down system at Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility, steam line and trap repairs, fire alarm replacements, and removal of an underground diesel tank in favor of above-ground storage. DOC testified that many systems are well beyond their expected service life, including 40-year-old boilers, outdated analog cameras, and HVAC equipment using discontinued R22 refrigerant. They said the men’s prison is relying on a leased temporary boiler, has significant steam leaks causing major water loss and reduced boiler efficiency, and is dealing with frequent fire alarm faults and deteriorating wiring. On the body alarm system, they said the vendor no longer supports the equipment and replacement parts are no longer available. On the diesel tank, members questioned whether it could be abandoned in place or whether fuel could be reused; DOC said it had not explored all alternatives and would follow up, while noting the tank is underground and tied into the warehouse system. Members also asked whether some current investments could be reused in the planned new men’s prison. DOC said some items, such as air handlers, might potentially be moved, but most projects are needed to keep the current facility operational and would not be practical to transfer. Questions were also raised about the leased boiler arrangement, the use of the man-down system by staff and visitors, and whether the kitchen project could be converted to a modular unit. DOC said the modular kitchen approach is necessary because the existing kitchen cannot remain fully operational during repairs. The committee then moved to lapse extensions, and DOC identified several projects no longer needing extensions, including items numbered 64, 65, and 66 in HB 25, with the chair noting those balances would be deleted and that the lapse amount was $550,500.

Transcript Highlights:

• Reuter? Here. Rush? Myrith? Here. Mosley? Reuter? Here. Welling Camp? Wolfen?
• Reuter? Aye. Rush? No. Smith? Wellen Camp? Aye. Wolfen? Aye. Okay.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Reuter? Here. Rush? Myrith? Here. Mosley? Reuter? Here. Welling Camp? Wolfen?
• Reuter? Aye. Rush? No. Smith? Wellen Camp? Aye. Wolfen? Aye. Okay.

Summary: The Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs met in executive session and considered House Bill 2656, along with House Bill 2388 as part of a committee substitute package. Representative Walshmore explained the substitute’s main changes: it replaced the term “entity” with “person” to simplify definitions, narrowed the reporting requirements to avoid unnecessary reports, focused the bill on ground-based conduct involving cloud-seeding equipment and aircraft, and clarified penalties. Under the substitute, a violation would be a misdemeanor, a second offense a low-level felony, and any offense causing injury would be a felony; civil penalties were removed in favor of allowing damages actions. The committee adopted the substitute ending in 0.04C by voice vote. It then moved the House Committee Substitute for House Bills 2656 and 2388 to a do pass recommendation. After a roll call vote, the motion passed 8-3, with the committee voting to recommend the bills do pass. The hearing then concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair Thomson. Yes. Representative E. Chavez? No, and I'd like to explain my vote.
• We have Chair Thomson presenting the bill with her experts.
• Chair Thomson, you may begin when you are ready. by the Primary Care Association.
• Senator Cortez, no, but Vice Chair Hunden, yes, Chair Thomson, yes.

Transcript Highlights:

• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Mr. Speaker, I move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.
• Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth Thomson, Chair. Move adoption.

Bills: HB111, HB61, HB43, HB156, HB70, SB3, HB103, HB109, HB128, HB247, HJM2, HJM3, HM7, HM17, HM4, HM22, HM23, HM24, HM26, HM2, HM16, HM32, HM11, HM14, HM21, HM34, HM50

Keywords: water law, state engineer, civil penalty, compliance order, water rights, overdiversion, illegal diversion, groundwater storage and recovery, well license, permit violation, water enforcement, New Mexico water code, irrigation district, conservancy district, water diversion, unauthorized water sales, measuring device, district court appeal, water resources, water compliance

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, the family representing former Governor Meldrim Thomson, Rob Thomson, and Sheila Thomson.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Representative Thomson. Here. Madam Vice Chair. Madam Chair. Madam Chair, we have a quorum.
• Representative Thomson. Thank you.
• The reason I ask, Madam Chair, Representative Thomson, is because it's even making a smaller audience
• Representative Thomson: Yes. Madam Vice Chair: Yes to table. Madam Chair: Yes to table.

Keywords: 996, all