Video & Transcript Research : 'coerced sterilization'
Page 1 of 42
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate - Indian, Rural and Cultural Affairs Feb 3rd, 2026 at 10:04 am
Senate Indian, Rural & Cultural Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- and forced sterilization.
- Now I sit with Keely Badger, who did a dissertation on forced and coerced sterilization, which is one
- Coerce and forced sterilization under international law is considered a crime against humanity.
- and coerced sterilization.
- Forced and coerced sterilization happened within our living memory and carried out Through government
Bills:
SM14
Keywords:
forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs, Commission on the Status of Women, survivor testimony, reproductive health access, genocide, transitional justice
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- Sterilization of Indigenous Women and Women of Color in the Study.
- Without understanding in their own language what it means to be sterilized.
- That's when I was, informed I was sterilized.
- sterilization of indigenous women and women of color in this state.
- What we're Asking is for the coerced and forced sterilization SM 14 to be passed.
Keywords:
land grant, Las Vegas, governance, self-governance, judicial management, forced sterilization, coerced sterilization, Indigenous women, Native American women, women of color, reproductive justice, reproductive sovereignty, truth and reconciliation commission, memorial, trauma-informed care, reparative justice, human rights, bodily autonomy, Indian Health Service, Indian affairs
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- groups to block highways, attack officers, destroy property, and intimidate civilians and attempt to coerce
- groups to block highways, attack officers, destroy property, and intimidate civilians and attempt to coerce
- That term refers to the mass commission of minor crimes in order to intimidate or coerce civilians into
- is really immaterial to whether that should be treated as a very serious attempt to intimidate or coerce
- “So 2411 seeks to strengthen protections for pregnant women by addressing coerced and non-consensual
Keywords:
forcible entry, detainer, writ of restitution, criminal trespass, judgment enforcement, civil terrorism, disorderly conduct, vandalism, political activism, public order, subversion, government security, criminal records, sealing records, civil rights, expungement, rehabilitation, coerced abortion, abortion-inducing drugs, felony
Summary:
The committee heard several bills dealing with criminal penalties, probation, record sealing, fraud jurisdiction, reproductive coercion, and family court evidence. HB 2047 would elevate trespass after service of a writ of restitution from third-degree to first-degree criminal trespass; supporters, including the Arizona Constables Association, said the current misdemeanor classification leads law enforcement to deprioritize unsafe eviction-related situations. The bill passed with a do pass recommendation on a 6-2 vote. HB 2136 would create offenses for civil terrorism and subversion, expand racketeering predicates, and increase penalties for certain coordinated disorderly conduct and highway obstruction; supporters said it targets organized intimidation and violent disruption, while opponents from the ACLU and immigrant-rights groups argued it is vague, viewpoint-discriminatory, and would chill protest. After extensive debate over January 6th, ICE protests, and Arizona protest examples, it also received a do pass recommendation, 6-3.
HB 2970 would clarify that Arizona can prosecute fraudulent schemes and artifice even if every act occurred outside a single county or subdivision, so long as there is an Arizona nexus. The sponsor said local law enforcement and the FBI often decline smaller mortgage-fraud cases because the bank is out of state; opponents said existing law already provides jurisdiction and warned of forum shopping. The bill passed 6-3. HB 2411 would make secretly administering abortion-inducing drugs to a pregnant woman without her knowledge or consent a class 2 felony; supporters framed it as a protection against coercion and abuse, while opponents said existing assault laws already cover the conduct and warned about unintended effects on access to miscarriage care. It also passed 6-3.
HB 2198 would allow people convicted of petty offenses to petition to seal their records immediately after completing their sentence. Supporters described it as a cleanup measure to extend sealing relief to minor offenses like truancy or low-level misdemeanors, and the bill passed unanimously. HB 2966 would prohibit early termination of probation for people convicted of dangerous crimes against children; the sponsor argued that child victims should not have to repeatedly return to court, while opponents raised ex post facto concerns, juvenile-offender issues, and resource burdens. After testimony from victims, defense advocates, and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, it passed 5-4. Finally, HB 2662 would tighten expert-evidence standards in parenting-time cases involving alleged domestic violence or abuse by requiring qualified experts, empirically supported methods, and excluding polygraph-type evidence; the sponsor and a domestic violence advocate said it would reduce reliance on junk science in family court.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-HOU, AEN-EIG, AEN Public Hearings 03-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- similarly in need of sterilization similarly in need of sterilization services<00:26:25.080>
- Sterilization programs must effectively.
- You do this sterilization mandating it. Overpopulation will grow.
- Already, Pet Fix has done over 1,000 sterilizations this year.
- , uh is that even if a cat is sterilized, uh is that even if a cat is sterilized, they're<00:32:29.480
Keywords:
animal control, spay and neuter, pet overpopulation, sterilization, counties funding, tax designation, veterinary care, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, energy policy, rebate program, environmental impact, renewable fuels, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 1737, which clarifies allowable uses in agricultural districts for farm dwellings and farm employee housing, and HB 1604 HD2, which creates an agricultural workforce housing working group within the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity. Testimony on HB 1737 was overwhelmingly supportive, with county agriculture officials, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and Hawaii Farmers Union backing the measure; one witness asked for a definition of “affordable” to guard against misuse of farm housing. For HB 1604, the Department of Agriculture, Hawaii Farm Bureau, Housing Hawaii’s Future, Hawaii Farmers Union, and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the bill, with OHA requesting disaggregated data and a seat on the working group. Committee discussion focused on housing shortages, possible misuse, affordability, and whether innovative housing models such as modular, tiny, and container homes should be considered.
The committee then took action on both measures. HB 1737 HD3 was recommended to pass with amendments that would limit farm employee housing to agricultural employees and their immediate family members actively engaged in the farm operation, add a grandfathering provision for existing permitted housing, preserve county zoning authority, clarify that ag tourism must be secondary and not occur in employee housing, delete a square-footage-per-acre ratio, and defer the effective date to July 1, 2050. HB 1604 HD2 was also recommended to pass with amendments adding OHA and a housing-shortage organization to the working group, expanding its scope to include modular, tiny, and container homes and permitting/zoning streamlining, and deferring the effective date to July 1, 2050. Both motions were adopted unanimously by the members present.
The joint hearing then moved to HB 1736, which would establish a spay and neuter special fund and require sterilization and declaration provisions for cats, with some discussion of dogs. DLNR and the Hawaiian Humane Society supported the bill, while Pacific Pet Alliance objected to the broader requirements and the inclusion of dogs; the Hawaiian Humane Society and American Bird Conservancy supported cat-focused sterilization and the special fund, while some testifiers opposed mandatory sterilization as too costly or intrusive. Members raised questions about toxoplasmosis, trap-neuter-release, enforcement, neighbor-island access, and funding needs, and DLNR indicated additional funding and third-party contracting would likely be needed. The transcript then began HB 1620 HD2 on energy, which would increase the environmental response energy and food security tax and shift funds from the hydrogen fueling subaccount to EV charging infrastructure; state agencies generally stood on written testimony in support, while the Tax Foundation objected to special fund earmarks and noted the bill raises only one part of the barrel tax structure.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair, members, House Bill 2411 establishes the criminal classification of coerced abortion, which
- reads that this section does not prevent prosecution under any other law if the person commits the coerced
- And yes, that means coercion—coercing somebody into an abortion is absolutely wrong.
- online extortion, and these kids are actually being extorted for money and more sexual favors to be coerced
Keywords:
felony murder, unborn child, homicide, Arizona Revised Statutes, life imprisonment, death penalty, education, funding, school districts, state aid, education reform, venue, employee conflict, superior court, legal proceedings, workplace disputes, weapons, explosives, trafficking, firearm regulations
Summary:
The committee heard several criminal justice and victims’ rights bills. HB 2131 would remove the financial-gain element from weapons/explosives trafficking and impose stricter sentencing, including no early release for trafficking three or more weapons; it received a due pass recommendation on a 6-1 vote. HB 2132 would lower the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 100 grams and adjust related motor-vehicle language; supporters said it would help prosecutors and law enforcement, while opponents warned it would sweep in heavy users and lacked data on current prosecutions. It passed 4-3. HB 2223 would require sex offenders seeking a name change to notify prosecutors and victims, and to register under the new name with the old name as an alias; it passed 6-1.
The committee also considered HB 2411, creating the crime of coerced abortion for secretly or forcibly administering abortion-inducing drugs without a pregnant woman’s knowledge or consent. Supporters argued existing laws do not clearly cover situations where the drug is given but no death occurs; opponents said assault, manslaughter, homicide, and food-contamination statutes already address the conduct and warned the bill was unnecessary and aimed at abortion access. The bill passed 4-3. HB 2043 would add unborn children to the felony-murder statute; supporters called it a cleanup measure closing a loophole, while opponents said it was an abortion/personhood measure with broader implications. It passed 4-3.
HB 2046 would require victims of sex offenses to be notified of pre-hearings in probation review matters involving young sex offenders; victims and prosecutors said the change would ensure meaningful participation, and it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2666 would increase penalties for sexual extortion involving 15-, 16-, and 17-year-olds when committed by an adult, and it passed unanimously 7-0. HB 2265 would eliminate court fees and assessments tied to public defenders, jury trials, appeals, and related criminal-case charges; supporters framed it as protecting constitutional rights, while counties warned of lost revenue, and it passed 7-0. Finally, HB 2133 would require commercial websites hosting sexual material to verify consent and age of depicted persons, retain records, and treat synthetic depictions as images; the sponsor said it was meant to curb CSAM and revenge porn, while testifiers raised concerns about breadth, record retention, and constitutional issues.
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AGR Public Hearing - Wed Feb 4, 2026 @ 9:00 AM HST
Agriculture & Food Systems
Transcript Highlights:
- of 5 months to be surgically sterilized of 5 months to be surgically sterilized and<01:07:48.079
- Sterilization of pet cats is state.
- for funds for sterilization. for funds for sterilization.
- months old who is not sterilized. months old who is not sterilized.
- Once more sterilization, as you occurs.
Keywords:
agriculture, sugarcane, permitting process, land use, conservation district, diversified agriculture, economic impact, invasive species, plant sales, weed risk assessment, consumer protection, environmental impact, workforce development, biosecurity, training program, partnerships, tax credit, Hawaiian home lands, investment costs, nonrefundable
Summary:
The committee heard opening remarks and then took testimony on several agriculture-related bills. HB 2425 would exempt agricultural enterprises on former commercial sugarcane lands in conservation use districts from certain permitting and site plan requirements. The Department of Agriculture supported the measure and stood on written comments. The Hawaii Farm Bureau supported the intent but said the bill appeared to cite the wrong statute and suggested amending the conservation district law instead. Other testimony was generally supportive, while some witnesses raised concerns about using the right statutory vehicle. Committee members questioned whether the bill should be redirected through a different chapter.
The committee then heard HB 596, which would require retail sellers of plants to disclose invasiveness risk, direct the Invasive Species Council to create a labeling system and weed risk assessments, and establish fines. The Department of Land and Natural Resources strongly supported the bill, saying point-of-sale labels would help consumers make informed choices. Supporters from the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species said the state’s noxious weed and restricted plant lists are outdated or incomplete and that the bill would help prevent harmful species from being purchased and planted. Opponents, including the Hawaii Farm Bureau and Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, argued the measure was too broad, could stigmatize plants and producers, and might be better implemented through voluntary education or narrower definitions. Committee discussion focused on possible amendments, including using printable labels from a website and limiting the bill to larger commercial retailers.
HB 2573 would create a five-year agriculture and biosecurity workforce development pilot program involving the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, Leeward Community College, and the Department of Human Resources Development. DHRD said it supported the intent but wanted clearer responsibilities; the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, the Hawaii Food Policy Foundation, and others supported the proposal. DAB said the program would help build needed biosecurity staffing and training, and that law-enforcement-related curriculum could be incorporated. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 207, which would expand the important agricultural land qualified agricultural tax credit to include certain Hawaiian homelands and additional agricultural costs such as orchards, fruit crops, and clearing former sugar and pineapple lands. The Department of Taxation and DAB stood on written comments, while the Department of Hawaiian Homelands strongly supported the bill, calling it a potential game-changer for developing agricultural lands and offsetting infrastructure costs; the department also asked that the credit be broadened beyond agriculture alone.
TX
Texas 89th Regular
Delivery of Government Efficiency Mar 12th, 2025
Delivery of Government Efficiency
Keywords:
regulatory reform, government efficiency, administrative law, rulemaking, agency deference, judicial review, de novo review, Texas Government Code, Administrative Procedure Act, state agencies, plain language, regulatory burden, regulatory reduction, cost-benefit analysis, fiscal note, public benefits and costs, contested case, rule challenge, Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, advisory panel
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Finance and Policy Committee 4/8/26
Health Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- We should not be using taxpayer dollars to coerce people into paying for a practice that's not good medicine
- And I frankly do not see how offering coverage for something coerces anybody into getting it.
- :11.839>
coverage <00:56:12.240>for <00:56:12.480>something <00:56:12.799>coerces - offering coverage for something coerces offering coverage for something coerces anybody<00:56:14.240
Keywords:
infertility, fertility treatment, fertility preservation, IVF, assisted reproductive technology, ART, oocyte retrieval, embryo transfer, egg freezing, sperm freezing, reproductive health, maternity coverage, health insurance mandate, health plan benefits, Medical Assistance, Medicaid, MinnesotaCare, family planning, oncology fertility preservation, chemotherapy
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
House - Government, Elections And Indian Affairs Feb 6th, 2026 at 08:32 am
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- sterilization is still existing.
- We have... ...that forced and coerced sterilization is still existing.
- sterilization.
- They never talked about being a victim of coerced sterilization that prevented them from having children
- Forced and coerced sterilization happened within our living memory and was carried out by the government
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Indian Affairs Nov 13th, 2025
House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- But when people choose to become sterilized, it's actually harder.
- Education will someday give voice to the atrocities called home. coerced and forced sterilization without
- sterilization. and our understanding of sterilization.
- So many people have not heard about forced sterilization, much less forced sterilization in our Indigenous
- Unfortunately, our women who were forced and coerced into sterilization never had that right to have.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on the Judiciary Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on the Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Abortion or sterilization only requires high blood pressure.
- And then the other issue is the issue with the sterilization.
- I don't know if you are aware, but in Kenya, The sterilization.
- I urge you to support H. 1662, an act relative to coerced abortion.
- According to the United Nations, coerced abortion is a human rights violation.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on several juvenile justice and parole-related bills, with much of the testimony focused on H. 2051/S. 1087 to end lifetime parole for juveniles and emerging adults, and H. 1923 to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction to include 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds. Chairs Brandy Fluker-Reid and Lydia Edwards opened the hearing by noting the large number of bills and witnesses, the need to keep testimony moving, and special procedures for incarcerated witnesses and sensitive testimony. They also acknowledged the historic nature of the hearing being chaired by two Black women attorneys. No votes were taken during the hearing itself.
Many incarcerated speakers and advocates supported ending lifetime parole, arguing that young people can change, that lifetime supervision creates constant fear of technical violations, and that it undermines rehabilitation, family stability, employment, and reintegration. Several testified about their own trauma, youth, and growth in prison programs, while others emphasized the costs of decades of supervision and the racial disparities in the system. Support also came from elected officials, UTEC, the Transformational Prison Project, United Way, CPCS’s Youth Advocacy Division, the Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, and others, who said juvenile systems are better suited to developmentally appropriate treatment and that the bills would improve public safety and reduce recidivism.
There was also opposition, including testimony from family members of a murder victim who argued that lifetime parole should remain for serious violent crimes and that some offenders are not sufficiently rehabilitated. One virtual witness described a family tragedy involving the kidnapping and murder of her infant nephew and warned that ending lifetime parole could remove needed long-term supervision for dangerous offenders. In addition to the juvenile justice bills, the committee heard testimony on H. 1867, a bill related to continuing care for severe mental illness, and H. 2063, which would increase penalties for assaults on correction officers and other prison staff; the correction officers’ union supported H. 2063 and related safety bills. The hearing continued with many more witnesses and bill topics, but no final committee action was announced in the portion provided.
NJ
New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session
Assembly Appropriations Jun 8th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Psychologists coerced her parents into allowing her to transition.
- Sterilization is now reproductive health care. Sterilization is now reproductive health care.
- My pro-life concerns also affect my position on sterilizing children.
- No child should be subjected to the cruel procedure of puberty blockers and sterilization.
- It does sterilize children, and the price that will be paid is harm.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- one of the things, just look at basic sciences, that very few childhood vaccines reliably provide sterile
- , as complete sterilization immunity.
- You can't completely be sterilized or protect everybody from these various infections just because of
- state to do when now we have a federal government that is in the history of either mandating or coercing
- It is kind of... ...or coerce private businesses to exclude individuals.
Keywords:
vaccination mandates, mask requirements, public health, government entities, COVID-19, medical freedom, healthcare mandates, employment requirements, government regulation, vacant positions, state budget, government efficiency, employment, full-time equivalent positions, 1182, all
Summary:
The committee heard three bills, all on medical freedom or government staffing. HB 2248 would prohibit governmental entities, businesses, schools, and ticket issuers from denying employment, entry, services, or participation based on whether a person has received or used a medical intervention. Supporters framed it as protecting bodily autonomy and parental rights; opponents, including physicians, child care and public health advocates, warned it was drafted too broadly and could undermine vaccine-related protections, school and daycare illness policies, and hospital safety. After debate, the bill received a do pass recommendation on a 3-2 vote.
HB 2086 would bar government entities and businesses from requiring vaccination or masks/face coverings, with stated exceptions for long-standing workplace safety and infection control measures, and it would apply to certain government-owned health care facilities. Supporters argued it was needed to prevent coercive mandates and protect individual freedom and business autonomy; opponents said it would interfere with private employers’ ability to protect customers and workers and could conflict with public health practices. The committee approved the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote.
HB 2688 would require the Arizona Department of Administration to identify state budget-unit positions vacant for at least 150 days and eliminate those positions each fiscal year, with some exceptions such as corrections and DPS. The sponsor said the bill would reduce waste and prevent vacant positions from functioning as slush funds, while members raised concerns about specialized or hard-to-fill jobs. After brief testimony in support, the committee passed the bill on a 3-2 do pass vote, then adjourned.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships Apr 7th, 2025
S/C on Family & Fiduciary Relationships
Transcript Highlights:
- So this bill, House Bill 168, is to protect children from being coerced into marriage when they should
- So it's, it's not currently against the law to pay or coerce a minor to become emancipated.
- So we're talking about um the the family being coerced as well. Yeah, um. OK, all right.
- Sometimes an abusive dating partner will threaten or coerce a teen into marriage.
- I requested sterilization at the age of 19 years old because I couldn't do it anymore.
Bills:
HB168
Keywords:
certificates of obligation, local government debt, municipal finance, county finance, public works, bond election, voter petition, registered voters, refinancing certificates, Texas Local Government Code, municipality, county, hospital district, infrastructure financing, public improvement, debt issuance, general obligation alternative, public oversight, local bonds, historic preservation
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Health Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Coerced abortions are another serious danger.
- Coerced abortions are another serious danger.
- prevent the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis by preserving existing laws that increase access to sterile
- And two, removing the sunset date on the statute, which clarifies that it is not a crime to possess sterile
- and effective HIV and hepatitis prevention and ensure that Californians continue to have access to sterile
Summary:
The Assembly Health Committee met on April 8 and heard a long series of bills, beginning with AB 54 on medication abortion access. The author and supporters, including the Attorney General’s office and reproductive justice advocates, said the bill would protect California’s medication abortion supply chain and shield providers and manufacturers from civil, criminal, and professional liability. Opponents from the California Family Council argued the bill removes safeguards and increases risks. The bill was moved forward on a committee motion.
The committee then heard several reproductive and public health measures, including AB 551 to create a pilot program supporting emergency departments in providing reproductive health services, AB 260 to protect medication abortion access and telehealth, AB 309 to remove sunset dates on laws allowing pharmacy syringe sales and lawful possession of sterile syringes, AB 536 to preserve colorectal cancer screening coverage if federal guidelines are challenged, AB 804 to make housing support services a Medi-Cal benefit, AB 594 to address student health insurance billing and transparency, AB 836 to study and expand the midwifery workforce, AB 1418 to collect data on health coverage for eligible employees, and AB 1500 to maintain and expand the abortion.ca.gov information site. Supporters emphasized access, preventive care, workforce shortages, and public health benefits, while opponents raised concerns about abortion, syringe distribution, and the focus of state resources. Most measures were advanced by committee vote, with roll calls showing broad support and a few no votes from members on some bills.
The final bill discussed in the transcript was AB 1037, which would update substance use disorder laws to reflect evidence-based, harm-reduction approaches and remove barriers to treatment. The author and supporters described it as a compassionate response to overdose and treatment access problems, while law enforcement opposition argued it would encourage drug use and endanger communities. The transcript cuts off during testimony on AB 1037, so no final committee action on that bill is shown in the provided text.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Labor, Health & Social Services Committee, February 25, 2026
Labor, Health & Social Services
Transcript Highlights:
- coerced into the abortion. coerced into the abortion.
- adequately informed, and not coerced adequately informed, and not coerced into<00:03:28.400>
- <00:10:45.440>
and we know women who might be coerced and we know women who might be coerced - And then was the consent coerced?
- However, the they must be coerced.
AZ
Arizona 2026 Regular Session
02/17/2026 - House Democratic Caucus Calendar #6
Transcript Highlights:
- Madam Chair and members, House Bill 2411, Coerced Abortion / Abortion-Inducing Drugs, creates a new criminal
- penalty for coerced abortion and stipulates that a person commits this violation if the person knowingly
- Members, House Bill 2411 Coorce Abortion Abortion Inducing Drugs creates a new criminal penalty for coerced
- Classified, this bill classifies coerced abortion as a class two felony.
- But not once have we ever had a conversation about the sterilization of women that happened in our state
Summary:
The caucus reviewed a long calendar of House bills across education, health, water, land, housing, labor, public safety, and taxation. Several measures dealt with artificial intelligence, including bills on AI disclosures for minors, AI-assisted divorce arbitration, an Arizona AI education program, AI privilege protections, and a required AI course in schools. Other topics included ESA administration funding, a prohibition on public money for certain foreign-controlled genetic sequencing devices, towing regulations, DUI and ignition interlock changes, health facility and nursing facility complaint timelines, internationally trained physicians, nurse anesthetist reimbursement, pharmacy penalties, childhood cancer research, cybersecurity encryption, school mental health instruction repeal, superintendent performance pay, adoption disclosures in student health settings, anti-Semitism in schools, and a range of water, land, and housing bills.
Members frequently raised concerns about local control, unfunded mandates, constitutional issues, and the scope of state intervention. Several bills drew criticism for affecting school curriculum, public education, reproductive rights, protest activity, or tribal communities. Others were supported as technical fixes, consumer protections, or funding measures. The caucus also discussed a series of bills related to the Mexican gray wolf, state land management, solar and wind siting, groundwater transport, and rural development, with some members objecting that the proposals would undermine federal protections or tribal interests.
A number of bills were pulled from consent for further discussion, including HB 2020, HB 2957, HCR 2044, HB 2352, HB 2667, HB 2906, HB 2093, HB 2386, HB 2481, HB 2830, HB 2076, HB 2411, HB 2136, HB 2665, and HB 2904. The meeting ended with an announcement of the Latino Caucus guest presentation and an emotional tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, followed by presentation of an Affordability Award to Representatives Lorena Austin and Stephanie Simacek for work on economic justice and working families. The caucus then adjourned.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a little sterile. We digress. Ready when you are, sir.
- ongoing care, particularly for mental health; canceling COVID vaccine clinics during the pandemic; coercing
- ongoing care, particularly for mental health, canceling COVID vaccine clinics during the pandemic, coercing
Summary:
The Assembly Business and Professions Committee heard several bills, including SB 788 by Senator Niello, which clarified that CPAs and CPA firms, including employees and out-of-state CPAs authorized to practice in California, are regulated by the California Board of Accountancy rather than subject to Tax Preparation Act registration requirements. Supporters said the bill would reduce duplicative regulation and confusion; there was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
The committee also heard SB 351 by Senator Cabaldon, aimed at strengthening enforcement of California’s corporate practice of medicine rules as they relate to private equity and hedge fund involvement in medical and dental practices. The author and physician supporters argued that private equity can interfere with clinical decisions and patient care, while opposition from the American Investment Council said the bill could sweep in legitimate business practices and requested a narrow amendment. The bill passed to Judiciary.
SB 312 by Senator Umberg was heard next and would require health certificates for imported dogs sold in California to be submitted to CDFA and made publicly available, with supporters describing it as a transparency and consumer protection measure to combat puppy mills and misleading online sales. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Agriculture. The committee also approved a consent calendar containing SB 291, SB 387, SB 517, SB 602, and SB 773, all moving to their respective committees. The meeting ended after additional roll calls and adjournment.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Business and Professions Committee Jun 24th, 2025
Business and Professions
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management
Transcript Highlights:
- been people in the past, the minorities, the poor, they have been called crazy, they have been sterilized
- It protects consent and ensures that during future emergencies, the government cannot coerce, threaten
- No one should ever be coerced into taking a medical product, especially one that has caused widespread
- injury by... ...should ever be coerced into taking a medical product, especially one that has caused
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Emergency Preparedness and Management held a hearing on several emergency management bills, with most of the testimony focused on Senate Bill 539, which would prohibit COVID-19 mRNA vaccination or gene-altering procedures as a condition of entry, employment, school attendance, or access to public venues. Senator Durant and many public witnesses supported the bill, arguing that COVID-era mandates were coercive, ineffective, and harmful, and that the state should not require proof of vaccination in future emergencies. One witness, Joanne Tuller, testified in opposition, saying the government should retain authority to impose public health measures in emergencies and warning against permanently limiting that power based on the COVID experience.
The committee also heard testimony on Senate Bill 540, concerning the prevention of radioactive material discharge, with a Sierra Club representative and local residents opposing Holtec’s disposal of wastewater from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant and citing health, environmental, and economic concerns in Plymouth and nearby communities. Senator Driscoll testified in support of Senate Bills 537 and 538, describing them as measures to strengthen the Commonwealth’s strategic preparedness stockpile and to create a framework for emergency response during surges in hospitalizations, including temporary waivers of prior authorization when hospitals are over capacity.
In addition, Dr. Jennifer Carlson testified in support of H.885, a resolve creating a special commission on the field of emergency management, arguing that the profession should be more fully professionalized and staffed by dedicated experts rather than part-time “second hat” officials. Several other bills on the docket, including H.883 and H.84, had no sign-ups. The chair closed each bill’s testimony section as the list was exhausted, and the hearing was adjourned without any votes taken during the session.