Transcript Highlights:

• So, that's one school district.
• </c><00:17:46.520><c> or</c> says that a public school district or says that a public school district
• </c> uh one of the former school districts uh one of the former school districts that<00:18:48.919><c
• District. District. And<00:27:03.640><c> Dr.</c> And Dr. And Dr.
• You know, for see in our districts.

Committee: Senate Education

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so do the district attorneys.
• They're oftentimes dismissed by the district attorney, no law enforcement, no show.
• We've got a new district attorney who's seemingly doing a much stronger job there too.
• Well, Madam Chair, Senator, the word I get from my district is this is still a problem.
• Well, Madam Chair, Senator, the word I get from my district is this is still a problem.

Committee: Senate House Rules & Order Of Business

Summary: The committee first heard HB 124, which would codify the Office of New Americans within the Workforce Solutions Department. The sponsor and Workforce Solutions officials said the office has already been operating on a grant and has become a key resource for businesses and immigrant workers, especially for workforce development, credential recognition, language access, and referrals. Supporters from immigrant advocacy, child care, conservation, and civic groups argued the office would help address labor shortages, improve integration, and strengthen economic growth. Several members questioned whether the office would serve people without legal status, what services would be provided, and whether it would create taxpayer costs; sponsors said eligibility would depend on specific programs, the office would mainly provide referrals and workforce support, and it is currently philanthropic grant-funded. The bill was ultimately passed on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee then considered SJR 6, a proposed constitutional amendment to change New Mexico’s pretrial detention standards. The sponsor argued the 2016 bail reform language has contributed to a “revolving door” for repeat offenders and that the current standard is too restrictive and inconsistently applied across judicial districts. Supporters from State Police said the resolution would give clearer direction and let voters revisit the issue. Opponents from the ACLU and the Criminal Defense Lawyers Association warned it would expand pretrial detention, weaken the requirement that the state prove no release conditions are adequate, and disproportionately affect poor people and people of color. After extended debate over public safety, judicial discretion, and whether the proposal should include a clearer standard, the committee approved the resolution on a 6-4 due pass vote. The committee also passed SJR 7, a land swap between the state and the City of Santa Fe involving the DPS site and part of the Midtown campus. The sponsor, the Department of Public Safety, and the Santa Fe mayor said the exchange had been discussed for years, would allow the state to own the land under its DPS facilities, and would help the city advance its Midtown redevelopment plan, including housing and public amenities. Members asked about the parcels involved, whether both sides agreed, and whether any member had a financial interest; the sponsor said the swap was non-monetary and fully agreed to by both parties. The resolution passed without opposition. Finally, the committee heard SM 31, which creates a workgroup with LFC, DFA, and PERA to study the loss of COLAs for PERA retirees and recommend solutions. Retiree advocates said the reduced COLA has significantly eroded pension value and that retirees relied on the statutory promise of a 2% COLA. Other speakers emphasized the need to protect long-term fund solvency while addressing retiree losses. The memorial passed unanimously by roll call. The meeting then recessed, with the chair noting the next day’s agenda would be posted later.

Transcript Highlights:

• You guys all love to come to Hennepin County and spend dollars in our entertainment districts.
• You guys all love to come to Hennepin County and spend dollars in our entertainment districts.
• You guys all love to come to Hennepin County and spend dollars in our entertainment districts.
• You guys all love to come to Hennepin County and spend dollars in our entertainment districts.
• You guys all love to come to Hennepin County and spend dollars in our entertainment districts.

Committee: House Taxes

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Speaker, for allowing me to introduce my district staff.
• Together, this trio works tirelessly to serve the residents of the 53rd Assembly District with commitment
• Gene Dalestonia Catholic School, who are visiting us from the great city of Temecula in my district.
• I'd like to welcome some senior students from John Adams Academy, which has three campuses in my district
• Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and proceeded with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of guest introductions recognizing FFA students, district staff, public health leaders, and visiting students from local schools. Several members highlighted agriculture education, public health week, and civic education, and one member also announced the birth of a calf before introducing an honored agriculture teacher. The chamber then moved through the daily file, passing over second- and third-reading items and taking up Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, which establishes the joint rules for the 2025-26 legislative session; it was adopted on a 50-14 vote and sent immediately to the Senate. On the consent calendar, Assembly Bill 565, Assembly Bill 708, and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 42 were adopted unanimously, 71-0. ACR 42, relating to adult education, also received 65 co-authors. Additional guest introductions followed, including students from the San Fernando Valley and a Jewish day school, with remarks emphasizing leadership, agriculture, and community service. The Assembly then held an adjournment in memory for U.S. Army Sergeant Edvin F. Franco of Glendale, who died in a training accident in Lithuania. Members honored his military service, awards, and family. The house announced its next schedule and adjourned until Monday, April 7 at 1 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, next up, entertain a motion to approve the minutes as written and presented. >> Second.
• Moving on to the consent calendar and entertain a motion to approve the consent calendar. the minutes
• and entertain a motion to approve<00:03:00.879><c> the</c><00:03:01.120><c> consent</c><00:03:01.440
• I entertain a motion. >> I'm uncertain why we need the rule at all under those circumstances.
• I entertain a motion. committee? I entertain a motion. Represent<00:04:28.960><c> McGuire.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then adopted the consent calendar without objection. On the regular calendar, it took up a Health and Human Services Medicaid rule on laboratory services. Committee members questioned why an expired rule was still needed and whether any fees, fines, or appeals had occurred during the lapse. DHHS staff said there were no fees or fines, the service remains in the state Medicaid plan, providers continued to be reimbursed under the billing manual, and there had been no known appeals. The committee then approved the rule. The next item was a Natural Resources rule package covering wood processing mills, wood concentration yards, forestry health, forest fire, and administrative fines. Representative Leon pulled the item from consent and objected to the rule’s repeated 5-inch diameter limit for burnable material, arguing that the statute authorizes permits for camp or cooking fires but does not clearly authorize a diameter limit, and that larger wood can be responsibly burned or otherwise managed in forested properties. DNCR’s forest protection chief responded that the 5-inch limit is intended to reduce smoldering and wildfire risk, align with DEES air rules defining brush as 5 inches or less, and keep backyard burning consistent with air-quality regulations. He said larger material can be handled through other permitting processes and that the rule is meant to educate the public and prevent unsafe burning. Members continued to debate whether the rule exceeded statutory authority and whether it was practical for landowners managing larger wooded parcels. One member suggested narrowing the 5-inch restriction in the category 4 permit language, while another noted the statute appears to speak in terms of small or large amounts of material rather than a specific diameter. The discussion ended without a final resolution in the excerpt, with the committee still considering possible amendments to the Natural Resources rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I have with me here today my district team and my capital team as well.
• I'm proud to represent the Elwood Monarch Grove in my district.
• In Assembly District 26, we are proud to represent one of the most diverse.
• Districting Commission.
• Willie Earl honors a father of Dion Arno who works on my district office. Mr.

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call, adopted the previous day’s journal, and handled several procedural motions, including suspending rules to allow committee notices and moving some bills and items on and off the file. Members also introduced a number of guests and fellows on the floor, including Equality California Comcast Fellows, tribal youth visitors, interns, local officials, and community representatives. On the floor file, the Assembly concurred in Senate amendments to AB 1216 (TK-12 omnibus education technical changes), AB 377 (high-speed rail), and AB 951 (health care coverage), and adopted ACR 103 declaring July 14-18, 2025 as California Western Monarch Protection Week. The body also adopted AJR 18, a resolution calling for an official legislative apology to California Native Americans for historic injustices and affirming support for healing and reconciliation, and ACR 71 designating a portion of State Route 101 as the Little Saigon Freeway. Each of these measures drew supportive remarks from multiple members, and co-author rolls were opened before final adoption. The Assembly also adopted SCR 66 proclaiming Law Day, after a lengthy partisan debate over the rule of law, executive power, and recent federal and state actions; the resolution was ultimately adopted by voice vote after 51 co-authors were added. Members then adopted SJR 3 urging Congress to reverse SNAP cuts and protect CalFresh benefits, with debate focused on food insecurity, fraud, work requirements, and the impact on low-income Californians; the resolution passed with 69 ayes and no noes after 70 co-authors were added. SB 757, authorizing local governments to use nuisance abatement liens or special assessments to collect abatement costs, also passed 68-0, and ACR 94 on anti-microbial resistance was adopted on the consent calendar. The session concluded with adjournments in memory honoring Jane Day, agricultural leader John C. Harris, and Willie Earl Arno, followed by announcements of committee meetings and the schedule for the next floor session. The Assembly adjourned until Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• If not, I will entertain a motion to adopt. Moved by Representative Stagni. Is there a second?
• I'll entertain a motion as amended. Moved by Vice Chair Boudreau. Second by Representative LaFleur.
• I'll entertain a motion. Moved by Dr. Stagni. Second by Senator Price. Is there any objection?
• If not, I'll entertain a motion. Senator Mizell moves adoption. Second by Vice Chair Boudreau.
• If not, I'll entertain a motion. Senator Mazzell moves adoption. Second by Vice Chair Boudreau.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum to continue work on Caleb Wilson hazing-prevention recommendations, with the Wilson family present and repeatedly acknowledged. Members discussed Southern University’s expulsion of Omega Psi Phi and the family pressed for clarity on whether the fraternity could return; counsel said the expulsion appears permanent on its face but there is legal ambiguity, prompting legislators to say a statutory fix is needed to define suspension versus expulsion more clearly. The group also reviewed data on hazing-related suspensions since 2018 and hearing-panel practices across the public postsecondary systems, including panel composition, annual training, and appeals processes. The task force adopted several recommendations focused on prevention and accountability. These included annual hazing-prevention training for students, advisors, and faculty/staff; a state-provided training framework with campus-specific flexibility; stronger attention to mandatory reporting; an amnesty policy to encourage reporting and help-seeking; reverting hazing proceedings back to a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard; adding hazing to the annual power-based violence report; tying noncompliance penalties to loss of State Bond Commission borrowing authority; and identifying sustainable funding for training and reporting. Members debated scope and implementation, especially whether training should cover all employees or only those who interact with students, whether external advisors and graduate advisors should be included, and how to avoid unintended consequences for advisor recruitment. Several amendments were made, including narrowing one recommendation from “all” to “appropriate,” and the amnesty discussion was clarified to avoid creating a loophole for misconduct. The task force also discussed K-12 considerations, including applying bullying and hazing materials to nonpublic schools, updating prevention materials, and improving data collection. In closing remarks, student members and family representatives emphasized that hazing is about power, not tradition, and called for culture change, accountability, and earlier education. University leaders from the University of Louisiana System, Southern University System, and LSU said they support the effort and will implement the recommendations if enacted, while also urging stronger individual and organizational accountability beyond training alone. A public commenter from Nicholls State’s SGA praised the task force’s work before the meeting moved into public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm a state representative here in District 29. I represent East and West Baton Rouge Parishes.
• But if none, I'd entertain a motion to accept the minutes. All right. It's been moved by Dr.
• With that, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. All right. All in favor? Opposed?

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The task force met to review work under HCR 86 on African American suicide prevention, with members introducing themselves and approving the prior meeting minutes. Dr. Williams summarized survey-based findings from 94 university student respondents, explaining that the study focused on warning signs and triggers rather than suicide behaviors themselves. He said financial stress, stigma, and lack of institutional ownership were major themes, and argued that Louisiana needs mandatory reporting and broader suicide data collection because universities and other institutions often avoid reporting incidents, especially those occurring off campus. Dr. Thomas described current and potential prevention strategies, including gatekeeper trainings, 988 outreach, postvention policies, student-facing information on mental health resources, and adding 988 to student IDs. She also noted that the Office of Public Health already serves as a suicide data hub with real-time and death data, and should be included in any centralized reporting discussion. Members discussed how to balance new mandates with university concerns, with several agreeing that legislation is needed but should be developed with input from the Board of Regents and university leadership. The task force reviewed recommendations in the report, including a Louisiana Suicide Prevention Data Act, a centralized data hub, incentive-based reporting for colleges, modernization of the 2018 suicide prevention law, and possible tax credits or other incentives. Dr. McKee suggested that any reporting requirement should be framed to fit existing professional obligations and that training requirements for licensees could be added. The chair asked that revised recommendations and examples from other states be circulated before February 1, with the final report updated to say “confidential unless otherwise required by law.” No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned after the chair said he and Senator Boudreaux would consider legislation and, if needed, a resolution to extend the task force.

Transcript Highlights:

• I see it in my own district.
• And with that, I'll entertain any more questions. It's a very simple bill with a very simple fix.
• And with that, I'll entertain any more questions? Seeing, oh, yes, Ranking Member Schmidt.

Summary: The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee held its first meeting of the session and heard four bills. HB 2107 would make permanent and slightly narrow a temporary L&I requirement that, after an on-site safety inspection at a building construction site, the agency make a good-faith effort to notify the owner or employer within 10 working days if an immediately identified hazard could injure a worker. Construction industry groups and L&I supported the bill and said the pilot had worked well, with L&I reporting it had been able to notify owners almost 96% of the time during about 1,400 inspections. HB 2137 would remove the population threshold for binding interest arbitration for correctional employees in city and county jails. Teamsters representatives said the change would give corrections officers in smaller jurisdictions the same bargaining rights as other uniformed personnel and help address safety, staffing, and wage inequities. County representatives opposed the bill, saying it would increase bargaining and compensation costs for many counties, and asked for amendments requiring arbitrators to consider county finances and making awards nonbinding on county legislative authorities. HB 2264 would clarify unemployment insurance eligibility for workers who opt into an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan, even if they can rescind their decision, so long as the termination results from the employer’s plan. Supporters said current court rulings create confusing and unfair denials of benefits for workers who leave in good faith during layoffs; NFIB raised questions about severance, retirement, and UI solvency. HB 2243 would allow physical therapists and occupational therapists to serve as attending providers in the workers’ compensation system. Physical therapy and occupational therapy advocates said this would speed care and return workers to work sooner, while retailers, food industry representatives, NFIB, the Washington State Medical Association, and L&I raised concerns about diagnosis, scope of practice, added costs, and the possibility that all PTs and OTs would have to join the provider network. No votes were taken; the committee heard testimony and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Many of you remember him when he was here with the District Attorneys Association. D.C.
• I think Odyssey is or was one of them in my district.
• Representative Jackson: Entertainment districts.
• Representative Jackson: Entertainment districts.
• I hope CASA officials will go out and encourage their local district.

Bills: HB29 , HB39 , HB77 , HB153 , HB183 , HB211 , HB263 , HB299 , HB324 , HB519 , HB520 , HB533 , HB538 , HB559 , HB562 , HB805 , HB823 , HB1004 , HB1011 , HB1018

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: insurance fund, retired employees, Ascension Parish, court clerks, premium costs, investment advisory board, HB 39, Act 283, peace officer, law enforcement officer, police certification, citizenship requirement, U.S. citizen, United States citizen, naturalization, lawful permanent resident, green card holder, immigration, public safety, law enforcement hiring

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, the chair will entertain any discussion, debate, or a motion on that appointment. Mr.
• Committee Chair will entertain discussion or debate or a motion on that appointment. Mr. Chairman.
• The chair will entertain any discussion on the motion.
• gubernatorial reappointment of Gregory Donica to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, the chair will entertain
• I would entertain a motion. Mr. Vice Chair. Senator Foreman. Or motion. Yeah, go ahead.

Summary: Senate Commerce first took up three gubernatorial appointments and sent all three to the Senate floor with recommendations for confirmation: Salvador Cruz as director of the Department of Finance, Nora Carpenter to the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Board, and Gregory Donica to the same board. Each motion passed without opposition. The committee then received an annual update from Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho. He reported record enrollment activity, including more than 139,000 selections in open enrollment 2025 and over 144,000 in open enrollment 2026, with most enrollees receiving tax credits and many working with agents or brokers. Kelly said the exchange remains financially self-sustaining, has low operating costs, and achieved strong customer satisfaction scores. Members asked about rising premiums, the shift toward bronze plans, and enrollment timing; Kelly and later Insurance Director Dean Cameron said Idaho premiums remain among the lowest nationally, helped by the 1332 reinsurance waiver, though affordability concerns are increasing. The committee also reviewed and approved one Department of Commerce pending rule docket and several Department of Insurance rule dockets under zero-based regulation. The Commerce rulemaking was described as a non-substantive cleanup that removed obsolete language, aligned definitions, and adjusted some grant limits, including the Idaho GEM grant program. Insurance rule changes similarly focused on simplifying, clarifying, and removing duplicative statutory language across self-funded plans, long-term care insurance, small employer and individual health insurance, coordination of benefits, short-term health insurance, and managing general agents. The most notable policy-related change was the short-term health insurance docket, which was approved with an effective date upon adjournment to avoid a gap after a temporary rule expires; all dockets were approved unanimously.

Transcript Highlights:

• Committee, the Chair will entertain any discussion, debate, or a motion on that appointment. Mr.
• Committee, the Chair will entertain discussion or debate or a motion on that appointment. Mr.
• The Chair will entertain any discussion on the motion.
• Committee, the Chair will entertain any discussion or debate on that reappointment. Mr. Chairman.
• I would entertain a motion. Mr. Vice Chair. Senator Foreman. Or motion. Yeah, go ahead.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Human Resources

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, I would entertain... state voted on. Now I would entertain, I listen to you.
• I would entertain an amendment from you on that original language that clarifies or adds the additional
• So I would entertain something to use that original language to add that clarifying language to include
• come... spirit of camaraderie and trying to come to some level of consensus, um I would definitely entertain

Bills: HB265 , HB146 , SB254 , HB202 , HB3 , HB42 , SB18

Committee: House Judiciary

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, illegal alien, enhanced sentencing, criminal offenses, minor victims, felonies, Alabama legislature, bail reform, cash deposit

Transcript Highlights:

• Entertain a motion. >> We have a motion by Representative Robertson. &gt;&gt; I opposed.
• Entertain<00:16:15.120><c> a</c><00:16:15.360><c> motion.</c> Entertain a motion.
• Entertain a motion.

Bills: SB265 , HB593

Committee: House Economic Development and Tourism

Keywords: data processing centers, tax abatements, economic development, construction related taxes, energy infrastructure, small craft distilleries, wineries, alcoholic beverages, licensing, craft beverage industry, 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll happy to entertain questions on that piece of legislation. misuse of an individual's uh name, misuse
• <00:04:30.880><c> I'll</c><00:04:31.199><c> happy</c><00:04:31.440><c> to</c><00:04:31.600><c> entertain
• I'll happy to entertain questions?
• I'll happy to entertain questions<00:04:32.400><c> on</c><00:04:32.560><c> that</c><00:04:32.800><c>

Committee: Joint Universities and Colleges

Keywords: Universities and Colleges - Room 216, 2 February, 2026; 4:30 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would entertain any questions on any of these boards and commissions at this time. Um, Mr.
• Um,<00:13:32.639><c> I</c><00:13:32.959><c> would</c><00:13:33.200><c> entertain</c><00:13:33.680><c>
• any</c><00:13:33.920><c> questions</c><00:13:34.320><c> on</c> Um, I would entertain any questions on
• Um, I would entertain any questions on any<00:13:34.720><c> of</c><00:13:34.800><c> these</c><00:13:

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 19 January, 2026; 4:00 PM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I just seem like if we're going to spend half a billion dollars, we would at least just entertain a presentation
• We would at least just entertain a presentation from them, and if we haven't done that yet.
• And I don't have a problem entertaining, you know, hey, this is an alternative.
• I don't know why we would at least just entertain a conversation before we spend a bit, half a billion

Committee: House Appropriations

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened in the afternoon and took up only Senate Bill 2015, the Department of Corrections budget. Representative Steeman explained that the budget reflected major changes from the Senate version because bed contracts with Grand Forks and Burleigh-Morton were still unresolved when the Senate acted. He described rising inmate populations, added county/regional jail payments, deferred maintenance and repair funding, planning money for a new Missouri River Correctional Center, software and equipment upgrades, victims of crime grants, and a one-time diversion/deflection center grant for Fargo funded through the Community Health Trust Fund. He also outlined funding for body cameras, tasers, and protective vests, and a Native American reentry program/report provision, along with a legislative management study on sentencing, corrections, and parole oversight. Members asked about the possibility of private or design-build alternatives for the new Missouri River Correctional Center. After discussion, the committee adopted language directing the steering committee to oversee design and construction and to explore other options. There was also discussion of the importance of maintaining North Dakota’s correctional rehabilitation culture, the cost and availability of out-of-state placements, and the current number of inmates housed in regional, county, and interstate facilities. The committee adopted the amendment to engrossed Senate Bill 2015 and then approved the bill as amended on a 21-0 vote, with two members absent and not voting. Representative Steeman was designated as the carrier. The chair then thanked members for their work and announced the committee would reconvene the next morning to continue with remaining bills and budget work before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think most of you are aware of the horrific child sex abuse ring that happened in my district earlier
• ><00:08:09.919><c> happened</c><00:08:10.240><c> in</c><00:08:10.479><c> my</c><00:08:10.639><c> district
• </c> abuse ring that happened in my district abuse ring that happened in my district earlier<00:08:12.160
• Senator Fig, Senator Bill, and<00:17:29.360><c> then</c><00:17:29.520><c> I'll</c><00:17:29.679><c> entertain
• </c> and then I'll entertain motions. and then I'll entertain motions.

Bills: HB41 , HB149 , SB230 , SB87 , SB169 , SB238 , SB233 , HB72 , HB41 , HB149 , SB230 , SB87 , SB169 , SB238 , SB233 , HB72

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Keywords: sexual offenses, penalties, rape, sodomy, criminal justice, Judicial Branch, Alabama State Bar, legal profession, commissioners, government agency, campaign finance, security measures, candidates, elected officials, legislative protection, civil procedure, statute of limitations, real estate appraisers, legal complaints, appraisal board

Transcript Highlights:

• It is risky at a time when our state is entertaining some very exciting economic development opportunities
• It is risky at a time when our state is entertaining some very exciting economic development opportunities
• It's not a nice, neat personal injury petition that you're used to seeing in district courts.
• I know in my district I care greatly about business and keeping the state moving forward so people can
• I know in my district I care greatly about business and keeping the state moving forward so people can

Summary: The committee first voluntarily deferred House Bills 460 and 561, then took up House Bill 1101 on workers’ compensation. The sponsor said the bill would define maximum medical improvement, adjust fraud provisions, shorten temporary total disability and supplemental earnings benefit periods, and revise vocational rehabilitation rules; an amendment removed proposed age-based termination language for benefits. Business groups including LABI supported the bill as a way to reduce Louisiana’s comparatively high indemnity costs and align the state with regional norms, while injured-worker advocates and attorneys strongly opposed it, arguing it would cut benefits, shift medical and disability decisions away from treating physicians and judges, broaden fraud too far, and potentially push costs onto public programs. After debate, the committee voted to report HB 1101 with amendments. House Bill 282 was voluntarily deferred. House Bill 293, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Louisiana employment discrimination protections, drew generally supportive testimony from the sponsor and supporters, with some members raising questions about religious exemptions and federal law. The committee ultimately voted against reporting HB 293 favorably. House Bill 390, providing unpaid leave protections for domestic abuse survivors at larger employers, was presented as a tool for survivors, but the committee split 6-6 on a motion to report it favorably; the tie resulted in the bill being voluntarily deferred. The committee then heard House Bill 456, which would expand workers’ compensation petition requirements and allow employers or payers broader access to file disputed claims and seek discovery. Supporters argued employers currently lack a practical way to obtain records and challenge claims without first cutting off benefits, while opponents said the bill would revive a rejected 2012 approach, increase litigation, and undermine the no-fault workers’ compensation bargain. The discussion centered on whether the bill would preserve benefits while allowing discovery or instead encourage more disputes and penalties. The transcript ends with testimony still underway on HB 456, with no final vote shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I rise today to proudly introduce a terrific group of students from my district, who came to Albany as
• African countries migrated to the United States, settling in my district, including the great people
• This is more than just about art and entertainment; it is about preservation, and in a period of time
• This is more than just about art and entertainment; it is about preservation, and in a period of time
• COLTRANE IN THE HEART OF THE HARLEM CULTURAL DISTRICT, WE'LL CONTINUE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE GREATEST

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and adopted a resolution calendar with several exceptions before taking up a series of ceremonial resolutions and bills. Members welcomed student visitors from the YWCA of White Plains’ Voices Unfiltered Policy Program, then adopted resolutions honoring Senegalese independence and the Senegalese community, MWBE Advocacy Day, John Coltrane’s 100th birthday, the Sing Sing Prison Museum, I Love My Park Day, Animal Advocacy Day, Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and Denim Day. Speakers emphasized cultural recognition, public service, environmental stewardship, animal welfare, rare disease awareness, and support for survivors of sexual violence; each resolution was adopted. The chamber then moved through the regular calendar, passing a number of bills on broad roll-call votes. Among the measures approved were bills amending the Penal Law, Executive Law, Public Housing Law, Retirement and Social Security Law, Social Services Law, Environmental Conservation Law, General Municipal Law, Railroad Law, Election Law, Labor Law, and Public Service Law. Several bills passed unanimously or nearly so, while a few drew notable opposition, including a public health measure that passed 39-19 and the labor-related bill on ghost job postings that passed 39-19 after extended debate. The most detailed floor debate centered on the Labor Law bill addressing “ghost jobs,” requiring employers with 100 or more employees to disclose whether postings are for current vacancies, expected future openings, or general resume collection, with Department of Labor enforcement and civil penalties. Supporters argued it would protect job seekers from deceptive postings; opponents said it was unnecessary, burdensome, and could invite litigation or penalties disproportionate to the problem. The Senate also debated and passed a bill expanding election-language assistance under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act to Haitian Creole and Middle Eastern and North African communities, with supporters citing growing language-access needs and opponents raising concerns about scope and local costs. The Senate then adjourned until the next day.