Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1250. It is a substitute bill for House Bill 1099.
• The next bill up would be House Bill 180, Mr. Chairman. All right. Let's go with House Bill 180.
• House Bill 192 is reported favorably. All right. Last one is House Bill 1008. Yes, sir.
• This is on House Bill 638. Representative Landry. This is on House Bill 638. Thank you, Mr.
• Do you have in-house counsel? Do we have... no. Oh, in-house counsel? Yes.

Committee: Senate Judiciary A

Summary: The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably. Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure. The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> a</c><00:04:31.280><c> growing</c> House File 3698 addresses a growing House File 3698 addresses
• House File 3698 uses repeatedly.
• 00:05:05.759><c> in</c> restores transparency and fairness in restores transparency and fairness in the
• House economy, and supports creators.
• Their law does fair, transparent terms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of House Files. Second reading House File number 1429.
• Second reading House File number 1792. Second reading House File number 2184.
• Second reading House File number 2290. And second reading House Bill number 2514. Second reading.
• The Chief Clerk will report the House Files and give them their first reading: introduction of House
• I move that the House do now adjourn. Representative Niska moves that the House do now adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> being elected to the House being elected to the House Representatives<00:01:53.280><c> I</c><00:
• </c><00:04:39.120><c> fiscal</c> my name is Ken sa I'm the House fiscal my name is Ken sa I'm the House
• </c> uh I'm Jared Swanson also with house uh I'm Jared Swanson also with house research<00:05:28.400>
• Oh, that is a very fair question.
• fairs we so we have our our 4 State Fair fairs we so we have our our 4 a<00:50:59.960><c> ambassadors

Committee: House Agriculture Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that's fair to say.
• /c><00:01:22.720><c> I</c><00:01:22.760><c> think</c><00:01:22.880><c> that's</c><00:01:23.120><c> fair
• I think that's fair to say. for this. I think that's fair to say.
• the allowable uses within agricultural districts with respect to farm dwelling and farm employee housing
• </c> farm dwelling and farm employee housing. farm dwelling and farm employee housing.

Bills: HB2592

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee met on several decision-making agendas and first considered HB 1696, which would lower the minimum age for commercial driving in-state from 19 to 18 and adjust qualifying criteria. The committee agreed to accept amendments, including changes suggested by the Operating Engineers Union, and voted unanimously to pass the bill with amendments. HB 2333, which would authorize airport special districts and increase penalties for certain aeronautics violations, was deferred after concerns were raised about treatment of people outside airport security perimeters. On the next agenda, the committee passed HB 1710 with technical amendments only. That bill would allow the State Historic Preservation Division to conduct phase reviews of certain private-property projects and revise concurrence deadlines. HB 1737, clarifying allowable agricultural district uses related to farm dwellings and farm employee housing, also passed with technical amendments only. HB 1823, dealing with coastal zone management and excluding certain state- or county-funded infrastructure projects in Lahaina from the definition of development, passed with amendments from the Attorney General’s office. The committee then took up HB 1897, an alternative dispute resolution measure for condominium-related disputes, including facilitated mediation, evaluative mediation, and binding arbitration. Despite noting broad opposition and a reservation from Senator Buenaventura, the committee adopted the measure and moved it forward as is. Finally, HB 2576, which streamlines background check requirements for health care facilities and workers, passed with amendments reflecting input from OHA, HAH, and DOH. The meeting concluded with notice of a later joint agenda and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• great question, and it's really a foundation, I guess, why maybe we're all up here, is to try to be fair
• and try to arrive at a decision that is thoughtful and respectful and is right for Idaho and fair to
• great question, and it's really a foundation, I guess, why maybe we're all up here, is to try to be fair
• and try to arrive at a decision that is thoughtful and respectful and is right for Idaho and fair to
• owns the housing development.

Committee: Senate State Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Today is Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and this is a meeting of the House Education Committee.
• There's also some things like fraternity houses and sorority houses on our campus that, for whatever
• the fair market value.
• Taylor, I'd like to welcome you back to the House, Rep.
• Didn't we pass through the House a bill very similar to this?

Bills: HCR97 , HR168 , SCR33 , SB112 , SB346 , SB347 , SB353 , SB488 , SB504 , SB507 , SB518

Committee: House Education

Transcript Highlights:

• Showing hogs and showing sheep over at the county fair was one of my favorites.
• They're known for the 1962 World's Fair.
• They're known for the 1962 World's Fair.
• President, we're going to go into House Bill. We've already done House Bill 2.
• Anything else you would like to add to House Bill 2, Mr. President?

Summary: The Senate convened, established a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and then spent much of the session on ceremonial recognitions and guest introductions. Certificates and remarks highlighted the 30th anniversary of 529 education savings plans and 4-H Day, with senators praising 529 plans as a family education-savings tool and 4-H as a major youth leadership program in all 33 counties. Members also recognized Scouts in America, including Michaela Kern as the first female Eagle Scout from Eddy County, and heard additional presentations tied to New Mexico State University, the College Assistance Migrant Program, and regional councils of government. Several senators used the floor to introduce students and community members from across the state, especially 4-H participants, NMSU CAMP students, and local youth leadership groups. Comments emphasized agriculture, leadership development, public service, and the importance of volunteer support. One senator also raised concerns about a prior Indian Day incident involving the Navajo Nation being placed at the back for the pledge, urging better decorum and respect in the chamber. The Senate then processed a governor’s message authorizing Senate Bill 149 for consideration and adopted multiple committee reports moving bills and memorials through the process, including measures referred to education, health and public affairs, tax/business/transportation, rules, finance, and judiciary committees. The body also introduced Senate Memorials 24 and 25 and Senate Joint Memorial 4. A call of the Senate was ordered after objection to moving to third reading, and the sergeant-at-arms reported Senators Sanchez and Tobiassen missing; the chamber remained under call while other business continued. The session ended with committee schedule announcements and a recess until noon the next day.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Chair Ferrary, we will hear from you next on House Bill 396.
• House Bill—where is the House Bill number? There we go, 396.
• I urge you not to support House Bill 396. We have a lot of concerns about this bill.
• Is that a fair assessment, Madam Chair? Madam Chair and Representative Murphy, yes, it is.
• I think they address it in a fair way.

Committee: House House Commerce & Economic Development Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• At its core, this bill is about fairness.
• At its core, this bill is about fairness.
• At its core, this bill is about fairness.
• This bill raises a fundamental question about fairness.
• It was a terrible time because I was stuck in the house. I had no money and I was very anxious.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• I know that it expands housing production with $500 million for the low-income housing tax credit and
• $200 million for the multifamily housing and keeps families housed with $100 million in housing stability
• ... ...and keeps families housed with $100 million in housing stability supports.
• And if you want to talk about fairness, please explain how that's fair.
• A vote today is a vote for funding affordable housing and keeping families housed and not homeless.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will be in order. The Chair lays before the House a communication from the Speaker.
• </c> to address the House out of order. to address the House out of order.
• Housing Act.
• </c> Act, Medicaid, Medicare, the Fair Act, Medicaid, Medicare, the Fair Housing<08:13:53.200><c> Act
• </c> Housing Act. Housing Act.

Transcript Highlights:

• House committees are subject to the same rules of decorum that govern House proceedings.
• Fair statement?
• Is that a fair statement? I think that's a fair statement.
• Wouldn't that be fair to say? Yes, sir. It would be fair to say that and more.
• If you could see my house.

Committee: House Natural Resources

Summary: The committee held a hearing on high-capacity groundwater wells proposed in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties, with members framing the issue as one of local water supply, fairness, and the need to modernize groundwater law while protecting private property rights. Opening remarks focused on the scale of the proposed Redtown Ranch and Pine Bliss projects, the potential export of tens of thousands of acre-feet of groundwater annually, and concerns that the applications lacked sufficient technical detail and could harm nearby landowners, cities, agriculture, and manufacturing. Members also noted the broader context of the recent flooding tragedy in central Texas and the Legislature’s intent to address water-related loss of life in the upcoming special session. Witnesses from the Texas Alliance of Groundwater Districts and the Texas Water Development Board explained the current groundwater management framework. They described groundwater conservation districts as the state’s preferred management method, the role of groundwater management areas and desired future conditions, and how the Water Development Board uses those conditions to calculate modeled available groundwater. They emphasized that districts rely on local data, monitoring wells, and planning processes, but that information is often more limited in areas without a district, where the rule of capture applies. Members pressed witnesses on recharge rates, export permits, subsidence, the effect of pumping on nearby wells, the age and real-time availability of model data, and whether the proposed project would exceed modeled available groundwater in some counties. TCEQ explained its limited oversight role over groundwater conservation districts, including inquiries, compliance actions, and, in extreme cases, dissolution authority. Water Development Board staff also outlined funding programs, saying the New Water Supply for Texas Fund is limited to projects such as brackish desalination, reuse, ASR, and other new-supply projects, and does not fund fresh groundwater exports alone. They said the project at issue had not applied for board funding. A water lawyer then testified on the rule of capture, ownership in place, and district regulation, arguing that districts must use permitting and other tools to manage production within modeled available groundwater and that the Legislature could consider additional authority over groundwater exports under current law.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then it would be fair to come into the committee and just say, we don't. Yeah.
• Data centers are facilities that house concerns from our constituents.
• Data centers are facilities that house and operate large-scale computer systems for data storage, as
• SVLG and our members are committed to paying the full, fair cost of service in supporting a grid that
• We want it to be fair. We want this to be fair.

Committee: Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement

Transcript Highlights:

• [Clears throat] Welcome to House Appropriations. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.
• But then, um, one position we would envision being housed here in Cheyenne.
• </c> housed here in Cheyenne. housed here in Cheyenne.
• to the committee, and that's not fair to the industry, and it's not fair to the legislature.
• it's not fair to the industry, and it's not fair to the legislature.<00:22:51.000><c> Uh</c><00:22:51.320

Committee: House Appropriations

Transcript Highlights:

• And then is it also feasible these could turn into affordable housing projects or workforce housing?
• Projects or workforce housing? Mr. Chairman, Senator, absolutely.
• , not because of anything you're doing in the house, but because of the grid.
• I have solar on my house that's paid for; I was lucky I could pay for it.
• I don't know if there's one in the House, but I'm still interested in this.

Bills: SB101 , SB58 , SB55

Committee: Senate Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Whether it's a a house fire, hesitation.
• House Bill 34 &gt;&gt; Yes. Chair votes yes.
• Next we have House Bill 214 with Representative Wesley.
• Uh, this is House Bill 214.
• House Bill 214 passes &gt;&gt; Chair votes. Yes.

Committee: House Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection

Transcript Highlights:

• and Community Development, clarifying the expectations related to affirmatively furthering fair housing
• With respect to Prop. 1, I think it's a very fair point, but Prop. 1's housing allocation isn't for the
• housing programs into stable housing every year.
• housing program. of care of housing.
• Preserving naturally occurring affordable housing is central to meeting the fair housing goals embedded

Committee: Senate Housing

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, fair enough. All right, Mr. Gonzalez. I assume you don't have a question. Okay, fair enough.
• And that's not fair to them at all. I understand that you're in prison.
• At a house or like a facility called the Terry House for the families of the officers.
• In fairness, we heard a bit of critique from the opposition witnesses.
• The only thing I would ask in fairness, Mr.

Summary: The Assembly Public Safety Committee heard a long agenda of bills, with several authors presenting measures focused on probation, prison conditions, public safety, diversion, and infrastructure theft. Early in the hearing, AB 1816 by Assembly Member Davies proposed allowing courts to extend probation for up to one additional year for people convicted of registrable sex offenses who have not completed required treatment. Supporters, including the Chief Probation Officers of California, argued the bill would improve rehabilitation and public safety by allowing treatment to be completed; opponents, including public defenders and civil liberties groups, said existing revocation tools already address noncompliance and warned the bill was vague and would prolong supervision. The bill was later moved on call with an aye recommendation. The committee also heard AB 2593, which would prohibit non-medical staff from interfering with prescribed care for incarcerated patients; it drew broad support from medical, disability, public defender, and justice reform groups and passed to Appropriations. The consent calendar, including AB 1927 and AB 2502, was adopted without controversy. The committee then considered AB 1538 by Assembly Member Krell, which would bar elected or appointed officials from using political power for retaliation. Support came from a student activist and the California News Publishers Association, with additional support from education, law enforcement, and civil liberties groups; no opposition testimony was offered, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2584 by Assembly Member Flora, as amended, would narrow civil liability for lawful defensive force; supporters framed it as protecting self-defense, while one opposition witness objected on behalf of labor and justice groups. The chair noted concerns about eliminating civil liability but still recommended aye, and the bill passed to Judiciary. AB 2217 by Assembly Member Zbur would rename and expand the LEAD diversion program as “Alternatives to Arrest,” broaden eligible offenses, and continue grant funding for local diversion efforts. Supporters emphasized reduced recidivism and service connections, and the bill was moved on call to Appropriations. Later, the committee took up AB 1941 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez, which would create an organized metal theft offense and a statewide data-sharing system to address copper theft and damage to public infrastructure. Supporters from utilities, cities, transit, telecom, and law enforcement described widespread outages, costly repairs, and public safety risks; opponents argued the bill would deepen criminalization and racial disparities and that non-carceral solutions were preferable. The author and supporters responded that the bill was needed to address repeated thefts that leave communities without lights, power, or 911 service, and the measure passed to Appropriations. Finally, AB 2499 by Assembly Member Gibson sought stronger protections for incarcerated people and workers from extreme heat and inadequate ventilation in state prisons. The bill was backed by incarcerated workers, family members of a woman who died from heat-related causes, and a wide coalition of public defender, civil rights, and prisoner advocacy groups. Members spoke emotionally about prison conditions and the need for humane treatment, and the bill passed to Labor and Employment with strong support.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's a fair point.
• So that's a House rule.
• So that's fair. I mean, we totally get that part.
• House Resolution 252 will be reported favorably.
• Okay, House Concurrent Resolution 103.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.