Transcript Highlights:

• construction program. able to take the priorities and publish them in a manner that the citizens are aware
• But what are their legislative priorities, as far as you're aware, and what do you see as some of the
• So the biggest legislative priorities that I've been made aware of just from my own research and such
• And you—you’re aware of the fact that you have to have finances for the school.
• guard who greeted me at 7 in the morning, all the way to the board of trustees, as you're probably aware

Committee: Senate Nominations

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's whether they are or not aware that the dwelling being rented is located in a 100-year floodplain
• and whether they are or not aware or are not aware that. the dwelling has flooded within the past five
• lease terms do not fall within the original statutes. intent, which is to ensure that tenants are made aware
• Even when survivors are aware of these debts, they are often coerced into these transactions under threat
• providing that a delivery person will be removed from Assessing a digital network once the company becomes aware

Bills: SB438 , SB512 , SB647 , SB648 , SB1495 , SB2121 , SB2145 , SB2154 , SB2167 , SB2184 , SB2211 , SB2268 , SB2349 , SB2443 , SB2629 , SB2702 , SB2902

Committee: Senate Business & Commerce

Summary: The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce met with a quorum and took up several pending bills, voting favorably on SB 1612, SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789. SB 1612 was reported favorably with objections to the local and contested calendar, while SB 2717, SB 1468, SB 1642, and SB 1789 were reported favorably, with SB 1642 and SB 1789 sent to the floor. SB 2717 would create the Texas Energy Efficiency Council; SB 1642 would add an executive director to the Texas Department of Insurance structure; and SB 1789 would establish pole standards and clarify PUC authority and remedies. The committee also heard an ERCOT update from CEO Pablo Vegas on the updated long-term load forecast, which showed a much higher unadjusted growth projection driven largely by data centers. ERCOT described an adjusted forecast using historical delays and lower realized build rates, and members discussed reliability, generation timelines, and the importance of SB 6 for demand response and flexibility. The committee then heard and left pending SB 2629, which would allow condominium and property owners’ association meetings and voting by electronic means; SB 2702, which would let nationally certified professionals test backflow prevention assemblies without a separate TCEQ license; SB 2167, which would let TDLR pause new license applications tied to human trafficking emergency orders or pending SOAH cases; SB 2349, which would exempt short-term leases and certain leasebacks from flood disclosure requirements; SB 2121, which would tighten the data broker registry law; and SB 2443, which would authorize TDLR electronic delivery of notices and other documents. Testimony generally supported these bills as cleanup, modernization, or workforce-streamlining measures, with some members expressing caution about electronic meetings and emphasizing in-person accountability. The committee also heard SB 2902 on coerced debt and identity theft, with testimony from a law professor and family violence advocates supporting stronger protections for survivors and suggesting a police report as an additional proof option. SB 512, a refiled bill restricting money transmission license holders from fining users for terms-of-service violations, also received supportive testimony and was left pending. Later, the committee heard SB 2145 on allowing certain TIF boards to meet virtually in narrow circumstances, SB 2268 on extending Texas Energy Fund loan deadlines in some cases, SB 1495 creating an EV supply equipment advisory board, SB 2154 regulating delivery network companies under a statewide framework, SB 2184 lowering the age for pyrotechnic operator and fireworks display permits from 21 to 18, SB 2211 on combining data centers, power generation, and produced-water desalination projects, and SB 647 on title theft protections and clerk authority to refuse fraudulent filings. Most of these bills were left pending after brief testimony and questions, with members focusing on reliability, regulation, and safeguards against fraud.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just wanting to make sure that we're aware of this.
• We are very much aware this is a statewide issue. We're very aware that we're in this all together.
• I think there's kind of an epiphany going on, an awareness, suddenly that, whoa, we've had a lot of people
• So I think that, in and of itself, that awareness of we've had...
• That's going to make the number go up after that sudden awareness of that has occurred.

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• So, because Texas is the state with the highest number of work zone fatalities, we're aware of one that
• This is especially important for our judges on the bench to make sure that they're aware of the same.
• Yes, and it's about those beliefs and stereotypes that you may bring, which you might not even be aware
• Studies have shown that acknowledgement and awareness are key to preventing the impact in the courtroom
• I'm aware that there's been some consideration of using a...

Bills: HB 1181 , HB3704 , HB1363 , HB1610 , HB1615 , HB1620 , HB3223 , HB1317 , HB2884 , HB2176 , HB4027 , HB1664 , HB933 , HB2613 , HB3353 , HB2086 , HB4101 , HB3441 , HB4145 , HB3455

Committee: House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Keywords: judiciary, judges, justices, retired, legal assignments, judicial conduct, notary public, criminal offense, education requirements, official documents, record retention, implicit bias, bias training, judicial training, judge education, court personnel, continuing legal education, CLE, state bar, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals

Transcript Highlights:

• that veterans who are, or service members who are going to become newly minted as veterans are well aware
• it definitely is a step in the right direction towards this goal of getting as many servicemembers aware
• And then they end up being fleeced in the end because they weren't aware of what they were signing up
• You know, my hope is that the more outreach, that they'll start to become aware that this is taking actually
• We also are currently supporting and exploring ongoing strategies for improving student awareness of

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of any lawsuits that have been filed currently in public schools by unhappy parents whose
• No, I'm not aware of any. Thank you.
• No, I'm not aware of any. Thank you.
• So when a parent enrolls their child at your school, are they aware of the expectations?
• Yes, that we would have internal... ...aware of the expectations.

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee considered a long agenda of claims bills, housing and business measures, and court-administration legislation. It reported favorably several claims bills, including SB 20 for J.N., a minor, SB 14 for the estate of Pennial Janvier, SB 10 for Sidney Holmes, SB 8 for Marcus Button, SB 22 for Eric and Jennifer Miles, and SB 26 for Kristen and Leah McIntosh. Members also approved SB 520 on curators of estates, SB 386 on self-storage lien-sale notices, SB 362 on reusable tenant screening reports, SB 316 creating series LLCs in Florida, and SB 1650 and SB 1652 on vexatious litigants and related public-records issues. SB 248, expanding eligibility for private school and homeschool students to participate in FHSAA sports at public schools, also passed after amendment. Most of the claims bills were described as settled cases with amounts above sovereign-immunity limits, and several senators spoke in support of compensating victims of catastrophic injury or wrongful conviction. SB 10 drew comments about the 34 years Sidney Holmes spent incarcerated after a wrongful conviction, and SB 8 prompted discussion about the long delay in resolving Marcus Button’s injuries from a 2006 school-bus crash. SB 26 was presented as an uncontested claim arising from a DACS employee’s fatal crash that severely injured two teenage girls, and the committee adopted an amendment placing funds for the minor claimant into trust. The policy bills drew more substantive debate. SB 386 would let self-storage operators use websites instead of newspaper ads for lien-sale notices, with newspaper representatives opposing the change and storage-industry witnesses supporting modernization and lower costs. SB 362 would let renters reuse tenant screening reports for 30 days, with the sponsor saying it would reduce repeated application fees. SB 316 would authorize series LLCs while adding record-keeping protections, and SB 1650/1652 would broaden Florida’s vexatious-litigant rules and create a public-records exemption for certain stricken filings. SB 248 passed over concerns from private-school and public-education witnesses about instructional time, funding, and fairness in athletic participation. All measures were reported favorably, with recorded votes ranging from 7-2 on SB 248 to unanimous or near-unanimous support on the other bills.

Transcript Highlights:

• So one last point I want to make sure everyone hears me on, and this is just for your awareness.
• So I just want to make sure everyone in the capitol is kind of aware.
• Advising ensures students and families are aware of and have access to very... various college and career
• I'm not aware of a dedicated funding mechanism like what would be built into this bill.
• I'm not aware of any particular CTE courses that exist currently that could then substitute. seamlessly

Bills: HB20 , HB 120 , HB20 , HB120

Committee: House S/C on Academic & Career-Oriented Education

Keywords: applied sciences, career education, high school diploma, certificate program, work-based learning, job placement, high-growth jobs, technical training, career readiness, education reform, workforce training, public schools, financial aid, fraudulent solicitation, disaster relief, nonprofit organizations, criminal penalties, consumer protection, fraud prevention, charitable donations

Transcript Highlights:

• We depend on the Chief Justice not only for their knowledge of law, but for their awareness.
• Is this nominee self-aware?
• Is this nominee their awareness. Is this nominee self-aware? self-aware? self-aware?
• And as you folks are very<00:24:47.880><c> aware</c><00:24:48.240><c> of</c> very aware of very aware
• </c> show that you are aware show that you are aware to<01:30:02.320><c> keep</c><01:30:02.560><c> away

Committee: Senate Judiciary

Summary: The Judiciary Committee first took up decision-making on two judicial nominations heard the previous day. Governor’s Message 796, naming Annalisa En Bernard Lee as Circuit Court Judge for the Second Circuit (Maui County), and Governor’s Message 797, naming Michael K. Soong as Circuit Court Judge for the Fifth Circuit (Kauai), were both recommended for consent and adopted by unanimous roll-call votes. The committee then heard testimony on Governor’s Message 801, the nomination of Vladimir P. Devens as Chief Justice of the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Support came from the Governor’s office, Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm, Honolulu Managing Director Michael Formby, the Hawaii Association for Justice, United Public Workers, HGEA/AFL-CIO, the Hawaii Filipino Lawyers Association, labor and trade unions, retired Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald, retired judges, bar and court officials, and many other individuals and organizations. Supporters emphasized Devens’ legal experience, work ethic, labor-law background, community ties, mentorship, and ability to manage the judiciary and address the appellate backlog. A few speakers opposed the nomination, including Chuck Freedman, who raised concerns about union influence and potential conflicts, and others who submitted opposition testimony. Devens also testified, describing his Honolulu upbringing, education at UC Berkeley, six years with the police department, and more than 30 years in private practice before joining the Supreme Court. He said the chief justice role is primarily an administrative one, highlighted his experience with bar and judicial administration committees, and identified reducing the appellate backlog as a major priority. No vote was taken on GM 801 during this portion of the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if you're whispering to your neighbor, just be aware, it might pick it up.
• He wasn't aware of that. So the legislative process is not easy to keep up with.
• </c> He wasn't aware of that. He wasn't aware of that.
• </c><01:28:06.920><c> of</c><01:28:07.080><c> it</c> we're not aware of it we're not aware of it and<
• And if we're not aware raise objections.

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several Senate bills. On SB 2530, relating to campaign contributions, the State Procurement Office suggested clarifying that contractor disclosure information be submitted within 30 days of a fully executed contract, while the Campaign Spending Commission supported the bill but asked that the restriction on contributions by officers be expanded beyond compensated officers. Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action supported the measure and urged keeping the Senate language, arguing it better addresses contractor influence, while no other testifiers appeared. On SB 2970, relating to standards of conduct, the State Ethics Commission supported the bill and proposed amendments to consolidate the new language into existing Chapter 84 contract provisions and use “department head” instead of “director.” The State Procurement Office supported the measure but recommended closing a perceived loophole by limiting the covered contracts to those under $10,000. No opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard SB 2919, which would fund one full-time Deputy Public Defender position focused on immigration-related advice under Padilla v. Kentucky. The Office of the Public Defender, Hawaii Coalition for Immigrants’ Rights, and the ACLU of Hawaii supported the bill, explaining that the position would help public defenders advise clients about immigration consequences of criminal cases, not provide immigration representation. Members asked several questions about the scope of the position and whether it could assist with citizenship; testimony clarified that it would not handle civil immigration matters. The bill was also described as creating a statewide consistent resource for the public defender system. Finally, on SB 2446, relating to the judiciary, the Intermediate Court of Appeals supported adding a seventh associate judge position but noted the court has only recently been fully staffed at six judges and has improved output through internal changes. The chair emphasized that the bill authorizes the position without funding and encouraged the judiciary to return later if appropriations are needed. The committee also began hearing SB 2730, a criminal justice reform bill on warrantless arrests and citations. OHA supported reducing unnecessary arrests but objected to making citations visible on criminal records; the Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing law enforcement flexibility, identification concerns, and possible litigation costs; and the Judiciary requested a later implementation date and suggested changes to citation-resolution language. The transcript ends while testimony on SB 2730 was still underway.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that you're all aware that Republicans and Democrats age at the same rate.
• </c><00:36:14.800><c> that</c> uh I think that you're all aware that uh I think that you're all aware
• Being not aware of any amendments, again, we'll go straight to discussion.
• One of the biggest challenges with the program is awareness.
• I'll spare you the horror stories, but I'm sure you're aware.

Bills: HF1837 , HF361 , HF2725 , HF2566 , HF2744 , HF1685 , HF501 , HF1889 , HF1389

Committee: House State Government Finance and Policy

Keywords: state policy, employment, health insurance, fossil designation, public funds, community resources, Capitol Mall, grantmaking, community vitality, livability, funding, healthy aging, aging policy, older adults, seniors, elderly, gerontology, long-term care, assisted living, nursing homes

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:17:12.880><c> that</c> the mountain um are you aware that the mountain um are you aware that
• She said most people should be aware of that, and that their concerns are likely the exception.
• that there are procedures or aware that there are procedures or situations<00:42:12.560><c> being</c
• </c> has been targeted by those who are aware has been targeted by those who are aware of<02:47:19.800
• </c> 2018 as a school board member I am aware 2018 as a school board member I am aware that<04:18:37.960

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 232, which would protect health care workers’ conscience rights in connection with certain procedures, especially abortion and sterilization, and also referenced contraception. The prime sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, said the bill is meant to prevent medical professionals from being forced to participate in procedures that violate their beliefs, while still prohibiting discrimination against patients based on protected characteristics. He said the measure was intended to help retain health care workers in New Hampshire and noted he had added an amendment to address concerns about people taking jobs only to later refuse duties, as well as emergency situations where a provider is the only one available. Committee members raised concerns about how broadly the bill and amendment were written. Questions focused on whether the protections could apply to non-physician staff such as schedulers, receptionists, or pharmacy employees; whether a provider could refuse to schedule, refer, or otherwise assist with services; and how “emergency” would be determined in practice. Several members also questioned whether the bill could affect access to contraception, including pharmacy sales and procedures such as tubal ligation, and whether the language was clear enough to prevent confusion or unintended refusals of care. Pearson said the bill was not intended to allow refusal of emergency care or general patient discrimination, and he acknowledged some language could be tweaked. Rep. Paige Boerman, a maternal-child health nurse, testified in opposition, saying she had seen pharmacists question prescriptions related to miscarriage care and that the bill could create barriers to contraception and other reproductive health services. She warned that the lack of a disclosure requirement and the broad definitions could create risks, especially in rural areas with limited providers. She also pointed to problems she said had occurred in other states, arguing the bill could lead to delayed care in emergencies. The hearing ended after questions and discussion; no vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• commending the National Brain Tumor Society Incorporated for its recognition of May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness
• Rosalind Diaz, and Barbara Kane, guests of Representatives Moran and Frost, here to acknowledge Apraxia Awareness
• Rosalind Diaz, and Barbara Kane, guests of Representatives Moran and Frost, here to acknowledge Apraxia Awareness

Summary: The House took up several committee and Senate messages, including a Rules Committee report adopting resolutions congratulating Judy and Dick Jolin on their 50th wedding anniversary and commending the National Brain Tumor Society for recognizing May 2026 as Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The chamber also welcomed guests in the gallery for Apraxia Awareness Day and received a gubernatorial message proposing injured-on-duty compensation for Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinalee, which was referred to the Committee on Public Service. The House concurred in Senate referrals for bills on consumer-connected devices, crumbling concrete relief for homeowners, and naming the Hianus Transportation Center, and it also suspended Joint Rule 12 for a petition by Omar Gómez concerning reports of crimes to law enforcement. Another petition, by Michael S. Day on quantum investment tax incentive programs, had Joint Rules 12 and 9 suspended, was then referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies after a division of the question. The House also advanced several bills from the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee, including the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code, a Holyoke Charter change removing the treasurer as acting mayor, and a Kingston special police retirement-age bill, all ordered to a third reading. The chamber passed to be enacted or engrossed multiple local bills, including measures for Andover, Plymouth, Pembroke, Auburn, New Salem, and Falmouth. Finally, the House adopted an order to meet the following Monday at 11 a.m. and then adjourned to that time in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• consideration by the House: - House Bill 2489, relative to including inflammatory breast cancer awareness
• Second reading of the bills: - An act relative to including inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing
• final passage: an act designating September 22nd as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness

Summary: The House opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and then concurred with a Senate referral of a petition by Joan B. Lovely to study discrimination in public accommodations for individuals with service animals, sending it to the Committee on Consumer, Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities. The chamber also suspended Joint Rule 12 for two petitions by Adam J. Scanlon: one asking CHIA to analyze eliminating or capping copays for mental and behavioral health services, and another concerning no-cost calls for incarcerated individuals, referring them to the appropriate committees. The House then took up a slate of bills recommended by the Steering, Policy and Scheduling Committee and, after suspending Rule 7A, ordered several to third reading. These included Marnie’s Law on inflammatory breast cancer awareness in nursing education, Haverhill election bills, a New Salem election validation bill, Plymouth charter and digital legal notice bills, a Nantucket charter gender-neutrality bill, and a Nantucket land conveyance bill. The House also separately suspended Rule 7A for House Bill 2614 on medical parole and ordered it to third reading. On final passage, the House passed House Bill 4249 on vital statistics to be reenacted, adopted emergency preambles for House Bill 3388 designating September 22 as Military Service Members and Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day and for House Bill 1024 concerning sewer service in Sharon, and passed House Bill 23/Senate Bill 23 on alternate members to the Squabskine Conservation Commission. The House also engrossed Senate Bill 1830 on continued employment for Herbert A. Chafee II in Brookfield, House Bill 4109 on harbor line changes in New Bedford Harbor, and House Bill 4524 renaming Williamsburg’s Board of Selectmen as the Select Board. The session ended with adoption of an order to adjourn and the House standing adjourned to meet Wednesday at 11 a.m. in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• If they're out checking their transmission lines at night, we certainly are aware of that.
• </c> lines at night, we certainly are aware lines at night, we certainly are aware of<00:56:06.160><c
• I don't know if everybody's aware of that.
• I don't know if everybody's aware<04:10:23.520><c> of</c><04:10:23.600><c> that.
• </c> aware of that. aware of that.

Committee: House Fish and Game and Marine Resources

Transcript Highlights:

• do things that will reduce the cost and keep things as affordable as possible, because we're very aware
• To bring that ease, to bring that awareness, to bring that education once again in the field, in the
• both been, you know, strong advocates for forecasting and just will continue to, you know, raise awareness
• And just will continue to, you know, raise awareness and advocate for those items. Thank you.
• We also need to be aware long term about how we make sure that we're keeping pests out of California

Transcript Highlights:

• Third, as a result of understaffing, RNs are becoming increasingly aware of significant negative patient
• Seven in ten are aware of patients being readmitted to the hospital or other patient complications.
• Six in ten are aware of longer hospital stays, and over a quarter are aware of patient death as a result
• So it's very important that patients are aware and that we codify best practices, and as I said, we are
• My physical therapist may be aware of this hearing today, and that's part of the reason why I'm here.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Public Health

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hybrid hearing on a wide range of bills focused on patient safety, workforce development, health equity, and access to care. A major portion of the hearing centered on H. 2362/S. 1491, which would require health care providers to offer trained chaperones for sensitive exams. Sponsors and supporters said the bill is a common-sense safeguard prompted by cases of physician sexual abuse, and survivors gave emotional testimony describing grooming, isolation, and abuse during exams when no chaperone was present. Support also came from a health services researcher, a physician, and a RAINN representative, all arguing that trained chaperones and clearer documentation would improve transparency and protect patients. Committee members asked about clarifying who may serve as a chaperone and whether the bill would apply to other clinicians such as PTs and OTs. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2401/S. 1485, which would require explicit informed consent for certain educational exams performed on unconscious patients. The bill’s supporters said patients should know in advance if students or physicians will conduct non-medically necessary exams while they are under anesthesia, and that the measure would protect survivors from retraumatization. The hearing then moved to H. 2537, a primary care access bill. Health Care for All, the Massachusetts Medical Society, pediatric and internal medicine physicians, and a patient advocate described long waits, provider shortages, and difficulty finding primary care, especially for low-income people and people of color. They supported the bill’s proposed primary care spending target, payment reforms, Medicaid graduate medical education funding, and a commercial payment floor for health centers. Another set of bills addressed workforce and safety issues. H. 2397/S. 1593 would establish a nursing workforce center; nursing leaders said Massachusetts should make the current workforce council permanent to support data collection, apprenticeships, and long-term planning for the state’s largest health care workforce. H. 2396/S. 1535 would require safe patient handling and mobility programs in health facilities; nurses described serious injuries from lifting patients and said better equipment and programs would reduce staff injuries and improve patient outcomes. H. 2501/S. 1505 on LGBTQ+ health disparities drew support from a medical student and Doctors for America, who urged collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data to improve care and school outcomes. Finally, H. 2448/S. 1522 on patient safety and equitable access to care drew strong support from nursing organizations and individual nurses who described unsafe staffing, burnout, and patient harm, while the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems opposed the bill as redundant for psychiatric facilities already regulated by the Department of Mental Health.

Transcript Highlights:

• I know you guys are not aware of this already, but we are not discussing expropriation, whether we can
• I know you guys are not aware of this already, but we are not discussing expropriation whether we can
• The point of that video was that a landman should have been aware of that and probably...
• And I don't even know if I was aware that you had parish permits back when we were moving this.
• And I don't even know if I was aware that you had parish permits back when we were moving this.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded. The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably. Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> For another question. >> Yes. >> Sponsor yields. >> I'm aware of it.
• &gt;&gt; I'M AWARE OF IT.
• I'm not sure if you're aware of the timeline of Social Services Law 131, Section 131.
• Are you aware of that section, that this is already in statute?
• >> Not that I'm aware of, no. >> Madam President, will the sponsor continue to yield?

Summary: The Senate convened, approved the prior journal, and then took up a series of utility and public service bills and resolutions. A resolution sponsored by Senator Scarcella-Spanton designating April 9, 2026, as Yellow Ribbon Day was adopted after remarks honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The chamber then moved through several Public Service Law measures focused on utility affordability, consumer protections, and PSC procedures, with some bills laid aside and others advanced. Among the bills passed were measures by Senators Mayer, Cleare, Hinchey, Comrie, and Parker. Debate on the Mayer bill centered on limiting utility expenses and fees recoverable in rate cases; supporters said it was part of a broader package to reform PSC practices, while opponents argued it would not lower current bills and had been softened from earlier versions. The Webb bill creating a residential utility usage monitoring program drew extended debate over whether it would meaningfully reduce costs, who would pay for the program, and whether it could lead to government monitoring of household usage; supporters said it would give consumers more control and transparency, while critics said it would not lower rates. The Gonzalez bill, which would add consumer protections during PSC investigations and delay shutoffs in certain circumstances, also passed after questions about whether it applied to rate cases, with the sponsor saying rate cases were explicitly excluded. Several members explained their votes, with supporters emphasizing affordability, transparency, and consumer protection, and opponents arguing the package would not address immediate rate relief and could burden ratepayers or encourage nonpayment. Senator Tedisco and others criticized PSC appointments and state energy policy, while Democratic sponsors argued the bills were part of a longer-term effort to reform utility regulation and address climate and affordability concerns. The chamber restored multiple bills to the non-controversial calendar before final votes, and the recorded results showed passage of the major utility bills by substantial margins, along with one amendment appeal being ruled nongermane and rejected.

Transcript Highlights:

• Do the passengers, are the passengers aware of this liability issue?
• Yeah, some passengers are getting in a car not, at least they have no awareness of what would happen
• I'm not aware of any. I'd do that. Thank you, Representative Green.
• So maybe I'm not sure how many of these claims that you guys would be aware of.
• So maybe I'm not sure how many of these claims that you guys would be aware of.

Committee: House Insurance

Summary: The committee first took up HB 774, which would extend required hearing-aid coverage for certain individuals up to age 26. Representative Boyer said the bill helps young adults maintain access to hearing aids during school and early work years. The Louisiana Academy of Audiology supported the measure, and the committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then heard extensive testimony on HB 702, which would require transportation network companies to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Representative Landry and supporters argued that current law and court rulings have left injured drivers and passengers without meaningful coverage in some cases, especially for riders who do not own cars and therefore lack personal UM coverage. Insurance agents and legal witnesses said they cannot currently find a product to cover the driver in certain ride-share phases, while Uber representatives opposed the bill, warning it would raise fares and noting that drivers already have optional occupational accident coverage and that passengers’ own UM coverage would generally apply. After debate over costs, coverage gaps, and whether the issue should instead be studied further, the committee voted to voluntarily defer the bill. The committee next considered HB 477, as substituted, which would require coverage for prosthetic and custom orthotic devices and associated services. Representative Ebert and witnesses described the bill as a modernization of existing coverage rules so people with limb loss can obtain more than one medically necessary device, including activity-specific prosthetics. Testimony from amputees and a physical therapist emphasized the impact on mobility, work, sports, and quality of life. The committee adopted the substitute and reported the bill favorably by substitute. The committee also reported HB 76, which updates oral anti-cancer medication parity rules, by adopting amendments that clarify applicability and exempt certain limited-benefit and ERISA self-funded plans. HB 903, which increases the commissioner of insurance’s fine authority, was amended to set higher aggregate caps and then reported favorably. Finally, HB 291, which would prohibit health plans from penalizing hospitals when a member of the care team is out of network, drew support from the sponsor and the Louisiana Hospital Association as a preventative measure against insurer pressure tactics; Louisiana Blue opposed it, citing cost concerns and questioning the need for the bill. The transcript ends during that bill’s hearing, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires awareness, accountability, and consistent enforcement so dangerous behaviors are identified
• It requires awareness, accountability, and consistent enforcement so dangerous behaviors identified and
• So this particular bill encompasses full education so that they are aware of not just Caleb's death,
• The truth of the matter is, not a lot of the students have access to them or are aware of them.
• Let me say this: this is more of an awareness issue.

Bills: HCR14 , HB201 , HB218 , HB352 , HB626 , HB636 , HB738 , HB749

Committee: House Education

Keywords: Department of Education, federal overreach, education policy, Tenth Amendment, local control, fine arts, high school diploma, arts education, capstone project, academic achievement, student recognition, Louisiana education, food insecurity, hunger, student hunger, school meals, free lunch, community eligibility provision, McKinney-Vento, homeless students