Transcript Highlights:

• House bill is here.
• House Bill 4015.
• Please read the House bill. Committee substitute for House Bill 703.
• The House bill is identical, Senators. We're on the House bill.
• Read the House bill. Read the House bill.

Summary: The Senate opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and several recognitions, including interns, Denim Day awareness, and a resolution honoring Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange. Senators also paid tribute to former Senator Karen Johnson Gendron with a moment of silence. The chamber then moved to special-order bills after routine announcements that no committee reports, governor’s messages, or House messages were on the desk. The first major bill, SB 138/HB 687 on transportation offenses involving death, increased penalties for repeat DUI/BUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide offenses and added warnings and misdemeanor penalties for refusing lawful breath or urine tests. After a brief amendment and questions about attorney rights and prior impairing-substance language, the bill passed 37-0. SB 306 on Medicaid providers followed, requiring broader provider access, including after-hours availability and more primary care access for Medicaid enrollees; it also passed 37-0. The chamber then took up the major condominium reform bill, SB 1742/HB 913, addressing post-Surfside safety, reserve funding, milestone inspections, budgeting, reserve flexibility, manager regulation, conflicts of interest, and condo sale rescission periods. Senators from both parties praised the sponsors for extensive stakeholder work and the bill passed 37-0 after multiple amendments. The final major item was SB 7016/HB 1205 on constitutional amendments and petition-gathering rules, with sponsors arguing the bill was needed to combat fraud in the 2024 petition process and opponents warning it would burden citizen initiatives. The Senate adopted the House bill and then considered numerous amendments on petition circulator rules, submission deadlines, invalid-signature thresholds, voter notification, and related enforcement provisions; several amendments were adopted, and the substitute was later withdrawn, leaving the chamber to continue on the underlying bill and remaining amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• The House will come to order.
• House Bill 2035.
• House Bill 2342. House Bill 2342.
• House Bill 2440, amending section 31-281, A.R.S., relating to the transition program.
• I rise to read the Senate concurrent resolution as a point of personal privilege. Please proceed.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 232. House Bill 2032... Thank you. House Bill 2032.
• House Bill 2342. House Bill 2342. House Bill 2203.
• House Bill 2440, amending Section 31-281, A.R.S., relating to the transition program.
• House Bill 2693. House Bill 2693. House Bill 2693.
• I rise to read the Senate concurrent resolution as a point of personal privilege. Please proceed.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• The next item on the calendar is the concurrent resolution.
• I move the concurrent resolution on legislative adjournment.
• The resolution permits the Legislature to adjourn for more than three days and sets the date for convening
• The motion prevails, and the resolution is adopted. That concludes our agenda for today.

Transcript Highlights:

• Second reading of House files. Second reading House File number 719.
• Second reading of house files. Second reading of house files.
• >> Second house reading house file 2486. >> Second house reading house file 2486.
• as amended by the Senate, in which amendments the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested
• concurrence. Thank you, members. concurrence. Thank you, members.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a roll call that established a quorum. The journal from the previous day was approved as corrected, standing committee and division reports were adopted without objection, and several bills received second readings, including House Files 719, 2484, 2486, and 4808, and Senate Files 334, 1943, and 5200. The House also received House Files 5150 through 5155 for first reading, and Senate File 3236 was introduced and referred to the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee; it relates to requiring helmets for operators of electric-assisted bicycles under age 18. The main substantive action was on House File 3489, the education bill establishing a field trip policy and the criminal offense of grooming. Representative Bennett explained that the Senate amendments removed the field trip component, added training for mandated reporters to identify sensitive situations such as field trips, and tightened the grooming definition to avoid unintended coverage. Representative Jordan supported the amended bill, and the House voted to concur in the Senate amendments. The bill then passed third reading as amended by the Senate by a vote of 133 ayes and 0 nays, with its title agreed to. The Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration also designated House File 2354 for the supplemental calendar for Saturday, May 16. Representative Niska’s motion to adjourn until Sunday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m. prevailed, and later the House recessed to the call of the Speaker after discussion of a future Rules Committee meeting and a planned recognition of a foreign dignitary.

Transcript Highlights:

• House bill for reference under Rule 31, we have H. 944, an act relating to fiscal year 2027 transportation
• Uh House bill for reference Uh House bill for reference under<00:08:46.440> rule<00:08:46.840>
• That one goes to Is that under 31? Okay, That one goes to Is that under 31?
• concurrence with proposal of amendment? concurrence with proposal of amendment?
• that it ought to pass in concurrence. that it ought to pass in concurrence.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:31:02.240> case<00:31:02.639> and<00:31:03.120> this<00:31:03.480> bill
• oh okay okay<00:31:06.279> so<00:31:06.519> this<00:31:06.679> is<00:31:06.880>
• the<00:31:07.320> previous<00:31:07.760> one<00:31:08.480> as<00:31:08.679
• ><00:31:34.840> based<00:31:35.120> on<00:31:35.240> the<00:31:35.399> Supreme
• Court Court<00:31:36.480> four<00:31:36.919> part<00:31:37.399> test<00:31:38.399

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint committees first heard SB 1146, which would appropriate funds to the University of Hawaiʻi to develop an action plan and pre-engineering concept plan for debris management and water quality control in the Ala Wai Watershed. Testimony was largely supportive from DLNR, a UH student, and a special improvement district representative, while one speaker suggested the work should be coordinated with existing efforts to avoid duplication. Committee discussion focused on the multi-jurisdictional nature of the watershed, existing debris-trap work that captures only about 20 to 30 percent of debris, the role of the university in capstone projects and recommendations, and the relationship to the existing Geni project and other community efforts. Members also asked about costs, tracking progress, and the difference between water-quality improvements and the larger debris problem. The committees then voted to pass SB 1146 with amendments, including blanking out the appropriation and deferring the effective date to July 31, 2050. The motion passed in both committees, with votes recorded in support and no opposition noted during the decision-making. The committees also heard SB 321, which would deem certain fee simple privately owned lands transferred to adjacent property owners or community associations if specified conditions are met. Testimony was in support from several individuals, but members raised concerns about the lack of input from counties and the state, and about how the bill might affect roads already used by the public or maintained by local governments. After discussion, the committees voted to advance SB 321 unamended to the next committees, with the measure adopted in both committees despite one recorded no vote in the Water and Land committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• The house also had testimony the house.
• :31:03.040> with<01:31:03.160> a<01:31:03.200> report<01:31:04.080> up we
• review,<01:31:04.760> we<01:31:04.880> included<01:31:05.360> it<01:31:05.640
• If<01:31:20.960> there<01:31:21.160> are,<01:31:21.760> like<01:31:21.960> I<
• <01:31:31.960> to<01:31:32.080> thank<01:31:32.720> um<01:31:32.880> the<

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The question comes on adoption of the resolutions honoring the Knights of Columbus, Leo Council 508,
• The ayes have it, and the resolutions are adopted.
• increasing the membership of the board of health of the town of Marblehead from three members to five, House
• The committee on rules of the two branches acts concurrently.
• The committee on rules of the two branches acts concurrently to report several Senate petitions, recommending

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and then took up several routine matters. It considered final passage of H. 4364, an act authorizing the Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant certain easements to the town of Bourne, requiring a standing vote for adoption of an emergency preamble. The chamber also adopted a resolution honoring Knights of Columbus Leo Council 508 on its 125th anniversary. The Senate then advanced two Marblehead local bills to third reading: one authorizing the town to amend its parking violations law under Chapter 37 of the Acts of 2004, and another increasing the membership of the town’s board of health from three to five members. The committee on rules reported several Senate petitions and recommended suspension of Joint Rule 12; the Senate also suspended Senate Rule 36 to allow matters to be considered forthwith, and Joint Rule 12 was suspended. The Senate adopted an order to adjourn and reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m., with the calendar printing dispensed with. Before adjournment, the chamber voted to adjourn in memory of Edward F. Kenney of South Boston, a World War II Navy veteran and retired Boston firefighter, and observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chief Clerk, please read in House Resolution Number 27 by title only.
• House Resolution Number 27 is hereby passed by the House. Whip Osienski. Thank you, Madam Speaker.
• Resolution 223 and requests the concurrence of the House.
• Concurrent Resolution 149, and is returning the same to the House.
• House Bill 426, House Concurrent Resolution 149, and is returning the same to the House. Thank you.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum present, opened with a moment of silence for Ted Williams, prayer, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Members then accepted the previous day’s minutes and moved into a series of recognitions, beginning with House Resolution 27 designating June 24, 2026 as Staff Appreciation Day. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the chamber spent much of the meeting honoring legislative staff across both caucuses, with members and staff introducing themselves and being recognized for years of service and behind-the-scenes work. The House also recognized staff member Justin, who is leaving for a position with the Delaware State Board of Education, and later gave farewell remarks for Representative Kevin Hensley and Representative Charles Postles, both of whom are retiring. Numerous members spoke in tribute to their service, constituent work, and personal character, and both Hensley and Postles offered remarks thanking colleagues, staff, and family. The House then received communications from the Senate, including several bills and resolutions passed and returned, and a notice of Senate concurrence on other measures. Representative Wilson-Anton made a brief statement explaining her vote on Senate Bill 100 and reaffirming support for marriage equality and related civil rights issues. The chamber also took up Senate Joint Resolution 16 and Senate Joint Resolution 17, which set the official revenue estimates for fiscal years 2026 and 2027; both were read, called to roll, and passed by constitutional majority votes of 37-4 and 40-1, respectively. Finally, the House considered Senate Bill 335, the operating budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. Representative Williams presented the budget on behalf of the Joint Finance Committee, describing major funding items including raises for state and education employees, health insurance and retiree benefit funding, developmental disability services, Medicaid growth, purchase of care, and maintenance of reserve funds. Several members praised the committee’s work, while Representative Shupe said he would vote no, citing concerns about the budget’s 6.3% growth despite appreciating the committee’s effort. After the budget presentation and comments, Leader Harris moved that the House recess for party caucuses, and the House stood in recess until the call of the bell.

Transcript Highlights:

• > arms<00:31:21.639> and<00:31:21.840> I<00:31:22.039> would<00:31:22.480
• :54.760> and<00:31:54.919> to<00:31:55.039> get<00:31:55.639> housing<00:
• 31:56.639> and<00:31:56.799> so<00:31:57.039> we employment and to get housing and
• so we employment and to get housing and so we just<00:31:57.919> urge<00:31:58.279> the
• :31:06.080> to<01:31:06.239> be<01:31:06.760> uh<01:31:07.199> to<01:31:07.360

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As amended by the House Appropriations Committee, effective December 31st, 2027, House Bill 2148 provides
• House Concurrent Memorial 2001 urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress
• Concurrent Resolution 2001 is a proposed constitutional amendment that, if approved by voters, would
• House Bill 2016. Madam Whip and members, I'm Connor Sakata, House Majority Research Intern.
• I believe it's $80,000 Vince if your house is worth $80,000 now obviously houses are a lot more than

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The meeting covered a long list of House bills, mostly on third-read consent calendars, spanning appropriations, elections, education, public safety, water, taxation, and criminal law. Early discussion focused on HB 2148, which would give the legislature authority to appropriate non-custodial federal funds, described by the sponsor as a transparency measure. Other measures discussed included HB 2091 on insurance-related assessment limits, HB 2122 on reciprocity for BTR-related professions, HB 2138 clarifying firefighter workers’ compensation coverage, and HB 2008 barring public school libraries from using public money to pay library professional associations. HB 2110, removed from consent, would allow school governing body members to pray at meetings, with members noting Supreme Court precedent supporting such prayer. Several bills addressed school safety and parental rights. HB 2142 would create a School Safety Center at the Arizona Department of Education and allow up to 10% of school safety program funds for administration, with supporters citing an audit and lack of oversight. HB 2249 would expand the Parents’ Bill of Rights to require notice if a school employee facilitates social transitioning of a minor and to provide broader access to educational records, with penalties discussed for violations. HB 2074 would add mandatory reporting for anyone in a medical facility who knows a partial-birth abortion is occurring, and HB 2144 would allow child support calculations to begin during pregnancy based on a confirmed pregnancy test and related DNA testing provisions. The committee also took up election-related measures. HB 2022 would make permanent changes tied to the federal Electoral Count Act, including moving Arizona’s primary earlier to preserve military and overseas voting access, while keeping petition dates valid and preserving existing deadlines for candidates. HCM 2001 urged federal designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, and HCM 2002 supported a separate congressional effort involving CARE and related federal review and designation processes; members debated the distinction between direct designation and a request for federal investigation. HCR 2001 proposed a constitutional amendment to limit voting to U.S. citizens, require government ID to register, prohibit foreign contributions, and end early voting by the Friday before an election. Water, land use, and tax bills were also reviewed. Measures included HB 2024 on snowpack augmentation as a water supply development project, HB 2029 and HB 2030 tightening how Water Conservation Grant Fund money is used, HB 2053 appropriating $100,000 for updated stormwater recharge mapping, HB 2096 expanding revolving fund uses to address cesspools, HB 2097 capping groundwater withdrawal in irrigation non-expansion areas, and HB 2116 funding potential Colorado River litigation. On the tax side, HB 2016 would remove late-filing penalties when no tax is due, HB 2104 and HB 2105 would protect agricultural property owners from repeated reclassification and require notice of inspections, and HB 2289 would update truth-in-taxation examples to reflect higher home values. The committee also heard bills on criminal penalties and other matters, including HB 2043 on felony murder involving an unborn child, HB 2045 on discharging a weapon near a vehicle, HB 2131 and HB 2132 on weapons trafficking and fentanyl penalties, and HB 2062 authorizing a Buffalo Soldiers memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, we appreciate that the committee has taken up hearing this Senate concurrent resolution.
• Uh, we appreciate that the committee has taken up hearing this Senate concurrent resolution.
• >> But res this is a resolution. resolutions<00:20:42.799> don't<00:20:43.520> if
• <00:20:43.760> resolutions<00:20:44.400> don't resolutions don't if resolutions don't resolutions
• The serious for this resolution.

Bills: SCR96, SCR109, SCR164, SCR172, SCR166

Keywords: electric reliability, renewable energy, interconnection, Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator, Public Utilities Commission, capacity shortfalls, energy policies, mail-order pharmacy, insurance, healthcare access, chronic disease management, cost savings, rural access, emergency healthcare, patient adherence, critical infrastructure, foreign influence, local control, energy dependence, economic resilience

Summary: The Committee on Consumer Protection and Commerce heard several Senate concurrent resolutions related to utilities, pharmacy access, critical infrastructure, and energy policy. STR 96 SD1 asked the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to report on the progress of the Hawaii Electric Reliability Administrator; the PUC offered written comments and the measure later advanced as is. STR 109 SD1 urged the insurance commissioner to study expanding mail-order pharmacy use. Testimony was split: DCCA’s insurance division, HMSA, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the study, while Shipa and the Hawaii Pharmacist Association opposed it, arguing mail-order pharmacy is already available and that in-person pharmacist counseling should be preserved. The measure was ultimately deferred. The committee also heard STR 164 SD1 on protecting Hawaii’s critical infrastructure from foreign influence. Greenpeace Hawaii and 350 Hawaii strongly supported the resolution, framing it as a consumer protection and resilience measure tied to reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local food and energy systems. No opposition was presented, and the resolution was moved out as is. STR 172 SD1 HD1 directed the PUC to conduct a comprehensive analysis of ways to maximize cost reduction and minimize financial risk while meeting state goals. DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC offered comments, and Earthjustice supported the measure; it was also advanced as is. For STR 166 SD1, which concerns how the PUC should evaluate generational energy commitments, DCCA, the Hawaii State Energy Office, and the PUC provided comments, while 350 Hawaii, Greenpeace Hawaii, and others opposed any move toward LNG, arguing it would harm ratepayers and conflict with Hawaii’s renewable goals. After discussion, the committee amended the resolution to add language directing the PUC to evaluate any LNG or other imported-fuel proposal for its potential effects on or delays to the state’s renewable portfolio standards, including the 2045 deadline. The amended resolution then passed, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing then, that will conclude the hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 42.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Now we will hear House Resolution 4661 sponsored by Representative Faruza. Well, imagine that.
• I'm George Hruza, a representative of District 89, to present House Resolution 4661.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Health and Mental Health heard testimony on several measures. HCR 42, sponsored by Representative Perkins, urged Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients. The sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while Representative Dahl argued the referenced program could cost more than other options such as GoodRx or generic pharmacy pricing. No vote was taken, and the hearing was closed after no additional support or opposition testimony was offered. The committee then heard Senate Bill 878 from Senator Fitzwater, a pharmacist practice act bill negotiated with the Board of Healing Arts and pharmacy groups. The bill would codify pandemic-era pharmacy flexibilities, expand pharmacist authority to administer certain vaccines approved by the FDA and state boards, allow therapeutic plans and some medical device dispensing, and authorize over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with FDA-approved warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters, including pharmacy associations and large pharmacy chains, said it would improve access, especially in rural areas, reduce delays in treatment, and help pharmacies remain open. Some members and an opponent raised concerns about safety, self-treatment, vaccine authority, and whether the bill shifts too much power from elected officials to boards. The bill was heard only; no committee vote was reported. The committee also heard House Resolution 538, which would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and encourage support for research, funding, and affected families. Members largely supported the resolution, with comments about the severity of ALS and the importance of early communication and assistive technology. House Resolution 4661 followed, calling for increased awareness and screening for chronic kidney disease, especially among high-risk patients with diabetes and hypertension, and encouraging public-private education efforts around urine albumin-to-creatinine testing. The sponsor described it as an awareness measure rather than a mandate, and members asked about how education efforts might work and whether broader screening should be considered. No votes were taken on either resolution during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• up and passed Senate Substitute, Senate Committee Substitute House Bill 2896, in which the concurrence
• 1, Senate Amendment 2, and Senate Amendment 4, in which the concurrence of the House is respectfully
• 1, in which the concurrence of the House is respectfully requested.
• for House Bill 2474.
• for House Bill 2474.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So for the bill sponsor, or whatever this is, the concurrent resolution sponsor, to suggest that I came
• Seeing then, that will conclude the hearing on House Concurrent Resolution 42.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Next up, we'll hear House Resolution 538, presented by Representative Harusa.
• Now we will hear House Resolution 4661 sponsored by Representative Faruza. Well, imagine that.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Mental Health heard public testimony on House Concurrent Resolution 42, Senate Bill 878, House Resolution 538, and House Resolution 4661. HCR 42 would urge Congress to support programs intended to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicaid and Medicare patients; the sponsor said it would help elderly and low-income residents, while an opponent argued the referenced program can cost more than alternatives like GoodRx or local pharmacy pricing. No votes were taken on HCR 42, and the hearing closed after no one appeared in support, opposition, or for information. Senate Bill 878, a pharmacist practice act bill, drew the most discussion. The sponsor said it would codify pandemic-era flexibilities for pharmacists, including administering certain vaccines, providing medication therapy services, dispensing some medical devices, and allowing over-the-counter access to ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine with warning labels and standardized procedures. Supporters from pharmacy chains and the Missouri Pharmacy Association said the bill improves access, especially in rural areas, and keeps pharmacists working at the top of their training. Opponents raised concerns about vaccine authority shifting from the governor to boards, the safety and efficacy of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, and the adequacy of warning labels. The committee heard testimony but did not take a vote. The committee also heard two awareness resolutions. House Resolution 538 would designate May 2026 as ALS Awareness Month and call for support of ALS research and advocacy; members spoke in favor, citing the severity of the disease and the need for early access to communication technology and support services. House Resolution 4661 would encourage screening and public education about chronic kidney disease, especially for high-risk patients such as those with diabetes or hypertension, and would ask the Department of Health and Senior Services to consider public-private education efforts. Both resolutions were presented as nonbinding awareness measures, and no votes were taken before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Moving on to concurrence and Senate amendments, file items 2 and 3.
• Assembly Concurrent Resolution 147 by Assembly Member Lackey relative to Special Olympics Day.
• The resolution is adopted.
• House Resolution 89 by Assembly Member Patterson relative to Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
• The resolution is adopted. Somebody remember Pat... The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

Summary: The Assembly met after a quorum call and brief procedural business, including approval of the prior day’s journal, suspension of certain rules for guest introductions, and moving AB 568 to the inactive file. The chamber then recognized several visiting groups, including a fourth-grade class from Marigold Elementary School, representatives of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and its Royal Court, and students from the University of California Students Association on lobby day. The main floor actions centered on two resolutions. ACR 147 by Assembly Member Lackey designated March 9, 2026 as California Special Olympics Day. Members from both parties spoke in strong support, sharing personal connections to Special Olympics and praising its impact on athletes, families, and volunteers. The resolution received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. H.R. 89 by Assembly Member Patterson declared March as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Speakers emphasized rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, the importance of screening, and new testing options including blood tests. The resolution also received 70 co-authors and was adopted by voice vote. After the resolutions, Assembly Member Rodriguez offered an adjournment in memory of Bob Yuloa of Chino, a Navy veteran and longtime community servant. The Assembly then announced upcoming committee and floor session dates and adjourned until Thursday, March 12 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to present HCR 31.
• It’s House Bill 571.
• This is on House Bill 215. 215, we'll go in order. Okay. This is on House Bill 215.
• House Bill 226. This is a bill... House Bill 226.
• All right, so I'm a move that we report House Concurrent Resolution No. 6 with amendments.

Summary: The Senate Judiciary A Committee met on May 5, 2026, with five members present and adopted the April 28 minutes. The committee then heard and favorably reported several measures, including HCR 31, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to study replacing or clarifying the term “foreign” in state law; HB 263, allowing the 14th JDC magistrate judge to handle certain specialty court felony matters; HB 299, clarifying paper filing rules for jury bonds and related payment issues; HB 535, simplifying hospital-based acknowledgments of paternity by removing the two-witness requirement while keeping notarization; HB 571, codifying the 19th JDC’s complex litigation section program; and HB 538, increasing the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Court fee cap from $15 to $75 to help offset court costs. The committee also reported HB 215, raising the small succession affidavit threshold from $125,000 to $200,000, and HB 226, adding a 10.1 conference requirement before requests for admissions are deemed admitted, with discussion about discovery fairness and default judgment exceptions. The committee also took up HB 324, which makes judicial stipend increases permanent and adds a 2.7% salary increase for judges effective July 1, 2027; an amendment restoring the second year of the COLA was adopted, and the bill was reported with amendments. HB 1043, raising the jurisdictional amount in Jefferson Parish first and second parish courts, was amended to increase the amount from $35,000 to $50,000 and then reported with amendments. HCR 6, directing the Law Institute to study forced heirship and disinherison issues, was amended to add reporting language and related Civil Code references and then reported with amendments. HB 1006, changing summary judgment deadlines to give opponents more time to respond, was amended and reported by a 3-2 vote after roll call. Two more substantive bills drew extended debate. HB 1239 would strengthen the presumption that parents share physical custody equally unless a court finds that arrangement infeasible or not in the child’s best interest; supporters framed it as a parental-rights measure, while an attorney in opposition warned it would increase litigation, reduce stability for children, and be used as leverage in child support disputes. Despite the opposition, the committee reported the bill favorably. HB 190, as amended, would create a duty of reasonable care for certain software/app providers toward minors and require expert testimony, while excluding manufacturers; supporters said it was aimed at protecting children from harmful platform design, but opponents argued the proposal was unnecessary because existing tort law already covers negligence and warned it could create new causes of action and uncertainty over whether software is a “product.” The committee heard testimony from the Louisiana State Law Institute, the sponsor, and outside witnesses, but the transcript ends before final action on HB 190 is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm going to present HCR 31.
• It's House Bill 571.
• This is on House Bill 215. 215, we'll go in order. Okay. This is on House Bill 215.
• House Bill 226. This is a bill. House Bill 226.
• All right, so I'm a move that we report House Concurrent Resolution Number 6 with amendments.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam Chair, members, as amended by the House Enru Committee, House Bill 253 requires the Department
• Madam Chair, members, House Concurrent Memorial 2001, Muslim Brotherhood designation terrorist organization
• Madam Chair, members, House Concurrent Memorial 2002, CARE terrorist organization urging designation.
• House Concurrent Memorial 2002, CARE terrorist organization urging designation.
• Madam Chair, members, House Concurrent Resolution 2001, Citizenship, Identification, Contributions, Early

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The caucus began with introductions from pages and interns, followed by a procedural reminder on consent calendars and how bills can be pulled for floor debate or amendment. Members were told that third-read consent bills bypass caucus debate, while caucus consent bills may have committee amendments adopted together unless pulled. The meeting then moved into Minority Caucus Calendar No. 2. A large number of bills were briefly presented, with several members pulling measures from consent or voicing opposition. Topics included appropriations and federal monies accounting (HB 2148), a Buffalo Soldiers memorial (HB 2062), school library funding restrictions (HB 2008), prayer at school governing body meetings (HB 2110), school safety center administration (HB 2142), parental rights and social transitioning disclosures (HB 2249), insurer assessments (HB 2091), agricultural property classification and inspection rules (HB 2104 and HB 2105), firefighter workers’ compensation definitions (HB 2138), truth-in-taxation bond notices (HB 2289), late tax filing penalties (HB 2016), engineering and professional licensing reciprocity (HB 2122), felony murder involving an unborn child (HB 2043), body concealment and mutilation penalties (HB 2044), domestic violence order-of-protection service rules (HB 2048), mandatory reporting of partial-birth abortions (HB 2074), unlawful flight sentencing enhancements (HB 2108), weapons trafficking and fentanyl sentencing changes (HB 2131 and HB 2132), drive-by shooting forfeiture rules (HB 2045), probation review notice changes (HB 2046), venue changes for cases involving court employees (HB 2126), and child support for pre-born children (HB 2144). Members repeatedly criticized several abortion-related bills, the library bill, and the tax and agriculture measures as harmful, unnecessary, or unfunded mandates. The latter part of the meeting focused on water and election legislation. Water bills included snowpack augmentation funding (HB 2024), water conservation grant disclosures (HB 2029), removal of education/research as an eligible water grant use (HB 2030), stormwater recharge mapping with an appropriation (HB 253), cesspool remediation assistance (HB 2096), groundwater pumping limits in INAs (HB 2097), Colorado River litigation funding (HB 2116), and natural resource conservation board changes (HB 2117). Election-related items included moving the primary date earlier and changing signature cure timelines and observer rules (HB 2022), a memorial urging designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization (HCM 2001), a memorial urging review of CAIR for terrorist designation (HCM 2002), and a constitutional amendment on citizenship, voter ID, foreign contributions, and early voting limits (HCR 2001). Members raised concerns about voter access, anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the practical effects of the election changes. The caucus concluded with birthday acknowledgments and an announcement for Muslim Day at the Capitol before adjournment.