Transcript Highlights:

• Brad Burgett, the Seventh Judicial District Court district attorney, in support.
• And Andy Shevey with the 16th Judicial District Court; he's an assistant district attorney.
• s Association, Brad Burgette, Seventh Judicial District Court district attorney, Kevin Cobb, Louisiana
• We have a few cards in support not wishing to speak: Andy Shealy, assistant DA with the 16th Judicial
• Andy Shealy, the ADA from the 16th Judicial District District Attorney.

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard House Bill 1033, which expands the definition of critical infrastructure to include airports, heliports, spaceports, aerospace facilities, certain government and military sites, and oil and gas platforms. Supporters said the bill is part of a broader effort to position Louisiana for aerospace and defense investment, while opponents from the Sierra Club warned that repeatedly broadening critical infrastructure could chill protest and free-speech activity. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard House Bill 1034, which authorizes local officials to declare temporary protection zones for public safety for up to 72 hours, with one extension. The sponsor and the Department of Economic Development said it would be a tool for aerospace and defense projects and other public-safety needs; ACLU testimony raised concerns about notice, property rights, and possible impacts on public waterways. The bill was also reported favorably. The committee next considered several criminal justice bills. House Bill 51, barring post-conviction bail for defendants convicted of aggravated offenses against children, and House Bill 55, limiting public disclosure of juror information to protect juror privacy, both received broad support and were reported favorably. House Bill 635, aimed at protecting Louisianians from transnational repression by foreign governments through penalty enhancements for underlying crimes, was supported by a national security advocate and reported favorably. House Bill 133, increasing penalties for students who commit attacks on teachers or other students, was amended to address juvenile procedure and exceptionalities; teachers testified about serious injuries they suffered, while the ACLU and criminal defense lawyers raised concerns about mandatory minimums and individualized sentencing. The bill was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 676, which creates the crime of fraudulent patient referrals, or “body brokering,” in the substance-use treatment industry. The sponsor and Blue Cross Blue Shield representatives described schemes that steer vulnerable patients into fraudulent treatment arrangements for profit; the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 159 created a Caddo Parish pilot program for pretrial home incarceration with electronic monitoring to reduce jail overcrowding. The sheriff said the jail is far over capacity and that the program would be limited to nonviolent, non-sex-offense defendants with risk assessments, court approval, and behavioral-health check-ins. Witnesses supported the concept but urged tighter liability language; the committee adopted an amendment and reported the bill with amendments. House Bill 106, dealing with unauthorized administration of melatonin to children in child care settings, was reported favorably. Later, the committee amended and reported House Bill 108, which changes juror qualifications to exclude people convicted of crimes of violence or sex offenses from criminal juries, after opponents argued it would unnecessarily bar citizens from jury service. House Bill 784, a cleanup bill on sex offender registration and notification, was amended and reported with technical changes. Senate Bill 388, which removes a trigger clause tied to a border compact and authorizes review of state contracts for foreign-adversary benefit, was amended and reported. Finally, House Bill 772, a bail-procedure reform requiring accurate mailing and electronic notice information and consolidating notice rules, was presented as a fairness and efficiency measure and had support from the bail industry and prosecutors; the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:55:02.120> of risks undermining the independence of risks undermining the independence
• superintendent, a rep for independent superintendent, a rep for independent schools,<00:55:21.040
• The situation is a wake-up call that the state needs to have more economic independence.
• We should be working toward a strong, independent economy that can weather any storm.
• economy independent economy independent economy that<06:00:31.040> can<06:00:31.240>

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Court did reveal for the first time that Judge Goodman is undergoing a parallel proceeding in the Judicial
• of Judge Julie Muth Goodman be stayed indefinitely pending conclusion of an investigation by the Judicial
• of Judge Julie Muth Goodman be stayed indefinitely pending conclusion of an investigation by the Judicial
• of Judge Julie Muth Goodman be stayed indefinitely pending conclusion of an investigation by the Judicial
• of Judge Julie Muth Goodman be stayed indefinitely pending conclusion of an investigation by the Judicial

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate committee met under Rule 39 to consider proceedings related to the impeachment of Judge Julie Muth Goodman of the Fayette Circuit Court. Chair Storm explained that the House had transmitted impeachment articles on March 24, 2026, and that the Kentucky Constitution requires the Senate to address them. He also noted a preliminary Kentucky Supreme Court order issued April 6, 2026, in Judge Goodman’s separate lawsuit against the House, and said the Court revealed she is also facing a parallel Judicial Conduct Commission proceeding on the same issues. The chair emphasized that the committee’s actions were guided by constitutional duties and fairness to the defendant. Senator Howell moved that the committee recommend to the full Senate that impeachment proceedings be stayed indefinitely pending completion of the Judicial Conduct Commission investigation, with the understanding that the stay would not waive the Senate’s constitutional authority. Senator Carroll seconded the motion. Senator Chambers-Armstrong said she would vote yes on the stay but preferred the body explicitly dismiss the complaint or otherwise state it would take no further action, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling as unconstitutional for further action. The committee voted 7-0 in favor of the motion, with all members present voting aye. Chair Storm then directed staff to prepare the motion as a committee report to the full Senate and stressed that the action should not be construed as an acquittal or as the Senate relinquishing any constitutional rights or duties.

Transcript Highlights:

• But only in 25% of our cases are independent...
• And to imagine that we could obtain an independent...
• As the bill specifies a request for an independent medical evaluation, Process.
• Then there are often delays in getting the independent medical evaluation.
• be available to the lawyers who are doing the independent” “The lawyers who are doing the independent

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee held its fourth public hearing of the 2025-2026 session on bills dealing with involuntary commitment and access to addiction treatment, especially proposals to move Section 35 civil commitments away from jails and prisons and into facilities licensed or approved by DPH or DMH. Chairs Velis and Domb framed the hearing as a discussion of how to support people in crisis with compassion, while also warning against using involuntary commitment as a way to remove unhoused people from public view. The hearing also touched on related concerns about discharge practices, treatment capacity, and the need for a broader continuum of care. Testimony split largely along two themes. Addiction researcher Keith Humphreys argued that many people enter treatment under pressure, that involuntary treatment can be ethically justified in the face of overdose risk, but that it should not be mandated unless high-quality services exist first; he emphasized the need for inpatient care when someone is a grave danger, followed by case management and outpatient support. MAMH’s Kate Alicante supported the bill, saying Massachusetts is the only state that commits people with substance use conditions to jails or prisons and that carceral settings add trauma and stigma; she pointed to prior legislative steps, including the Section 35 commission and the planned closure of DOC’s MESAC facility, as evidence that the Commonwealth is moving toward health-based settings. A major portion of the hearing focused on Stony Brook, a sheriff-run stabilization and treatment center in Hampden County. Boston City Councilor John Fitzgerald, several committee members, and multiple people in recovery described the facility as humane, well-run, and effective, with longer stays, medical monitoring, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and warm handoffs to aftercare. Several witnesses said Stony Brook saved their lives or helped family members recover, and they argued that the sheriff’s office model should be expanded rather than eliminated. Others, including family members and advocates, countered that even a well-run correctional setting remains stigmatizing and that people should not be treated in facilities run by sheriffs or corrections when they have committed no crime. No vote was taken. The hearing concluded with continued testimony, including Senator Friedman’s support for Section 35 as a civil commitment tool but not in a criminal justice setting, and her separate support for a bill to speed inpatient mental health treatment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judicial Proceedings. >> Thank you very much, Mr. President.
• The Judicial Proceedings Committee will meet today at 1 p.m. for bill hearings.
• Uh, judicial<00:25:52.080> proceedings. judicial proceedings. judicial proceedings.
• The judicial<00:25:54.240> proceedings<00:25:54.559> committee<00:25:54.799> will
• ><00:25:54.960> meet judicial proceedings committee will meet judicial proceedings committee will

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 5, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, heard an invocation from Reverend Carissa Serber, and journalized her remarks. Members then welcomed several guests and groups in the gallery, including Maryland Community Action Partnership advocates, Cecil College students and Dr. Mary Bolt, Cecil County Executive Adam Strait, the Maryland Association of Justice, Faith Baptist School students, and several interns and staff members. The chamber also introduced Senate Bill 585 and a bond initiative for the Active Achievers Youth Center, both of which were referred to the appropriate committees or subcommittees. The main floor debate centered on Senate Bill 255, the Voting Rights Act of 2026 for counties and municipal corporations. Senators questioned the bill’s scope, especially whether it would affect county commissioner election methods, who could bring suit, what “vote dilution” means, and whether the measure was tied to district maps or candidate filings. The sponsor explained that the bill creates a state framework for the federal Voting Rights Act, provides standing rather than a remedy, and applies when a protected class believes its vote has been diluted; political party was said not to be a protected class. The committee amendment was adopted without objection, and the amended bill was ordered printed for third reading. On third reading, Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 29 passed with constitutional majorities. Senate Bill 93 also passed. Senate Bill 141, dealing with election misinformation, disinformation, and deep fakes, was moved back to second reader for a technical amendment and then special ordered to Tuesday. The Senate also held a lighthearted recorded vote on Seahawks versus Patriots, with the Seahawks winning 28 to 8, and then received committee scheduling announcements for upcoming hearings and voting sessions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, we did have it reviewed by independent attorneys as well as our nonpartisan staff, who both said
• Is it a judicial warrant that's being used, or is it a criminal warrant that is bringing them in?
• arrested<00:24:38.760> is<00:24:38.920> it<00:24:39.080> a<00:24:39.160> judicial
• <00:24:39.720> warrant being arrested is it a judicial warrant being arrested is it a judicial

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• This one's actually separating the judicial statute along with the peace officer statute and cleaning
• A similar bill was passed allowing for judicial officers and information to be more protected.
• is at risk if not more than judicial is at risk if not more than judicial officials<01:08:28.159
• I'm sort of wondering how they compare with the provisions right now relating to judicial officers.
• criminal statute specific to judicial criminal statute specific to judicial officials<01:23:00.199

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh Board of Judicial identical.
• Uh Board of Judicial Standards,<00:08:05.840> there<00:08:06.000> are<00:08:06.160>
• <00:09:37.279> property um sealing or of judicial property um sealing or of judicial property
• judicial judicial provisions.<00:42:43.280> Section<00:42:43.760> one<00:42:44.079>
• House File 23000, Scott, and Senate File 1098, Latz, judicial branch policy notifications.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that if a school has the independence to do this, then they won't price themselves out.
• They directly impact their ability to communicate, their independence, their safety, their emotional
• Their ability to communicate, their independence, their safety, their emotional well-being, and their
• a parent requests a hearing and then you get, and you can't resolve, you said, then it goes to a judicial
• Eric Turner, Louisiana's Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. All right, Mr.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• and funded by the state legislature in 2022, is well positioned to handle this matter with the independence
• matter is well positioned to handle this matter with<01:22:52.400> the<01:22:52.639> independence
• <01:22:53.679> and<01:22:54.000> rigor<01:22:55.199> it with the independence
• and rigor it with the independence and rigor it requires. requires. requires. and<01:22:57.280> I
• masks are going door to door in residential neighborhoods demanding proof of citizenship without judicial

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sheriff's deputies may appeal to an independent third-party hearing examiner instead of the Civil Service
• use these independent examiners? Not without a change in the law, no.
• Two, client privilege—the right to talk to your attorney—is a fundamental aspect of our judicial system
• My last C, as I ask you to compare it to the judiciary, whose independence is important.
• They are allowed to have an independent lawyer to represent them so that they would not be out... undue

Bills: HB240, HB2097, HB2731, HB3087, HB3234, HB3319, HB3394, HB3687, HB4105, HB4205, HB4350, HB4462, HB4642, HB4801, HB5403, HB240

Keywords: quorum, tax levy, county governance, local government, population regulations, quorum requirement, Texas counties, population threshold, deputy sheriff, civil service, law enforcement, appeals process, sheriff's department, HB 2731, roadside vendors, solicitors, county regulation, border counties, Mexico border, Transportation Code

Transcript Highlights:

• We are now on House Bill 182, judicial retirement changes.
• position and receive some portion of the Judicial Retirement Act.
• Currently, the judicial retirement plan is funded at 58% and its amortization period fell from a hundred
• So we're in a position now of never having solvency in the judicial retirement plan.
• There's a Judicial Retirement Act and a Magistrate Retirement Act, and they are separate, so we have

Transcript Highlights:

• <01:02:06.760> and<01:02:06.960> not information um independently and not information
• um independently and not knowing<01:02:07.880> we<01:02:08.000> don't<01:02:08.279>
• executive department or the judicial executive department or the judicial branch<01:18:14.960>
• He said that person will also be working with the Judicial Council, which is on the same floor.
• Council which is on with Jud judicial Council which is on the<02:37:50.880> same the same the

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The Environment and Agriculture Committee held an introductory orientation for members, many of whom were new or newly assigned to the committee. Leadership emphasized that the committee is intended to operate in a nonpartisan, collaborative way, and members introduced themselves and described their backgrounds in farming, gardening, food service, environmental work, water and waste issues, veterinary work, and related fields. Several members noted personal ties to homesteading, livestock, orcharding, food security, landfill concerns, and animal welfare, while others said they were eager to learn the committee’s work. The chair then reviewed committee procedures and expectations. Members were told the committee would generally meet on Tuesdays, with hearings starting around 10 a.m. and often running until about 4:30 p.m., and that absences, substitutes for executive sessions, and email communications would be handled through House rules and the committee’s email system. The chair also covered decorum rules for live-streamed meetings, including professional dress, limiting food and drink at the table, and giving full attention to witnesses. Members were reminded that legislative emails are subject to public records laws and that the committee may soon transition to a new email domain. The chair also explained logistics such as bill folders, committee room storage, and emergency procedures for evacuation or shelter-in-place. No bills were debated or voted on in this meeting, but the chair noted that the committee already had roughly two dozen bills pending, including animal welfare, landfill, policy, and cat-and-dog related measures. Members were told to expect a broad mix of topics beyond agriculture, including solid waste and animal-related legislation.

Transcript Highlights:

• about our judicial department. >> Okay.
• about our judicial department. >> Okay.
• by the municipality for independent by the municipality for independent grievances.<05:38:30.240
• independently negotiated contracts. independently negotiated contracts.
• <06:05:00.320> bargaining that would create independent bargaining that would create independent

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows people a chance at independent living.
• It allows them to have independence and access to a better quality of life.
• It allows them to have independence and access to a better quality of life.
• I know it's been kind of a long day, and so I will try to do this as judiciously as possible.
• I know it's been kind of a long day, and I will try to do this as judiciously as possible.

Bills: HF1538, HF1965, HF2251, HF2838

Keywords: teacher apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, teacher licensure, teacher shortage, workforce development, education finance, K-12 education, higher education, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, PELSB, Tier 3 license, teacher preparation, mentor teacher, school district, cooperative unit, teacher pipeline, alternative licensure, apprenticeship program, labor and industry, union representation

Transcript Highlights:

• could chill speech on matters of public concern, including parody, comedy, public commentary, and independent
• This type of judicial debate shows that courts are already actively redefining the law, which suggests

Bills: SB1039, SB1061, SB1068, SB1069, SB1099, SB1127, SB1148, SB1271, SB1426, SB1448

Keywords: attorney discipline, legal costs, reputation damage, state bar, court costs, fentanyl, drug offenses, narcotic drugs, criminal penalties, Arizona Revised Statutes, educational institutions, public order, disruption, concealed weapons, safety regulations, firearms, muffling devices, weapon regulations, Arizona law, public safety

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills dealing with attorney discipline, bar licensure, drug sentencing, campus firearms, suppressors, defamation, emergency-service calls by businesses, mandatory child-abuse reporting, eviction procedure, and protections for utility workers. SB 1039 would allow attorneys who prevail in disciplinary matters to recover lost earnings and seek compensation for reputational harm from the State Bar; SB 1148 would require the Arizona Supreme Court to directly license attorneys rather than delegate that function. Both bills were supported by the sponsor as restoring accountability and limiting delegation, and both received due-pass recommendations despite some opposition votes. Members also heard SB 1061, which lowers the fentanyl trafficking threshold from 200 grams to 9 grams; opponents from the ACLU and defense bar argued the threshold would sweep in personal-use cases and increase incarceration, while supporters said it targets traffickers. The bill was recommended do pass. SB 1068, barring public colleges and universities from prohibiting lawful concealed carry by permit holders, drew strong opposition from gun-safety advocates and campus representatives who cited suicide and campus safety concerns, and support from gun-rights groups who argued campuses are not exempt from constitutional rights; it also received a due-pass recommendation. SB 1069, removing suppressors from Arizona’s prohibited-weapons definition, was opposed by Moms Demand Action and supported by gun-rights advocates as aligning state law with federal law and protecting hearing; it likewise passed out of committee. The committee also advanced SB 1099, which would codify statutory defamation elements and add an internet-related limitation period; the ACLU warned it could chill speech and conflict with evolving First Amendment law, while the sponsor said it would clarify existing case law and address online defamation. SB 1271, prohibiting cities from penalizing businesses for legitimate emergency-service calls, passed unanimously after testimony that some municipalities had discouraged 911 calls for theft and other incidents. HB 1127, requiring mandatory reporters with direct knowledge of child abuse or neglect to report immediately and personally, passed after Phoenix Children’s Hospital and DCS said they supported the intent but wanted implementation language clarified for medical emergencies. SB 1426, changing forcible-detainer procedures by removing the written-demand requirement, passed despite concerns from the multi-housing industry that the current language could disrupt holdover-tenant evictions. Finally, SB 1448, as amended, expanded aggravated-assault protections to utility, telecom, video-service, and related workers; supporters cited threats and assaults against field crews, while opponents argued existing assault laws already cover the conduct and the bill is overly broad. The amendment and the bill as amended were adopted, and the committee gave SB 1448 a due-pass recommendation.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this is all the stuff I have to do just to make an independent claim on behalf of my health, the health
• And, you know, that's the concern we have is the judicial side of it. What's you know what?

Transcript Highlights:

• Today I'm here to lay out SB 2742, which addresses electioneering by independent school districts, ISDs
• consistent statewide enforcement with the protection of local prosecutorial autonomy through a structured judicial

Bills: SB1065, SB2117, SB2217, SB2363, SB2533, SB2742, SB2743, SB2881, SB2964, SB3013, SB3014

Keywords: SB 1065, handgun carry, license holder, concealed carry, open carry, government contracts, governmental entity, property lease, state agencies, local government, higher education, university, Texas Government Code, Penal Code 30.06, Penal Code 30.07, Penal Code 46.03, Second Amendment, gun rights, firearms, civil penalty

Transcript Highlights:

• The Tomball Independent School District, with a much larger footprint than the city, has gone from 19,000
• line with the practical reality of our state while preserving the integrity and transparency of the judicial

Bills: HB1511, HB1831, HB1988, HB2147, HB2234

Keywords: housing, affordable housing, state regulations, zoning, local government authority, drug court, juvenile justice, diversion programs, rehabilitation, criminal justice reform, remote proceedings, depositions, virtual hearings, court technology, criminal responsibility, age of maturity, expungement, mental health services, juvenile record sealing, 1184

Transcript Highlights:

• In 2004, she was appointed to the Second Judicial District Court and later to the New Mexico Court of
• benefit the citizenry but to subjugate it, including by striving to dismantle Any semblance of an independent