Video & Transcript Research : 'constitutional amendment'
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WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session-Day 19, March 4, 2026-PM
Wyoming Senate Floor Meeting
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
PSM-LBT DEFER Public Hearing 03-14-2025
Public Safety and Military Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- few questions, but before I think we get into my recommendation for, um, my recommendations with amendments
- of not incorporating page two, number two, of the suggested amendments.
- We're going to accept the Havi Insurance Council's proposed amendments in their testimony.
- Technical amendments, and then we are also going to change the effective date to July 1, 2077.
- So with that, any further discussion on the proposed amendments?
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs and Labor and Technology met on March 14, 2025, to consider House Bill 1064, House Draft 2, relating to fire protection. The bill was described as implementing recommendations from the Phase 3 report by the Fire Safety Research Institute on the August 2023 Maui wildfires, clarifying the role of the State Fire Marshal, and appropriating funds. Members also discussed structural changes to the State Fire Marshal’s office and whether the office should remain under the Department of Defense rather than the Governor’s office.
The committee heard from a senior adviser from the Governor’s office, who said the administration would support creating a State Fire Marshal selection commission and did not object to Senate advice-and-consent involvement for some commission members. He also agreed that placing the office under the Department of Defense made sense. In its decision-making, the chair recommended passing the bill with amendments, including accepting proposed amendments from the Attorney General and the Hawaii Insurance Council, with one exception to the Attorney General’s proposal.
The adopted amendments would establish a seven-member State Fire Marshal selection commission beginning January 1, 2026, with authority to appoint and remove the State Fire Marshal, receive complaints, and conduct annual performance reviews. The commission would be attached to the Department of Defense for administrative purposes, be subject to the Sunshine Law, and include both voting and non-voting members, with some appointments made by the governor, House speaker, and Senate president. The committee also made technical changes, deleted several pages and lines, and changed the effective date to July 1, 2077. The chair’s recommendation was adopted by both committees, and the meeting adjourned.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Office of Inspector General 3/24/26
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- The author's amendment I'm bringing forward today is a step in that direction.
- The author's amendment I'm bringing forward today does several things.
- Um and I want to amendment put on today.
- <00:14:36.520>
focusing is constitutional, that we're focusing is constitutional, that we're - The DE, as amended, your bill has been amended. We will now take the vote on the bill as amended.
Summary:
The committee took up Senate File 856, relating to creation of an independent Office of Inspector General to fight fraud in Minnesota. Representative Norris presented a DE6 author’s amendment that he said fixed constitutional appointment language, expanded the office’s fraud-prevention role, and made other noncontroversial cleanup changes. He emphasized that the bill was still not finished and that more work remained before it would be ready for final House passage.
Members raised several concerns. Representative Joy questioned language about who has primary investigative authority in Medicaid-related cases and whether the bill could create confusion over who may freeze funds; Norris responded that federal rules require administering agencies to be primary investigators and said the language was intended to comply with those rules while still ensuring investigations happen. Representative Bahner said the bill was improved, especially on constitutionality and prevention, but noted remaining concerns about agency expertise, duplication of effort, and funding. Representative Quam argued the state already has the Office of the Legislative Auditor and other processes in place, while Norris said an executive-branch office working directly with agencies could help ensure best practices are actually implemented.
Several members, including Representative Cleborne and Representative Craft, said they remained concerned about duplication, cost, and language they believed still placed the new office above state law, though they acknowledged the bill was improved and constitutional issues had been addressed. The chair moved the DE6 amendment, which was adopted, and then the committee voted on Senate File 856 as amended. The bill passed on a roll call vote of 13 ayes and 1 nay and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 098 Apr 22nd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Senate Bill 131 be amended as follows. amended as follows. And so amended be amended as follows.
- I move amendment L007 to the amendment.
- amended. House Bill 1184 as amended. amended. House Bill 1184 as amended.
- Senate Bill 2636 as amended, amended.
- <02:59:44.880>
HB261 amended. HB261 1184 as amended. HB261 amended.
Summary:
The Senate met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and received several housekeeping notices, including corrected engrossments/enrollments and committee reports. The Committee on Education reported Senate Bill 23, and the Committee on Judiciary reported Senate Bill 149, both amended and referred to Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The chamber also recognized former Representative Lang Sias as a special guest and heard several moments of personal privilege, including introductions of guests connected to the Boulder Boulder race and the Leadership Program of the Rockies.
The Senate then took up Senate Resolution 6, designating April 2026 as National Donate Life Month. Supporters highlighted Colorado’s high donor registration rate, the work of Donor Alliance, and personal stories about organ and tissue donation saving lives. The resolution was adopted 34-0, with the current roll call added as co-sponsors. The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 7, designating April 2026 as Second Chance Month. Proponents emphasized the impact of collateral consequences on people with criminal records, the importance of employment and reentry, and the value of redemption and public safety; the resolution passed 34-0 and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
Finally, the Senate considered Senate Joint Resolution 23, recognizing Young Americans Bank and the Young Americans Center for Financial Education for their contributions to financial literacy education in Colorado. The resolution cited House Bill 25-1192’s new financial literacy requirements and praised the organizations’ experiential learning model and statewide reach. Senators spoke about Bill Daniels’ legacy and the programs’ impact on students, including testimony that the institutions have served hundreds of thousands of Colorado youth. The resolution was read at length and discussed, but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:13:42.720>
but 385 and um I do have an amendment but 385 and um I do have an amendment - One can still amend the law, you know?
- <02:30:53.760>
right <02:30:54.000>to constitutional right to constitutional right to vote - <02:53:26.239>
um <02:53:26.840>to <02:53:27.160>this amendments um to this amendments - <03:10:50.160>
we are bad bills that cannot be amended we are bad bills that cannot be amended
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
Criminal Jurisprudence S/C New Offenses and Changed Penalties May 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, Senate Bill 2320 amends the penal code to enhance the penalties for all DWI offenses, including
- I respect the Second Amendment. I grew up around guns my entire life.
- This critical legislation is essential for protecting the constitutional rights of law-abiding Texans
- Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, the Veterans Second Amendment Restoration Act, and Lauren Bobert
- that there's provisions to the laws that exist on the books to erode our constitutional rights.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House State Government Finance and Policy Committee 2/27/25
State Government Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- Anyway, to get to House File 550—House File 550 is a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting
- House File 550 is a constitutional amendment to establish a redistricting commission.
- It has to be done by a constitutional amendment, but the time is right to prepare us for the next cycle
- 550 house file 550 is a constitutional 550 house file 550 is a constitutional amendment<00:02:38.440
- <00:03:21.280>
time constitutional amendment uh but the time constitutional amendment uh but
Keywords:
redistricting, Bipartisan Commission, Minnesota Constitution, census, legislative districts, HF412, Minnesota legislature, education committee, K-12 education, school observation, teacher observation, administrator observation, legislative transparency, legislator accountability, House rules, Senate rules, Legislative Reference Library, public reporting, education finance, education policy
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- That amendment fails. Senator Duhigg, you Still have the floor on additional amendments.
- Unfavorable amendment.
- Chair, for this amendment.
- Chair, for this amendment.
- The list would be exactly the same with the bill without the amendment as with the amendment.
CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 048 Mar 3rd, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Amendment safeguards against tyranny. Amendment safeguards against tyranny.
- That, of course, includes the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, which says that the
- the Second Amendment to the United<01:17:40.159>
States <01:17:40.400>Constitution. - But in my view, the Second Amendment is just as important as other amendments in the Constitution, and
- SB 26059 as amended. SP 26050. SP 26051 as amended. SP 26110 as amended. SP 26061 as amended.
Summary:
The Senate opened with a quorum present, approved the February 27, 2026 journal, and then moved out of order to consider resolutions. Senate Resolution 003, designating March as Arts Education Month in Colorado, was read at length and supported by Senators Snyder and Basley, who emphasized the educational, social, and economic value of arts instruction and noted concerns about unequal access across the state. Senator Coleman and Senator Danielson also spoke in support, highlighting personal experiences with the arts and the importance of preserving arts programs in schools. The resolution passed unanimously, 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
The chamber then adopted House Joint Resolution 1019, recognizing Caregiving Youth Day. Senator Judah described caregiving youth as children and teens who provide substantial care for family members while balancing school and other responsibilities, citing statewide and national data on the prevalence of youth caregivers and the risks they face. Senator Gonzales also spoke in support, urging the legislature to recognize and support this often invisible work. The resolution passed 35-0, and the current roll call was added as co-sponsors.
The Senate next took up third-reading consent calendar House Bill 1035, which enacts the 2025 Colorado Revised Statutes as positive and statutory law; it passed 32-3, with Senators Baisley, Lynda Zamora Wilson, and Long voting no. Senate Bill 53, expanding eligible borrowers for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority mortgages, then passed 29-6 after no-vote requests from Senators Zamora Wilson, Amabile, Sullivan, Hinrichsen, Baisley, and R. Pelton. House Bill 1064, concerning modifications to the youthful offender system, passed 23-12 after several no-vote requests, and Senate Bill 43, concerning regulation of firearm barrel transfers and related criminal penalties, was introduced for final passage with Senator Zamora Wilson delivering extended opposition focused on Second Amendment and fiscal concerns; the transcript cuts off before the vote on that bill.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, September 9, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- <04:27:12.960>
some <04:27:13.120>amendments different amendments. some amendments - :17.360>
as <05:12:17.600>amended <05:12:18.080>shall amendment to the bill as amended - will now proceed to amend. will now proceed to amend.
- offer amendments on block. offer amendments on block.
- amendment. I yield back. amendment. I yield back.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- This proposes a constitutional amendment to prohibit discrimination against a person because of ethnicity
- ...about what's going on and the potential to vote in favor of a constitutional amendment that actually
- <00:46:08.079>
to the department that the amendments to the department that the amendments - April 23 2057 so with amendments April 23 2057 so with amendments questions<00:59:45.400>
or< - SP 1284 proposes an amendment to Article I, Section 5 of the Hawaiʻi Constitution relating to due process
Summary:
The Judiciary Committee heard testimony on several bills. SB 335 would route objections by political party officers to candidate nomination papers through the Office of Elections. The State Election Director testified that his office was not the right venue for party-membership challenges because it could create conflicts and force the Attorney General to represent the chief election officer in court; members discussed whether all objections should instead go directly to Circuit Court, but no action was taken.
SB 280 would expand first-degree negligent injury to cover injuries negligently caused by intoxicated drivers. The Public Defender opposed the bill as too harsh and urged either a lower penalty or clearer statutory definitions of “under the influence,” while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it as a needed increase in accountability for drunk drivers who actually injure someone. Committee members raised concerns about overlap with existing offenses, proportionality, and whether the change would increase jury-trial volume; the prosecutor responded that the bill would apply to a smaller subset of cases involving actual injury and would help ensure more serious treatment of those cases.
The committee also heard SB 292, establishing Safe Harbor protections for survivors of sexual exploitation who seek medical or law enforcement assistance, with testimony in support from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, HPD, U Alliance, and others, and no opposition. SB 31, concerning an additional penalty for dog owners whose dogs destroy property on agricultural land, drew only supportive testimony. SB 356 would require restitution in the form of financial support to the minor children of victims killed or disabled by an intoxicated driver; the Public Defender opposed it as better suited to civil court and questioned enforcement after probation, while the Prosecuting Attorney supported it and said courts can issue enforceable restitution orders. Testimony also strongly supported SB 1284, a proposed constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination based on ethnicity, age, disability, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes, with supporters arguing it would strengthen protections in response to current political conditions. No votes or final committee actions were taken in the excerpt.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chairman, I move the four-page amendment dated 3/4/26 at 12:40 p.m. as amended be adopted.
- For the motion on the amendment, all in favor say aye. Aye. All opposed?
- Chair, there's one amendment. I'd be happy to explain. Mr.
- But as it turns out, the tax exemption is included in the Arizona Constitution, so it is a state constitutional
- All in favor of the amendment say aye. Aye. All opposed say nay. The amendment is adopted. Mr.
Keywords:
retirement benefits, health insurance, premium payment, Arizona State Retirement System, contingent annuitant, long-term disability, benefits limitations, disability compensation, social security, retirement system, elected officials, ASRS, eligibility waiver, age 65, property tax exemption, disability, veterans, widows, income limits, Arizona Revised Statutes
Summary:
The Senate Finance Committee met to consider several bills and two Arizona State Retirement System nominees. It first passed House Bill 2173, which allows taxpayers and tax officers to communicate electronically about proposed property tax corrections or claims, with an acknowledgement required when responses are sent electronically. The committee then recommended confirmation of Thomas J. Connolly and Charles Essex to the ASRS Board, both receiving unanimous or near-unanimous support after brief introductions and no substantive opposition.
The committee next approved several ASRS-related bills: House Bill 2089 clarifies that the ASRS health insurance premium subsidy applies only when coverage is not already subsidized; House Bill 2090 changes the disability definition tied to long-term disability benefits by removing the requirement that the 24 months occur within a five-year period; and House Bill 2092 shifts the 30-day waiver window for certain members age 65 or older from the date of hire to the date they become eligible to participate. All three passed on largely party-line or near-unanimous votes. The committee also passed House Bill 2120, with a technical amendment, allowing Social Security Administration disability determination letters to be used to certify eligibility for the property tax exemption for persons with disabilities.
House Bill 2693 drew the most debate. It revises Arizona’s bona fide association health plan and multiple employer welfare arrangement provisions to align with ERISA rather than the rescinded 2018 federal AHP rule, and an amendment added a feasibility study by the Arizona Department of Administration on state employee and school district health plans. Supporters argued the bill would expand affordable, voluntary coverage options for small businesses and increase buying power; opponents raised concerns about consumer protections, preexisting conditions, and the history of association health plans. The committee ultimately passed the bill as amended on a 5-1 vote.
Later, the committee passed House Bill 2138, which clarifies that workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters traveling directly to or from work applies to state, municipal, fire district, and fire authority firefighters. It also passed House Bill 2273, a one-time $300 income tax rebate for certain Pinal County residents funded from remaining escrowed transportation-related monies; members discussed whether the remaining funds should instead be directed to roads, but the bill advanced on a 3-2 vote. Finally, House Bill 2786 passed unanimously, exempting rental income from required college textbooks from transaction privilege tax under the personal property rental classification.
MS
Transcript Highlights:
- It constitutes over 25% on homeowners.
- Uh, that's an explanation of the amendment. What would be the gist of that amendment?
- <00:32:05.440>
section <00:32:05.840>834149 by amending section 834149 by amending - amendment? What would it accomplish? amendment? What would it accomplish?
- Any questions on the amendment?" Dr.
Summary:
The committee took up several insurance and health-related bills. Earlier discussion focused on metastatic cancer step therapy and biomarker testing, with the sponsor explaining that the bills would prevent insurers from requiring patients to try less effective treatments first and would require coverage for biomarker testing to better target treatment. The biomarker bill was described as a product of a summer study committee and was reported favorably. The committee also advanced a bill setting standards tied to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and a private residence elevator bill requiring licensing, inspection, and permitting for elevator installers, with an amendment exempting those elevators from annual inspections after the initial inspection.
Members then considered a mitigation program for retrofitting homes, with the sponsor saying the Department of Insurance and industry were close to a workable statewide program. The bill would be funded by increasing a fee paid by insurance companies, not policyholders, and would allow use of a third-party administrator capped at 5% of program funds. The committee also reported bills extending the state health plan repealer, extending the LOSAP volunteer firefighter program repealer, and creating a fraud detection trust fund at the Insurance Department to address AI- and cyber-related fraud. The fraud fund bill drew questions about whether it would raise premiums and how it would help investigators; supporters said the fund would support staffing and equipment and that the existing fund had been dormant.
Additional bills included a transparency measure for dental insurance spending, which would require reporting on the share of premiums spent on dental services beginning in 2027, and a bill expanding access to self-funded group health plans for members of legitimate professional and trade associations. The committee also heard a Mississippi Patient Protection Act aimed at strengthening willing-provider protections and limiting insurer discrimination against qualified providers; an amendment was proposed to clarify that vision benefit managers would not be treated as pharmacy benefit managers. Most measures were moved by title sufficient due pass and reported without opposition.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- The amendment<01:40:31.280>
is <01:40:31.600>0324H amendment is 0324H amendment is 0324H - The amendment is pass with amendment.
- The amendment is adopted. The amendment is adopted.
- The amendment >> We're on to the amendment.
- ought to pass with amendment. ought to pass with amendment.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- So, and as far as the federal law is concerned, I mean, we have a constitutional amendment that allows
- So I'm assuming that you would also be in favor of a constitutional amendment that allowed local jurisdictions
- This is the Amendment 3 from way back. This is in the supplemental every year.
- And so that was a constitutional amendment that was passed quite a few years ago.
- That was a constitutional amendment that was passed quite a few years ago.
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- just highlighting our amendment. just highlighting our amendment.
- Excused. amendments technical and non-substantive amendments technical and non-substantive amendments
- to help this bill withand amendments to help this bill withand constitutional<01:02:57.280>
challenges - support of the bill with two amendments. support of the bill with two amendments.
- music] amendments [music] amendments [music] uh<01:38:12.159>
as <01:38:12.480>well.
Keywords:
student-athletes, name image likeness, NIL, compensation, transparency, University of Hawaii, Title IX, funding, protections, athlete agents, student athletes, endorsement contracts, professional representation, registration requirements, sports law, 912, senate, all
Summary:
The joint Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Health and Human Services heard testimony on several bills related to student health and safety, University of Hawaii programs, and workforce development. For SB 2969, which would appropriate funds for the University of Hawaii to expand and sustain the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study and Maui Health Registry, testimony was overwhelmingly supportive. Witnesses described the ongoing physical and mental health impacts of the August 2023 Maui fires, said the study has identified serious untreated conditions and connected participants to care, and emphasized its role in serving survivors and training students. The committee also heard support from the Department of Health, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Lung Association, Maui residents, and study staff. No vote was taken during the hearing.
The committee then heard SB 2657, which would establish an Alzheimer disease and related dementia research center at the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. University of Hawaii and Alzheimer’s Association representatives supported the bill, saying a local center would improve coordination of existing research, build state capacity, and help Hawaii compete for future NIH designation and federal funding. A family member affected by Alzheimer’s also testified in support, citing the disease’s impact in Hawaii. In response to questions, the university said the proposal would follow a five-year phased plan, with the first year funding used to recruit a senior neuroscientist and staff person, at an estimated cost of about $375,000, and that the effort would still strengthen Hawaii’s research infrastructure even if federal funding is not secured.
For SB 2612, which clarifies immunity for Department of Education employees and agents who assist students with medication administration under certain conditions, the Department of Education said the bill is intended to protect volunteers and help ensure students can participate in school activities even when staffing is limited. The committee discussed how volunteers would be selected and whether every school would have someone available, and DOE said schools currently rely on health attendants, nurses, and trained volunteers. The committee also briefly discussed liability language and gross negligence exceptions. The hearing then moved to SB 2412, which would fund a bachelor’s degree program in sign language and sign language interpretation at UH Mānoa with a future master’s pathway. Testimony from interpreters, educators, and university officials emphasized the shortage of interpreters, the need to retain local talent, and the program’s role in building a pipeline; university representatives said the initial request would fund a faculty/staff position as a first step, with additional funding needed later. No final committee action or votes were announced in the transcript.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- amendment should look like.
- The governor has stated that he wants to move forward with one constitutional amendment.
- amendment should look like. and productive conversations about what a potential constitutional amendment
- amendment.
- That's limited in the Constitution to one mill, except 0.05 mills for the North Florida Water Management
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Finance and Tax met for its first meeting of the session, with a quorum present and several members excused. Chair Avila opened by framing the committee’s main focus as property tax relief and housing affordability, noting the complexity of any changes to Florida’s long-standing property tax structure and emphasizing the need to preserve funding for schools and local public safety. He also introduced new committee staff member Tamisha Black and thanked staff for summer work supporting analysis of potential proposals, including constitutional amendment concepts and other property tax relief ideas.
Staff director Azar Khan then presented an update on the General Revenue forecast, explaining that collections remained above estimate but at a slower pace than the prior year, with recent economic indicators slightly weaker than earlier forecasts. He said the new forecast mostly reflected modest adjustments, with a notable share of the increase coming from earnings on investment rather than the usual drivers such as sales tax or corporate income tax. Khan also gave a detailed presentation on ad valorem millages, explaining the different millage types used by school districts, counties, municipalities, special districts, and water management districts; the rollback rate; TRIM notice and hearing timelines; voting thresholds for adopting higher millages; and long-term trends showing millage rates declining over time even as total taxes levied have increased.
Members used the presentations to discuss property tax relief options and the relationship between local property taxes and state revenue. President Passidomo praised staff and Senator Bernard’s summer work on proposals. President Gaetz asked about converting homestead property tax revenue to sales tax and was told the rough equivalent could be around a 2.8-cent sales tax increase, though with important behavioral and distributional caveats. Senator Rouson asked about the decline in corporate income tax estimates, and Khan said it likely reflected changes in national corporate profit expectations and collection patterns, promising a follow-up. The Department of Revenue’s Lizette Kelly confirmed that TRIM data, including adopted millages, rollback rates, and maximum millage calculations, are collected by jurisdiction and can be provided to the committee. No bills were taken up and no votes occurred beyond adjournment, which was adopted by motion.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- It's a very high bar, and it should be a very high bar because Because under our Constitution, the rights
- So Senate Bill 2052 will enshrine this in the Constitution. in the state statute, and will provide the
- , its own constitution.
- Yeah, I think if you're asking about any amendments like you know if there's more specificity like on
- The statute regarding PCSPs was amended to so a PCSPs can only be in effect for 30 days. with two 30-
Keywords:
judicial bond, guardianship, probate law, county judge, statutory county court, attorney general, criminal prosecution, public order, law enforcement, jurisdiction, attorney ad litem, parent-child relationship, compensation, legal representation, government entity, probate, court proceedings, record delivery, wills, legal documentation
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair, Senator, would you like the bill as amended or? Yes. There was an amendment on the bill.
- Chair, Senator, would you like the bill as amended or? Yes. There was an amendment on the bill.
- Why the amendment for the one city?
- The amendment is adopted. Mr.
- Please move the amendment. I mean, the bill as amended. Mr.
Bills:
SB1046, SB1317, SB1376, SB1416, SB1448, SB1471, SB1493, SB1498, SB1502, SB1504, SB1538, SB1544, SB1550, SB1579, SB1581, SB1584, SB1624, SB1673
Keywords:
telecommunications, broadband, internet infrastructure, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security, foreign adversary, China, Chinese equipment, supply chain security, network equipment, microchips, Arizona Corporation Commission, telecommunications provider, communications infrastructure, Huawei, ZTE, state-owned enterprise, sanctions, infrastructure security
Summary:
The committee first approved its February 4 minutes and announced several bills would be held, including SB 1317, SB 1416, SB 1419, SB 1490, and SB 1493. It then heard SB 1579, which would appropriate about $4.7 million from the state general fund to expand a law enforcement data-sharing pilot through the Department of Administration, with funds for DPS, county sheriffs, university police, and city/town police departments. Testimony from the sponsor, Flagstaff’s mayor, Eloy’s police chief, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office staff emphasized faster records access, better coordination, and officer safety; an amendment added $125,900 for the Scottsdale Police Department after it had been omitted. The committee adopted the amendment and gave SB 1579 a do pass recommendation by a 6-0 vote with one not voting.
The committee next considered SB 1581, which appropriates about $1.4 million from the Peace Officer Training Equipment Fund for pepperball equipment and about $1.316 million for public safety training simulators, with an amendment increasing the Nogales Police Department’s pepperball allocation and expanding simulator funding so Yavapai County could buy two simulators with a three-year warranty. Supporters from Navajo County, Phoenix, Glendale, Flagstaff, and Cochise County described pepperball as a de-escalation tool and simulators as important for crisis-response and use-of-force training. The committee adopted the amendment and passed SB 1581 as amended on a 7-0 vote.
SB 1673 was heard next and would appropriate $8.2 million from the general fund to the Law Enforcement Crime Victim Notification Fund, exempting the appropriation from lapsing. The sponsor and law enforcement witnesses said the automated notification system has improved victim communication, reduced workload, and sent millions of updates; committee members asked about funding sources and why a bill is needed for a constitutionally mandated program. The committee approved SB 1673 without amendment on a 7-0 vote.
The committee also heard SB 1544, which would make adult probation records public on request, while requiring redaction or withholding of sensitive information such as victim data, minors’ information, medical or counseling records, active investigations, and confidential informants, and creating a process for written denials and court appeals. The sponsor said the bill is intended to increase transparency and data access, while witnesses raised concerns about risk-assessment language and confidential information; the sponsor said amendments would be brought later to clarify those provisions. The committee passed SB 1544 on a 4-3 vote. Finally, SB 1376, creating a civic leadership development special plate and fund for a youth mentoring nonprofit, passed unanimously, and SB 1550, a three-year Queen Creek pilot program to prevent runaway youth exploitation and improve investigations, also passed after testimony from Queen Creek officials and police; one senator voted no, citing concerns about how runaway youth are treated in other legislation. The committee then began hearing SB 1504, a pension bill modifying retirement dates and COLA timing for Tier 2 and Tier 3 public safety personnel, with supporters arguing it would improve recruitment and retention and opponents warning it would create significant unfunded liabilities, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that bill.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Apr 29th, 2026
Louisiana House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- That bill is the constitutional amendment, House Bill 225 by Representative Baham, constitutional amendment
- to amend the Constitution for the term limit for the office of Governor, provide for a lifetime term
- That bill is the Constitution Amendment, House Bill 225 by Rep. Mr.
- Speaker, that bill is the Constitution Amendment, House Bill 225 by Rep.
- San Baham, Constitutional Amendment to amend the Constitution for the term limit for the Office of Governor
Bills:
HR218, HR219, HR220, HR221, HR222, HCR91, HCR92, HCR93, HR210, HR211, HR212, HR213, HR214, HR215, HR216, SCR29, SCR38, SB100, HR171, HCR49, HCR65, SCR23, HB276, HB508, HB512, HB599, HB632, HB656, HB998, HB1052, HB1084, HB1171, HB1193, HB1194, HB1204, HB1209, HB1250, SB2, SB19, SB24, SB50, SB70, SB96, SB101, SB103, SB104, SB114, SB122, SB159, SB160, SB173, SB180, SB182, SB260, SB412, SB418, SB424, SB442, SB460, SB476, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, HCR63, HCR69, HCR86, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB130, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB624, HB689, HB708, HB804, HB906, HB926, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1187, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, HB730, HB225, HB175, HB198, HB437, HB457, HB488, HB646, HB763, HB909, HB971, HB981, HB1066, HB1089, HB1125, HB1154, HB1231, HB1246, HB1248, HB1249, SB47, SB82, SB106, SB206, SB210, SB248, SB305, SB376, SB397, SB441, HCR32, HB59, HB617, HB897, HB911, HB1223, HB798, HB824, HB989, HB1140, HB1166, HB1244, HB901, HB79, HR20, HR74, HB284, HB306, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1180, HB1234, HB1240, SB89
Keywords:
EJ Fields, Shreveport, Louisiana, gospel music, commendation, resolution, honorary resolution, Billboard Gospel Airplay, Mediabase Gospel Airplay, Mercy Endureth, music award, ministry, artist recognition, cultural heritage, spiritual heritage, African American gospel, local hero, state commendation, St. Charles Parish, parish day
Summary:
The House met with a quorum and began with prayer, the pledge, and routine journal and leave actions. Members then used personal privilege remarks to recognize several Capitol Day events and visiting groups, including St. Bernard Parish Day, Gulf States Renewable Energy Industries Association Day, local ARPEC members, a retirement tribute to Barney Arsenault, Deaf History Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Young Farmers and Ranchers, housing advocates, and Louisiana Hospital Day. The chamber also received Senate messages on concurred resolutions, adopted Senate resolutions, and newly passed Senate bills, along with committee and Legislative Bureau reports on various House and Senate measures.
The House then considered and passed a series of bills. Among those approved were measures requiring documentation for inmates upon release (HB 167), allowing court filings on letter-sized paper (HB 227), clarifying recusal procedures for district attorneys (HB 243), strengthening safe harbor protections for trafficking victims (HB 321), adding citizenship verification oversight for public benefits (HB 335), capping state travel meal reimbursements to GSA rates for the judiciary (HB 398), establishing a Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving (HB 492), updating school emergency operation plans (HB 624), improving coordination of public assistance benefits when children enter or leave foster care (HB 689, later amended and passed), expanding justice of the peace jurisdiction in East Baton Rouge Parish (HB 708), revising election petition and unaffiliated voter rules (HB 906), regulating electronic monitoring device removal (HB 968), renaming and expanding the crime victims’ compensation fund (HB 969), raising the indigent defender contribution threshold for small municipalities (HB 978), requiring QR codes on sex offender licenses (HB 985), reorganizing the state public defender system (HB 1005), extending an alcohol permit moratorium (HB 1029), allowing microbreweries to sell at special events (HB 1077), adding alternative backup power options for nursing facilities (HB 1095), creating a misdemeanor for relay-attack vehicle theft devices (HB 1104), revising capital case procedures for defendants with intellectual disabilities (HB 1107, amended), allowing Citizens Property Insurance to direct certain emergency assessment funds to the Fortify Homes Program (HB 1187), updating medical board membership and vacancy procedures (HB 1220), and several others. Some bills were returned to the calendar or held over, including HB 804, HB 926, HB 955, HB 1069, HB 1203, and HB 1217.
The chamber also revisited a previously failed airport surveillance bill, HB 730, and used a successful motion to suspend the rules to reconsider it, as well as a motion to reconsider HB 225 after it had failed twice. The Speaker explained the two-thirds threshold for suspending the rules, and after debate on procedure, the House adopted the motion to suspend the rules and then the motion to reconsider, setting HB 225 up for further action the following Tuesday. Throughout the session, many bills were adopted with little or no opposition, while a few drew questions about scope, costs, or policy effects before passing by recorded vote.