Transcript Highlights:

• The committee director will read the title: An act to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law, the
• The committee director will read the title: An act to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law in
• The committee director will read the title: An act to amend the Retirement and Social Security Law in
• The committee director will read the title: An act on the Civil Service Law in relation to employment
• The committee director will read to type.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Standing Committee on Civil Service and Pensions met on May 5, 2026, with a quorum present and eight bills on the agenda. The committee considered measures on a temporary task force on the Variable Supplements Fund (S1181), cost-of-living adjustments for certain retirees (S3414A), an optional 25-year retirement plan for Suffolk County fire marshals (S5754B), a heart disease presumption for certain NYC Police Department traffic enforcement agents (S8147B), a Civil Service Commission study of state agency job vacancies (S8209), employment of persons with autism spectrum disorder (S8640), an optional 25-year retirement plan for certain New York Power Authority employees (S9068A), and the effective date of a reclassification for accidental disability retirement benefits (S9909).

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read the journal of the preceding day.
• Second reading of Senate files. Second reading. Senate File 3196. Second reading. Senate File 1959.
• Second reading. Senate File 2216. Second reading. Senate File 2298.
• Introduction and first reading of House files.
• Introduction of first reading of House files 3241 through 3250. Messages.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Reading clerk, David A. Bowman, reading. Roll call.
• Lackey seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with.
• Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted.
• Assembly third reading. Pass and retain on all items. Moving on to consent calendar.
• Seeing and hearing none, the clerk will read the second day consent calendar.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Stormett, you want to read that instrument into the record, please.
• I hope you have seen and read the resolution.
• Gonzalez, if you read that into the record, please. Thank you, ma'am.
• Gonzalez, if you go ahead and read the amendment to the record, please.
• I'll go ahead and read the red cards in opposition.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• With your unanimous consent, the bills will be read by title unless there is a request for reading a
• Shebo, can you please read the title Mr.
• Sheibo, please read the title of Mr.
• Shea, please read the title of House Mr.
• Order engrossed and placed on reading.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Being forced to read can cause animosity toward reading and force students to disengage from reading
• McBride, who opened me up to reading. Ms. McBride opened me up to reading and many other students.
• So too many of our kids can’t read, so they don’t.
• Early reading is highly predictive of later life outcomes.
• These communities also have higher reading literacy scores.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Education heard testimony on several bills centered on school accountability, receivership, graduation requirements, charter school access, community schools, school libraries, and student voting rights. Much of the discussion focused on the Thrive Act, S. 374, which would end state receivership and change the state’s accountability approach. Supporters, including educators, parents, advocacy groups, and students, argued that receivership has not improved outcomes in districts such as Lawrence, Holyoke, Southbridge, Boston, and the Dever, and that local communities should have more control, with greater emphasis on community schools, wraparound services, and broader measures of school quality. They also supported related bills on community schools and school library standards, and several witnesses backed a bill to expand student representative voting rights on school committees. Opponents of S. 374, especially charter school leaders, parents, students, and some education advocates, focused on Section 4 of the bill, which would change the charter school net school spending cap in the lowest-performing districts. They argued that the provision would reduce access to charter seats in communities where families are seeking more options, and that schools such as Roxbury Prep, Excel Academy, Brook, Veritas Prep, and Libertas Academy have produced strong results for students, including students of color, low-income students, and students with special needs. Several witnesses said the section would force schools to shrink or close and would remove opportunities for families in districts with long waitlists. Committee members questioned witnesses on both the effectiveness of receivership and the charter school cap language. Chair Lewis and Chair Gordon emphasized the need for a better accountability system and noted concerns about whether current measures, including MCAS-based designations, accurately reflect school quality. Some witnesses said they had discussed the possibility of removing Section 4 from the Thrive Act and suggested it might be addressed in separate charter reform legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing; testimony was received and the committee later closed testimony on S. 374 and several related bills before moving on to the student voting rights bill, S. 367.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's now in the position of the reading.
• <00:11:22.520> Two That'll be at second reading. Two That'll be at second reading.
• If the clerk could please read Senate Committee sub. Mr.
• its place in the orders of the day, read its place in the orders of the day, read for<00:16:45.240
• we have a few readings we need to do. we have a few readings we need to do.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The clerk will read. Mr.
• The clerk will read. Mr.
• The clerk will read. We have a message from the governor. The clerk will read. Mr.
• The clerk will read.
• I read it the same way.

Keywords: 964, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Have you had a chance to read it? I just got it this morning.
• It took me a couple of tries, a couple of reads through it, to realize that the last sentence should
• me a couple of tries a couple of reads me a couple of tries a couple of reads through<00:10:42.399
• Okay, so Senator Abbas, do you have read the amendment?
• <01:33:09.159> from<01:33:09.440> the I was read from the 653.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Read the next committee report.
• Reading of the report, Mr. Speaker.
• Reading of the report, Mr. Speaker.
• Read the conference committee report on HB 5403E. Read the conference committee report on HB 5403E.
• Read the conference committee report on HB 5601E. Read the conference committee report on HB 5601E.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, a moment of silence for former Senator Donnell C. Childers, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Officer Antonio Richardson as law enforcement officer of the day. A quorum was announced, the journal was approved, and the Speaker said the chamber would take up 11 budget conference reports, with debate and final votes on each report. The first report considered was HB 7031E, the tax package, followed by HB 501E, the state budget appropriations bill. On HB 7031E, Chair Duggan explained that the conference report included a range of tax reductions and tax-related changes, including sales tax holidays, property tax and homestead-related provisions, reductions in certain taxes and fees, and new exemptions or administrative clarifications. He said the package also added items such as sales tax relief for certain university construction projects, a tennis admissions exemption, and changes to agricultural property tax treatment, and that the amendment reduced state and local tax revenues by $272.2 million. Members questioned the bill about the child care tax credit reduction from three years to one, the homestead exemption provision for certain diplomats and foreign service personnel, the absence of gas tax relief and combined reporting, and the inclusion of firearm accessories and tennis tickets in sales tax holidays. After structured debate, the House adopted the conference report and passed HB 7031E by a vote of 88-11. The House then began the conference report on HB 501E, the $114.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, which was described as below the prior year’s spending level and leaving more than $14 billion in reserves. Subcommittee chairs outlined major allocations across education, higher education, IT, health care, transportation and economic development, justice, state administration, and agriculture/natural resources. Highlights included increased FEFP funding and veteran teacher raises, full funding for Bright Futures, major IT modernization projects, Medicaid and behavioral health funding, transportation and local infrastructure spending, correctional and law enforcement investments, fire station and emergency response funding, and large environmental and water-quality appropriations. Members asked detailed questions about school voucher fraud oversight, scholarship funding, teacher raises, preeminence funding, ADAP changes, SNAP data tools and error rates, Medicaid rate changes, prison wastewater monitoring, and other budget items, but the transcript ends during the budget questions before final action on HB 501E is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, we will go to second reading of bills on >> Thank<00:05:54.240> you,<00:05:54.479>
• For Thursday, January 29, 2026, bills, second reading of bills on the calendar.
• And how do you wish it to be read? >> Ask the clerk to report Senate Resolution 63 by title only.
• And how do you wish it to be read?
• resolution 31 and read in his entirely? resolution 31 and read in his entirely?

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, then established a quorum with 34 members present. The chamber approved the journal from January 28, received notice that the House had passed House Bills 56, 320, 366, and 389 and requested concurrence, and heard a report that second-reading bills were sent to the Rules Committee. Committee reports advanced several measures, including Senate Bills 1, 3, 48, 84, 102, and 122, which were ordered to first reading and placed on the calendar. The Senate also received new bills and resolutions, including measures on SNAP benefits, unemployment insurance, medical licensing, proxy advisory services, child protection, disabled veterans, public school construction, and a concurrent resolution encouraging nuclear workforce training at Kentucky universities. The Rules Committee posted Senate Bills 20, 34, and 68 for the next regular orders, and the Committee on Committees referred Senate Resolutions 60, 61, 63, 64, and 65 to the floor. Senate Floor Amendment 1 to Senate Bill 3 was introduced. Several honorary and memorial resolutions were adopted, including Senate Resolution 63 honoring Reverend George Clifton Currington, Sr., Senate Resolution 49 honoring Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman, and Senate Resolution 31 designating Suits and Sneakers Day to recognize cancer patients, survivors, and advocates. Senators spoke at length about cancer awareness, personal family experiences, and Kentucky’s efforts to improve screening and treatment access. Announcements were made about an oversight committee meeting after adjournment and a Kentucky State Police Professional Association breakfast the next morning. The Senate adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following resolution, clerk will read the resolution.
• Following resolution, Clerk will read the resolution.
• The clerk will read the resolution.
• The clerk will read the resolution.
• The clerk will read the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• The committee clerk now will read: S-2508, an act to amend the Correction Law in relation to conditional
• The committee clerk will read: S-3746, an act to amend the Executive Law in relation to requiring at
• The fifth bill on our agenda is S-4357 by Senator Bailey, the committee clerk will read.
• The committee clerk will read: S-7137, an act to amend the Correction Law.
• The committee clerk will read. S. 7137 and acts to amend the correction law.

Keywords: 993, senate, all

Summary: The Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction met under Chair Senator Julia Salazar and considered nine bills, with the first bill laid aside at the sponsor’s request for further stakeholder discussion. The committee then took up measures on correctional policy, including prohibiting county correction officers from dispensing medications to incarcerated individuals, expanding conditional release for eligible offenders who complete post-secondary degrees or programs, requiring at least one formerly incarcerated person on the State Board of Parole, and authorizing vocational training in solar hot water system installation for incarcerated individuals. Members generally expressed support for the rehabilitative and workforce-training goals of several bills. The committee also discussed a bill directing a study of gender disparities in programming and resources between men’s and women’s facilities, with Senator Pete Harckham noting concerns from women in his district about unequal access to programming. Another bill would authorize transfer of pregnant and postpartum incarcerated individuals to residential treatment facilities, and a separate measure would establish emergency management release plans for correctional facilities during declared state disasters. The final bill would provide mental health counseling for correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities. Most bills were moved by motion and reported from committee, often with Senator Dean Murray voting no or noting opposition/abstention on several measures. The conditional release bill was reported to Finance, while the others were reported from committee. No additional amendments or substantive votes were described beyond the committee actions on each bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following motion in writing, the Secretary will read the motion. Mr.
• Following bills on first reading and reference, the committee secretary will read the bills.
• SJR 27 is on second reading. Secretary, read the caption.
• SJR 27, third reading, final passage. Secretary, read the caption.
• The following conferees: Chair will read the conference.

Bills: SJR27, SJR39, SB22, SB33, SB34, SB37, SB209, SB310, SB326, SB505, SB605, SB618, SB732, SB762, SB769, SB783, SB819, SB825, SB870, SB964, SB1030, SB1080, SB1085, SB1099, SB1124, SB1208, SB1233, SB1314, SB1320, SB1333, SB1398, SB1405, SB1541, SB1567, SB1596, SB1598, SB1625, SB1646, SB1662, SB1750, SB1758, SB1791, SB1804, SB1810, SB1818, SB1838, SB1855, SB1869, SB1951, SB2024, SB2077, SB2078, SB2252, SB2253, SB2368, SB2411, SB2420, SB2425, SB2569

Keywords: judicial conduct, state commission, judicial misconduct, commission membership, constitutional amendment, veto override, legislature power, governor, Texas Constitution, Texas, moving image industry, incentive program, film production, grant funding, job creation, economic development, wildfire, wildfire mitigation, wildfire prevention, volunteer fire department

Transcript Highlights:

• Secretary, read the message.
• Following bills on first reading in reference to committee secretary, read the bills.
• The Chair lays out SJR 27 on second reading. Secretary, read the caption.
• SJR 27, 3rd reading, final passage. Secretary, read the caption.
• Secretary will read the conferees.

Transcript Highlights:

• Next order of business, the second reading of bills. There being no need.
• Speaker, I move that Bill 73 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for the third time
• Motion is made and seconded that Senate Bill 73 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read
• Motion is made and seconded that House Bill 732 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read
• I move that Senate Bill 65 be taken from its place in the orders of the day, read for the third time

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, when the amendment on the floor reads something and I say, well, it reads this.
• So it'll read—I'll read the full sentence: “The court may also assess a civil penalty for an intentional
• I have been reading your analysis. I felt a lot more confident about my bill before I read it.
• I felt a lot more confident about my bill before I read it.
• Or else what it tells me is they're not taking the time to read.

Bills: SB40, SB104, SB136, SB164

Keywords: SB40, Driver Privacy and Safety Act, automated license plate reader, ALPR, license plate reader, vehicle surveillance, privacy, data sharing, law enforcement data, immigration enforcement, reproductive health care, gender-affirming care, civil liberties, surveillance, public records, Inspection of Public Records Act, New Mexico State Police, Department of Public Safety, data sovereignty, vehicle tracking

Transcript Highlights:

• If you don't read and write, the test will be read to you by a computer. >> Well, why can't this be done
• have written exam when they can't read have written exam when they can't read and<00:27:35.360><
• and write, the test will be not read and write, the test will be read<00:27:43.760> written.
• It will be read to you by read written. It will be read to you by a<00:27:46.640> computer.
• I think that step and read the signage.

Bills: HB274, HB287, HB301, HB157, HB254, HB88, HB274, HB287, HB301, HB157, HB254, HB88

Keywords: Crenshaw County, county board of education, school board, board of education, term limits, term length, elected officials, local constitutional amendment, Alabama Constitution, education governance, local legislation, November 2026 election, ballot measure, constitutional amendment, school board elections, law enforcement, transparency, reporting, public safety, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• Let me read it. Let me just, okay, I want to read it to you.
• The chair lays it out for second reading, SB1. Clerk, will you read the bill?
• That was the third reading.
• Clerk, read the resolution.
• It just reads, it's a run-on sentence. So it didn't read that very well.

Bills: SB 1, HCR 20, HR 131, HR 133, HR 135, HR 136, HR 137, HR 144, HR 145, HR 146, HR 149, HR 150, HR 151, HR 152, HR 158, HR 161, HR 162, HR 163, HR 165, HR 166, HR 168, HR 169, HR 170, HR 175, HR 178, HR 127, HR 129, HR 130, HR 132, HR 134, HR 138, HR 139, HR 140, HR 141, HR 142, HR 143, HR 153, HR 154, HR 155, HR 156, HR 159, HR 160, HR 164, HR 167, HR 172, HR 173, HR 176, SB 1, HB 8, HB 15, HB 27, SB 5

Keywords: campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, memorial, remembrance, legacy, condolences, community, higher education, university merger, research, public health, economic impact, healthcare, insurance, affordability, medical coverage, state regulations

Transcript Highlights:

• Under second reading file, we have items one through 60. Secretary, please read.
• Second reading will be deemed read. Moving on to governor's appointments, we have item 60.
• Secretary, please read.
• Secretary, please read.
• Secretary, please read.

Summary: The Senate convened with a roll call, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, then recognized the YMCA’s 175th anniversary through floor remarks highlighting its long history of community service, youth programs, child care, and civic engagement. The body then moved through routine messages and appointments, confirming three gubernatorial appointments: former Judge Frank Darnell Jr. to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board, Michelle Edgar to the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, and David Galavis to the State Park and Recreation Commission. On third reading, senators debated and adopted Senate Joint Resolution 12, which opposes the federal offshore oil and gas leasing proposal off California and calls for California to be removed from the plan and for stronger environmental review and public participation. Supporters emphasized coastal protection and climate goals, while opponents argued the state faces energy supply and affordability problems and needs more domestic production. The resolution passed by roll call. The Senate also adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 118, urging full release of unclassified Jeffrey Epstein investigation files to promote transparency and accountability for survivors, and Senate Resolution 99, declaring April 21, 2026, California Agriculture Day and recognizing the state’s agricultural production, farmworkers, and climate-smart practices. The final major item was Senate Resolution 100, designating April 16, 2026, as Breaking the Silence Day of Awareness to raise awareness of child sexual abuse, support survivors, and expand prevention and mandated reporter training. The author and supporters spoke about the prevalence of abuse, the importance of reporting, and survivor support; the resolution was adopted unanimously. The Senate then lifted the calls and confirmed the earlier appointments, adopted the consent calendar, announced upcoming budget subcommittee meetings, and adjourned in memory of Rob Trice and Alwyn Ben Holman. The session ended with notice that the next floor session would be Monday, April 27, 2026, with Denim Day observed that day.