Transcript Highlights:

• I want to flag, at the federal level, that the legislation in Congress that was filed this session...
• The legislation in Congress that was filed this session. The co-sponsors have been updated.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• Congress as we marked it up and filed it in the House.
• We're seeing the final bill passing through Congress right now to create a market structure.

Bills: HB165, HB603, SB77, SB140, SB185

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a Veterans Service Grant Fund. The committee adopted Amendment Set 4820, which removed “up to” from the ballot language, adopted the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in child sexual abuse civil settlements against public policy and unenforceable. Testimony from Elizabeth Phillips, on behalf of her brother Trey Carlock, and from survivor Gillian Edwards Coburn strongly supported the bill as a way to restore victims’ voices and prevent institutions from silencing abuse claims. Members asked about how NDAs work in civil cases and whether the bill would affect settlements or existing protections; the bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee took up Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property, aimed at protecting good-faith lessees in merchant leasing situations. After a brief explanation from the Louisiana State Law Institute and questions about how the rule would apply, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which allows multiple successions to be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper, to reduce duplication and costs in estate cases; it was reported favorably. Finally, the committee considered House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the measure could include Bitcoin, how the investments would be monitored, and whether pensions could be affected. After adopting the 6.8A report, the committee voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Congress as we marked it up and filed it in the House.
• We're seeing the final bill passing through Congress right now to create a market structure.

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR 42 simply calls on Congress to support more programs like the Generous Cost Reduction Program.
• Now, he did meet with Congress. I believe it was last month, or the month before.

Keywords: 959, house, all

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

Transcript Highlights:

• HCR-42 simply calls on Congress to support more programs like the Generous cost reduction program.
• Now, he did meet with Congress. I believe it was last month, or the month before.

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

Transcript Highlights:

• Congress has authorized each state to establish and administer its own life insurance program for the
• Congress has authorized each state to establish and administer its own life insurance program for the

Keywords: Insurance - Room 210, 26 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee considered several House bills, most of them already passed by the Senate or previously vetted in other committees. House Bill 1075 would expand access for low-income housing authorities and related entities to participate in insurance pooling arrangements, with the sponsor explaining it would help lower insurance costs as housing funding structures shift toward public-private partnerships. House Bill 565, renamed “Jill’s Law,” would advance biomarker testing and related Medicaid/prior authorization conforming changes; House Bill 856 would remove a repealer from the state’s anti-step-therapy law after hearings found the cost impact negligible; and House Bill 939 would extend the repealer on the volunteer firefighters’ Length of Service Award Program, which was described as needing ongoing funding to retain and recruit volunteers. The committee also heard House Bill 1019, which would expand health coverage options for small businesses, professionals, and self-employed people through access to regulated trade association self-funded group health plans. House Bill 1117 would create a transparency requirement for dental insurance by reporting premium-to-services information to the insurance commissioner and making it available in a portal; the sponsor said the Dental Association supports it. House Bill 1332 would require insurance examinations to meet National Association of Insurance Commissioners standards and best practices, and a member said he would vote present but the bill was said not to affect existing continuing education rules. Finally, House Bill 1713 would codify Mississippi Military Department authority to oversee state-sponsored life insurance for National Guard members, with the Adjutant General designated as state sponsor; it was described as voluntary, already operating since 1962, and without a fiscal note because it is paid for by guardsmen. Each bill received a motion to do pass or title sufficient to pass, was approved without opposition or with only a present vote noted on one bill, and the committee then voted to rise and report.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we all know, Congress has elected to eliminate the advanced premium tax credits that were put in place
• So, if Congress were to act, I would expect for us to come back in 30 days. and reauthorize those funds

Transcript Highlights:

• There, the first Congress of the Republic convened.
• for visitors about the first capital of Texas and the important decisions made during the first Congress

Transcript Highlights:

• Kiffmeyer and I passed a bill to have the state go to permanent daylight saving time, once authorized by Congress
• Whichever party is in charge of Congress, they tend not to act very quickly on anything.

Transcript Highlights:

• But when we worked on this bill last year, Congress had not acted yet.
• The federal U.S. tonnage tax system was enacted by Congress in 2004 in response to the massive decline
• The federal U.S. tonnage tax system was enacted by Congress in 2004 in response to the massive decline

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee heard a long agenda of tax and housing measures, beginning with SB 1329 on solar property tax assessment. The author and solar industry witnesses argued the bill would create a uniform, predictable statewide method as the current solar property tax exclusion sunsets, while county assessors and local county representatives opposed it as a departure from market-based valuation that would reduce assessed values and local revenue. The committee also heard SB 1406, which would target the so-called Montana loophole used to avoid California vehicle taxes and fees; it drew support from CTA and no formal opposition. Both bills were moved to Appropriations and placed on call after committee votes. The consent calendar was also adopted and placed on call. The committee then took up several tax relief and wildfire-related measures. SB 984 would conform California law to the federal tipped-income deduction; restaurant, taxpayer, and enrolled agent representatives supported it, and the committee approved it 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1084 would create a fire-safe home tax credit for home hardening and defensible space improvements; supporters included the Town of Truckee and the California Association of Realtors, while members raised questions about cost and interaction with Prop. 98, and the bill passed 3-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1118 would provide a tax credit for backup generators or solar battery systems in high fire-threat areas; the author and supporters framed it as a resilience measure, but committee members questioned the use of taxpayer funds, diesel generators, and the benefit relative to cost. The bill was not advanced in the portion of the transcript provided. Later, the committee heard SB 1249, a narrowly targeted senior deduction for taxpayers ages 86 to 90, supported by LeadingAge California and the California Senior Legislature; it passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1424 would extend a partial sales and use tax exemption to zero-emission vehicle refueling equipment, including charging and hydrogen stations; it received support from hydrogen and electric transportation groups and passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1113 would conform California tax law to the federal tonnage tax regime for U.S.-flag international shipping companies; maritime industry witnesses supported it as a competitiveness and national security measure, while ILWU opposed it over the estimated general fund impact, and the bill passed 4-0 to Appropriations, on call. SB 1137 would expand the medical expense deduction for lower-income taxpayers, and SB 1415 would extend a partial welfare property tax exemption to mixed-income housing; both were presented with support from advocacy and local government witnesses, with assessors and housing stakeholders seeking amendments on SB 1415. The transcript ends before final action on SB 1415 is completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• love so much, they tend to remove benefits and substitute them with something else based on what Congress
• love so much, they tend to remove benefits and substitute them with something else based on what Congress
• love so much, they tend to remove benefits and substitute them with something else based on what Congress

Bills: HB2226, HB2406, HB2663, HB2695, HB2805, HB2976

Keywords: veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which updates military leave protections for state and non-state employees by aligning statutory language with how service members’ orders are described. Representative Pena said the change was intended to remove confusion without affecting benefits, and members noted it would help protect employees called to training, deployment, or state active duty. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill addressing administrative control of justice courts and due process for elected justices of the peace when state or county entities take action affecting their statutory authority. Supporters, including two Pima County justices of the peace, described administrative orders that transferred control of their courts without notice, findings, or a meaningful chance to respond, and argued the bill would require notice, a hearing, written findings, and review before such changes. The Arizona Supreme Court’s government affairs director opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution gives the Chief Justice administrative supervision over all courts and that the legislature cannot impose those procedures by statute. After a lengthy and at times contentious exchange over constitutional authority and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to give HB 2976 a due pass recommendation. After a recess, the committee considered HB 2406, which requires the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study how aware veterans are of available state, local, and federal benefits and to report recommendations for improving awareness. Testimony in support emphasized that many veterans do not know the full range of benefits available to them and suggested surveys, outreach, and other low-cost methods to gather information. Some members questioned whether a study was necessary or how it would be conducted, but several said they would support it for now; the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance hearings to ask whether a defendant is a veteran and, if so, to consider referral to veterans’ treatment or diversion programs. Supporters said the bill would help identify eligible veterans early in the process and connect them to services, while one member raised Fifth Amendment concerns about asking the question before counsel is present. The sponsor and testifier agreed to work on an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The committee moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation, with members indicating support pending that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• It goes through Congress. It goes through the USDA. Secretary Rollins has to approve these.
• It goes through Congress, it goes through the USDA.
• You know, this goes through the, on the president's budget, it goes through Congress, it goes through

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Congress before, too, and lost there as well. But, hey, I've lost elections too, Mr. Resch.
• Congress before, too, and lost there as well. But, hey, they... I've lost elections too, Mr. Rest.
• It was Congress from Michelle Jackson Lake.

Summary: The Texas Ethics Commission met on March 11, 2025, first in executive session and then in open session. The chair announced that, in light of Texas Attorney General Opinion KP-484, the commission would conform its practices to the opinion and move to repeal tolling rules for sworn-complaint deadlines. The chair also said the commission would dismiss 36 pending sworn-complaint cases in which the 120-day settlement deadline had been exceeded, even though the delay had been tolled under prior TEC rules. The commission then set future meeting dates for June 12 and September 17 and approved prior meeting minutes. The commission adopted a new criminal-referral rule clarifying that, once jurisdiction over a complaint is accepted, commissioners may vote to make a criminal referral. It also adopted revised advisory-opinion rules, with a clarifying amendment from a commenter, and republished proposed changes to the definition of “principal purpose” for political committees after staff recommended a 49 percent political-activity threshold and further public input. The commission published for comment proposed changes to ethics training rules, facial-compliance review procedures, late-filing waiver and reduction rules, and sworn-complaint procedures, including tighter discovery limits, a default-order set-aside process, and removal of tolling language inconsistent with KP-484. It also republished Chapter 28 rules on Speaker-candidate reporting. The commission adopted several advisory opinions. It declined to give an affirmative defense on whether certain school-district communications were political advertising because related litigation had already addressed the issue. It reaffirmed that a House member may use donated district-office space if it is not reimbursable with public funds and was accepted before the contribution moratorium. It also concluded that a judge may use political funds for travel to a Navy-hosted event as a local dignitary, that legislators’ use of a corporate aircraft for a border-region fact-finding trip could be permissible but would likely trigger reporting obligations, that a TCEQ commissioner’s revolving-door restrictions apply only to matters actually placed before the commissioner, and that a part-time legislative staffer may not take outside employment assisting a registered lobbyist. The commission then heard and acted on numerous fine-waiver appeals, granting several full waivers or reductions and approving staff recommendations on others, and terminated a number of inactive campaign treasurer appointments. Finally, the executive director briefed the commission on the 2025 legislative session, noting that staffing requests are tied to Sunset recommendations and that the House had preliminarily recommended about half of the commission’s appropriations requests.

Transcript Highlights:

• um<00:29:28.279> particularly<00:29:28.799> with I mean, you can't impact what Congress
• [Music] I mean you can't impact what Congress I mean you can't impact what Congress does<00:30:36.600

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Christina Hermos, UMass Memorial. Christina Hermes. Hi, I'm joining from home today.
• I'm the Division Chief of Infectious Disease at UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center, and I'm testifying
• It's ironic that outside this very building is a statue dedicated in memory of Mary Dyer.
• Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, stating Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Health held a hearing on several vaccination-related bills, including proposals to eliminate non-medical or religious exemptions for school immunizations (notably H. 2554 and S. 1557), a bill to require or improve reporting and administration of immunization data and exemptions (described as the Community Immunity Act, S. 1618), and H. 2431, which would prohibit COVID-19, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccine requirements. The committee also heard testimony on H. 2463, which would classify funeral directors as public health workers for vaccine-priority purposes during emergencies. The chair reviewed testimony rules and repeatedly asked speakers to keep comments orderly and brief so the committee could hear as many people as possible. No votes were taken during the hearing. Testimony on H. 2554 and S. 1557 was sharply divided. Pediatricians, infectious disease specialists, public health advocates, and groups such as the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Massachusetts Medical Society, March of Dimes, Massachusetts Families for Vaccines, and several parents supported eliminating religious exemptions, arguing that vaccination protects medically vulnerable children and adults, improves herd immunity, and helps prevent outbreaks of measles, pertussis, and other diseases. They cited local school data showing pockets of lower coverage and incomplete reporting, and several speakers referenced outbreaks in other states and the need for stronger, more consistent reporting and exemption management. Opponents argued the bills would infringe on religious freedom and parental rights, force families to choose between faith and education, and unfairly target a small number of families; some also said Massachusetts already has high vaccination rates and that the real issue is incomplete data or the gap population rather than religious exemptions. H. 2431 drew testimony from supporters who said COVID-era mandates caused job losses, privacy concerns, and harm, and that the bill would prevent future requirements for COVID, mRNA, or gene-altering vaccines in schools, workplaces, and public settings. Supporters described personal experiences with alleged vaccine injury or mandate-related hardship. H. 2463 was supported by the Massachusetts Funeral Directors Association, which argued funeral directors work in infection-facing settings and should be eligible for vaccine priority during public health emergencies. The hearing featured extensive public testimony but no committee action beyond hearing the bills and taking questions from members.

Transcript Highlights:

• He deserved help, but was denied based on a generic chart in his memory.
• Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and I have fond memories of being with you.
• What a fond memory. We have a motion and a second. Please call the roll.
• program, but it must happen at the federal level, and we are committed to doing that with the FQCs in Congress

Summary: The Assembly Health Committee met on April 22 and took up a special order of bills focused largely on prior authorization and utilization management in health care. The chair framed the discussion as part of a broader legislative effort to reduce delays and barriers to care, especially in behavioral health, chronic disease management, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation services. AB 384 by Assembly Member Connolly would prohibit prior authorization for inpatient mental health or substance use emergency admissions and related physician care; supporters said it would prevent dangerous delays in crisis care, while insurers and health plans warned about fraud, abuse, and ambiguity around residential treatment facilities. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and passed the committee on a party-line style vote, with Republicans largely absent or not voting. The committee then heard AB 510 by Assembly Member Addis, which would require health plans, upon request, to provide a peer reviewer of the same or similar specialty when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization denial or modification. Supporters argued that specialty-matched review would make appeals fairer and more clinically informed; opponents said the requirement was too rigid and that timelines and electronic submission rules needed changes. After discussion about the need for timely, specialty-specific review, the bill was approved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. AB 539 by Assembly Member Schiavo would extend prior authorization approvals to one year or the duration of the physician’s prescribed treatment for chronic conditions; supporters cited repeated denials and treatment interruptions, while opponents raised concerns about overbreadth, fraud, and the need for shorter validity periods. The bill was also passed as amended and placed on call. The committee next considered AB 669 by Assembly Member Haney, which would bar concurrent and retrospective review for the first 28 days of medically necessary substance use disorder treatment and limit prior authorization for related outpatient medications. The bill was presented with a powerful personal story from Ryan Matlock’s mother about her son’s death after an insurer cut off treatment early; supporters said the measure would keep patients in care long enough to stabilize, while opponents argued it would reduce oversight and could allow lower-quality or non-evidence-based care. The bill was moved on a due pass as amended motion and placed on call. Finally, AB 512 by Assembly Member Harabedian would shorten prior authorization response times to 24 hours for urgent requests and 48 hours for non-urgent requests; supporters said delays can worsen outcomes, while opponents warned the timelines were unrealistic and could increase administrative burdens and safety issues. The bill was approved as amended and placed on call. AB 574 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez was then heard; it would allow up to 12 medically necessary physical therapy sessions for a new episode of care without prior authorization, with supporters emphasizing stroke and neurological recovery and opponents warning of reduced oversight and unnecessary care. The transcript ends during testimony on AB 574, before final action is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, I encourage anyone from Hawaiʻi who's watching to urge their members of Congress to co-sponsor
• Additionally, I encourage anyone from Hawaiʻi who's watching to urge their members of Congress to co-sponsor
• their from Hawaii who's watching to urge their members<00:37:01.839> of<00:37:02.000> Congress
• /c><00:37:02.319> to<00:37:02.680> co-sponsor<00:37:03.240> that members of Congress
• to co-sponsor that members of Congress to co-sponsor that piece<00:37:03.480> of<00:37:03.800

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered several bills focused on environmental protection and wastewater management. HB 26 HD 2, relating to environmental protection, drew support from the Department of Health, Reworld, and Energy Justice Network. Supporters said it would preserve existing standards for waste-to-energy facilities, including H-Power, even if federal EPA rules are weakened, while Energy Justice Network urged the state to go further and require stronger pollution controls on older burners at the plant. HB 734 and HB 735, both relating to wastewater systems, received broad support from state agencies, county representatives, realtors, environmental groups, and others. Testimony emphasized reducing the cost of cesspool upgrades, updating rules, and improving coordination between the Department of Health, counties, and the University of Hawaiʻi. Members raised concerns about whether some areas, such as Ewa, should be treated differently if they are not near aquifers or the ocean, but the department said the existing prioritization process already considered statewide conditions and that cesspools generally still affect water resources. On HB 735, the committee discussed the current bedroom-based limits for individual wastewater systems and whether the bill would allow more flexibility for housing configurations, with the department explaining the limits are tied to density and system capacity. HB 879, relating to cesspool conversions, was also supported by the Department of Health, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and several advocacy groups. Testimony said the bill would help low- and moderate-income homeowners in priority areas by increasing grant assistance for cesspool upgrades, but the Department of Health noted it would need three full-time positions to administer the program. Members asked for clarification on the grant amount and staffing costs, and the department indicated the grant cap should remain at $20,000 unless changed. HB 918, relating to labeling of non-flushable wipes, drew support from wastewater and industry groups, including the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, which said similar laws have passed in other states and that the bill reflects cooperation between manufacturers and wastewater officials. The Department of Health and county officials supported the concept but said enforcement and outreach would require additional staff, and senators questioned whether the state could effectively enforce the labeling requirement without a national standard.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's a small percent of federal money now because Congress had lost the ability to make sure the money
• That could be done by Congress.
• had lost the money now because Congress had lost the ability<00:55:23.839> to<00:55:23.960>
• <00:57:09.760> it grants that could be done by Congress it grants that could be done by Congress
• the secretary as well as with Congress the secretary as well as with Congress are<01:06:19.400><

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• change constantly, and they're updating regulations constantly, and that changes with members of Congress
• We believe that the federal government, Congress, is the appropriate purview for questions like this.
• We believe that the federal government, Congress, is the appropriate purview for questions like this,
• and there are actual bills that are moving through Congress right now that our leadership, we have great

Bills: HB387, HB673, HB947, HB975, HB1102, HB1228, HB1229, HCR66, SB102, SB165, SB280, SB291, SB326, SB521

Keywords: engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, security cameras, abandoned property, blighted structures, property management, digital assets, abandonment, custodian, escheatment, blockchain, cryptocurrency, unclaimed property, state treasurer, Department of Public Service, statutory entities, public administration

Transcript Highlights:

• change constantly, and they're updating regulations constantly, and that changes with members of Congress
• We believe that the federal government, Congress, is the appropriate purview...”
• “We believe that the federal government, Congress, is the appropriate purview for questions like this
• , and there are actual bills that are moving through Congress right now that our leadership, we have

Summary: The committee first deferred House Bill 1102 without hearing it. It then took up House Concurrent Resolution 66, which urges Louisiana Economic Development and other state agencies to continue studying rural parishes’ economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. Representative Weible and Secretary Bougoir described the resolution as part of a broader effort to align state rural programs and create a strategic framework for rural development. Members emphasized infrastructure, workforce training, local coordination, and retaining young people in rural communities. An amendment requiring LED to report to the legislature by January 1, 2027 was adopted, and HCR 66 was reported favorably as amended. The committee next considered Senate Bill 102, which would allow qualified trade associations for motor vehicle dealers to bring declaratory and injunctive actions against manufacturers on behalf of dealers. Senator Presley and the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association said the bill would consolidate similar disputes into one action, reduce costs, and help smaller dealers avoid retaliation or uneven litigation. Questions focused on standing, the limited remedies, and whether the bill would affect nontraditional sales models. Technical amendments were adopted, and SB 102 was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 521, concerning banks’ continued use of a non-surviving bank’s name after mergers or consolidations, drew the most debate. Senator Boudreau and former Senator Fred Mills said the bill would preserve community-bank identity while following FDIC guidance on clear disclosure and consumer notice. Several members raised concerns about codifying federal guidance, future changes to federal rules, and whether the bill should instead set a fixed transition period; an amendment to limit use of the old name to 24 months was adopted after discussion. Another proposed amendment tying the bill to 1998 FDIC branch-name guidance failed on a roll call vote. The bill, as amended, was then reported favorably. The committee also advanced House Bill 387, which narrows the scope of incidental engineering work by architects and clarifies the state fire marshal’s authority to review plans under both architecture and engineering laws, and House Bill 1228, which updates hearing-aid dealer licensing and consumer-protection rules, including testing periods, cooling-off rights, and refund/cancellation procedures. Both bills were reported favorably with technical amendments. The transcript then shifted to additional measures, including House Bill 975 on Public Service Commission reconstitution and several Senate bills by Senator Abraham on self-storage facilities and contractor licensing, but the provided text cuts off before those items are fully concluded.