Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment adds the Louisiana State Fire Marshal or his designee. Thank you, ma'am.
• This would, in effect, result just in costing the state unnecessary additional dollars.
• This would in effect result just in costing the state unnecessary additional dollars.
• That the author would send it to conference. I'm not assuming that.
• To evaluate all school zones on state highways. Thank you, Ms. Champaign.

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:00:35.640><c> and</c> workable thank you Senator port and workable thank you Senator port and
• </c> reports from students across our state reports from students across our state um<00:08:30.000><c
• </c><00:09:58.240><c> and</c> 1st 2024 however several States and 1st 2024 however several States and
• Senator Port, thank you, Mr. Chair.
• I'm a co-author after all.

Committee: Senate Higher Education

Transcript Highlights:

• All of those districts are also under state authority.
• Being in level five does not automatically place a district into state authority.
• It was not placed under state authority until July of 2023.
• Districts can also be placed in state authority for violations of the standards of accreditation or for
• You can see that all of the districts in state authority have a smaller percentage of students scoring

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> better for everyone who calls this state better for everyone who calls this state home<00:03:36.680
• the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States the<00:22:16.760><c> Constitution
• /c> the Constitution of the state of the Constitution of the state of Minnesota<00:22:18.919><c> and<
• Port Port Pratt Pratt Pratt putam putam putam Ric Ric Ric rasmuson rasmuson rasmuson rest<00:26:26.279
• </c> States and the constitution of the state States and the constitution of the state of<00:27:21.559

Transcript Highlights:

• And I'm sure my state is not unique.
• Coastal states don't want them stopped.
• still needs to be state-to-state harmonization.
• And state and tribal harmonization along with the general harmonization of state transmission permitting
• that's very similar to my state of Wyoming.

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: environmental review, permitting process, infrastructure, bipartisan legislation, economic growth, Nucor, West Virginia

Summary: The meeting focused on critical discussions surrounding the need for modernizing the federal environmental review and permitting processes. Witnesses from various sectors, including Nucor, provided testimony on the delays and costs associated with current regulations, emphasizing the impact on infrastructure and economic growth. Major projects in West Virginia, such as the Corridor H and Coalfield Expressways, were highlighted as examples of initiatives stalled by excessive permitting hurdles, prompting calls for bipartisan legislation to streamline these processes while maintaining environmental protections. The committee expressed a commitment to address these issues immediately, highlighting the urgency to enhance efficiency in permitting to facilitate economic development.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 1733 by Kolkhorst relating to the composition of the board of the Calhoun Port Authority.
• port versus a six-member port.
• SCR 27 by Eckhardt authorizing the burial of a guy Herman in the state cemetery.
• And I'm asking you, as the bill author, if you believe there is a separation of church and state.
• If anybody is to blame about the state of the United States, it's the United States.

Bills: SB31 , SB33 , SB20 , SB217 , SB264 , SB269 , SB650 , SB681 , SB528 , SB502 , SB740 , SB916 , SB995 , SB10 , SB2581 , SB2570 , SB3031 , SB24 , SB379 , SB1171 , SB1121 , SB1120 , SB1061 , SB1036 , SB1019 , SB890 , SB11 , SB868 , SB1188 , SB1254 , SB2778 , SB2543 , SB2443 , SB1333 , SB1259 , SB1401 , SB1404 , SB2139 , SB2165 , SB2237 , SB2268 , SB1202 , SB1198 , SB1212 , SB1451 , SB1470 , SB1498 , SB965 , SB1547 , SB1667 , SB1818 , SB1902 , SB2129 , SB2078 , SB2069 , SB1737 , SB1589 , SB1318 , SB387 , SB1150 , SB1574 , SB2127 , SB3034 , SB860 , SB1278 , SCR5 , SCR32 , SB4 , SB23 , SB1762 , SB34 , SB60 , SB706 , SB1814 , SB1220 , SB523 , SB565 , SB1253 , SB840 , SB764 , SB2383 , SB2155 , SB1535 , SB1423 , SB1566 , SB1804 , SB1728 , SB1816 , SB1952 , SB75 , SB2068 , SB1455 , SB213 , SB627 , SB2037 , SB670 , SB896 , SB917 , SB1184 , SB971 , SB1255 , SB1261 , SB1283 , SB991 , SB1733 , SB21 , SB231 , SB739 , SB1252 , SB1371 , SB646 , SB3 , SCR27 , SB552 , SB1405 , SB1948 , SB243 , SJR1 , SB31 , SB33 , SB20 , SB217 , SB264 , SB269 , SB650 , SB681 , SB528 , SB502 , SB740 , SB916 , SB995 , SB10 , SB2581 , SB2570 , SB3031 , SB24 , SB379 , SB1171 , SB1121 , SB1120 , SB1061 , SB1036 , SB1019 , SB890 , SB11 , SB868 , SB1188 , SB1254 , SB2778 , SB2543 , SB2443 , SB1333 , SB1259 , SB1401 , SB1404 , SB2139 , SB2165 , SB2237 , SB2268 , SB1202 , SB1198 , SB1212 , SB1451 , SB1470 , SB1498 , SB965 , SB1547 , SB1667 , SB1818 , SB1902 , SB2129 , SB2078 , SB2069 , SB1737 , SB1589 , SB1318 , SB387 , SB1150 , SB1574 , SB2127 , SB3034 , SB860 , SB1278 , SCR5 , SCR32 , SB546 , SB647 , SB648 , SB1493 , SB1709 , SB2001 , HB5669 , HB3115 , HB5655 , HB5675 , HB5689 , HB5690 , HB5653 , HB3228 , HB2802 , HB45 , HB1318 , HB5560 , HB2894 , HB4344 , HB2775 , HB33 , HB 12 , HB148

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, section 11 pertains to the state agricultural society bonding authority.
• Um, section 11 pertains to the state agricultural society bonding authority.
• Um, section 11 pertains to the state agricultural society bonding authority.
• Um, section 11 pertains to the state agricultural society bonding authority.
• Port Authority for $20,000 Bloomington Port Authority for $20,000 in<00:26:34.400><c> fiscal</c><00:

Bills: HF9

Committee: House Taxes

Transcript Highlights:

• that we have a state supreme our state that we have a state supreme court<00:00:48.480><c> decision<
• So, for example, if there is a state. And I look at the language itself state.
• </c> people within our state. people within our state.
• </c> abortion policy in our state. abortion policy in our state.
• </c> I'm proud to be an author of this bill. I'm proud to be an author of this bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those are not Washington state rates. Yeah, they're not Washington state-based.
• I represent the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority in opposition to Senate Bill 6231.
• FDA authorization only means a product can be legally sold. Cigarettes are also authorized.
• Washington State, a third of them are illicit.
• in the state.

Committee: House Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• agency staff, as well as staff from public housing authorities.
• agency staff, as well as staff from public housing authorities.
• using them to reimburse the state for the cost of care.
• They are in our state care.
• They are in our state care.

Bills: SB5911 , SB5940 , SB5942 , SB5957

Committee: Senate Human Services

Keywords: children, youth, financial stability, care services, department of children and families, housing assistance, foster care, pilot program, social services, accountability, family services, state department, child welfare, homeless youth, youth homelessness, runaway youth, young adult homelessness, housing instability, family reunification, family stability

Transcript Highlights:

• So many of our laws in Washington State were created in defense of our state legal market against federal
• We've initiated it in the 37 states that allow medical cannabis.
• I'm the advocacy director for AARP here in Washington State.
• We do want to make sure that that medical authority is there.
• We're facing a growing shortage of radiologists in our state.

Bills: HB2110 , HB2113 , HB2122 , HB2152 , HB2168

Committee: House Health Care & Wellness

Keywords: ambulance, interfacility transport, specialty care transport, emergency medical services, EMS, registered nurse, nurse staffing, paramedic, emergency medical technician, EMT, patient transfer, hospital transfer, critical care transport, medical transport, workforce shortage, scope of practice, Department of Health, RCW 18.73, first responder, basic life support

Bills: SB243 , HB338 , SB265 , SB233 , HB302

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: Jefferson County, pistol permit, gun permit, firearm license, concealed carry, carry permit, sheriff, permit fee, local bill, county revenue, school funding, school security, retirement system, Sheriff's Fund, legislative delegation office fund, Gardendale, Birmingham, firearms regulation, Second Amendment, local government finance

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:22:33.679><c> with</c> weighing options in other states with weighing options in other states
• </c> in other communities included a state in other communities included a state agency<00:37:36.520>
• state, including hundreds that are already working on data centers being built in the state.
• </c> staff um my question for the bill author staff um my question for the bill author is<01:03:43.480
• </c> investment in data centers in the state investment in data centers in the state at<01:23:45.120>

Committee: House Energy Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:

• It's been brought in 10 other states. It's already passed. It's already implemented.
• It is going to offer a tried and proven option that's been offered in these other states.
• Five other states are considering it. I expect it to pass. ...are considering it.
• I expect it to pass, including Alabama.

Committee: Senate Banking and Insurance

Transcript Highlights:

• with the state of Washington.
• Those are not Washington state rates. Yeah, they're not Washington state-based.
• I represent the Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority in opposition to Senate Bill 6231.
• FDA authorization only means a product can be legally sold. Cigarettes are also authorized.
• in the state.

Summary: House Finance held public hearings on three Senate bills. SB 6129 would raise cigarette taxes, replace current nicotine/vapor product taxes with a 95% tax on nicotine products, and adjust revenue distributions to the Andy Hill Cancer Research account, the Foundational Public Health Services account, and a youth prevention account; staff and supporters said it would correct an unintended loss of public health funding and reduce youth nicotine use, while opponents argued it would be highly regressive, harm retailers and wholesalers, and push sales into illicit markets. SB 6231 would repeal the data center sales tax exemption for refurbishment and end replacement server equipment eligibility; the sponsor and staff said it would raise roughly $200 million and remove an obsolete preference, while labor, port, business, and data center representatives opposed it, citing lost jobs, reduced investment, and concerns about upsetting existing contracts and rural economic development. SB 6228 would repeal the preferential B&O rate for warehousing and reselling prescription drugs and create a lower preferential rate for critical access pharmacies; the sponsor said it would restore horizontal equity in the tax code and offset impacts on rural pharmacies, but pharmacy groups, wholesalers, retailers, and business organizations warned it would raise medication costs, worsen pharmacy closures, and be passed through to patients. The committee heard extensive public testimony on all three bills. Supporters of SB 6129 included public health, cancer, pediatric, and emergency medicine advocates who emphasized youth prevention, cessation funding, and long-term health savings; opponents included tobacco, vape, retail, and business groups who said the bill would increase black-market activity and burden small businesses. SB 6231 drew opposition from construction trades, ports, local governments, chambers, and data center interests, who argued the tax preference supports ongoing construction, permanent jobs, and local tax bases, while committee questions focused on whether the bill would affect existing refurbishment contracts. SB 6228 was opposed by pharmacy associations, independent pharmacists, wholesalers, grocery retailers, and AWB, who said the tax increase would be passed through and could accelerate pharmacy desert conditions; the sponsor and supporters framed the bill as a correction to an outdated preference and a way to protect critical access pharmacies. No votes were taken; each hearing was closed, and the chair announced amendment requests were due Thursday at 5 p.m. and amendments posted by Friday at 5 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• With the Community, Rural Weekly Newspapers throughout the state.
• similar to an attorney, while in the United States a notary public is simply someone authorized to witness
• Six states ban this: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
• So most teens looking for work in the state have it already.
• I don't know of any other states that are doing this.

Committee: Senate Commerce and Tourism

Summary: The committee first took up a committee substitute for SB 752, which would require newspapers and television stations to remove online reports later found to be false or defamatory in certain circumstances, and would change when the statute of limitations begins to run. The sponsor said the bill was intended to address lasting harm from false accusations that remain searchable online. Several speakers opposed the measure, arguing it would chill reporting, punish accurate historical coverage, and create vague legal risks for the press. After debate, the committee reported the bill favorably. The committee then approved CS/SB 846, a bill aimed at preventing immigration service fraud by non-attorneys and misuse of the term "notario." Supporters, including an immigration attorney, said the bill would protect vulnerable immigrants from bad advice and fake legal services. The committee also approved CS/SB 800, which updates battery labeling and recycling requirements to reduce fires caused by discarded batteries; waste and recycling representatives supported it, while a battery industry group warned the bill could effectively ban battery-embedded products. CS/SB 578, dealing with wine container rules and allowing recyclable inserts and boxes up to 5.16 gallons, was also reported favorably. The committee next approved CS/SB 1734, the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which sets product standards, labeling rules, age limits, testing, and enforcement provisions. Supporters said it reflects current science and consumer safety needs, while opponents warned it could burden small businesses and overregulate the market. SB 918, which would loosen state child labor restrictions for certain minors and align Florida law more closely with federal standards, drew extensive opposition from advocates, students, and labor groups who said it would increase exploitation and harm education; several senators also raised concerns, but the bill was still reported favorably. The committee also reported favorably SB 854 on unlicensed contractors and deposit fraud, and confirmed several appointments to state boards and commissions. A separate bill on online encryption and child safety, SB 868, was taken up with an amendment and public testimony, but the transcript cuts off before final action on that item.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> cost is denied on appeal and authorizes cost is denied on appeal and authorizes the<00:17:28.520
• </c> equipment, training from other states. equipment, training from other states.
• intact. 29 other states protection stays intact. 29 other states already<00:22:20.000><c> have</c><00
• A version of it has been passed in four different states: Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and Alabama.
• Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and Alabama. And Texas, Louisiana, Utah, and Alabama.

Bills: SB2433 , SB2047 , SB2425 , SB3045 , SB2761 , SB3001 , SB2852 , SB2471

Committee: House Consumer Protection & Commerce

Summary: The committee heard testimony on SB 2433 SD1 relating to condominiums, which would direct the condominium education trust fund toward educational resources for unit owners and require the Real Estate Commission to ensure owners’ interests are represented in funded activities and related rulemaking. Supporters, including the Hawaii Real Estate Commission and a condominium owner advocate, said owners need a seat at the table in condo governance and education efforts. Committee discussion focused on whether the bill was necessary, with the Real Estate Commission indicating it could already use the trust fund for owner education and that owners are already considered stakeholders, though not through a specific commission seat. No vote was taken during the excerpted discussion. The committee then took up SB 2047 SD2 HD1 on pharmacy benefit managers, which would set requirements for maximum allowable cost reimbursement, allow reverse-and-rebill claims after successful appeals, and authorize fines for violations. The Insurance Division offered comments, the Hawaii Pharmacists Association supported the measure with amendments and suggested future PBM reform funding, and Kaiser Permanente requested a technical amendment. A committee question raised whether the staffing and resource request for implementation was too large for a bill focused only on MAC pricing, and the witness said he would provide more data to the next committee. No final action was shown. Next was SB 2425 SD2 HD1 on health insurance and substance use disorder treatment, requiring insurers to honor written assignments of benefits to SUD providers and prohibiting anti-assignment clauses. Supporters described patients being unable to access treatment because of high out-of-pocket costs and said direct payment would reduce harm for people in recovery. HMSA opposed the bill but said it would begin direct payments to non-participating SUD facilities effective March 27, while continuing to object to the assignment-of-benefits portion because of fraud and balance-billing concerns; the Hawaii Association of Health Plans also opposed. Members questioned HMSA about reimbursement mechanics and why the bill was needed if coverage policies were already changing. Finally, the committee heard SB 3045 SD1 HD1, which would require coverage of continuous glucose monitors and related supplies, including for Medicaid managed care, under certain conditions. DHS and the Insurance Division offered comments, while SHPDA, Hilo Benioff Medical Center Foundation, and others supported the bill, citing inconsistent access and a case in which a woman allegedly died after being denied a CGM. HMSA said it already covers medically necessary CGMs and had updated its policy in 2025 for type 1 and insulin-dependent patients, but it raised concerns about expanding mandated coverage to type 2 and gestational diabetes and about supply impacts. The committee also discussed whether the bill duplicated existing coverage standards and why it had been introduced repeatedly. No votes or final dispositions were included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:08:22.639><c> Constitution</c> of the United States Constitution of the United States Constitution
• Uh Senator Balden, state.
• </c> strict district policies and state strict district policies and state licensing<00:15:59.040><c>
• </c> the state may not be available online. the state may not be available online.
• Thank you, Madam Chair, and Senator Port.

Committee: Senate Elections

Transcript Highlights:

• , which was 10 states, Kentucky to Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
• We have Englewood, Port Charlotte, Welland Park, North Port, and a small portion of Venice.
• So my goal, as I stated, is government efficiency and effectiveness.
• And I want to know, is there, State of Florida, different agencies.
• Do you, off the top of your head, know what the average of other states is and what the really bad states

Summary: The Government Operations Subcommittee met with a quorum and began with member introductions and remarks from the chair emphasizing the committee’s focus on government efficiency, accountability, and oversight of executive branch agencies. Members shared their districts and backgrounds, with several noting hurricane recovery in their communities and a shared interest in reducing bureaucracy and improving service to Floridians. The committee’s only presentation was from Chris Spencer, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, who gave an overview of the SBA’s governance structure, investment responsibilities, and divestment policies. He explained the SBA’s management of more than $257 billion in assets, including the Florida Retirement System, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, and Florida PRIME, and reviewed the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act restrictions covering Northern Ireland, Cuba, Venezuela, Israel, Sudan, Iran, and China. He also described the implementation of HB 7071, including the required divestment from direct holdings in Chinese companies, and said the SBA had reduced its direct Chinese holdings from 33 companies totaling over $172 million to 13 companies totaling about $64 million, with completion expected ahead of the September 1, 2025 deadline. Members asked detailed questions about the Israel boycott list, Morningstar and MSCI, how the SBA gathers information, whether Cuba’s federal designation changes affect Florida law, how companies are removed from scrutinized lists, and whether divestment timing could affect returns. Spencer said the SBA uses public and paid research sources, gives companies a 90-day cure period in some cases, and brings list changes to the trustees for approval. He also explained that the China benchmark change is intended to reduce passive exposure while still allowing active investment decisions, and said the PFIA restrictions have had a modestly positive overall effect on pension performance. The chair also asked about the Florida Retirement System funded ratio and the CAT Fund’s capacity; Spencer said the pension fund is at 80.7% funded, that actuarial assumptions are reviewed regularly, and that the CAT Fund currently has more than $10.5 billion in liquid claims-paying capacity and is expected to remain well positioned for hurricane losses. No votes were taken, and the meeting adjourned after the presentation and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:20:25.840><c> and</c> least a rural portion of the state and least a rural portion of the state
• </c><00:20:30.400><c> So</c> the state in addition to that. So the state in addition to that.
• </c> state for Medicaid. state for Medicaid.
• </c><00:35:23.040><c> and</c> the nation, ahead of only Alabama and the nation, ahead of only Alabama
• in discussions at the um with the state in discussions at the um county<00:37:55.760><c> state</c><00

Summary: The committee to study long-term managed care met to approve the prior meeting minutes, with a clarification that “OB3” referred to the “one big beautiful bill.” The minutes were then approved. Chair Jim Kofalt outlined the day’s agenda, which included testimony from the Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, the New Hampshire Association of Counties, and later DHHS. He also noted that future meetings were expected soon and that the meetings were being livestreamed on YouTube. Granite State Home Health and Hospice Association, represented by Kellyanne Totten and Amy Moore, urged inclusive planning and a cautious, phased approach if managed care is considered. They emphasized that home care providers are not uniform, with different licensing and service models, and said any pilot should include varied provider types, rural and southern regions, and agencies of different sizes. They warned that workforce shortages, inflation, and a possible 9% CMS cut to Medicare home health payments could force agencies to reduce service areas or service types. They also said the 2023 Medicaid CFI rate increase has begun to lose its effect. In response to questions, they said the rural health transformation fund may help with planning and telehealth but likely cannot be used directly for rates or recruitment/retention. They also described the New England Home Care Nurse Residency Program, a Department of Labor grant, as a way to bring new registered nurses into home care with added training and school partnerships. The New Hampshire Association of Counties, through county nursing home administrators Craig Labore and David Ross, revisited the earlier Step Two managed care discussions from 2016-2018. They said prior consultants found the long-term services and supports system was underfunded and needed investment to stabilize providers and expand community-based care. They argued the same concerns remain today and said a managed model would jeopardize the Medicaid quality incentive payment program and, for county nursing homes, the proportionate share payment program. Their testimony was generally opposed to moving forward with managed long-term services and supports without significant additional funding and safeguards.