Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Paich of Wellesley. Ms. Sousa of Framingham. Chair is in error. Ms. Sousa of Framingham. Ms.
• Ms. Kearns of Danvers, on roll call number 178, no; on roll call number 179, no. Ms. Garne, Ms.
• Garne, Ms. Garne. On roll call number 179, no. Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Summary: The House began with routine business, including the Pledge of Allegiance and adoption of three congratulatory resolutions honoring Eagle Scouts Charles Goodman, Jack Goodwin, and Liam LaCrooy. Members also adopted a House-Senate concurrence on House 4359, a Milford alcohol-license bill, after amending it to repeal Chapter 289 of the Acts of 2022 and set an effective date. The chamber then passed Senate 2596, establishing maintenance of private roads in Gloucester, and engrossed House 4887. The House also observed moments of silence for former Lynn City Councilor Richard Rick Ford, Louise M. Pedroso, and Mildred “Millie” Cox, and welcomed several guests, including students, civic visitors, and British Minister of State Stephen Doughty. The bulk of the session focused on budget amendments related to housing and emergency assistance. Amendment 1579, which would have tightened HomeBASE eligibility by requiring citizenship-status inquiries, was debated at length and defeated 26-130. Amendment 1582, which would have barred Housing and Livable Communities from conditioning grants on MBTA Communities Act compliance, was also rejected 27-126. Amendment 1583, which would have limited right-to-shelter eligibility to U.S. citizens with six months’ Massachusetts residency, was defeated 26-122. Supporters argued these changes would reduce costs and prioritize taxpayers; opponents said they would exclude lawful residents and undermine existing housing and shelter reforms. The House then adopted Consolidated Amendment F, covering energy, environmental affairs, and housing, by a vote of 154-0. Speakers highlighted major funding for rental vouchers, emergency shelter, HomeBASE, public housing, clean water, climate and agricultural programs, and food assistance. The chamber also considered and defeated Amendment 1218 on creating a data center commission, Amendment 1234 on eliminating certain energy surcharges, and several education-related amendments from Ms. Sullivan-Almeida: changes to special education reimbursement thresholds and rates, and a proposal to make regional school transportation funding mandatory rather than subject to appropriation. Those education amendments were all rejected after roll-call votes. Amendment 1580 on ending vocational school lottery admissions was withdrawn by its sponsor before a vote. The transcript ends as debate continues on Amendment 1308, which would increase a budget line item, but no final action on that amendment is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much, Ms. Devining, Ms. Bush, who wants to go? Ms. Bush, in your wheelhouse.
• Ms.
• So, Ms.
• Okay, Ms. Clark and Ms.
• Ms. Kennedy, I think. Ms. Kennedy, I think.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled several criminal justice bills related to evidence, juror privacy, probation, and sex offender supervision. HB 95, by Rep. Lecombe, updates an older statute to allow electronic access to videotaped forensic interviews of protected persons for prosecutors, defense counsel, courts, and other authorized persons; it was reported favorably. HB 55, by Rep. Villio, prohibits public disclosure of juror identifying information such as names, addresses, and contact information; after testimony from District Attorney Tony Clayton about juror harassment and intimidation, the committee adopted a small amendment removing outdated language and reported the bill favorably with amendments. HB 125, by Rep. Horton, revises supervised release for certain sex offenders to address jurisdiction and notification issues, especially when violations occur outside Louisiana; after testimony from DOC and probation and parole officials and a witness describing victim-protection monitoring, it was reported favorably with amendments. HB 158, also by Rep. Horton, increases the maximum custodial treatment period for technical probation violations from 90 to 180 days, but witnesses raised concerns that the language was too broad and could impose extra jail time beyond treatment; the author agreed to work on clarifying language before floor debate, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 169, by Rep. Horton, makes probationers or parolees responsible for extradition costs if they are able to pay, and it was reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 133, by Rep. Newell, which strengthens penalties and treatment requirements for battery of a school teacher and related offenses. A large amendment package was adopted to add aggravated battery and second-degree battery involving students or school employees, define terms, require counseling and evaluations in certain juvenile cases, and adjust juvenile disposition provisions. Teachers and supporters testified about assaults in schools and the need to protect educators, while district attorneys warned that some of the amended language—especially the shift to “serious bodily injury” and some definitional changes—could make prosecutions harder or create unintended constitutional issues. Rep. Newell agreed to continue working with prosecutors to tighten the language before the bill reaches the floor, and HB 133 was reported favorably as amended. Later, the committee heard HB 821 by Rep. McFarland, which moves the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools from GOSEP to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement; the change was described as largely administrative and the bill was reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 399 by Rep. Zerang, which extends the terminally ill/incapacitated inmate release window from 60 to 120 days. Secretary Gary Westcott and DOC officials explained that the program is tightly vetted, applies to inmates who are truly at end of life, and includes victim notification and maximum supervision; supporters, including medical and faith-based witnesses, emphasized dignity, hospice care, and the practical need for more time to complete release planning. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, HB 296 by Rep. Knox repeals the inactive Reentry Advisory Council and the Offender Rehabilitation Workforce Development Act, and HB 168 by Rep. Freiburg creates a transitional reentry program for female parolees within six months of release; both were presented as public-safety and reentry measures, with strong support from reentry advocates, business groups, and faith-based organizations, and both were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Summary: The Legislative Management Committee met to address the fiscal impact of Initiated Constitutional Measure No. 3, which would require public schools, public school districts, and public charter schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to students and allow reimbursement from the state, with implementation beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The committee first filled a vacancy created by Representative Jared Hagert’s resignation by appointing Representative Berg to the committee. Legislative Council and DPI staff explained the measure’s requirements, including federal reimbursement participation, possible use of the legacy earnings fund if other funding is unavailable, and the authority of the Legislature and superintendent of public instruction to clarify implementation details. Linnell Johnson of DPI testified that the estimated fiscal impact for the 2027-2029 biennium is between $124 million and $134 million, based on participation assumptions, federal reimbursement rates, and the extent to which schools continue to collect applications or use community eligibility/provision 2 options. She also noted a likely additional administrative cost of about $300,000 for DPI to operate the program. Members asked about school participation, Title I implications, special diets, staffing, and whether the measure could reduce federal reimbursements if families stop applying. Johnson said the estimate is uncertain and could be higher if applications decline, but that schools would still have incentives to participate in federal programs because of reimbursement and other funding ties. After discussion, the committee adopted a motion to report a fiscal impact range of $124,300,000 to $134,300,000 per biennium to the Secretary of State. The committee then received an informational update from Legislative Council attorney Dustin Richard on the ongoing redistricting litigation. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Eighth Circuit’s ruling and sent the case back for reconsideration in light of Louisiana v. Callais, while the district court-imposed map remains in effect for now. No action was taken on that update, and the meeting adjourned after members noted minutes from the prior meeting were not yet available for approval.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Winkler. Presley. Senate Bill 174. Senator Presley. Ms. Winkler.
• Ms.
• Ms. Winkler? Ms. Winkler: Yes, sir. Mr.
• Thank you, Ms. Winkler. Ms. Coates? I'm good with the amendment now.
• Ms. Winkler.

Committee: House Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Lynn?
• We have Ms. Allison. We have Ms. Allison Alonzo. I'm sorry. We have Ms. Allison Alonzo.
• Thank you, Ms. LaBrie. Thank you, Ms. LaBrie. I appreciate your... Yes. Yes. Thank you, Ms. LaBrie.
• I met with Ms. Morgan LeMondre and Ms. Winestra.
• Ms. Starr, ma'am, real quick. Ms. Bort. I'm sorry. She's the Ms. Starr. I'm sorry. It's okay.

Committee: House Civil Law and Procedure

Summary: The committee first considered HB 446 by Rep. Boyer, a constitutional amendment to set eligible dates for local bond and tax elections. Staff said it would amend Article 6, Section 22, could not be done statutorily, and was scheduled for November 3, 2026 to maximize turnout. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and reported the bill without amendments. Members then took up several constitutional amendments and civil law measures, including HB 244 on constitutional conventions, HB 214 on a property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted or derelict property, HB 514 on an additional senior homestead-style ad valorem exemption, HB 27 on how non-recurring state monies may be applied to retirement system unfunded liabilities, and HB 225 on gubernatorial term limits. HB 244 and HB 225 were amended before being reported, while HB 214, HB 514, and HB 27 were reported favorably without amendments. The committee also adopted SB 127, which allows limited curator donations on behalf of interdicted persons and narrows forced heirship in certain disability-related estate planning situations. The committee approved HB 1043, as amended, to raise the civil jurisdictional amount for the First and Second Parish Courts of Jefferson Parish from $20,000 to $35,000. It also approved HB 473 by substitute on custody and child support, with the substitute preserving language that physical custody should be shared equally unless the court finds that infeasible or not in the child’s best interest. HB 71, which extends certain self-defense liability protections to registered armed private security officers, drew opposition over training and public safety concerns but was reported favorably after a roll call vote of 8 yeas and 1 nay. The committee also advanced HB 1082, which would require the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System to sue municipalities in the local parish rather than East Baton Rouge when it is the plaintiff. Supporters said the current venue rule burdens small towns with travel and litigation costs; opponents argued Article 84 provides a consistent statewide venue and that the litigation is largely about municipalities failing to enroll officers properly. Finally, the committee heard extensive testimony on HB 306, which concerns court costs and fees in domestic abuse cases; members worked through a concept amendment to restore “reasonable” attorney’s fees and add court-approved evaluation and expert witness fees, and the discussion continued with testimony about federal grant compliance and victim protections.

Transcript Highlights:

• &gt;&gt; Ms.<00:13:18.520><c> Kram.</c> &gt;&gt; Ms. Kram. &gt;&gt; Ms. Kram.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Now, Ms.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Amato? Not present. Ms. Belatti? Present. Mr. Chun? Here. Mr. Chun? Here. Ms. Cochran? Here.
• Ms. Iwamoto? Here. Ms. Kahaloa? Here. Ms. Kapela? Here. Ms. Coho-Capu-Leilani? Here. Mr. Keala?
• Ms. Kitagawa? Here. Mr. Kong? Here. Mr. Kusch? Here. Ms. LeChica? Here. Mr. Lee? Here. Ms. Lowen?
• Ms. Martin? Here. Mr. Matayoshi? Here. Ms. Matsumoto? Here. Ms. Miyake? Here. Ms. Morikawa? Here.
• Ms.<00:05:00.880><c> Rhoads-Oda?</c><00:05:01.840><c> Here.</c> Ms. Rhoads-Oda? Here. Ms.

Bills: SCR48 , SCR28 , SCR74 , SCR62 , SCR60 , SCR89 , SCR147 , SCR179 , SCR182 , SCR59 , SCR54 , SCR180

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Amato? Ms. Belatti? Present. Mr. Chun? Here. Ms. Cochran? Here. Mr. Evslin? Here. Mr. Garcia?
• Ms. Grandinetti? Here. Ms. Hartsfield? Present. Mr. Hashem? Here. Mr. Hussey? Here. Mr. Olds?
• Ms. Kahaloa? Here. Ms. Kahaloa? Here. Ms. Kapela? Ms. Keohokalole? Here. Mr. Kealoha? Here. Ms.
• Ms. La Chica? Here. Ms. La Chica? Here. Mr. Lee? Here. Ms. Lowen? Here. Ms. Marten? Here. Mr.
• Ms. Matsumoto? Not present. Mr. Miyake? Here. Ms. Morikawa? Ms. Morikawa? Mr. Muraoka? Present. Ms.

Bills: SB2053 , SB2494 , SB2851 , SB3073 , HB1678 , HB1721 , HB2475 , HB2246 , HB1667 , HB1516 , SB2532 , SB3131 , SB3154 , HB2297 , HB1737 , SB2143 , SB2398 , SB2623 , HB1740 , HB1920 , HB1682 , SB2153 , SB3140 , HB1515 , SB2835 , HB2282 , SB3083 , SB2031 , SB2519 , SB2667 , SB3096 , SB99 , SB2138 , HB2289 , HB2319 , HB1711 , HB2270 , SB3138 , SB3076 , HB1642 , HB2338 , HB2171 , HB1785 , SB2881 , HB2505 , SB2552 , HB1518 , HB1815 , SB3125 , SB3234 , HB2158 , HB1718 , HB2207 , HB1801 , SB3229 , SB2338 , SB3069 , SB2600 , HB2300 , HB1800 , HB1960 , SB2999 , SB2060 , SB2866 , SB2239 , HB1741 , HB1713 , HB2023 , HB2417 , SB2877 , SB2598 , SB2921 , SB2645 , HB2547 , HB2275 , HB2452 , HB2329 , HB2339 , HB1838 , HB1509 , HB1661 , HB2271 , HB2272 , HB2344 , HB1888 , HB1707 , SB2340 , HB2474 , HB1576 , HB1853 , HB1804 , HB1854 , HB2095 , HB2050 , HB472 , SB3215 , SB2247 , SB2400 , HB1618 , HB1802 , HB1969 , HB1541 , HB2310 , HB2498 , HB2443 , HB2218 , HB649 , HB2104 , HB1710 , SB2802 , HB1973 , HB1974 , HB1894 , HB1891 , HB1890 , SB177 , SB2101 , SB3320 , SB2487 , HB2429 , HB1870 , HB1839 , HB2583 , HB1391 , HB2094 , SB2671 , SB2673 , SB2892 , SB2057 , SB3245 , HB306 , HB2592 , SB3157 , SB2861 , SB3204 , SB3324 , SB2580 , SB2074 , SB411 , SB3025 , SB2934 , SB2567 , SB2125 , SB3238 , SB2367 , SB2599 , SB3007 , SB2001 , SB2756 , SB3029

Transcript Highlights:

• The chair thanks Ms.
• Thank you, Ms. Collier. Ms. Slauson moves passage.
• Show Ms. Rose voting aye. Show Ms. Kerwin voting nay. Okay, have all members voted? Show Ms.
• To echo Ms.
• Ms.

Bills: HJR73 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR141 , SB250 , SB1883 , SB617 , SB2411 , SB2306 , SB2929 , SB552 , SCR27 , HJR218 , HB168 , HB2545 , HB5436 , HB4926 , HB5165 , HB4811 , HB4755 , HB3179 , HB4310 , HB4611 , HB3637 , HB3153 , HB2786 , HB2966 , HB2159 , HB5081 , HB638 , HB640 , HB876 , HB4809 , HB5308 , HB4687 , HB5623 , HB4412 , HB3284 , HB3420 , HB3449 , HB4098 , HB4281 , HB4120 , HB4504 , HB4370 , HB4421 , HB 1106 , HB4070 , HB2370 , HB2407 , HB2253 , HB2273 , HB2040 , HB1586 , HB3788 , HB3993 , HB4690 , HB4696 , HB2308 , HB 1142 , HB1533 , HB1621 , HB2242 , HB2012 , HB2193 , HB2464 , HB2348 , HB2313 , HB2289 , HB1942 , HB2011 , HB1629 , HB2993 , HB3592 , HB4076 , HB4623 , HB4535 , HB4327 , HB4520 , HB3824 , HB4921 , HB2494 , HB3066 , HJR112 , HB2695 , HB3138 , HB2442 , HB3863 , HJR73 , HB4773 , HB 1091 , HB5115 , HB5515 , HB3372 , HB5659 , HB 127 , HB386 , HB 115 , HB2868 , HB 1249 , HB4766 , HB3720 , HB4656 , HB4879 , HB 105 , HB5383 , HB4621 , HB5431 , HB5678 , HB5534 , HB4174 , HB4212 , HB3954 , HB3966 , HB3636 , HB3918 , HB1422 , HB4765 , HB4732 , HB4742 , HB5122 , HB4518 , HB5084 , HB3986 , HB4045 , HB4144 , HB3911 , HB3976 , HB4473 , HB3425 , HB3641 , HB3642 , HB3475 , HB3509 , HB3424 , HB3383 , HB4744 , HB4531 , HB4539 , HB3159 , HB5228 , HB5370 , HB4359 , HB4398 , HB4443 , HB4466 , HB3861 , HB3849 , HB4240 , HB4706 , HB4685 , HB5354 , HB5141 , HB5686 , HB3629 , HB3554 , HB3567 , HB2015 , HB3575 , HB5381 , HB1431 , HB3514 , HB4614 , HB4546 , HB4683 , HB5681 , HB5673 , HB5663 , HB4271 , HB4350 , HB4035 , HB3807 , HB3812 , HB3552 , HB3540 , HB3715 , HB3710 , HB3664 , HB4196 , HB4233 , HB4173 , HB1998 , HB3333 , HB3510 , HB4222 , HB2070 , HB2854 , HB2347 , HB 113 , HB983 , HB4847 , HB1449 , HB3833 , HB5151 , HB265 , HB1845 , HB782 , HB 108 , HB1960 , HB158 , HB1954 , HB1955 , HB2512 , HB605 , HB2581 , HB2803 , HB627 , HB2667 , HB1738 , HB636 , HB3679 , HB2638 , HB2655 , HB871 , HB2438 , HB 1107 , HB1765 , HB1822 , HB2153 , HB4099 , HB3732 , HB3171 , HB3178 , HB3182 , HB3749 , HB2814 , HB3977 , HB4204 , HB4207 , HB4449 , HB1820 , HB1876 , HB1939 , HB1347 , HB2593 , HB2136 , HB2132 , HB2658 , HB2413 , HB2757 , HB2080 , HB3154 , HB3063 , HB3009 , HB3448 , HB3006 , HB2844 , HB3241 , HB3680 , HB3169 , HB2078 , HB2507 , HB4559 , HB3946 , HB3460 , HB3405 , HB475 , HB3463 , HB3441 , HB3520 , HB2060 , HB4731 , HB4991 , HB1991 , HB5596 , HB2014 , HB2142 , HB2673 , HB2731 , HB2417 , HB2399 , HB2301 , HB3335 , HB3234 , HB3320 , HB5573 , HB4848 , HB4748 , HB4769 , HB4795 , HB2086 , HB2234 , HB2203 , HB4916 , HB5624 , HB4505 , HB139 , HB5093 , HB5302 , HB5402 , HB5606 , HB2333 , HB4630 , HB4701 , HB2583 , HB2983 , HB4924 , HB3339 , HB3793 , HB3631 , HB4882 , HB5509 , HB5499 , HB5430 , HB5561 , HB5611 , HB5043 , HB5064 , HB3733 , HB3781 , HB3219 , HB32 , HB4515 , HB5348 , HB3902 , HB4420 , HB3269 , HB469 , HB336 , HB316 , HB5396 , HB993 , HB1342 , HB5216 , HB2046 , HB2188 , HB2450 , HB2813 , HB2857 , HB4075 , HB2911 , HB4682 , HB3117 , HB3253 , HB3442 , HB4820 , HB4336 , HB5356 , HB3669 , HB3428 , HB5465 , HB3662 , HB2590 , HB2288 , HB1886 , HB3458 , HB5603 , HB5620 , HB1489 , HB4101 , HB4990 , HB5685 , HB4950 , HB4980 , HB5684 , HB3507 , HB3566 , HB4487 , HB4462 , HB4876 , HB4915 , HB4663 , HB5570 , HB2929 , HB5261 , HB2920 , HB4642 , HB4746 , HB1609 , HB5403 , HB5453 , HB3844 , HB2336 , HB1572 , HB 1226 , HB2806 , HB2617 , HB2827 , HB3948 , HB3945 , HB4266 , HB4542 , HB3319 , HB1772 , HB2496 , HB1970 , HB3434 , HB5545 , HB5577 , HB31 , HB279 , HB370 , HB4768 , HB513 , HB875 , HB982 , HB 1085 , HB2677 , HB2874 , HB5478 , HB4880 , HB4798 , HB4514 , HB4958 , HB4508 , HB3758 , HB3830 , HB3744 , HB3622 , HB741 , HB2204 , HB2860 , HB4659 , HB4578 , HB813 , HB712 , HB1551 , HB2790 , HB2698 , HB3365 , HB3504 , HB3118 , HB2959 , HB1862 , HB 1026 , HB4401 , HB4164 , HB3920 , HB4737 , HB4966 , HB4967 , HB1958 , HB4979 , HB5459 , HB3862 , HB1823 , HB4415 , HB4893 , HB2343 , HB 1228 , HB4337 , HCR76 , HCR127 , HCR9 , HCR40 , HCR118 , HR559 , HCR59 , HCR135 , HCR141

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, tax limitation, elderly, disabled, low-income, homestead exemption, constitutional amendment, juvenile justice, community supervision, felony offenses, treatment of children, juvenile facilities, chemical dispensing device, solitary confinement, rehabilitation, criminal proceedings, HB 279, uranium mining, uranium permit

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you so much, Ms. Devining, Ms. Bush, who wants to go? Ms. Bush, in your wheelhouse.
• Ms.
• So, Ms.
• Okay, Ms. Clark and Ms.
• Ms. Kennedy, I think. Ms. Kennedy, I think.

Bills: HB54 , HB55 , HB125 , HB133 , HB158 , HB161 , HB168 , HB169 , HB191 , HB245 , HB280 , HB296 , HB399 , HB821 , HB995

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Keywords: juror confidentiality, public records, criminal procedure, privacy, court disclosure, sex offender, sex offense, child predator, registry, registration, notification, supervised release, probation and parole, parole, juvenile offender, victim under 13, community notification, lifetime registration, failure to register, venue

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Champagne. Mr.
• Ms. Champaign. Mr.
• Thank you, Ms. Champaign. Ms. Caciope, present and wishing to speak.
• Ms. Champagne. Mr.
• Ms. Champagne. Mr.

Bills: HCR63 , HCR69 , SCR6 , SCR18 , SB2 , SB19 , SB24 , SB50 , SB70 , SB96 , SB101 , SB103 , SB104 , SB114 , SB122 , SB159 , SB160 , SB182 , SB412 , SB418 , SB460

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on Monday, April 27, with a quorum present and took up a series of Senate bills and one House concurrent resolution, most of them related to transportation infrastructure, memorial highway designations, and prestige license plates. Early action centered on Senate Bill 122, which would direct the Department of Transportation and Development to be more proactive about bridge maintenance, inspection, reporting, and public meetings on bridge conditions; the committee adopted a large amendment package before reporting the bill with amendments. The committee also reported favorably SCR 6 supporting an LNG facility at Port Fourchon and SCR 18 directing a study of commercial driver’s license privileges compared with neighboring states. Several bills designated memorial highways or bridges, including SB 50 for the Elwood T. Brady Jr. Memorial Bridge, SB 70 for the Officer Mark Brock Memorial Highway, SB 460 for the Hayden Lane Mangum Memorial Highway, SB 101 for the Daniel Edward Didillo Memorial Highway and Bill Blue Evans Memorial Highway, SB 160 for the Speaker Joe R. Salter Memorial Highway, SB 418 for the Dick and Jacques Schuford Memorial Highway, SB 103 for the Gladys Edwards Highway, SB 159 for the Surgeon Roelio Roy Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Highway, SB 182 for the Mayor Billy Cobb Memorial Highway, SB 104 for the Ernest J. Gaines Memorial Highway, and SB 2 for the Falcons Band Highway. The committee also approved SB 114 creating a prestige plate for the Foundation for Moral Law and SB 96 creating a Fallen Heroes prestige plate. One of the more substantive policy items was HCR 63, which creates a task force to study whether certain active-duty military personnel without civilian driver’s licenses should be allowed to operate federally owned vehicles on state highways; it was reported favorably after discussion of military training and licensing differences. Another major item was HCR 69, urging DOTD to improve Interstate 12 in Livingston Parish; the committee adopted amendments adding findings about flooding, drainage, and evacuation concerns, and then reported the resolution with amendments. The committee also considered SB 19 on the state employee retired prestige plate; after objections about whether proceeds should continue supporting LASERS, the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote, 13-1, with Representative Schamberhorn voting no.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Committee: Senate Health and Welfare

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Now, Ms.
• Ms. Dennis, you want to come on up? While Ms.
• Thank you, Ms. Whittington. Rep. Cox. No, Cox. Ms.
• While Ms.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee first handled housekeeping items, voluntarily deferring HB 63 and HB 622 at the authors’ requests. It then heard HB 131 on post-conviction relief, which would remove the word “inexcusably” from the PCR statute and delay bail eligibility after relief until the state’s appeals are exhausted through the Louisiana Supreme Court. The bill drew support from the Attorney General’s office and district attorneys, with opposition cards from the Southern Poverty Law Center, and it was reported favorably. HB 789, concerning seizure of off-road vehicles used unlawfully on roadways, was amended to direct forfeiture proceeds to the Attorney General when acting as district attorney ad hoc; it was then reported as amended with support from law enforcement and no opposition testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.<00:50:29.080><c> Wilson.</c> Ms. Wilson. Ms. Wilson. Or Or Or Ms.<00:50:32.200><c> Wilson.
• </c> Ms. Wilson. Ms. Wilson.
• Ms.<00:55:38.160><c> Strangie.</c> Ms. Strangie. Ms. Strangie.
• Ms.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms. Winkler? Yes, sir. Mr. And concept. Ms. Winkler. Yes, sir. Mr.
• Thank you, Ms. Winkler. Ms. Coates? I'm good with the amendment now.

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Committee: Senate Ethics and Elections

Summary: The Committee on Ethics and Elections met to consider a large slate of gubernatorial appointees, with 127 nominees on the agenda. The committee first approved the grouped nominees in Tabs 1 through 54 by unanimous roll call vote after brief public testimony in support of several appointees. The committee then took up individual University of West Florida and Pensacola State College-related nominations, including noting that Dr. Joel Rudman had resigned from the Pensacola State College board before appearing, leaving no action to take on that tab. Several UWF trustees were confirmed after testimony focused on their qualifications and priorities for the university. Paul Bailey emphasized his local ties, legal background, and interest in UWF’s military connections and pre-law program; Rebecca Matthews highlighted her education and public service background, current role as UWF board chair, enrollment growth, fundraising, and alignment with state directives; Rachel Moyah discussed her education leadership experience, finance role, and positive enrollment and fundraising trends; Ashley Ross described her fundraising and higher education background and stressed workforce, advancement, cyber, and military partnerships; and Christopher Young spoke about his Panhandle roots, business experience, audit and compliance work, and support for military and student opportunity. Each of these nominees was confirmed by roll call and forwarded to the full Senate. The most contentious nomination was Adam Kissel for the UWF Board of Trustees. Kissel described his background in higher education policy, free speech, philanthropy, and federal education work, and said he would focus on free speech, accreditation, military/veteran support, honors programming, and graduation rates. Committee members questioned him closely about prior writings on privatizing public higher education, his views on free speech versus Senate Bill 266, Project 2025, AI in administration, and his fit for UWF. Public testimony was split, with supporters praising his free-speech credentials and reform views, while opponents, including former UWF leaders, warned he was too ideological and not sufficiently grounded in the university community. After debate, the committee voted 5-4 not to confirm Kissel, so his name will not be forwarded to the full Senate.

Transcript Highlights:

• So Ms.
• Powers and Ms.
• And with Ms.
• Ms.
• Ms.

Summary: The hearing resumed in the Legislative Ethics Board matter involving Tara Simmons after the board confirmed no ex parte communications had occurred overnight. Respondent’s counsel moved to dismiss two allegations at the close of the board staff’s case: that Simmons pressured the Administrative Office of the Courts to alter a contract in favor of her employer, and that she violated ethics rules by combining legislative support for AEJG with a personal donation to the organization. Board staff opposed the motion, arguing the evidence showed Simmons’s legislative and personal dealings were intertwined. After a recess for deliberation, the board denied the motion to dismiss, and the hearing moved into the defense case. The first defense witness was Sharon Navas, executive director of the Equity and Education Coalition (EEC). Navas testified that she met Simmons in 2018, later hired her, and took steps to separate Simmons’s legislative duties from her work for EEC. She said Simmons was never paid for lobbying or legislative acts, that her compensation came from unrestricted funds, and that the organization used written ethics-compliance language and a formal scope of work. Navas also described the proviso-funded dashboard project involving Anthony Powers and Chris Stanley, testifying that Simmons was not involved in the project’s day-to-day work, did not attend the meetings about the dispute, and was not part of the alleged contract disagreement. On cross-examination, staff focused on the contract documents, the dashboard work, and whether the scope of work matched the parties’ understanding. Tara Simmons then testified in her own defense. She described her background, legislative career, disability accommodations, and extensive efforts to seek ethics guidance from House counsel and board-related materials before taking outside employment or supporting provisos. She said she relied on prior ethics advice when separating her legislative role from outside work and when seeking provisos for AEJG and EEC. Simmons also addressed her relationship with Anthony Powers, describing it as a friendship rooted in criminal justice reform work and prior collaboration. The hearing was still in the middle of Simmons’s direct testimony when the transcript excerpt ended, with no final ruling on the merits or disposition of the allegations.

Transcript Highlights:

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Summary: The hearing concerned a Legislative Ethics Board complaint against Representative Tara Simmons in Washington State OAH Docket 401-645. The judge outlined the process, the two issues on appeal—whether Simmons violated RCW 42.52.020 and RCW 42.52.070, and, if so, what penalty should apply—and admitted a number of exhibits by stipulation or prior ruling, while taking one exhibit under advisement pending an offer of proof. The board also moved to sequester witnesses, which was granted, and the judge deferred ruling on a motion to exclude three defense witnesses until after hearing the board staff’s case. Opening statements followed, with staff alleging Simmons used her position to benefit an outside organization and to secure special privileges, and the defense arguing the conduct was lawful, technical in nature, and consistent with prior ethics guidance. Board staff then called Kimberly Gordon, an attorney and founding board member/treasurer of American Equity and Justice Group (AEJG), as its first witness. Gordon testified that AEJG used data dashboards to make justice-system data more accessible, received state proviso funding sponsored by Simmons, and also received two donations from Simmons—$10,000 and $40,000. She said the first donation was intended to help hire Antoine Coleman, whom Simmons had recommended and who was later identified as Simmons’s romantic partner, and that AEJG returned the $10,000 and declined the $40,000 after concluding there was a potential conflict of interest. Gordon also testified that AEJG believed Simmons’s involvement in the organization and her communications about Coleman created ethical concerns. Gordon further testified about a second proviso intended to expand AEJG’s work into education data and its subcontract with Equity in Education Coalition (EEC). She said EEC did not perform the expected deliverables, prompting repeated communications with the Administrative Office of the Courts and a meeting involving Chris Stanley, where AEJG raised concerns that EEC was not complying and that Simmons had intervened in the dispute. According to Gordon, Stanley ultimately directed the parties to rewrite the subcontract and continue, but AEJG later moved forward largely without EEC’s assistance. The board staff introduced AEJG’s complaint and related timeline exhibits during her testimony. After direct examination, the hearing recessed for lunch, and cross-examination by Simmons’s counsel began when the hearing resumed.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ms. Perez voting aye. Ms. Flores is voting aye. Have all members voted?
• Chair is Ms. Hull.
• Ms. Gomez. Ms. Gomez. Explain the amendment.
• Show Ms. Bowers voting aye. Show Ms. Bowers voting aye. Have all voted?
• Chair recognizes Ms.

Bills: HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102 , HB 107 , HB1587 , HB3684 , HB658 , HJR99 , HB1399 , HJR5 , HJR2 , HJR6 , HJR31 , HB1971 , SJR3 , HB1775 , HJR72 , HB502 , HB3109 , HJR98 , HJR8 , HJR133 , HB 118 , HB388 , HB 114 , HB205 , HB2789 , HB2791 , HB499 , HB2960 , HB3163 , HB3135 , HB2427 , HB1618 , HB1672 , HB1722 , HB1338 , HB787 , HB2618 , HB879 , HB 1126 , HB4134 , HB3513 , HB718 , HB1536 , HB1445 , HB1640 , HB1893 , HB1734 , HB3229 , HB3306 , HB 1276 , HB3272 , HB3276 , HB3516 , HB4145 , HB1585 , HB4810 , HB2989 , HB2558 , HB3014 , HB2742 , HB1695 , HB23 , HB33 , HB144 , HB 109 , HB 103 , HB148 , HB3809 , HB1686 , HB2217 , HB2156 , HB220 , HB2421 , HB2363 , HB3773 , HB421 , HB2584 , HB2615 , HB2455 , HB3711 , HB2559 , HB3747 , HB2775 , HB2886 , HB3126 , HB3666 , HB3595 , HB3260 , HB3506 , HB1638 , HB3376 , HB3826 , HB3628 , HB1349 , HB3770 , HB1831 , HB1762 , HB2614 , HB3113 , HB267 , HB322 , HB431 , HB869 , HB 1203 , HB 1201 , HB 1244 , HB1875 , HB1950 , HB2152 , HB2290 , HB2341 , HB2436 , HB2809 , HB2856 , HB3012 , HB2954 , HCR56 , HCR102

Keywords: Article V, federal government, fiscal restraints, constitutional amendment, term limits, nuclear energy, electric generation, funding, Texas nuclear development fund, advanced reactors, HJR 133, Texas constitutional amendment, ad valorem tax, property tax exemption, homestead exemption, surviving spouse, veteran, veterans benefits, service-connected death, presumed service-connected condition