Transcript Highlights:

• HE HAS FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
• AMENDMENT RIGHTS.
• I HAVE TO AGREE I DON'T THINK A COUNSELOR COMMISSION ACTUALLY HAS A FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT HAS A FIRST
• AMENDMENT RIGHT AS I COMMISSION PART I DON'T THINK THAT WE COLLECTIVELY AS A SENATE HAVE A FIRST AMENDMENT
• RIGHT SEPARATE AND APART FROM FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what do you— Is there an amendment, because we would need an amendment to read it, right?
• The amendment is adopted. Your name is added. All right. The clerk will take THE CALL. All right.
• The first amendment is technical and adds co-sponsors.
• The first amendment is technical and adds co-sponsors.
• because the right oppose this amendment because the right thing<02:31:36.080> to<02:31:36.280

Keywords: House streaming session for Thursday, March 19, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House convened with 122 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. The chamber then took up two congratulatory resolutions: one honoring Layla Wishard of Hagerstown for winning gold with Team USA at the Junior Roller Derby Association World Cup in Australia, and another recognizing Delores Millhouse as the 2026 Maryland Mother of the Year. Both resolutions were read and adopted with applause. The House then considered a series of committee reports, primarily from the Committee on Economic Matters, and advanced multiple bills to third reading after adopting committee amendments and favorable reports. Measures included consumer contract protections in House Bill 103, workers’ compensation presumptions for hypertension in House Bill 347, broadband access and affordability in House Bill 382, housing and land-use changes in House Bills 548 and 894, data privacy in House Bill 711, franchise law changes in House Bill 730, a blockchain-based real property title pilot program in House Bill 810, bankruptcy exemptions in House Bill 1098, and telecommunications infrastructure protections in House Bill 1100. Several bills drew questions and were special ordered for further review. House Bill 711, the Data Privacy Act, prompted extended discussion about whether its geolocation provisions could affect stadium and venue security tracking; the sponsor said the bill was intended to close loopholes around cell phone and vehicle location data and would not change existing permission-based rules, but the bill was still special ordered until the next day. House Bill 894, the transit-oriented development bill, also drew questions about local government concerns and was special ordered, with the floor leader saying county and municipal groups were generally satisfied with the amendments. House Bill 1100 was also taken up after the amendments were adopted, and the title amendment process began as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, thank you. Let's see. Are there appearance cards on the amendment?
• Next, it amends 893.13 to provide that it is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum prison term
• And then lastly, the bill amends 893.135 of Florida Statutes to create a first-degree felony for trafficking
• Next, it amends 893-13 to provide that it is a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum prison term
• And then lastly, the bill amends 893.135 of Florida statute to create a first-degree felony for trafficking

Bills: S0050, S0052, S0432, S0436, S0524, S0536, S0590, S0676

Keywords: veterans, treatment court, nonviolent felony, probation, mental health, places of worship, house of worship, church, mosque, synagogue, religious security, armed security, volunteer security, private security, security guard licensing, licensure exemption, Florida Statutes chapter 493, Class G license, Class C license, security services

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several criminal justice bills. SB 50 on Veterans Treatment Courts was amended to clarify that entry into the program requires approval of the state attorney and to make the bill prospective only. Supporters, including veterans advocates and crime survivors, argued the bill would expand access to treatment-focused diversion for veterans with nonviolent charges and service-related trauma. The committee adopted both amendments and reported the bill favorably. SB 52, which creates an exemption from security licensing requirements for unpaid armed volunteers providing security at places of worship, also drew support from law enforcement and faith leaders who said it would clarify a legal gray area for churches; the committee adopted a strike-all amendment and reported the bill favorably. The committee then considered SB 436 on felony battery and prison release reoffender enhancements. An amendment was adopted to align felony battery involving injury to law enforcement with the bill’s intent to address the disparity between battery on an officer and resisting with violence. Members discussed concerns about mandatory minimums and the scope of the enhancement, including how it might apply in cases involving older prior offenses or mental health crises, but the bill was ultimately reported favorably. SB 676, which creates graduated penalties for adults who involve minors in animal cruelty offenses and increases penalties for related conduct, was supported by animal welfare advocates and reported favorably and unanimously. Later, the committee approved SB 536 on criminal gang members after adopting an amendment clarifying the definition of gang-related conduct and requiring multiple criteria for gang membership. Members raised concerns about social media, neighborhood association, juvenile application, and overbroad labeling, but the sponsor said the bill was aimed at gang-related criminal activity and recruitment, not innocent association. The committee also reported favorably SB 432 on controlled substances, which adds concentrated 7-OH to Schedule I and creates penalties for xylazine products that resemble candy or food and for trafficking in xylazine; SB 524, an FDLE bill updating duties related to medical examiners, training, and complaint service procedures; and SB 590, which tolls the statute of limitations for failure-to-report child abuse offenses until the crime is known to law enforcement. All of these bills were reported favorably, and the meeting adjourned after a final vote correction was entered for SB 524.

Transcript Highlights:

• So right now, so the as amended, it would add about 2.5 the as amended, it would add about 2.5 the as
• Oh, was his amendment. Okay. Yes, ma'am. Oh, okay. Yeah. All right. Very good. Okay. okay. Yeah.
• All right. Very good. Okay. okay. Yeah. All right. Very good. Okay. So, we clerk see the amendment.
• Right. Okay. But you know amendment. Right. Okay. But you know amendment. Right. Okay.
• Require first to have a system right? Require first to have a system right?

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First question is on the amendment. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed, nay.
• Question is on ordering the bill to a third reading with the amendment. First is on the amendment.
• First question is on the amendment by Ways and Means.
• First question is on the amendment by Ways and Means.
• First question is on the amendment by Ways and Means.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House took up several Senate and House bills, mostly under suspension of the rules, and advanced a number of measures to third reading or engrossment. Early in the session, the House dealt with a Senate bill on student learning and mental health by insisting on its position and appointing a committee of conference. It also referred a Senate petition on alleviating poverty to the Committee on Children and Families after the House declined to concur with a Judiciary referral. The chamber then considered and advanced multiple Ways and Means bills, including legislation on police interactions with people with autism spectrum disorder, honoring Blue Star families, land conveyance in Bolton, newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus, affordable housing and cultural space in Brighton, increasing access to epinephrine, and civil rights and technology. Several bills drew extended floor debate. Supporters of the epinephrine bill emphasized its life-saving purpose and described the death of Michael Brown as a catalyst for the measure; the House adopted the bill after a roll call vote of 149-0. The newborn CMV screening bill also prompted substantial testimony in favor from public health advocates and parents, who argued that universal screening would enable earlier treatment and reduce long-term harm; an amendment to add other rare diseases was withdrawn, and a later amendment creating a broad opt-out was defeated 1-153 before the bill passed 154-1. The civil rights and technology bill focused on banning weaponized drones and robotic devices, restricting misuse, and preserving law enforcement and civil liberties; it passed 154-1. The Blue Star families bill, creating commemorative plates for families of fallen law enforcement officers, passed 156-0 after emotional remarks from members and supporters. The House also passed without recorded opposition a bill facilitating better interactions between police and people with autism, and it approved a Bolton land conveyance bill and the Brighton affordable housing/cultural space bill. The chamber observed moments of silence for former Congressman Barney Frank and State Trooper Kevin Traynor, welcomed several guest groups, and concluded by adopting an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• But the first right of recovery, when you call, you know, when I get a call...
• The grocers or whoever, the retailers should have the first right of recovery.
• Right. I came in here told that I need to accept committee amendments.
• We're opposed right now. We're happy to look at all the amendments. Thanks.
• I mean, first of all, of course, and you're right.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 753, which would modernize California’s shopping cart recovery rules by allowing cities and counties to return abandoned carts directly to retailers, recover documented retrieval costs, and avoid the current impound-and-wait process. The author and supporters, including San Jose officials and the League of California Cities, said the bill would help clear streets, sidewalks, and waterways and reduce local costs. Grocers and retailers opposed the measure unless amended, arguing it would turn cart retrieval into a new cost burden and could create incentives for cities to charge too much for stolen property. After extensive discussion about notice periods, cost caps, and local ordinances, the committee adopted amendments and passed the bill 6-0 as amended. The committee then took up SB 445, which would speed up permitting and approvals needed for high-speed rail by requiring early engagement, setting rules for third-party coordination, and creating a dispute-resolution process. The author said the bill was narrowed from an earlier, broader transit proposal and was intended to reduce delays caused by utilities, local governments, and other entities. Supporters said permitting bottlenecks add major costs and delays to infrastructure projects, while opponents from utilities, cities, counties, telecoms, and special districts raised concerns about safety, reliability, affordability, and the need to review the pending amendments. The bill passed 8-1 to the Utilities and Energy Committee. The committee also heard SB 9, a narrower housing bill focused on accessory dwelling units. The author explained that it would require local ADU ordinances to be submitted to HCD for review and would make state standards control if a local agency fails to submit a compliant ordinance or respond to HCD findings. Supporters from housing and YIMBY groups said the bill would improve enforcement of state ADU law and prevent local barriers from slowing housing production. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 6-0. The committee then began hearing SB 79, which would allow more housing near major transit stops; the author and supporters framed it as a response to the housing shortage and transit underuse, and the hearing continued with extensive support testimony as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• That was the first I'd seen of that late filed amendment.
• We're praying for you to do the right thing today and Re store Justice under 14th Amendment right for
• Is there any debate on the bill as amended Senator Berman right foot lease close.
• We do have an amendment and I was hoping to do that first, We do have an amendment and I was hoping to
• But right now I think it's appropriate. The amendment basically amounts to providing flight logs.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first Blackman amendment dated February 6th, 2026, at 2:54 p.m. states that provisions relating to
• So two people exercising their First Amendment rights, according to the board, are guilty of unprofessional
• Would anybody be opposed to that amendment? Well, first I would have to ask the sponsor.
• Would anybody be opposed to that amendment? Well, first I would have to ask the sponsor.
• Well, right. Well, first I would have to ask the sponsor. Well, right, right. Yeah, it makes sense.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The committee heard HB 2842, a deed-fraud prevention bill that would create an early alert system for property owners when escrow is opened on their property. The sponsor and several witnesses, including a victim, an Attorney General investigator, and the Department of Real Estate commissioner, described widespread deed fraud and said the bill would provide proactive notice before a fraudulent transfer is completed. The committee adopted the Blackman amendment shifting the reporting entity from DIFI to the State Real Estate Department, then passed the bill with a due pass recommendation by a 7-0 vote. Members then considered HB 2667, which would require recipients of state first-time homebuyer or down payment assistance programs to be Arizona residents for two years and to occupy the home as a primary residence for two years, while barring out-of-state investors from using the homes as rentals. The sponsor said the bill was intended to help younger Arizonans and keep assistance focused on residents invested in the state. Opponents and other members raised concerns that the bill could conflict with existing federal and lender requirements and could reduce participation in local down payment programs; after discussion, the committee passed the bill 4-3. HB 2020 was heard next and would reduce certain school-disruption offenses to a class 1 misdemeanor for minors and narrow the definition of interference with an educational institution. The sponsor and a parent described a case in which a student was charged too harshly after a school altercation, while a public commenter urged case-by-case discretion and warned against saddling children with felonies. The committee passed the bill 4-3. The committee also advanced HB 2793, which streamlines annexation procedures for single-owner annexations and updates notice rules, including electronic newspaper publication. After adopting two amendments, members passed it 4-3. HB 2327, which allows eligible individuals to restrict public access to certain identifying information held by county recorders, assessors, and treasurers, passed unanimously. HB 2858, creating a 1% Arizona-bidder preference in certain state procurement ties, also passed unanimously after amendment. HB 2660, which adds procedural protections and oversight for health profession licensing board actions, passed 4-2 after testimony from the sponsor and a physician who said board actions had chilled speech and due process. Finally, HB 2063, appropriating $1.5 million for the Independent Correctional Oversight Office, passed unanimously after strong support from oversight advocates and former corrections stakeholders, and HB 2681, extending civil-service appeal deadlines from 10 calendar days to 10 business days, also passed unanimously. The committee then discussed HB 2812, which would raise the sick-leave payout cap for retiring state employees from $30,000 to $57,000; witnesses supported the increase and members began discussing a possible amendment to allow retirees to transfer the payout into a health savings arrangement, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• It's right here today. Yeah, I'm talking about that amendment that was voted out of committee.
• First time ever. That's right.
• All right, Mr. Turner has sent up an amendment. Mr. Hunter moves to table the questions on...
• That's basically what this amendment is. We're following the Voting Rights Act.
• Members, this is a motion for the first extension of time on the amendment layout.

Bills: HB4, HB 4

Keywords: district composition, congressional election, Texas, legislature, voting districts, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there any other questions on the amendment? All right. Are there any other questions?
• Are there any other questions on the amendment? All right.
• All right, we're back on the bill as amended. Any questions? Okay.
• And so this amendment addressed was specifically mentioning that an employee has their right to waive
• That is the amendment. All right. Are there questions on the amendment?

Summary: The committee took up several bills and reported each favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll calls. SB 1760, by Senator Grall, would require certain elected officials and agency heads to reside in Florida, with agency heads also required to be U.S. citizens and live in the county where their agency is headquartered; it also clarifies the constitutional prohibition on holding more than one office. SB 1202, by Senator McClain, expands insurance benefits for firefighters who are totally and permanently disabled during official training exercises, and its amendment was adopted to avoid local fiscal impact. SB 582, by Senator Leak, increases penalties for unlawful demolition of historic buildings and limits the higher penalty to properties on the National Register of Historic Places or in a listed district; supporters included representatives of St. Augustine and the Florida League of Cities, while one opponent waived in opposition. SB 312, by Senator Gates, revises governance of the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition and allows affiliated nonprofit subsidiaries to enter agreements with universities; an amendment adding one public member to the board was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. The committee then considered SB 676, by Senator Martin, which would allow employees to waive the state minimum wage right under a framework the sponsor said would help young or inexperienced workers gain entry-level experience. The bill drew extensive public testimony, with supporters arguing it could help small businesses hire and create opportunities, and opponents saying it would undermine the voter-approved minimum wage, invite coercion, and exploit vulnerable workers. Senator Martin’s amendment clarifying the Fair Labor Standards Act exception was adopted, and the bill passed on a favorable vote despite opposition from Senator Arrington and others. Finally, SB 440, by Senator McClain, was heard as an expansion of prior law to cover public employees and prohibit certain employment practices related to gender identity and pronoun use; after an amendment narrowing the bill by deleting references to training, instruction, or other activity regarding sexual orientation, the committee heard extensive testimony both for and against, with supporters framing it as protecting conscience rights and opponents calling it discriminatory. The committee ultimately reported SB 440 favorably as well.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right. There is a committee amendment. Mr.
• All right, any discussion on the amendment? ...
• All right. Kavanaugh floor amendment, sir. Mr. Reeder. Kavanaugh floor amendment.
• All right. Kavanaugh-floor amendment, sir. Mr. Reeder. Kavanaugh-floor amendment.
• All right. Senator Dunn, the adoption of the amendment to your amendment? Mr.

Keywords: 1182, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Amendment rights if they are acting within the bounds of that license.
• Amendment rights.
• But I actually go to First Baptist right around the corner.
• There's a big difference in the First Amendment between the right to speak and the right to sell.
• , but right now we'll take appearance forms on the amendment.

Summary: The committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 624, by Senator Yarborough, would allow batterers intervention programs to offer optional supplemental faith-based activities, with no participant required to take part; supporters said it would expand provider options amid a shortage of certified programs, while opponents raised concerns about government speech and mixing religion with court-ordered programming. After debate, the bill was reported favorably 7-2. The committee also considered CS/SB 834, which repeals a 2022 restriction preventing licensed insurance agents from marketing or selling health care sharing ministries; supporters framed it as restoring choice and free speech, while opponents warned about consumer confusion, commissions, and lack of insurance protections. It was reported favorably 8-2. The committee next approved CS/SB 502, via a strike-all amendment, to give Florida concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile offenses on military installations so juveniles can be handled in state juvenile court rather than federal court; the amendment and bill both passed unanimously. CS/SB 52 also passed unanimously after testimony from church leaders and security personnel supporting an exemption from Class D/G licensing for unpaid armed security volunteers at places of worship. Supporters said the bill would clarify legal gray areas and help churches afford security, while members noted the broader concern that houses of worship need armed protection at all. Finally, the committee reported favorably SB 840, which revises last year’s emergency/local planning law by narrowing its application after storms from 100 miles to 50 miles of the storm track and exempting certain water, flood, and state/federal planning matters; local government representatives supported the clarification, and the bill passed 9-0. CS/SB 758, as amended, updated the membership of the Justice Administration Commission to better reflect the entities it oversees, and it also passed 9-0. The meeting ended with a recorded affirmative vote from Senator DeSigley on SB 624.

Transcript Highlights:

• We request unanimous consent that the bill be advanced to third reading with the right to amend.
• The bill be advanced third reading with the right to amend. Mr. Objection. Chair, here's none.
• President, with unanimous consent, the bill be advanced to third reading with the right to amend.
• We're questioning the bill be advanced to third reading with the right to amend. Objection.
• President, I request unanimous consent that the bill be advanced to third reading with the right to amend

Keywords: 994, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, Miss M. Clerk, we call the first bill, please.
• And when you're ready, I have an amendment, Mr. Chairman. All right.
• Any questions first off for Chairman Reynolds? All right. Who's offering the amendment?
• <00:05:12.560> Any have an amendment, Mr. All right. Any have an amendment, Mr.
• Who who who's offering the >> All right. Who who who's offering the amendment? amendment?

Bills: HB304, HB285, HB312, HB311, SB60

Keywords: impoundment, driver licenses, vehicle redemption, local identification cards, law enforcement, HB285, TJ's Law, traffic infraction, traffic ticket, uniform traffic ticket and complaint, minor driver, juvenile driver, parent notification, guardian notification, emergency contact, citing agency, traffic citation, driver safety, youth safety, Alabama traffic law

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there amendments? On the desk, Mr. President. Please read the first amendment.
• Late-file amendment barcode 229914. Next amendment.
• First, the legislature has been given less than a week to review and vet a constitutional amendment that
• He's not with us right now for the amendment on education. He's not with us right now.
• All right. Are there amendments? I’m on the desk, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate took up Committee Substitute for Senate Joint Resolution 2F, a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax relief, lower the assessment cap on non-homestead property from 10% to 5%, and limit county and municipal ad valorem tax revenues to specified uses. Senator Avila presented the measure as a major property tax reform intended to provide relief to homeowners and restrain local government spending, while opponents argued it would shift costs to fees, services, and state appropriations and could harm local budgets, public safety, schools, and other services. Several senators also raised concerns about the ballot language and the lack of a completed fiscal analysis. The chamber considered and rejected multiple amendments. Senator Sharif’s income-based “circuit breaker” amendment failed, as did Senator Smith’s sunset clause amendment and Senator Berman’s amendment to rewrite the ballot statement for greater accuracy. During questioning, Avila said the revised language was meant to preserve flexibility for local governments and that future legislatures could set implementing procedures and, if necessary, prohibit certain local expenditures by general law. He also confirmed that the proposal would not affect refinancing or portability, and said the measure would not prevent local governments from continuing to fund many services such as libraries, parks, animal control, code enforcement, mosquito control, public housing, county health departments, and elections. Debate on final passage was extensive. Supporters described the proposal as overdue relief for homeowners and a way to force local governments to prioritize spending, while critics called it a risky tax shift that could reduce local revenue by billions and force cuts or higher fees. Some senators emphasized concerns about public safety funding, mental health and social services, and the accuracy of the ballot summary; others argued the measure would give voters a chance to decide on property tax reform. After debate, the resolution was rolled over for third reading and the Senate continued discussion, but the transcript provided does not include a final vote on the joint resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you be willing to take that up first? We can take that amendment up.
• We do have two amendments. They are both timely filed. Let’s take up the first amendment.
• Let’s take up the first amendment. That’s barcode 597-682 by Senator Gates.
• But God, please, let's just do this the right way. So please vote this amendment down.
• God, please, let's just do this the right way. So please vote this amendment down.

Bills: S0006, S0026, S0206, S0532, S0576, S1012, S1110, S1178, S1192, S1758, S1760, S7046, S7048

Keywords: child welfare, negligence, settlement, injury compensation, Department of Children and Families, motorcycle accident, compensation, Department of Transportation, legal claim, autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD, special education, exceptional student education, ESE, teacher preparation, educator certification, micro-credential, loan forgiveness, student loan repayment

Summary: The Appropriations Committee met and considered a large agenda of bills, reporting several measures favorably. Early action included SB 6, a settled claim bill involving the Department of Children and Families and the estate of Leila Estrada and Sapphire Williams, which was approved for $3.8 million. The committee also passed a cybersecurity internships bill creating a Department of Commerce program with Cyber Florida, and SB 532, which lets clerks of court retain the full amount of certain excess revenue and clarifies foreclosure-sale procedures. Veterans housing measures, CS for CS for SB 1602 and SB 1604, were approved to create a pilot program and a related trust fund for vacancy relief and risk mitigation for veteran housing. The committee also favorably reported SB 1110 on Medicaid and insurance coverage for orthotics and prosthetics, with emotional testimony from a student and family describing the high cost and importance of activity-specific prosthetics. Members also approved CS for CS for SB 1012 after adopting an amendment that removed inmate emergency and specialty medical service compensation provisions while retaining changes to the contractor-operated institutions inmate welfare trust fund. Another bill, CS for CS for SB 1614, was narrowed by a delete-all amendment to focus on limiting the use of excess fees for new building construction by local governments. All of these measures were reported favorably after brief debate, with some support testimony submitted in writing or waived. The most extensive discussion centered on CS for CS for SB 17, a major Medicaid and public assistance overhaul. The bill would create a Joint Legislative Committee on Medicaid Oversight, allow the Legislature to retain its own actuary, tighten Medicaid program oversight, update encounter-data reporting, set performance standards for managed care plans, revise pharmacy benefit manager rules, and require DCF to implement SNAP fraud-reduction and payment-accuracy reforms, including photo IDs on EBT cards and updated work requirements. It also would direct agencies to seek federal waivers for Medicaid work requirements for able-bodied adults and expanded behavioral health services. After lengthy questioning and testimony, the committee adopted amendments adding a transitional medical benefits glide path for people who gain employment and later lose Medicaid eligibility, and exempting hospice patients with six months or less to live. Supporters argued the bill would improve accountability, reduce fraud, and save money, while opponents warned it would create administrative burdens, increase paperwork, and cause eligible people to lose coverage or food assistance. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably as amended.

Transcript Highlights:

• BAD ACTORS HAVE UNDERMINED AND CORRUPTED THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO AMEND THEIR OWN STATE CONSTITUTION.
• AND FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR MATCHING THE AMENDMENT 2022 LEGISLATIVE THIS LEGISLATURE THAT
• THE CITIZEN LED AMENDMENT PROCESS IS A RIGHT BORN OUT OF THE MOVEMENT TO COUNTER GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION
• FLORIDA'S CONSTITUTION GIVES CITIZENS THE RIGHT TO PROPOSE AMENDMENTS WHEN THE NEED ARISES.
• PROCESS AND THAT WAS THE FIRST ATTEMPT TO GET RIGHTS RESTORATIONS FOR CONVICTED FELONS ON THE BALLOT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I am for the amendment, and the good tall senator from Nrona County is exactly right.
• Discussion on the amendment. amendment. amendment.
• And from my perspective, right, we have to hold to that standard regardless of whether we like the amendment
• passes, you can start thinking, all right, well maybe this amendment is outside of the intent of the
• What this amendment does, it goes into first off on page eight under general powers and duties of the

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right. With the amendments.
• All right. With the amendments.
• All right, members, are there any questions on the amendments, any opposition to the amendments?
• Amendment, sorry. Sorry, Mr. Chair. Amendment right now.
• All right, members, are there any questions on the amendment?

Summary: The committee heard a personal privilege update on HB 1227, which Representative DeWitt said would return next week as a proposed HCR for a two-year study of the three-doctor panel after discussions with Dr. Nia Colotta. Better Louisiana also presented its new Leadership Louisiana Health Fellows Program, describing it as a data-driven leadership initiative focused on health care workforce, rural access, chronic disease, and other system issues; members discussed whether the program could also help generate policy research, including on managed care organizations. The committee then considered SB 427 on anatomical gifts. After adopting technical amendments, Senator Presley and Dr. Jeff White explained that the bill would strengthen organ donation law by creating a decision registry that records both yes and no choices, clarifying the legal effect of refusal, and codifying ethical principles such as the dead donor rule. Questions focused on organ viability, registry procedures, minors, and a Monroe case involving a disputed donor designation. Supporters included LOPA and the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the bill was reported favorably. HB 946, dealing with hospital price transparency and compliance with federal pricing rules, drew extensive testimony. Representative Landry and a witness from Patient Rights Advocate described it as a consumer transparency measure, but the Louisiana Hospital Association opposed the bill’s state-level enforcement and debt-collection provisions. Landry offered an amendment removing the debt-collection and affirmative-defense language, but after debate the substitute failed on a 5-6 vote and the bill was voluntarily deferred. The committee also reported favorably on SB 109, which revises membership qualifications for the Louisiana Emergency Medical Services Commission; SCR 20, urging federal flexibility on Medicaid redetermination for elderly and disabled beneficiaries; SB 216, allowing coroners to rely on licensed practical nurses for medical pronouncements of death; and SB 45, exempting certain gratuitous hospice houses from licensure, with testimony from hospice house operators and supporters. Finally, HCR 71 by Representative Chasson sought an LDH study of how Louisiana’s law and guidance on pregnancy-related emergency medications is working in hospitals, urgent care, and retail settings. Supporters said providers are hesitant to use medications such as misoprostol because of stigma and uncertainty, while opponents from Louisiana Right to Life argued the resolution was unnecessary and could create controversy. The discussion centered on whether the study should be narrowed or made more objective, but no final action on the resolution was reached in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to say on the amendment, the adoption of the amendment, the first amendment was just a bureau
• Well, first of all, trial is scary and stressful, right? It also is really expensive, right?
• Well, first of all, trial is scary and stressful, right? It also is really expensive, right?
• Well, first of all, trial is scary and stressful, right? It also is really expensive, right?
• No, this is, no, this is what, well, first of all, you're not a corrupt politician, right?

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and considered a series of juvenile justice, criminal procedure, public corruption, domestic violence, sentencing, and victim-notification measures. Early in the meeting, SB 396 was amended and reported favorably to allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference, with OJJ staff also participating virtually. SB 181 was amended and reported favorably to create a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations within a single health system. SB 81, a bill requiring prosecutorial consent before a defendant may waive a jury trial in a non-capital felony case, drew extensive debate; supporters said it would align Louisiana with federal practice and other states, while opponents argued it would give the state more power and reduce defendants’ control over their own trial rights. After testimony from district attorneys, defense lawyers, and advocacy groups, the committee reported SB 81 favorably by a 7-3 vote. The committee then took up SB 207, which extends the prescriptive period for prosecuting certain corruption offenses committed by elected officials and public employees to 10 years after they leave office. Supporters said it would help prevent officials from using their influence to avoid prosecution; opponents raised concerns about optics and scope. The bill was reported favorably by an 8-3 vote. SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system, was also reported favorably without objection. SB 156, which increases the maximum penalty for negligent homicide and includes special treatment for cases involving children under 13, was reported favorably after sponsors said they would make a technical fix before floor debate. SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum sentence for aggravated flight from a law enforcement officer and dedicating fine revenue to pursuit training and technology, was reported favorably after supporters cited fatal high-speed pursuits and law enforcement backing. Later, the committee approved SB 97, the constitutional amendment companion to SB 81, after similar testimony for and against the proposal; it was reported favorably by a 7-3 vote. SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board’s functions to the Louisiana Supreme Court, was reported favorably without objection. SB 410, increasing penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses, was also reported favorably. The committee then considered HB 251, which requires notice to victims or their families in resentencing proceedings; after amendments and testimony about post-conviction procedure and possible unintended consequences, it was reported favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard HCR 50, a resolution calling for reports on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and guidance on available funding; the sponsor described it as a study effort to improve access to treatment and recovery, and the resolution was moved favorably.