Video & Transcript Research : 'plain language'
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ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- This is mostly the same language that was already in this chapter.
- This is mostly the same language I was already in this chapter.
- I mean, one could add language related to artificial fragmentation; similar language exists in other
- So we did add language referring to the solicitation.
- So there would be a possible tweak to the language of the bill to avoid that.
Summary:
The task force first approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, including a correction removing language that suggested the auditor’s office would contract with a security vendor. Members then moved to a bill draft on concessions (LC 27.0161.00000), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, clarify that proceeds go to the entity’s operating fund or general fund, and make other technical updates. OMB explained the draft and answered questions about scope, fragmentation, vendor restrictions, school districts, and whether concession proceeds could be directed to nonprofits; OMB said the draft could be refined further, including clarifying covered entities and contract length. No vote was taken on the draft during the discussion.
OMB also reported on other survey items. It said a proposal to broadly allow agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering/land surveying vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is working well for the agencies that already have it. On legal notices, OMB said it has been working with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernization, including an ADA-compliant online notice system and possible statutory updates to reflect changing technology and notice definitions. On click-through agreements for routine IT purchases, OMB and the Attorney General’s office said policy clarification—not statutory change—was enough, and the $20,000 threshold was intended to distinguish low-dollar adhesive contracts from purchases where terms can be negotiated.
The committee also heard that OMB and the Center for Distance Education had resolved questions about alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures through existing policy, so no statutory changes were needed there. North Dakota University System representatives gave a brief update on ongoing collaboration with OMB on statutory efficiency ideas, including concessions and surplus property. Finally, the task force discussed a draft on requirements for new or expanded spending programs, which would require agencies to identify purpose, expected benefits, alternatives, success measures, and full implementation costs, and would require reporting on outcomes over time. Members debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how to use the new program evaluators, whether real-time dashboards should be used, and how to choose which programs to evaluate; staff from Legislative Council said they would work with OMB and the auditor’s office to revise the draft and process.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Administration of Criminal Justice May 12th, 2026
Administration of Criminal Justice
Transcript Highlights:
- Representative Knox, that's not what the added language does.
- That's the specific language in the statute.
- So to the extent that this language and the amendment's added language introduces anything to the statute
- That's the specific language in the statute.
- So to the extent that this language and the amendment's added language introduces anything to the statute
Bills:
HB75, SB134, SB201, SB258, SB288, SB313, SB320, SB321, SB325, SB339, SB345, SB393, SB422, SB440, SB470, SB487, SB523
Keywords:
HB75, Act 963, gaming, casino gaming, promotional play, promotional wagers, slot machine proceeds, net gaming proceeds, gross revenue, taxable revenue, gaming operators, gaming tax, Louisiana gaming, gaming revenue deduction, casino tax, gaming promotion, revenue cap, pilot program, child sexual abuse materials, sexting
Summary:
The Criminal Justice Committee heard and advanced a series of bills, mostly on juvenile justice, gaming background checks, corrections, and criminal procedure. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably SB 258 on juvenile traffic violations, SB 321 on electronic bonds, SB 134 on child sexual abuse material/sexting-related offenses involving juveniles, and HB 75 on promotional play for racetracks after adopting an amendment narrowing the bill’s application. The committee also reported favorably SB 422 on unsupervised probation for certain fourth-offense OWI cases, SB 440 on the Renaissance District board membership, SB 393 on explosives regulation after correcting a bill-number mix-up, SB 339 on gaming-industry background checks, SB 325 on excluding certain persons from sports wagering, and SB 288 on criminal history background checks. Most of these measures were described as technical cleanups or modernization efforts and drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, or industry groups, with little or no opposition.
The most substantial debate centered on SB 201, which would change how Louisiana handles juvenile homicide sentencing, including first- and second-degree murder cases and review of old death sentences converted to life terms. Supporters from the Attorney General’s office said the bill would align sentencing procedures with existing Supreme Court law and give courts a more neutral framework. Opponents from the SPLC and the Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights argued it would weaken the safeguard that life without parole for children should be reserved for the rarest cases, expand exposure to juvenile life-without-parole sentences, and raise constitutional concerns. After an amendment was adopted, the committee voted 7-3 to report SB 201 favorably as amended.
The committee also heard SB 523 on clemency and sentencing considerations for defendants who are victims of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. Supporters said it would create a path to pardon or commutation and allow victimization to be considered at sentencing, while several survivor-advocacy groups opposed the bill’s pre-sentence investigation requirement, warning it could introduce biased or harmful information and that the bill did not go far enough to fix sentencing problems. After testimony from the Board of Pardons and Parole and the Sheriff’s Association, the committee reported SB 523 favorably as amended. It also reported SB 320 on DNA detection and rape-kit data reporting, SB 470 on pregnant women in custody and shackling during delivery, and SB 345 requiring annual OJJ reporting, with members noting confidentiality concerns that may need amendment later. The final bill taken up in the excerpt was SB 313, which would bar clerks and vendors from charging additional electronic filing fees in criminal and traffic cases, but the transcript cuts off before action on that measure.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:57:15.080>
from clause and inserting the language from clause and inserting the language - He came back, and this language was not in it. So, this language, I'm not sure where it came from.
- This is language that was not part of his bill when it left Judiciary.
- He came back, and this language was not in it. So, this language, I'm not sure where it came from.
- That's all language that should Okay.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Administrative Rules Committee Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Transcript Highlights:
- At the top of the back page, there is motion language there.
- It aligns state rule language with federal policy.
- I don't remember the language.
- And the language wasn't always consistent between the two licenses.
- So there is no policy change there, just language updates.
Summary:
The committee first approved the December 3 minutes, then heard a request from the Board of Clinical Laboratory Practice to amend its proposed rule on exempt test methods to add certain closed-system DNA/RNA tests, including rhinovirus. After testimony explaining that the board had considered late comments from BioMérieux and wanted the rule record to reflect that review, the committee agreed to a limited amendment and passed the motion unanimously.
The Department of Agriculture then outlined broad rule updates affecting dairy, eggs, poultry, pesticides, animal health, environmental mitigation, and the Egg Product Utilization Commission. The commissioner said the changes mostly clarified existing requirements, updated references, and reduced some burdens, such as easing dairy hauler training/licensing timing and clarifying out-of-state grade A milk language. Members asked about dairy industry decline, the APUC scoring system, and the rationale for the milk-hauler and out-of-state milk provisions.
The State Board of Dental Examiners presented extensive rule changes tied to recent legislation and workforce issues, including a new professional health program for dentists, expanded duties for assistants and hygienists, broader local anesthetic authority for hygienists, and fee increases to fund the program and cover administrative costs. Testimony from Dr. Edward May strongly supported the professional health program based on his own recovery experience. The committee also heard from Game and Fish on rules easing some guide/outfitter experience requirements, allowing electronic exams, and modifying boating safety equipment rules, with no public comment and no fiscal impact.
Later, Health and Human Services received approval for an extension to update tattoo/body art rules and a separate motion to repeal an obsolete nurse aide training chapter. HHS also described nursing facility rule updates, lodging sanitation revisions, and related clarifications on licensing, safety, pest control, and fire requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality received an extension for septic-system installer rules, and also presented rules for above-ground storage tanks and water/wastewater operator certification, including new fees and third-party testing options. The Industrial Commission’s oil and gas division described multiple rule changes, some withdrawn after comments, including drilling unit flexibility, site stability, wildfire authority, and streamlined transport/reporting procedures. Finally, DPI began presenting several rule packages, including school construction loan limits, school bus standards, cooperative agreements, special education rules for public charter schools, and new math curriculum and intervention requirements.
WY
Wyoming 2026 Regular Session
House Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources, February 10, 2026
Travel, Recreation, Wildlife & Cultural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- Um so that 11 to 20 language on page 11.
- Um and then we have uh some language Um and then we have uh some language about<00:08:44.159>
- the parts language. the parts language.
- Um, language in section 40-12-802C is confusing at best.
- prevent<00:51:31.119>
indirect suggest language to prevent indirect suggest language to prevent
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- It makes sure that it complies with the Senate language.
- This is negotiated language with the counties, and so that language was negotiated with them, but it's
- It is he who came up with the idea of this language.
- In the Spanish language, notario publico is a lawyer.
- Senator Martin: It doesn't cross off any language. It adds some language.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer, and heard several announcements and recognitions, including remarks from the new Democratic caucus leader, Senator Berman, who emphasized bipartisan work on education, health care, the environment, and family issues. The chamber also recognized military leaders, an intern, and guests connected to later bills. No committee reports or executive messages were on the desk at the start of the session.
The Senate then took up a series of bills, many of them with House companion substitutions and technical amendments. Major measures included the Pam Rock Act on dangerous dogs, which passed 36-0; a local government land regulation bill that was amended after questions about quasi-judicial hearings, impact fees, and county costs, then passed 26-8; a vessels/boating bill that incorporated related legislation and passed 35-0; a blood clot screening and treatment bill creating the Emily Adkins Family Protection Act, which passed 36-0; a fleeing or eluding law enforcement bill, amended to remove vehicle impoundment in the House version, which passed 36-0; a concealed carry/firearms bill for certain law enforcement and military personnel, which passed 33-3; and a timeshare management bill, which passed 36-0.
The chamber also passed a disability history and awareness instruction bill, the Evan B. Hartzell Act, after extensive debate about language and the meaning of disability versus “unique abilities”; it received 35 co-sponsors and passed 35-0. Other bills passed included manufacturing and related fee legislation, public education on background screening requirements, utility service restrictions, educational opportunities for military children, Medicaid oversight, health facilities authorities, and veteran and spouse nursing home beds, most by unanimous or near-unanimous votes. Several bills were temporarily postponed, including measures on human trafficking, waste management, Bright Futures, mammogram coverage, Parkinson’s disease, and others.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2025-04-28 (1:00PM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is a negotiated language with the counties, and so that language was negotiated with them, but it's
- It is him who came up with the idea of this language.
- In the Spanish language, notario público is a lawyer.
- language that you're discussing.
- It doesn't cross off any language. It adds some language.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, prayer, pledge, and several recognitions, including remarks from Senator Berman on Democratic priorities and introductions of military leaders and an intern. The chamber then moved through a long special-order calendar, with many bills substituted to House companions, amended, and passed, while several others were temporarily postponed.
Major measures approved included the dangerous dogs/Pam Rock Act (SB 572/HB 593), which tightened penalties and procedures for dog attacks and passed 36-0; local government land regulation (SB 1080), which was amended to remove agricultural enclave language and passed 26-8; vessel/freedom-related legislation (SB 1388/HB 1137), which passed 35-0; blood clot screening and treatment (SB 890/HB 1421), which added registry and training provisions and passed 36-0; fleeing or eluding law enforcement (SB 468/HB 113), which increased offense levels and passed 36-0; concealed carry/licensing for certain officers and service members (SB 490/HB 383), which passed 33-3; timeshare management (SB 496/HB 897), which clarified governance and annual meeting requirements and passed 36-0; background screening education (SB 614/HB 531), which created a public webpage and passed 36-0; utility service restrictions (SB 1002/HB 1137), which preempted local energy-source restrictions and passed 36-0; Medicaid oversight (SB 1060), which created a joint oversight committee and passed 35-0; health facilities authorities (SB 68), amended to make fentanyl urine screening more discretionary, and passed 36-0; and veterans’ nursing home beds (SB 78/HB 797), which authorized veteran- and spouse-designated beds and passed 36-0.
The chamber also passed disability history and awareness instruction (SB 540/HB 447), a highly personal bill honoring Evan Hartzell that drew extended debate about disability language, inclusion, and education; it passed 35-0 after 35 co-sponsors were added. Manufacturing policy bills SB 600 and SB 602 were approved after amendments to add reporting, ranking metrics, and fee-use restrictions, both passing 35-0. Educational opportunities for military children (SB 1528) passed 36-0 after testimony from student sponsors and senators praising the bill’s origin. Several other bills, including Medicaid oversight, mammograms, Parkinson’s disease, condominium/cooperative associations, waste management, human trafficking, and Bright Futures, were postponed or not taken up during this segment.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/26
Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- 00:58:43.280>
that's supports the revised language that's supports the revised language that's - The language through the package.
- And then third, you know, the original bill language and the language that has been in statute for some
- <01:13:47.760>
has <01:13:47.920>been language and the language that has been language - statutory um language. statutory um language.
Keywords:
crossbow, crossbow hunting, archery season, deer hunting, bear hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, common carp, rough fish, game and fish, wildlife management, hunting license, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, DNR, sunset clause, expiration removal, archery equipment, outdoor recreation, infectious waste, pathological waste
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/14/2026)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- <00:34:40.879>
in so I don't need to put any language in so I don't need to put any language - language which doesn't make any sense. language which doesn't make any sense.
- >> So again, I didn't change that language >> So again, I didn't change that language
- <01:00:43.119>
and downsides of prescribing language and downsides of prescribing language - There's some language in there. If There's some language in there.
MN
Minnesota 2025 1st Special Session
Committee on Environment, Climate and Legacy - 03/06/25
Environment, Climate, and Legacy
Transcript Highlights:
- They were provided with language as soon as it was available, but since receiving language they have
- They were provided with language as soon as it was available, but since receiving language they have
- They were provided with language as soon as it was available, but since receiving language they have
- we have time to review the language we have time to review the language regardless<00:42:56.800>
- we want to make sure that the language we want to make sure that the language that<01:53:23.599>
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Finance and Tax Feb 25th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- So what this is, what the language is saying is that now it's...
- I think you’ve answered the question, but let me try to put it in my fourth grade language.
- So that's some other language in Section 5.
- And then in Section 12, there's some language on net zero.
- This language... This language simply puts paraplegics on par with quadriplegics in the statute.
Summary:
The Finance and Tax Committee met with a quorum present and took up two bills. The first, SPB 7046, was the Senate tax package. It included changes to Live Local property tax opt-outs, charter school distributions from voter-approved property tax levies, RV park special assessments, fiscally constrained county funding, a permanent sales tax exemption for small propane tanks, a hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday, and provisions barring governmental net zero policies. An amendment made the charter-school distribution change prospective starting July 1, 2026. Committee discussion focused heavily on whether the charter-school language would divert money from traditional public schools and on the fiscal-constrained county formula. The bill was reported favorably as a committee bill after a roll call vote, with Senators Bernard and Jones voting no.
The committee also considered SPB 7048, which updates Florida’s conformity to the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2026 and partially decouples from federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill addresses bonus depreciation, research and experimental expenses, business meal deductions, and the business interest deduction, with the Revenue Estimating Conference expected to review the fiscal impact later in the week. The Florida Chamber testified that the bill should better align with federal tax relief and reduce administrative burdens, while senators emphasized the need to balance business tax relief with state revenue constraints. SPB 7048 was also reported favorably as a committee bill by roll call vote.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 04:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- US IF YOU HAVE LANGUAGE OR I'M WILLING TO WORK WITH YOU SO WE CAN BEEF THAT UP IF YOU FEEL LIKE THERE
- I WELCOME THAT LANGUAGE, I WELCOME ANYBODY'S COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK.
- Bartleman: THANK YOU CHAIR AND I WILL WORK WITH PEOPLE TO GET THAT LANGUAGE FOR YOU, JUST WRAPPING MY
- MY OTHER BIGGEST CONCERN IS THIS LANGUAGE COULD LEAD TO DRUG SHORT AGENDA ACCESS TO THIS.
- Bartleman: YOU SENT ME THE LANGUAGE ABOUT THEY CAN'T CHARGE MORE THAN WHAT THE PRICE IS PAID.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Courts, Corrections and Justice Nov 7th, 2025
Courts, Corrections & Justice Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- What might be arguably unconstitutional language? Mr.
- That's the language we adopted.
- Your proposed language actually does something different.
- I think we should change the constitutional language.
- We modeled it after the New Jersey language at the time.
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency
Transcript Highlights:
- This is mostly the same language that was already in this chapter.
- This is mostly the same language I was already in this chapter.
- I mean, if one could add language related to artificial fragmentation, similar language exists in other
- I mean, if one could add language related to artificial fragmentation, similar language exists in other
- So we did add language in referring to the solicitation.
ND
North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Task Force on Government Efficiency Jun 30th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This is mostly the same language that was already in this chapter.
- This is mostly the same language I was already in this chapter.
- I mean, one could add language related to artificial fragmentation—similar language exists in other chapters—where
- So we did add language in referring to the solicitation.
- There could be a possible tweak to the language of the bill to avoid that.
Summary:
The task force approved the March 25, 2026 minutes as amended, striking language about contracting with a security vendor. Members then reviewed a draft bill on concessions procurement (LC 27.0161), which would raise the competitive solicitation threshold from $25,000 to $50,000, allow requests for proposals in addition to bids, update language for vending and merchandising machines, and clarify where concession proceeds are deposited. OMB explained the bill and said it was open to further changes, including language to address artificial fragmentation, clarify which government entities are covered, and possibly set contract-length limits. Members raised questions about whether the bill would apply to school districts, park districts, airports, and other political subdivisions, and about whether concession agreements could direct proceeds to nonprofits or other secondary recipients; OMB said the statute is intended to require proceeds to go to the government entity’s operating fund or general fund.
OMB also reported on other survey suggestions. It said a proposed general authority for agencies to create pre-qualified architect/engineering vendor pools would not move forward, because the existing authority is best limited to high-volume agencies. On legal notices, OMB said it had made progress with the North Dakota Newspaper Association on modernizing online notices, improving ADA compliance, and discussing rate and definition changes. On click-through agreements, OMB and the Attorney General’s office concluded no statutory change was needed after revising internal guidance; the $20,000 threshold was described as a practical cutoff for adhesive, nonnegotiable software terms. OMB also said issues raised by the Center for Distance Education on alternate procurements and food/beverage expenditures had been resolved through policy clarification.
The University System gave a brief update on its collaboration with OMB and said it was continuing to review concessions, surplus property, and capital project statutes with all institutions involved. The task force then discussed a draft bill on requirements for new or expanded spending, intended to require agencies to identify program purpose, needs, alternatives, success measures, and budget details, and to report on outcomes over time. Members and staff debated whether OMB or Legislative Council should collect and report the information, how much should be real-time versus periodic, and whether the bill should include full implementation costs for pilot programs. Legislative Council staff said the new program evaluation division is still being built out, that staffing remains limited, and that the office plans to continue working with OMB and the executive branch to refine the proposal before the next meeting. No final action was taken on the draft bills beyond directing further work and follow-up for the next meeting.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Senate Legislative Session Mar 10th, 2026 at 09:00 am
Oklahoma Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Man, this is some phenomenal language. Where did you get the language from? Thank you, Mr.
- President, how familiar or how similar is this language to language that is sitting on the floor currently
- The title is stricken on this language.
- Would you believe that every single word of this language is exact language from a bill that...
- So the language is right; it's been worked on for 5 years now by...
Bills:
HB1427, SB1403, SB1448, SB1489, SB1546, SB1557, SB1614, SB1377, SB1990, SB1439, SB1630, SB1632, SB1696, SB1796, SB1824, SB1362, SB1849, SB2066, SB2071, SB2104, SB933, SB1633, SB1224, SB1246, SB1280, SB1303, SB1346
Keywords:
tax credit, clean-burning fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, environmental impact, vehicle modification, renewable energy, job incentives, tax rebates, Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, employment growth, wage requirements, Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, deceptive practices, exemptions, statutory exemptions, Corporation Commission
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Jul 16th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There is intent language, but there is nothing concrete.
- There was intent language in the legislation.
- And so we did have that intent language in the bill from the Senate.
- To findings and declarations because it's just intent language.
- I would like to see the language strengthened so that it is enforceable.
Summary:
The Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee heard three bills. SB 371 by Senator Cabaldon would reduce uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage requirements for transportation network companies from $1 million to $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with committee amendments adding findings and declarations, higher limits than originally proposed, and a joint study on UM/UIM impacts. Supporters, including Uber, Lyft, business groups, and some consumer advocates, argued the bill would lower fares and increase driver earnings by reducing insurance costs. Opponents, including consumer attorneys, labor groups, and consumer watchdog organizations, warned it would cut protections for riders and drivers and might not guarantee savings would be passed through. The committee approved SB 371 on a due-pass basis and re-referred it to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote.
The committee then heard SB 716 by Senator Durazo, which would create a Home Internet Lifeline Program to let eligible low-income households apply Lifeline subsidies to home broadband service. Proponents said the bill addresses broadband affordability after the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expired, and that it would help students, workers, and families access reliable internet. Opponents from the wireless industry objected to the funding mechanism, arguing the surcharge would fall unfairly on wireless consumers, while one broadband group moved to neutral after amendments. The bill was approved on a due-pass basis and sent to Appropriations, but the roll was held open and later completed with the bill passing 7-1.
The committee also took up SB 480 by Senator Archuleta relating to autonomous vehicles as a consent item, with no presentation or debate. It was approved on a due-pass basis and re-referred to Appropriations by a 9-0 vote. Throughout the hearing, members repeatedly focused on affordability, consumer protection, and whether savings from the bills would actually reach riders, drivers, or households.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Conference Committee on H.F. 4188 - Omnibus Commerce and Consumer Protection - Part 2 - 05/13/26
Transcript Highlights:
- before we move this to have maybe nonpartisan staff explain some potential changes or explain the language
- to taxes imposed under section language to taxes imposed under section 295.52. 295.52. 295.52.
- Resorts, there we go. the language in front of us. the language in front of us.
- Members, this is Senate language Members, this is Senate language prohibiting<00:08:32.159>
uh - Senate language be adopted. Senate language be adopted. Miss<00:10:19.840>
Severson.
Summary:
The committee took up a series of conference amendments to House File 4188. The A24 amendment, described by nonpartisan staff as a technical change to data-sharing language, was modified on the floor to delete everything after the reference to section 295.52, then adopted. The A17 amendment, which adjusted effective dates in a previously enacted liquor bill so several provisions would take effect July 1 instead of August 1, was also adopted after staff noted it affected the happy hour provision and two other liquor-related sections involving coolers/nonalcoholic beverages and resorts. The A20 amendment, which changed notification language and directed penalties into a victim’s crime account, and the A22 amendment, a set of technical corrections requested by the Department of Commerce on reinsurance administration, were both adopted. The A23 amendment, adding residential mortgage originators and servicers into chapter 58, was likewise adopted.
The committee then considered several Senate provisions. A motion to adopt Senate Article 4, sections 8 through 12, which would prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores with a grandfather for existing businesses, was debated and failed on a roll call because it did not receive enough House-side votes. A separate motion to adopt Senate Article 4, section 35, dealing with paddle wheel prizes and the maximum value of merchandise prizes for paddle tickets, also failed for lack of sufficient House-side support.
Another Senate motion to adopt Article 4, sections 13 through 14, which would restrict minors’ access to chat bots and create Attorney General enforcement and a transition period, was discussed at length. Supporters framed it as a consumer protection measure, while Chair O'Driscoll raised concerns about enforceability and broader AI-related policy needs; the motion failed on a roll call. After the failed motions, the committee recessed to the call of the chair.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
MS Senate Floor - 1 April, 2026; 10:00 AM
Mississippi Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And was there discussion about some conditional language—” “Conditional language that would keep parts
- Like, I want to know where the new language, the underlined section is. >> So, the language that says
- You’ve actually passed most of the language in here is Senate language. And so, I’ll go through ...
- That is House language. We took the House language. So, in other...
- language.
MS
Mississippi 2026 Regular Session
Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 3 February, 2026; 9:00 A.M.
Judiciary, Division B
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh, I'm I'm looking for the language Oh, I'm I'm looking for the language where<00:27:30.880>
- off the language of this bill?
- So I'll work with you on that language. language. language.
- <00:35:58.400>
in thinking there was was some language in thinking there was was some language - So the current language not authorized. So the current language not authorized.
Summary:
The committee took up several criminal justice and public safety bills. Senator Sparks explained SB 2416, which would let a law enforcement officer who tests positive on an initial drug screen obtain a more invasive follow-up test at the officer’s expense; if the second test is negative, the first result would be treated as a false positive and the officer’s certification would not be put at risk. The committee also heard SB 2228, which would reduce the waiting period for certain felony expungements from five years to three years, following a recommendation from the criminal justice task force. Members discussed how expungement remains discretionary with the court and does not change which offenses are eligible; the bill passed committee after a motion and voice vote.
The committee then considered a committee substitute for SB 21108, a combined bail bill. Counsel said it would require suspension of a bail agent’s license when there is a civil judgment, exclude credit card transaction fees from authorized bail fees, clarify requirements for cash deposits in lieu of surety or property bonds, bar unsecured judicial release for bail-restricted offenses, and allow courts to assess service-of-process costs against bail agents in certain failure-to-appear cases. A reverse repealer was added, and the committee voted to pass the committee substitute.
Finally, the committee heard SB 2114, which would expand state immigration enforcement efforts by allowing DPS to collect information on illegal aliens, codifying participation in the federal 287(g) program, and creating state penalties for certain unlawful entry and criminal conduct by undocumented persons, including enhanced penalties for violent or sex offenses. The sponsor and counsel said the bill is intended to work with federal law and includes exemptions for certain federal immigration statuses and a provision allowing some nonviolent defendants to agree to deportation in lieu of prosecution. Members raised concerns about enforcement, probable cause, and unintended consequences, but the sponsor said the bill would require proof of entry through the Gulf of Mexico for the new entry offense and that the measure would enhance cooperation with federal authorities.