Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to recognize the positive impact state public defender, Remy Storms, has had over the past
• And this is a new position for me.
• On its face, Baton Rouge, is going to have a positive impact for every parish in the state because it
• One of the things was the idea that there was no current position or current mechanism for the fact of
• The three officer positions that are outlined within the bylaws are the chairman, the vice chairman,

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, with a quorum present and adopted the agenda. Public comment was dominated by district defenders and other public defense leaders praising State Public Defender Remy Starns for improving communication, collaboration, and overall system performance. Speakers from multiple districts said the system is more unified, better supported, and more stable than in prior years, and several credited Starns with helping resolve long-standing tensions and improve coordination across capital, district, and appellate work. One speaker also paid tribute to the late Mike Ginnard, describing him as instrumental to earlier public defense reforms. In his report, Starns said the system has improved over the last seven years but still needs a sustainable funding source. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, elimination of filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee requests in light of recent court rulings. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and appellate work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and continue post-conviction work under new statutory rules. Starns emphasized recruitment and retention, including the need for affordable health insurance and retirement benefits, and again honored Mike Ginnard for his leadership and service. The board then adopted proposed bylaws, after some discussion about special committees and public meeting requirements. Members agreed to create a committee to review and refine the bylaws later, and they also elected a vice chairman and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff support, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely an update to the prior version with terminology changes, new accessibility-related goals, and added performance measures for training, compliance, and communications. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to recognize the positive impact State Public Defender Remy Storms has had over the past
• And this is a new position for me.
• so this bill that was enacted into law that impacts, on its face, Baton Rouge, is going to have a positive
• so this bill that was enacted into law that impacts, on its face, Baton Rouge, is going to have a positive
• One of the things was the idea that there was no current position or current mechanism for the fact of

Summary: The Louisiana Public Defender Oversight Board met on June 18, 2026, established a quorum, and adopted the agenda. Public comment took up most of the meeting, with numerous district defenders and chief defenders speaking in support of State Public Defender Remy Starns. Speakers from several districts said the system is more unified, communication with the state office has improved, and local offices feel better supported than in the past. Several also credited Starns with visiting districts, helping with local issues, and improving coordination on capital and non-capital work. One speaker, Richard Thompson, emphasized Starns’ background and training under Sam Dalton, and another noted that a recent staffing decision in St. John the Baptist Parish ultimately proved beneficial for mentorship and resource sharing. Starns then gave his state public defender report. He said the system has improved over the last seven years and argued that public defense still needs a stable, renewable funding source comparable to other parts of the criminal justice system. He discussed legislative changes affecting public defense, including a cleanup bill, a law eliminating filing fees for writs and appeals, and a new procedure related to expert-fee claims after a recent Louisiana Supreme Court decision. He also described ongoing efforts to integrate capital and post-conviction work into district offices, expand the laws/writs program, and use local and state resources more efficiently. He thanked the board, the Public Defenders Association, and the late Mike Ginnart, whom he praised for his leadership and service. The board then considered and adopted proposed bylaws. Members discussed the need for a vice chair and a secretary, the role of special committees, and whether committee meetings should be public and limited to less than a quorum. The bylaws were adopted with the understanding that a committee would review and refine them later; volunteers were named for that committee. The board then elected a vice chair and designated the Office of the Public Defender, with staff assistance, as secretary for recordkeeping. Finally, the board heard a presentation on the strategic plan, which was described as largely unchanged from FY25 except for updates to reflect current law, accessibility requirements, training, compliance, and communication goals. The strategic plan was adopted by resolution, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we asked what their ideal job situation would be, respondents most often indicated a full-time position
• So we also talked to moms, and they would like to have remote positions or part-time positions much more
• So we also talked to moms, and they would like to have remote positions or part-time positions much more
• I think it was something that they were looking at as a positive, trying to identify people who were
• doing good work. ...were looking at as a positive, trying to identify people who were doing good work

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes and then heard a presentation from Maddie San Juan of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas on the report “Holding It All Together: Working Moms and Child Care in Arkansas.” She said the research found Arkansas moms are working and want to work, but child care costs, inflexible schedules, inadequate paid leave, and the mental load of caregiving are major barriers. She cited survey and focus group findings showing flexible hours were the most requested workplace support, 69% of moms identified child care costs as a barrier, and many families spend a large share of income on care. Members asked about labor force trends, what flexibility means in practice, and the cost and age structure of child care assistance programs. The presenter also noted child care affects economic development and workforce recruitment, and mentioned a Department of Commerce option that may help pay child care for people seeking training. Department of Education and Office of Early Childhood staff then gave updates on internal dashboards for enrollment, applications, and provider participation in School Readiness Assistance (SRA), saying the tools are now live for internal use and should improve transparency and data access. They said CLASS transition funding from the PDG grant would be released soon to providers who completed observations, and clarified that OEP awards based on CLASS scores are separate from OEC’s work. They also warned providers about a payment interruption during the transition to a new system: June 26 would be the last day to submit SRA payments for processing, payments would stop June 30, and billing would continue without processing from July 1 to 13, with back payments expected when the system resumes around July 14. Members raised concerns about provider cash flow, early childhood special education funding, an overpayment appeal involving a child care center, and whether CLASS data would be public; staff said the data is FOIA-able but not used by the department to set current quality or rates. The department also said it is reviewing audit requirements tied to Head Start and SRA, that Early Head Start children remained in their facilities after a closure, and that a market rate survey/cost analysis is still in procurement. Staff reported that the QRIS process will begin with a June 23 webinar and that CLASS will be part of a broader quality system still being developed with provider and parent input. They also said the local lead network was re-competed and will cover all counties starting July 1 with 23 local leads, and that the PDG partner group has been formed to provide ongoing stakeholder feedback. The meeting ended with no further business and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• When we asked what their ideal job situation would be, respondents most often indicated a full-time position
• So we also talk to moms, and they would like to have remote positions or part-time positions much more
• When we asked what their ideal job situation would be, respondents most often indicated a full-time position
• So we also talk to moms, and they would like to have remote positions or part-time positions much more
• I think it was something that they were looking at as a positive, trying to identify people who were

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The department's position is that, based on the black-letter language of the way the bill was written
• Unfortunately, we're in a position right now where we're not... ...raise a rate without a statute.
• Unfortunately, we're in a position right now where we're not looking at any budgetary increases absent
• A few were received, generally positive comments and support. Was open for public comment.
• A few were received, generally positive comments in support of the rules.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, I often come down here and say, I stand in a unique position that the rest of you don't stand
• related to the order in which they would address the membership and their position on the election ballot
• related to the order in which they would address the membership and their position on the election ballot
• Since the end of the 95th general session, it would be impossible for me to catalog the positive feedback
• Since the end of the 95th general session, it would be impossible for me to catalog the positive feedback

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a very positive experience while in foster care, and I advocate for change.
• So it's our position, my position, that it's within the purview of the federal government.
• So, I get your position.
• My position right now is that there are plenty of homes available, depending on where you live.
• Positions by Representative Yarkoski. You are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair and committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• Should you select to waive your speaking time, your position will be included in the committee meeting
• My position then was birthday tracker.
• FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential
• But our growing pains are a positive sign that we are closing this gap.
• Our participation numbers have been nothing but positive.

Summary: The Agriculture Committee took up SB 806, the consumer and agricultural equipment right-to-repair bill by Senator Trumbull. Trumbull said the measure would expand repair options for portable wireless devices and farm equipment while protecting trade secrets. The committee adopted two amendments: one clarifying the bill does not apply to motor vehicles, and a technical staff amendment. Testimony was mixed: an Everglades Equipment representative opposed the bill, warning it could weaken local dealer support, reduce parts inventory, and increase downtime for farmers; the Consumer Technology Association also opposed the bill in its current form, citing concerns about a patchwork of state repair laws, private lawsuits, and inconsistent standards. The bill was reported favorably as CS for SB 806 by a roll call vote of 4-0, with Senator Rouson not voting. The committee then heard a presentation from Florida 4-H state officers Timmy Hawes, Summer Wayne, and Taylor Thigpin. They described 4-H as a youth development organization focused on citizenship and leadership, agriculture, STEM, and healthy living, serving more than 216,000 youth statewide. They highlighted personal stories about how 4-H built confidence, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, and they outlined goals to grow participation to 300,000 youth and to invest in 4-H camps, especially Camp Cherry Lake and Camp Timpoochee, as year-round learning sites. Senators praised the program and asked questions about how youth get involved and what drives participation. Florida FFA state officers Hope Storder and Isabel Jenkins then presented on agricultural education and FFA. They explained FFA’s three-part model of classroom instruction, supervised agricultural experience, and leadership development, and noted that Florida now has more than 65,000 FFA members and that state funding has allowed all agricultural education students to participate at no cost. They emphasized agriculture’s role in feeding a growing population and discussed how technology, innovation, and urban agriculture can help meet future production needs. Senators commended the organization’s work and its role in preparing future leaders and agricultural professionals. At the end of the meeting, Senator Burton requested a group photo with the students, and the committee agreed.

Transcript Highlights:

• lot of what we refer to as natural increase, which is more births than deaths, but it always was a positive
• contributor until we got into It always was a positive contributor until we got into the pandemic.
• This year, 25-26, we're expecting a relatively weak positive 1.5%.
• But then by the time we hit next year, 26-27, it at least turns positive again.
• But then by the time we hit next year, 26-27, it at least turns positive again.

Summary: The committee met to receive Amy Baker’s presentation on Florida’s long-range financial outlook for fiscal years 2026-27 through 2028-29. Baker said the forecast assumes continued but moderating economic growth, with Florida GDP slowing from recent highs, personal income remaining above average, wages continuing to rise faster than job growth, and population growth eventually slowing as the state approaches 2030 and the baby-boomer cohort fully ages into retirement. She also highlighted weakening housing and real-estate-related revenue, especially documentary stamp collections, along with low consumer sentiment as signs of caution in the outlook. Baker explained that the state’s near-term general revenue picture improved largely because of legislative actions taken in the prior session, including contingency releases, reversions, and other budget adjustments, rather than from major new revenue growth. She said reserves remain strong at nearly $15 billion, or just under 30% of general revenue, with the budget stabilization fund at its constitutional maximum. The main spending pressures identified were critical needs and other high-priority needs, led by a new recurring transfer to the emergency preparedness and response fund and by Medicaid, where rising service costs and medical inflation—especially behavioral analysis costs in managed care—are driving higher expenditures despite lower caseloads and a slightly better federal match. Members questioned the accuracy of the forecast, the Medicaid cost drivers, the treatment of the governor’s emergency fund, federal funding assumptions, and whether recent federal legislation was reflected in the numbers. Baker said the outlook assumes current federal funding paths continue, that the new federal tax/revenue law had not yet been fully incorporated because agencies were still reviewing it, and that the emergency fund line was calculated from recent appropriations without distinguishing specific uses. She also said the vetoed $750 million did not affect the budget stabilization fund because it reverted to unallocated general revenue. No bills were heard, no votes were taken, and the committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• Therefore, paralegals are not included in the statutory list of positions for which prosecutor's office
• These are extremely responsible positions that handle some of the most sensitive data and most sensitive
• House Bill 1845 gives us the flexibility to put that money to use in whatever position needs it most
• So you, your position is they could use basically disaster declaration to halt sales.
• Uh, I am 100% for 2192, and again, Thank Representative Lopez for this important positive step to help

Transcript Highlights:

• There is also a transfer of 22 positions from DMs to create a new agency for state systems and enterprise
• Famu is uniquely positioned to lead this study as the university with a strong history of agricultural
• conduct research designed to expand the uses of beef and beef products and strengthen the market position
• At this time the League of Women voters does not have and official position on fluoridation.
• It's positively harmful.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We were going out your position in the official record this morning.
• It looks like there are going to be a total of 197 positions, but that we some of them are already in
• They'll be 127 new positions. Is that correct? That what's anticipated?
• These are our salaried positions within the state of Florida.
• going to pay salaries that are appropriate for the level of expertise. 100 $150,000 on average per position

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They are considering nominees for two very important positions.
• Council position of the Office of Advocacy at the SBA, and to join the President's team committed to
• By ensuring that the Chief Counsel position is filled for the first time in many years, the members of
• Welcome to the nominees for your positions, and I know that you probably have given a statement that
• If it goes unfilled too long, we could be in a position where it is mainly the big companies that are

Keywords: SBA, small business, nominations, Bill Briggs, Casey Mulligan, regulations, capital access, public support

Summary: The Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship convened to consider the nominations of Bill Briggs for Deputy Administrator of the SBA and Dr. Casey Mulligan for Chief Counsel for Advocacy. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the SBA in promoting small businesses, with emphasis on overcoming challenges posed by excessive regulations and the need for improved access to capital. Several committee members expressed their concerns over recent layoffs within the SBA and the closure of district offices, which they believe undermine support for small businesses across the nation. The committee meeting saw extensive dialogue about the implications of regulations on small business operations and how the nominees plan to address these issues if confirmed. Public support for the nominees was acknowledged through letters from various stakeholders who advocate for small business interests.

Transcript Highlights:

• and shall not serve leadership position and shall not serve as<00:27:11.279> the<00:27:11.520
• This is an elected position. Yeah. All this is to that.
• This is an elected position. All right, I'll leave the comments at that.
• <01:13:14.000> of in potentially polluting the position of in potentially polluting the position
• ,<01:15:55.520> but be brought to a different position, but be brought to a different position

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So that's a positive trend.
• Texas is uniquely positioned to support the nation at this critical time.
• We're very supportive of the TSP's position in this.
• How can we be water efficient but also water positive? How can we return more water?
• Raymond: But staff hold a key position in that.

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs convened to discuss data centers and their impact on Texas's energy infrastructure. The meeting featured testimony from key representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and ERCOT, who outlined the evolving landscape of energy generation and the challenges posed by the rapid growth of data centers. Notably, ERCOT reported over 450,000 MW of generation resources planned for connection, with a significant portion attributed to data centers, which now represent around 87% of new large load interconnection requests. The committee explored proposed changes to the interconnection process, including a new 'batch study' approach aimed at streamlining the approval of multiple projects simultaneously. This change is intended to address the challenges of managing numerous simultaneous requests and to provide more certainty for developers regarding their energy needs. Testimonies emphasized the importance of ensuring that the costs of infrastructure upgrades are borne by the data centers rather than residential ratepayers, with discussions around the financial commitments required from developers. Several data center developers also provided testimony, highlighting the economic benefits of their projects, including job creation and increased local revenues. They expressed concerns about the potential for a moratorium on future growth due to the new interconnection rules and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address water usage and environmental impacts. The committee plans to continue discussions on these topics in future hearings, with a focus on balancing economic growth with energy reliability and resource management.

Transcript Highlights:

• I work for Conexus Energy, where I hold the position of director of power supply and business development
• I hold the position of director of power I hold the position of director of power supply<00:10:00.200
• This means that MIFA is in a unique position to catalyze projects that wouldn't otherwise be able to
• We're in at $1.2 million, so we have a very secure position there.
• that we feel is a very good position that we feel is a very good position should<00:55:03.359>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Please just state your name and position for the record.
• Please just state your name and position for the record.
• <00:47:46.480> for please state your name and position for please state your name and position
• Please come forward and state your name and position for the record.
• Okay, please come forward and just state your name and position for the record. Aloha.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I should say positive, not a normative question. It's a positive question. I understand.
• Out of appreciation for you taking that position.
• and hired dedicated staff for those positions.
• I'll tell you, at first, we thought, I'm not sure anyone is gonna apply. for these positions, but we
• So we have difficulty sometimes recruiting. for those supervisor positions so we we have some of the

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• However, our position is that the criminal justice system is really not geared towards being able to
• within the Early Childhood positions within the Early Childhood Services<00:54:26.559> unit<00
• There's actually 11 positions, so if their salaries increase for 11, it would be 11 times $4,800 per
• There were 10 positions; there's actually 11 positions.
• there's actually 11 10 uh 10 positions there's actually 11 positions<00:57:15.720> so<00:57:16.000

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The hearing began with HB 1113, which would create an intensive mobile team pilot program in the Department of Health for chronically houseless individuals with serious brain disorders such as schizophrenia. The Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division strongly supported the bill, and written support was also submitted by several health and harm-reduction organizations. Members asked about the program’s size and coordination with existing services; the testifier said the team would use a low-caseload, 24/7 mobile model, coordinate with police, ERs, hospitals, housing, dual-diagnosis treatment, and other case-management resources, and continue serving participants even if they cycle through jail or hospital. The committee amended the bill to change the participant language from a maximum of 40 to “at least 40,” blanked out the appropriations section, deferred the effective date to July 1, 3000, and then adopted the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments by unanimous vote in both committees. The next measure, HB 1140, would appropriate funds for DLNR to clean up homeless encampments on department lands. DLNR testified in support, saying it conducts about 22 to 24 cleanups per year and the bill would help it address homelessness statewide. Members asked whether the funds would be used to sweep people out of areas; DLNR said its practice is to give notice, allow time to leave, and then clean up what remains, with storage procedures for personal property. The department also said people still present are told to move to the county area across the road. DLNR confirmed the bill is not in the governor’s budget, though it is in the governor’s legislative package. The committee then heard HB 1486, which would make it disorderly conduct to remain or loiter within 20 feet of a bus stop without intent to use bus services. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal enforcement is not the right tool, could lead to arrests of people who are simply tired or unhoused, and could create a cycle of repeated low-level cases and constitutional issues around questioning and intent. HPD supported the bill, saying officers would generally try to get people to move first, but could also use field questioning, citations, or arrests depending on the circumstances; HPD said such incidents can be documented and later used in ACT or other mental-health interventions. A private resident testified in support, describing bus stops near her home as occupied overnight and burdening nearby residents and small businesses. Written support came from the City and County of Honolulu Mayor’s Office, and one individual opposed the bill. Members also asked about neighbor-island impacts, property handling, and whether the bill could help connect people to services; HPD said it had not consulted other counties and would follow up. Finally, the committee began hearing HB 877, which would prohibit encampments within 100 feet of the property line of a K-12 public or private school or school facility. DLNR stood on its written testimony, and the Department of the Attorney General raised concerns that the bill did not specify how violators would be removed, what would happen to property or the encampment, or whether the buffer zone applies only to public spaces. The AG suggested making violations petty misdemeanors and adding clearer definitions and due-process guidance. Members asked whether charter schools are included and whether private-property situations within the buffer zone should be clarified; the AG said public schools include charter schools and indicated the bill may need more specificity about private property and trespass situations.

Transcript Highlights:

• I believe the position that their parents have put them in is immoral.
• I know what it's like to be in a leadership position. and have to take a position where you know it's
• Trump and action. positioning our state as a true partner to President Donald J.
• Trump and action. positioning our state as a true partner to President Donald J.
• I'm not sure if the Commissioner of Agriculture can handle this position, and whether or not we should

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the reading of an amended joint proclamation expanding the Legislature’s immigration agenda. The proclamation added items calling for financial penalties for government officials, enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed by illegal aliens, and programs and appropriations to support law enforcement in enforcing federal immigration law. The chamber then took up the special order calendar, beginning with Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 2B, the immigration bill. Most of the meeting was devoted to debate and questions on the strike-all amendment to SB 2B. Sponsor Senator Gruters described the bill as a broad immigration enforcement package aligned with President Trump’s agenda. He said it would require greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities, strengthen participation in the 287(g) program, create a chief immigration officer and council, authorize financial penalties for noncompliance, provide bonuses for officers assisting ICE, and direct information-sharing with federal agencies. He also said the bill would bar DHSMV from issuing licenses or ID cards to unauthorized aliens and would end in-state tuition waivers for undocumented students. Senators Polsky, Pizzo, Smith, Jones, Berman, Osgood, and others questioned the scope of the bill, whether it would affect schools, churches, cities, nonprofits, and green-card holders, and how the 287(g) provisions would work in practice. Gruters repeatedly said the operational focus was on jails and detention facilities, not street-level enforcement. A major point of controversy was the bill’s proposed mandatory death penalty for unauthorized aliens convicted of certain capital offenses. Senator Fine said the covered crimes were the most serious capital felonies, including murder, child sexual battery, destructive-device offenses causing death, and certain trafficking offenses, and argued the provision was intended to withstand constitutional challenge. Senator Pizzo raised Eighth Amendment concerns and questioned whether the bill could mandate death sentences. The tuition waiver provisions also drew extended debate: Fine said the state would save about $41 million by ending discounted tuition for undocumented students, while Democrats argued the savings would not return to general revenue and that the policy would harm students who are already enrolled. Fine and Gruters said green-card holders would not be affected and that the bill targeted only students in the country illegally. The discussion also covered appropriations and implementation. Senator Smith asked about the bill’s large funding levels, and Fine broke down the spending as including $375 million for the chief immigration officer, $100 million in grants to local law enforcement, $29 million for the new Office of State Immigration Enforcement, and $10 million for an unauthorized-alien transport program. Gruters said the funds would reimburse local governments and help address staffing shortages, while critics questioned the lack of benchmarks and the fiscal impact. No final vote or disposition on the bill appears in the transcript excerpt.