Transcript Highlights:

• I I practice defense work for<00:31:05.840><c> for</c><00:31:05.919><c> for</c><00:31:06.720><c> a</c
• defense</c><00:31:08.480><c> work</c><00:31:08.880><c> for</c><00:31:09.039><c> I</c><00:31:09.120><c
• > was</c><00:31:09.200><c> on</c><00:31:09.360><c> the</c> injury defense work for I was on the injury
• defense work for I was on the other<00:31:09.679><c> side</c> other side other side in<00:31:11.520>
• Attorney Ford and I have worked on this over about three years when I was subcommittee chair, and it

Committee: Joint Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:

• Conference Committee on Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and House Justice Budget Subcommittee
• Vice Chair Mani, I understand that you have an offer for us and candy. I'm glad you laughed.
• And I'm really happy that we came to a good place with regards to the judges and we continue to work
• on our different projects for our representatives and our senators on both sides.
• Members, please watch for our next meeting notice. As a reminder, we are now on a one-hour notice.

Summary: The conference committee on Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and House Justice Budget Subcommittee met briefly to exchange budget conference materials. The House, through Vice Chair Mani, presented its first counteroffer, including budget items, proviso language, back-of-bill language, implementing bill language, and conforming bill language related to judges. Chair Garcia acknowledged the offer and said the committee had made progress, especially on judges, and would review and respond to the House proposal. Members emphasized the goal of reaching agreement and avoiding a budget “bump.” No public comment was offered, and no substantive debate or amendments occurred during the meeting. The committee reminded members that future meetings would be on one-hour notice. The only action taken was adjournment, moved by Representative/Senator Wright and approved without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• The agency that I work for has a small amount of funds available for child abuse prevention grants, and
• Judge, thank you for being here. Thanks for all your work on this. You're recognized.
• And for a while, we had very few C-Step beds, but Michael has worked very hard over the last few sessions
• Thank you all for being here. Thanks for your time. Thanks for your passion. Thanks for your work.
• Thank you for your work, and thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts with us.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth approved the December 10 minutes and confirmed Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee. The committee then heard the annual Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review report, which said the state reviewed 148 of 170 non-natural child deaths in 2023; the reviewed deaths included 69 accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined causes. Members asked about how the report’s recommendations could be used, grant opportunities tied to prevention work, and whether the data could be broken down by age; presenters said the report is intended as a prevention tool for agencies and nonprofits and that some age detail is available in later pages of the report. The committee next took up HCR 1010 and then a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Senator Missy Irvin, judges, and Administrative Office of the Courts staff described Arkansas’s use of validated risk assessments, including SAVRY, the Ohio Youth Assessment Tool, MAYSI, and substance-abuse screening, as part of a long-running effort to reduce juvenile incarceration and tailor services to individual youth and families. They said the reforms have contributed to fewer delinquency filings, fewer DYS commitments, and more diversions, while also emphasizing that mental health, substance abuse, school issues, and trauma often drive juvenile court involvement. Several members raised concerns about data gaps, school collaboration, and whether community-based services are sufficient, and presenters said more shared data and stronger school use of safety dashboards could help intervene earlier. Division of Youth Services Director Michael Crump then presented custody, education, recidivism, and cost data. He said DYS commitments rose after the pandemic, secure residential populations remain high, and detention-center use increased when intake beds filled; he also noted that DYS pays about $320 per day for secure custody and that detention beds cost roughly $90 to $100 per day. Crump said most youth in custody are older teens, about 80 percent are male, and many have behavioral-health needs or educational deficits; he reported 222 GEDs and 102 high school diplomas over six years. He also said about 15 to 19 percent of youth return to DYS within three years and that a larger share later enter the Department of Corrections, while members pressed him on how assessments relate to commitments, how low-risk cases are handled, and how to improve mental health and substance-abuse services statewide.

Transcript Highlights:

• Judge, thank you for being here. Thanks for all your work on this. You're recognized.
• And for a while, we had very few C-Step beds, but Michael has worked very hard over the last few sessions
• Thank you all for being here. Thanks for your time. Thanks for your passion. Thanks for your work.
• Thank you for your work, and thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts with us.
• , thank you for your work.

Summary: The Senate and House Joint Committee on Children and Youth met to approve prior minutes, confirm Representative Mary Bentley to the Child Maltreatment Investigations Oversight Committee, and receive several presentations. The Arkansas Infant and Child Death Review team reported on unexpected child deaths in Arkansas, saying its 2023 review covered 148 of 170 non-natural deaths, with the remainder unavailable due to criminal investigations or missing records. Of the reviewed deaths, 69 were accidents, 14 suicides, 18 homicides, and 47 undetermined, and members discussed how the report’s recommendations could be used by agencies and nonprofits for prevention work and grant applications. Committee members also asked about age breakdowns and how the data could be shared without identifying individual cases. The committee then took up HCR 1010 and a broader discussion of juvenile justice reform. Representative Shepard said the resolution was intended to confront data on juvenile incarceration and system outcomes. Senator Missy Irvin, judges Troy Braswell and Kathy Hess, and AOC Juvenile Division Director Burke Steen described the state’s long-running reform efforts, including the SAVRY risk assessment, diversion programs, and efforts to keep more youth in their communities. They said the reforms have reduced delinquency filings, DYS commitments, and revocations, while increasing diversions, but also emphasized ongoing gaps in mental health, substance abuse, and school-based supports. Members raised concerns about school data sharing, behavioral health access, and how to better identify youth with disabilities or trauma earlier. Judge Braswell and others stressed that many youth in the system have significant trauma, family instability, or unmet treatment needs, and that judges need individualized information to make decisions. Several members discussed the role of schools, the school safety dashboard, and the need for stronger community providers, especially in rural areas. The committee then heard from DYS Director Michael Crump, who provided data on commitments, facility use, demographics, offense levels, length of stay, education outcomes, recidivism, dual DCFS/DYS custody, and costs. He said commitments rose after the pandemic and then began to decline, while secure and detention costs increased with the need for more beds; he also noted that most youth in custody have behavioral health needs and that DYS works closely with DCFS, courts, and providers. No final action was taken on HCR 1010 during the discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to thank you for taking the time to hear our request.
• In March of 2025, the district issued an RFP for cameras and access control systems for the new athletic
• In March of 2025, the district issued an RFP for cameras and access control systems for the new athletic
• adequate time for summer installation.
• Now, thank you for your consideration. All right, thank you for the overview.

Committee: All ALC-EXECUTIVE SUBCOMMITTEE

Transcript Highlights:

• It's not working well for survivors.
• It's not working well for communities that are impacted, not working well for utility ratepayers, policyholders
• It worked for them and is working for them in part because they didn't have the economic flexibility
• It worked for them and is working for them in part because they didn't have the economic flexibility
• opportunity to create a mechanism, fill that gap in a way that works for them, works for their economy

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully it'll make the work session faster.
• So, if it worked well for them, we were confident that it would work well for us. Okay.
• all the work they put into this bill for all the work they put into this bill to<00:54:04.520><c> get
• for a problem and work with the look for a problem and work with the body<01:16:22.040><c> not</c><01
• works for a few So, the assessment model works for a few reasons.<04:44:28.200><c> It</c><04:44:28.280

Committee: House Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Summary: The committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 562, which would create a home damage mitigation and resilience grant program aimed at helping homeowners make property improvements that could reduce insurance costs and non-renewals. Commissioner DJ Bettencourt of the New Hampshire Insurance Department explained that the program is modeled in part on Alabama’s safer homes program, but tailored for New Hampshire hazards such as floods, microbursts, heavy snow, ice, and falling trees. He said the grants would be limited to primary residences, subject to a means test, capped at $10,000, and intended to help homeowners make targeted improvements such as roof fortification or tree removal that could improve underwriting outcomes and lead to premium discounts. Bettencourt said the program would not use state taxpayer funds and would instead rely on philanthropic donations, possible federal or regional housing-bank funding, and other outside sources. He said the department would not need new staff, and that a current position could be reconfigured to help administer the program part-time. Committee members asked about the funding language, the meaning of “loans” in the bill, whether there were any other states using a similar no-state-funds model, and how many homeowners could be helped. Bettencourt said Rhode Island and Connecticut were moving forward in a similar way, and that the number of beneficiaries would depend on how much money is raised. Members also questioned how the grant program would actually lower premiums, whether savings would apply only to participants or more broadly, and how the IBHS evaluation process would work. Bettencourt and department staff said the direct benefit would be to the homeowner whose property is improved, though neighbors could also benefit in some cases. They explained that IBHS is a building-safety organization that certifies contractors and inspectors and that its standards can qualify homes for insurer discounts. Questions were also raised about confidentiality provisions, first-come-first-served grant awards, rollover of unused applications, and possible tax treatment of donations. The sponsor said those details would be addressed through rulemaking or existing tax rules, and no vote was taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Criminal Justice Subcommittee will come to order. Julia, please call the roll. Chair Alvarez.
• In the interest of time, we'll have our opening remarks and welcome back when we get to work when we
• We will now leave to head down to the parking lot, load up, and depart for our visit. Thank you.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Subcommittee convened, completed a roll call, and established a quorum. The chair announced that the meeting would be brief because members were heading to a site visit at FDLE. Members were told the visit would include FDLE’s crime lab, a canine demonstration, and displays of agency tactical vehicles and drones. The chair encouraged members to use the visit to learn from law enforcement personnel about their work and how it informs the committee’s responsibilities. No bills were heard, no testimony was taken, and no votes or formal actions were recorded. The subcommittee announced it would adjourn after the site visit and that members would not need to return to the room.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 334 by Representative Cruz, Louisiana Works, to provide for the recreation of Louisiana Works
• for cards for homeless persons, provide for proof of homelessness waiver of fees.
• House Bill 334 by Representative Cruz, Louisiana Works, to provide for the recreation of Louisiana Works
• ; provide for workforce social service programs, committee action, reorganization of Louisiana Works;
• I'd like to thank my colleague, Representative Delisha Boyd, for her assistance in working on this bill

Bills: HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , HR46 , HR48 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , SB128 , SB149 , SB174 , SB191 , SB205 , SB213 , SB218 , SB220 , SB229 , SB238 , SB243 , SB375 , SB379 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB781 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB171 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB149 , HB733 , HB875 , HB868 , HB901

Keywords: waterfowl conservation, wetlands preservation, Ducks Unlimited, environmental stewardship, Louisiana, tennis, athlete recognition, family legacy, sports achievements, coaching, student parents, higher education, academic support, family stability, workforce equity, Homeland Security, federal funding, public safety, emergency services, TSA

Transcript Highlights:

• And thank you, CODOFIL, for all your work in Louisiana promoting the French language. Thank you.
• expenditures for clothing required for holding office.
• Title 23 first responders to provide for definitions to include public works employees to define public
• works employees.
• for 10 years.

Bills: HR46 , HR47 , HR48 , HR49 , HR50 , HR51 , HR52 , HR53 , HR54 , HR55 , HR56 , HR57 , HCR31 , HB20 , HB21 , HB166 , HB494 , HB710 , HB795 , HB985 , HB986 , HB987 , HB988 , HB989 , HB990 , HB991 , HB992 , HB993 , HB994 , HB995 , HB996 , HB997 , HB998 , HR42 , HR43 , HR44 , HR45 , HCR22 , HCR23 , HCR24 , HCR25 , HCR26 , HCR27 , HCR28 , HCR29 , HCR30 , SCR13 , HB894 , HB983 , HB984 , SB19 , SB23 , SB26 , SB30 , SB39 , SB45 , SB46 , SB50 , SB51 , SB55 , SB69 , SB71 , SB73 , SB84 , SB85 , SB89 , SB96 , SB98 , SB101 , SB110 , SB148 , SB150 , SB160 , SB164 , SB303 , SB340 , HB28 , HB36 , HB50 , HB52 , HB56 , HB62 , HB68 , HB92 , HB110 , HB117 , HB119 , HB124 , HB140 , HB147 , HB160 , HB171 , HB174 , HB182 , HB193 , HB196 , HB198 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB237 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB316 , HB351 , HB393 , HB400 , HB413 , HB446 , HB469 , HB486 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB807 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB474 , HB487 , HB503 , HB606 , HB633 , HB707 , HB720 , HB728 , HB733 , HB846 , HB852 , HB856 , HB868 , HB875 , HB129 , HB130 , HB287 , HB489 , HB545 , HB553 , HB555 , HB570 , HB854 , HB952 , HB221 , HB148 , HB331 , HB149 , HB901

Keywords: HR 46, House Resolution 46, water well drillers, water wells, well drilling, driller licensure, licensing requirements, Department of Conservation and Energy, R.S. 38:3098.1, LAC 46.LXXXIX.507, professional references, two years drilling experience, workforce development, barriers to entry, water infrastructure, natural resources, groundwater, public health, state water resources, occupational licensing

Transcript Highlights:

• We're here in session for 20 days this year, 40 days the next.
• Um before in the 2023 session for it.
• That’s why we found good dates that work for all of them.
• Timelines that works for all of them.
• 03:24:59.520><c> a</c> this continues to work how it has for a this continues to work how it has for

Transcript Highlights:

• YOUR SERVICE AND FOR BEING HERE.
• EVEN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE STAFF AND WE ARE WORKING ON THOSE FOR CONSTANT IMPROVEMENT BUT THERE
• Bernard: THANK YOU FOR PRESENTING TO US AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK IN TERMS OF REDUCING
• BUT THE REPRESENTATION OF THOSE OFFICERS IN TERMS OF THE VAST MAJORITY THAT WORKS FOR US IS VERY MINUSCULE
• AND FOR HIS SAKE HE STILL FEARS FOR HIS SAFETY BECAUSE AS WE KNOW THE GANGS HAVE REACH.

Transcript Highlights:

• who do and are grateful for the work that has been done on the cross and that resurrection.
• Today, Lord, help our senators to feel our deep appreciation for the work they do.
• Without objection, the following bill is a special order for the next session: House Bill 214, from the
• He's been doing this work for years. Go see him.
• He's been doing this work for happening.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know for the folks in Marion County, I know for us that her agenda and work on a solution, this
• So thanks for for presenting today.
• work right now.
• many, many contracting firms out there hold multiple licenses for plumbing and electrical work and pork
• those who do not have a specific educational requirement, a survey would have to work for a minimum

Transcript Highlights:

• hard for a I come from, people work hard for a living.<00:31:35.840><c> They</c><00:31:36.000><c> work
• ><c> and</c> work over the years for Team Scaliz and work over the years for Team Scaliz and for<02:08
• That didn't really work for him either.
• That didn't really work for him either.
• Now, that didn't work for various reasons.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's working well for everybody. And this is just a cleanup bill to make it work smoother.
• And for those 10 sessions of sessions, this would be the fourth teacher pay raise.
• And so, I was over there for about 30 minutes yesterday trying to work through this.
• So, thank you for your willingness to engage, and then also give me a vote to continue working on this
• So, with that, word jar, thanks for your work today.

Bills: HB2210 , HB2398 , HB2959 , HB3006 , HB3026 , HB3151 , HB3315 , HB3372 , HB3467 , HB3590 , HB4268 , HB4359 , HB4427

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, obviously, the status quo is not working for consumers.
• You're talking to someone who has driven 80 miles one way to go to work for six years.
• We will continue to work together. ...in front of you now for a couple of years in a row.
• Finding a solution that works for everybody is not easy, but you have my commitment to continue to try
• For those four crimes, no. For those four crimes, no.

Summary: The Assembly Transportation Committee heard several bills, with most of the discussion focused on AB 2672 (Hart), which would require the California Energy Commission to set parameters for using an existing waiver process to allow non-CARBOB gasoline during fuel supply shocks, with fees used to offset emissions and help fund cleaner vehicles. Supporters said the bill would reduce gas price spikes and provide needed flexibility in emergencies; opponents, including the Western States Petroleum Association and union refinery representatives, argued it would function as a tax, create market uncertainty, and could undermine in-state refining and fuel-system compliance. Members raised concerns about affordability, refinery impacts, and delegation of authority to CARB/CEC, while the author said the bill was intended to be cost-neutral and protect consumers. The committee initially held the bill open and later advanced it on a divided vote. AB 2761 (Petrie-Norris) was heard next and would modernize California crash data reporting by creating a single statewide electronic system for fatal and injury crash reports. The author and AAA supported the measure, saying current paper-based reporting is slow, fragmented, and outdated, delaying safety improvements and federal funding opportunities. There was no registered opposition, and the bill moved forward unanimously to Appropriations. AB 1874 (Wilson) would prevent people convicted of certain serious driving offenses from serving a license suspension while incarcerated, so the suspension would begin when they are actually back on the road. Supporters, including law enforcement and roadway safety groups, said current practice makes suspensions meaningless and weakens accountability for dangerous drivers. Some members questioned whether the bill creates a double penalty, but the author argued the measure is limited to the most serious offenses and ensures the suspension has real public safety effect. The committee approved the bill on a strong vote. The committee also passed its consent calendar bills, and several measures were held open for later vote tallying before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For any of you who have been to the Capitol before during session, you are aware of just how busy it
• Similarly, I want to thank Senator Alvarado and her staff for working with us on the committee substitute
• At present, we have multiple subcommittees to work on mental health, suicide prevention, and the district
• As the homeschool advocacy organization for the state of Texas, we work with state and federal agencies
• It certainly enriches the opportunities for the students working with each other and just their personal

Bills: SB2920 , SB2929 , SB2398 , SB865 , SB401 , SB2619 , SB2927 , SB1395 , SB1972 , SB2540 , SB1635 , SB1581 , SB2008

Committees: Senate Education , Senate Education K-16

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you put a little finer point on that for me, the justification for the wider delta?
• Thank you for that. I think that's all for me. Thank you. Thank you for that. Thank you. All right.
• stability for obviously our local school districts, our schools, but also for us.
• It is a very emotional thing for me, so I am working on trying to express that.
• It is a very emotional thing for me, so I am working on trying to express that.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance held its first hearing of the year on Proposition 98, focusing on the Governor’s budget estimates for the three-year budget window, the Public School System Stabilization Account (PSSA), and repayment of education deferrals. The Department of Finance said the minimum guarantee would rise by about $21.7 billion over the 2025 Budget Act, with increases in each year, full repayment of the existing settle-up obligation in 2024-25, a new $5.6 billion settle-up obligation proposed for 2025-26, and a higher guarantee in 2026-27. Finance also noted revised downward estimates for transitional kindergarten attendance and Los Angeles County property tax reimbursements, and said community colleges would be funded above the split because of enrollment growth. The Legislative Analyst’s Office emphasized fiscal risk and volatility, warning that recent revenue gains are tied heavily to the stock market and tech sector and could reverse quickly. The LAO argued the Governor’s proposed $5.6 billion delay shifts risk into future years and recommended instead fully funding the current estimate, making a larger reserve deposit, considering advance payments or pension-related uses, and finding additional non-Prop 98 solutions to reduce the state’s structural deficit. On the reserve and deferral items, Finance described revised PSSA deposits and withdrawals that would leave about $4.1 billion in the reserve by 2026-27, and both Finance and the LAO supported paying off the remaining LCFF and SCFF deferrals as good fiscal practice. Committee members questioned the size of the settle-up amount, the degree of revenue volatility, the use of the reserve, and the ongoing K-12/community college split. Finance said the proposal is meant to avoid overappropriation if revenues fall, while the LAO said a buffer of roughly $3.5 billion would address typical forecasting risk. Public commenters, including school boards, county offices of education, teachers, and advocacy groups, largely opposed the $5.6 billion withholding or settle-up delay, calling it a manipulation of Prop. 98 and urging full funding and more stable revenue solutions. Several speakers also urged dedicated funding for students experiencing homelessness. The hearing ended with no vote, and the chair announced that broader program discussions would occur in later hearings.

Transcript Highlights:

• I want to thank Executive Director Brandon Wood of the Commission for his cooperation and work with our
• I just want to say thank you for your testimony, and I just want to express my appreciation for working
• He's standing for after closed session.
• Thank you again, and thank you for your work. Those are all the witnesses that we have.
• People want us to work. So, they want what we do, so counties are vying for our services.

Bills: HB2814 , HB4477 , HB5084 , HB5108 , HB5127 , HB5383 , HB5611 , HB5663 , HB5664 , SB1563 , HB2668 , HB3841 , HB4114

Committee: House S/C on County & Regional Government