Transcript Highlights:

• There's an amendment at the desk. The clerk will report the amendment.
• There's an amendment at the desk. The clerk will report the amendment.
• However, I saw that there is an amendment to the amendment on this.
• Representative Myers withdraws his amendment. His amendment.
• the amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'll be the first a credible amendment.
• You know, if you go through our most prized amendments, the First Amendment, you can still protest, you
• Second Amendment, last time I checked, you have the right to bear arms.
• ,<00:37:06.880> the<00:37:07.040> first<00:37:07.280> amendment,<00:37:07.760>
• > you<00:37:07.920> can amendments, the first amendment, you can amendments, the first amendment

Keywords: Concurrent meeting of the House Standing Committee on Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs and the House Standing Committee on State Government. Title of video has been shortened due to YouTube length restrictions. Discussion of HCR 45: 00:04:14, 958, all

Summary: The joint meeting of the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee and the House State Government Committee was called to consider House Concurrent Resolution 45, sponsored by Representative Jason Petri. The resolution would support calling for a federal balanced budget amendment through the Article V process. Petri argued that Kentucky’s own constitutional balanced-budget requirement shows the value of fiscal restraint, and he said decades of federal deficit spending and rising debt make a constitutional amendment necessary. Governor Ron DeSantis and Lauren Ends of the National Campaign for a Balanced Budget Amendment also testified in support, emphasizing the growth of federal debt, the risk of a future debt crisis, and the view that Congress is unlikely to solve the problem on its own. Members asked about the mechanics and risks of an Article V convention, including whether the convention’s “sole purpose” language would be enforceable and whether a convention could become a “runaway” process. DeSantis and Ends said states can impose guardrails on delegates, including criminal penalties and delegate-limitation laws, and noted that any proposed amendment would still require ratification by 38 states. They also said that if Congress chose to draft the amendment itself in response to state pressure, that would be acceptable. One witness said 18 states have passed faithful-delegate or delegate-limitation laws. Representative Callaway asked what would happen if the debt issue is not addressed. Witnesses responded that continued borrowing could lead to economic dislocation, higher interest costs, and a debt crisis that would crowd out other federal spending. They said the current debt burden is already more than $100,000 per U.S. citizen and roughly $300,000 per taxpayer, and that a balanced budget amendment would be a first step toward stopping the growth of debt before any long-term paydown could occur. The transcript provided does not show a final vote or other committee action on the resolution.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.
• amendment.
• amended.
• amendment.
• mr. chairman I move that my floor amendment to just go to the regular amendment first I'm sorry excuse

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, attendance, guest introductions, and a resolution honoring former legislator Barbara Leff, which was unanimously adopted. The chamber also received a long list of first and second readings, then moved into Committee of the Whole on calendar number one. Several measures were considered and advanced with amendments, including HB 2170 on restricting state purchases from Chinese-controlled entities, HB 2375 on preserving historic properties while allowing middle housing, HB 2380 on school board transparency and meeting location requirements, HB 2617, HB 2621 on special education access and certificates of educational convenience, HB 2671, HB 2720 on sealed records and anti-human trafficking funding, HB 2772 on DNR designation on driver’s licenses, HB 2784 on school district excess cash refunds, HB 2902 affirming the Electoral College, HB 2950 on a tourism/hospitality district, and HB 4025 creating a study committee on the feasibility of an Arizona oil refinery. Debate on HB 2375 focused on balancing historic preservation with middle housing, with supporters emphasizing local flexibility and opponents warning against a one-size-fits-all approach. HB 2380 drew discussion about school district accountability after a district’s out-of-state retreat, with supporters arguing meetings should occur within district boundaries and materials be posted online, while opponents said local boards should retain discretion. HB 2621’s amendment was described as ensuring special-needs students in unorganized territory and group homes can access services through certificates of educational convenience. HB 2720 was presented as strengthening protections for sex trafficking survivors and adding an anti-human trafficking grant fund. HB 2772 prompted questions about how DNR instructions on driver’s licenses would work in emergencies, with the sponsor saying it would protect advance directives while emergency personnel still provide appropriate care until information is known. HB 2902 generated extended partisan debate over the Electoral College versus a national popular vote, with supporters calling the Electoral College a constitutional safeguard and opponents arguing it violates one person, one vote and overweights swing states. HB 2950 involved competing amendments over whether a tourism-related district should be voluntary or could impose fees, with the Kolodin opt-in/opt-out amendment defeated and the bill advancing as amended. HB 4025, a study committee on an Arizona refinery, drew debate over fuel prices, refinery feasibility, environmental concerns, and whether taxpayer money should fund another study. In each of these Committee of the Whole actions, the House ultimately adopted the committee or amended recommendations and ordered the measures forward by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is just on the amendment portion. All right. We'll get to that. All right. Thank you.
• Chair: So we're on the bill as it is right now, but there will be an amendment.
• Any other questions on the amendment? Thank you. Any further questions? All right.
• Chair: Any questions on the amendment? All right, seeing none. Any public testimony?
• And it's the first is Ranking Member Daley: the second now real step in the right direction of trying

Transcript Highlights:

• Liddana was one of the first amendment.
• All right, back to third reading of Senate File One. We are on third reading amendment number 11.
• President." >> All right. Discussion on the amendment. >> Senator Hicks. >> Yeah, Mr.
• President, it has to be read in first. >> Has to be read in first. >> Senate File 1, third reading amendment
• All right, we're voting on third reading amendment number 44.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• President, I guess my concern is, isn't that a violation of a First Amendment right?
• President, and sponsors of the bill that will strike this down because of that First Amendment right.
• And it's Floor Amendment Number One to Senate Bill 1 as amended, amendment sponsored by Senator...
• President, right?
• We're doing what's right right here today.

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, ladies and gentlemen, we are back on the bill as amended.
• All right, okay, great. Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
• Is there any debate on the amendment? Senator Graal, you're right?
• All right, okay, great. Is there any debate on the amendment to the amendment?
• Is there any debate on the amendment? Senator Graal, you're right?

Summary: The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice met with a quorum and took up several bills before returning to the budget and public testimony. CS/SB 600 on bail bonds was explained as revising bail bond agent training, limiting solicitation, clarifying partial release procedures, and directing clerks to automatically discharge certain bonds when detention is ordered; an amendment adjusted cash bond return rules, charitable bail fund treatment, forfeiture remission timing, and clerk procedures. The bill and amendments were adopted, and CS/SB 600 was reported favorably after supportive appearances from clerks and industry stakeholders. The committee then approved CS/SB 436 on felony battery, which expands qualifying prior offenses for felony reclassification and adds felony battery resulting in bodily injury to prison release offender status, after a technical amendment and supportive testimony from law enforcement. CS/SB 928, known as Missy’s Law, requiring immediate remand to custody upon conviction of dangerous crimes, drew both support and opposition; defense lawyers warned of unintended effects on co-defendants and docket management, while the victim’s family supported the measure. The bill was reported favorably. CS/SB 1332 on career offender registration, requiring more frequent in-person registration and stricter reporting, also passed favorably. The committee next approved a substitute amendment and then CS/SB 682 on violent criminal offenses, which strengthens domestic violence penalties, electronic monitoring, injunction protections, and related procedures, including military protective orders and body camera use. CS/SB 1072 creating an anti-Semitism task force in the Attorney General’s Office was reported favorably after extensive public debate over definitions, free speech concerns, and representation on the task force; the sponsor said the bill does not criminalize criticism of Israel but addresses threats and intimidation. CS/CS/SB 532 on clerks of the court was also approved, authorizing clerks to retain more revenue and, through amendment, clarifying foreclosure sale procedures and clerk administration of judicial sales. Finally, the committee heard the criminal and civil justice budget overview, described as a $7.9 billion proposal focused on corrections, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and courts. Public testimony centered heavily on prison conditions, staffing, heat, infrastructure, and inmate care, with speakers urging higher pay, better transparency, and more investment in facilities and air conditioning. The chair announced that SB 1632 and its conforming bill would be temporarily postponed and read into the record the many registered supporters and opponents. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Sorry, I meant do we need to do the amendment first, I believe.
• And I hope that we cannot vote yes on this amendment today. Thanks. As they look at us, right?
• The motion prevails and the amendment is adopted. >> Who's doing the first represent? >> Thank you.
• All right. Uh, Ms. Penelli, could you summarize the amendment?
• All right. Uh, Ms. Penelli, could you summarize the amendment?

Bills: HF3831, HF3603, HF1900, HF495, HF3750, HF4316, HF2136, HF4384

Keywords: SNAP, income limits, asset limits, nutrition assistance, children and families, federal poverty guidelines, federal waiver, food assistance, low-income families, nutritional support, day care, tax subtraction, child care costs, licensed child care, dependent care assistance, child care, family child care, child care center, licensing, correction order

Transcript Highlights:

• The first The first one has to do with the definition of occurrence, and the amendment that I'll talk
• The first two amendments are things that we can agree with.
• Let’s take the first two amendments. Let’s get this bill. Let’s get it to the next committee.
• I do want to talk about the amendment that's in front of us right now.
• I do want to talk about the amendment that's in front of us right now.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first amendment protects free speech, and I'm not sure how this amendment would comport with both
• first and 14th amendments given that first and 14th amendments given that some<03:38:46.160>
• ><04:04:29.720> law Amendment rights and there's case law Amendment rights and there's case law
• <04:05:11.880> Amendment ultimately create a First Amendment ultimately create a First Amendment
• <04:05:26.560> amendment um around the first amendment um around the first amendment protections

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 763, an early bill concerning AED access at athletic events and venues. Representative Morris offered amendment 0743H to clarify the bill by removing charter schools from the language and tying AED placement to American Heart Association guidance, emphasizing that AEDs should be readily accessible within a reasonable walking distance rather than mandated on every field. The amendment and then the bill as amended both passed 17-0, and the bill was reported out as Ought to Pass with Amendment. The committee then considered House Bill 781, requiring school districts to adopt cell phone-free education policies, and a related bill, House Bill 131. HB 781 was amended to include charter public school boards, cover other personal electronic communication devices, require at minimum restrictions on student personal cell phones during class instruction, allow superintendent-approved exceptions for medical or language needs, protect students with medical needs or disabilities under Section 504, and set an effective date of July 1, 2025. Some members argued the amendment was too prescriptive and limited local control, while supporters said it still left districts flexibility outside classroom instruction. The amendment passed 16-1, and the bill then passed Ought to Pass as Amended 16-1. HB 131, described as a mirror bill, was then retained by a 17-0 vote. House Bill 398, a title bill requiring Holocaust and genocide studies to include impacts on people with disabilities, was moved to ITL after Representative Selig reported the genocide commission believed the topic was already being covered. That motion passed 17-0. The committee also agreed to hold several bills for later consideration, including HB 754, HB 1221, HB 360, and HB 699, citing the need for more review or missing copies. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 361, prohibiting mandatory mask policies in schools. Supporters argued the bill would preserve individual choice while preventing statewide or districtwide mandates in future public health emergencies, and cited a Department of Health and Human Services letter saying masks remain effective but decisions should be based on individual choice and risk assessment. Opponents emphasized local control and the need for districts to respond to different public health conditions. The transcript cuts off before the final vote on HB 361 was completed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to offer up an amendment limiting it at 10%. All right.
• All right. So are there any objections to the adoption of the amendment?
• Right. Okay. I did just have one thing. There are some amendments.
• You have an amendment? Oh, okay, all right. We have an amendment.
• Do we have an amendment on this bill? No amendment on this bill. All right.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, thank you. Any other comments? All right, first is the amendment 0489S.
• is the comments all right first is the amendment<00:23:38.120> 489<00:23:38.880> s<00:
• Let me begin with the first amendment, which is 698S.
• :16.279> 698<02:23:17.000> s with the First Amendment which is 698 s with the First Amendment
• , the first vote will be on the combined amendment.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• All right.
• Right now.
• >> On the Amendment first, Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly waives in support.
• You're right the first time. Thank you.
• First.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will amend the first be it resolved clause in SCR 198 on page 2, line 20, and the associated clause
• We will uh amend<00:18:06.720> the<00:18:06.960> first<00:18:07.280> be<00:18:07.520
• first be it resolve clause in amend the first be it resolve clause in STR<00:18:10.080> 198<00
• Right there. Well, I perhaps. Yeah. Right there.
• So, on this first set of resolutions, the recommendation is to pass with technical amendments.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: At a joint Senate hearing on SCR 198 and SR 178, the committees considered resolutions urging Hawaii insurers and the Hawaii Property Insurance Association to seek subrogation claims against polluters linked to worsening climate impacts and higher insurance costs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive, with 47 written testimonies in support and additional oral support from former Honolulu chief resilience officer Josh Tamro. The committees recommended passage with amendments, narrowing the language to refer specifically to polluters who knowingly engaged in misleading and deceptive practices about the connection between their products and climate change, along with technical non-substantive edits. Both committees adopted the amended resolutions by vote. At a separate joint hearing on STR 226 and SR 201, which urged changes to Medicaid 1915 home and community-based services waiver eligibility criteria, supporters argued the current rules and administrative guidance were inconsistent and left some people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with mental health dual diagnoses, without proper access. The Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Hawaii Disability Rights Center supported the intent but noted factual issues and said a memo from the department addressed only part of the problem, not the mental health-related concerns. After discussion, the chair concluded the resolution was not the best vehicle and deferred it, suggesting a more comprehensive bill would be needed. The Commerce and Consumer Protection committee also took up HB 799 HD2 SD1 on healthcare and recommended passage with amendments, including striking a written transfer-agreement requirement, shortening the sunset to June 30, 2028, removing a related timeline, and making technical corrections. In another joint hearing, SCR 222 and SR 197, which would have urged towing companies to have on-site ATMs for vehicle owners, drew opposition from the Office of Consumer Protection, which said Act 60 already requires credit and debit card acceptance and that ATMs could let companies evade the law. Members noted ongoing complaints and weak enforcement, and the chair recommended turning the issue into a task force for further study, with decision-making deferred because of quorum issues. The committee also heard several other resolutions: STR 57 and SR 41, urging Congress to create a national reinsurance program, received only supportive testimony; STR 70 and SR 54, calling for a pharmacy reimbursement working group, also drew support; and STR 123, proposing an attorney general-led landlord-tenant working group, received comments from the Attorney General’s Office suggesting a more appropriate lead agency and noting the Legislative Reference Bureau may be better suited to assist. No final adverse action was taken on those measures during the hearing segment described.

Transcript Highlights:

• The amendment is adopted back on the bill as amended.
• So first, well, not first, but who is benefiting from this bill?
• , right?
• No one does, right? No one does, right?
• The amendment say yay. Yay. All say nay. The amendment is adopted. Back on the bill as amended.

Bills: S0558, S1294, S1468, S1474, S1682, S1628

Keywords: stormwater systems, environmental standards, municipal infrastructure, engineering certifications, local compliance, Florida Department of Transportation, biosolids, agronomic rate, land application, environmental protection, Florida statutes, nutrient management, recordkeeping, farming, compost products, wastewater treatment, environment, sewage disposal, pollution control, reporting requirements

Summary: The committee took up several environmental bills, beginning with SB 1682 on local administration of vessel restrictions. Senator Trumbull said the bill would give cities and counties tools to address abandoned, derelict, and long-term anchored vessels while following state standards and FWC guidance. Members from affected areas spoke in support, citing recurring derelict vessel problems and the difficulty and cost of removal once vessels sink. The bill was reported favorably. The committee then heard SB 1468 on advanced wastewater treatment, which would require DEP to compile a detailed statewide report on wastewater treatment plants, including construction age, treatment levels, contaminant data, spill history, flood risk, and receiving waterbody impairment information. Florida Rural Water Association testified that any move to require advanced treatment for all plants over one MGD could create major financial burdens without dedicated funding. The bill was reported favorably. The committee also considered CS/SB 1294 on biosolids management, with a strike-all amendment adopted. Senator Bradley said the revised bill would require bulk Class AA biosolids fertilizer and compost products to be land applied only at agronomic rates and, absent a bona fide sale, only at permitted DEP-approved sites, with a transition date moved to July 1, 2028. Supporters said it would protect water quality and legitimate fertilizer and compost markets, while rural utilities asked for funding and flexibility. The committee reported the bill favorably. Next, the committee took up CS/SB 1628 on net zero policies by governmental entities. Senator Avila said the bill would prohibit local governments and other governmental entities from adopting or funding net zero policies, imposing related fees or taxes, or operating cap-and-trade or carbon trading programs. The committee adopted an amendment clarifying the definition of carbon dioxide. The bill drew extensive debate: supporters argued it would protect residents and businesses from higher costs and preserve predictability, while opponents said it would block local climate and clean-energy policies, including electric buses, energy-efficiency measures, and climate resilience planning. After public testimony on both sides, the bill was reported favorably. The committee also approved CS/SB 1474 on biosolids management, which Senator Gates said would require biosolids and septage to be treated at the highest practical level when wastewater treatment facilities are reasonably accessible and would bar Class B land application within 50 miles of a permitted wastewater facility. An amendment applying the statutory definition of septage was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 558 on stormwater system standards. Senator Burgess said it would create statewide standards for municipal and county stormwater systems using FDOT guidelines and third-party inspections, with an amendment making technical changes and broadening who may perform inspections. Supporters said uniform standards could improve safety and reduce failures, while contractors, engineers, and industry groups warned it could raise costs, delay projects, and preempt stronger local standards. The bill remained under discussion as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Actually, could we switch and have Mo go first, if that's right? Sure. Madam Chair. Thank you. Mr.
• The case deals with the Fair Districting Amendments, and Calais deals with the Voting Rights Act.
• The Voting Rights Act through that lens first. Sure.
• The Voting Rights Act through that lens first. Sure.
• We saw it when the legislature attacked direct democracy right after Amendment 3 and Amendment 4, just

Summary: The Committee on Rules met with a quorum and heard a Governor’s Office presentation on a proposed congressional reapportionment map. The governor’s counsel argued that mid-cycle congressional redistricting is legally permissible, that race should not be considered at all in drawing districts, and that the Florida Fair Districts provisions are inconsistent with federal equal protection law and should be treated as non-severable. The presentation also discussed the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Louisiana v. Callais and the Florida Supreme Court’s Black Voters Matter decision as part of the legal rationale for the map. Jason Parada, who said he drew the map alone, described the map as based on 2020 census block data, with county-level population estimates used only as a guide to identify faster-growing areas. He said the plan keeps 48 counties and 382 municipalities whole, has compactness scores similar to the current benchmark map, and uses traditional geographic and political boundaries such as roads, railways, county lines, and municipal lines. He walked through regional changes, emphasizing a race-neutral redesign that significantly altered South Florida, including changes to districts in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and the Everglades, while leaving several northern districts largely unchanged. Members questioned the witnesses extensively about the legal theory, the use of partisan data, the role of race, population growth, and the timing and review of the map. The witnesses said partisan data was considered along with other traditional redistricting criteria, but race was not used. They also said they could not speak to who else reviewed the map beyond EOG staff and counsel. Several senators raised concerns about the map’s compactness, county and city splits, the apparent partisan effects, and the fact that the map was released shortly before the special session. No vote or final action on the map was taken during the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• 1315, 2 passes amended, 4212 passes amended, SB 1418, 2 passes amended, SB 1542 passes amended.
• I think we need to vote on the floor amendment first. Oh, yes. 1074 be adopted. Any comments?
• I think we need to vote on the floor amendment first. Oh, yes. Your bill as amended, please, sir.
• I think we need to vote on the floor amendment first. Oh, yes, thank you. I apologize.
• And in the first place, they get there because they're not in their right mind.

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the journal, guest introductions, and routine communications from the governor and Senate. Members then moved into multiple Committee of the Whole sessions to consider a large number of Senate bills and later House bills on final reading. Several measures were retained on the calendar, while many others advanced with or without amendments. The House also adopted a group concurrence motion on numerous Senate amendments to House bills and later took up third-reading votes on a series of House bills. Among the main committee actions, SB 1049, SB 1315, SB 1401, SB 1418, and SB 1540 were amended and recommended do pass; SB 1332 and SB 1538 also advanced, while SB 1016, SB 1519, SB 1624, SB 1627, SB 1723, and SB 1725 were retained. Debate centered on school safety and interoperability equipment in SB 1315, housing and zoning issues in SB 1118, and school discipline/bullying transparency in SB 1684. Members also discussed SB 1074 on student discipline notifications, SB 1275 on diversion program wording, and SB 1684 on bullying reporting and school liability, with supporters emphasizing safety, accountability, and clarity and opponents warning about unfunded mandates, litigation, and impacts on public schools. On final reading, the House passed a long list of bills, including HB 2032, HB 2035, HB 2109, HB 2120, HB 2176, HB 2189, HB 2195, HB 2203, HB 2342, HB 2383, HB 2423, HB 2428, HB 2439, HB 2440, HB 2573, HB 2594, HB 2621, HB 2641, HB 2673, HB 2693, HB 2752, HB 2756, HB 2875, HB 2895, HB 2916, HB 2923, HB 2946, and HB 2999, with recorded votes ranging from narrow to unanimous. HB 1118, dealing with municipal zoning and historic properties, failed on the floor after debate over housing policy and charter/public school issues, though a motion to reconsider was later made. The session ended with personal announcements, including recognition of Child Help, a memorial reading for Major General W. Bill Van Dyke, caucus meeting notices, a retirement reception reminder, an anniversary acknowledgment, and a Pride Month statement.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, that's that right. Amendments been offered. Is there a second? Second. Representative Drummond.
• There was one first draft of this bill, and there were some amendments that came that gave this flexibility
• All right. Amendment one is... Say "No." All right. Amendment one is accepted.
• I have two amendments. The first amendment members should have a copy. It is V7Q7BLL-1.
• Um, as far as the qualifying veterans' disability rating, and that's for this first amendment.

Bills: HB46, HB379, SB22, HB487, HB273, HB525

Keywords: rural physician, tax credit, healthcare access, physician recruitment, Alabama, HB379, Alabama income tax, nonresident exemption, remote workers, traveling employees, mobile workforce, withholding tax, state tax reciprocity, multistate employees, temporary work, work location tracking, time and attendance system, remote work taxation, professional athlete, professional entertainer

Transcript Highlights:

• All right, first up, we're going to take Speaker Pro Tem Johnson.
• So the first amendment is changing on page 2, line 11.
• All right. Let's go ahead and, you want to take up that ACR first? Yes, sir. All right.
• All right, we've got some amendments set. Yes, sir. Okay, that's amendment set 3625.
• All right, we've got some amendments set. Yes, sir. Okay, that's amendment set 3625.

Summary: The committee first approved the May 5 minutes and then heard House Bill 578, which would define sex in Louisiana law as biological sex, replace references to gender with sex in various statutes and forms, and direct the Law Institute to make conforming changes. Supporters from the governor’s office said the bill would bring clarity and consistency, while opponents argued it could create conflicts with existing law and weaken protections tied to gender identity. After debate, the committee reported HB 578 favorably. Members then considered House Bill 1250, a measure aimed at aerospace-related litigation. The bill would allow a special motion to strike certain claims against aerospace flight entities when the claims are preempted by federal law. Senators raised concerns that the language was broad enough to affect airports, airlines, contractors, and even unrelated incidents, and the author said he was willing to work on narrowing amendments. The committee nevertheless reported HB 1250 favorably. House Bill 718, dealing with liability protections for private airstrips used for recreation, was amended to narrow its scope and then reported favorably, while House Bill 163, a narrower related airstrip bill, was voluntarily deferred so the committee could work from the other measure. The committee also approved House Concurrent Resolution 61, which asks the Louisiana Law Institute to review possible conflicts between the constitution and statutes on expropriation. House Bill 180, defining foreign adversaries and agents of foreign adversaries for a proposed constitutional amendment, and House Bill 192, a constitutional amendment barring foreign adversaries from expropriating land in Louisiana, were both reported favorably. House Bill 1008, which sets out academic freedom and whistleblower protections for higher education, was rejected on a roll-call vote after concerns about its scope and limits on university discipline. House Bill 638, a prompt-payment bill for contractors, was set aside while amendments were being located. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 71, which would extend existing liability protections for justified use of force to properly trained armed security guards. The author and the Board of Private Security Examiners said security officers receive training and often face dangerous situations, but opponents argued the bill would give too much protection to personnel with far less training than law enforcement and could shield bad shootings. After debate, the committee voted to defer HB 71. The last measure discussed was House Bill 1082, which would change venue rules for lawsuits involving the Municipal Police Employees’ Retirement System so actions by the system would be filed where the employer is located; the author said the bill was meant to help small municipalities, and members indicated they were open to narrowing amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Bolick, I need to move the underlying amendment first. I move the amendment be adopted.
• On the floor amendment, this is it for the emergency clause amendment, is that right, Mr. Chair?
• On the floor amendment, this is it for the emergency clause amendment, is that right, Mr. Chair?
• And I support the amended RAGE amendment. All right. Thank you, Mr. Kavanaugh.
• All right. So, Coach, I want... First off. Oh, wow. Thank you. All right, yeah.

Keywords: 1182, all

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, recorded attendance, approved the journal, and announced a recess at 11:30 a.m. for a proclamation honoring the University of Arizona men’s basketball team. The chamber then moved into Committee of the Whole to consider several bills, mostly on education and finance topics, including school assessment accountability, mental health instruction, public education, accumulated sick leave payments, tax administration, depository state money, dental board regulation, environmental quality, and competitive bidding. On the education calendar, HB 2032 and HB 2033 dealt with school assessment accountability. An Angius amendment to HB 2032 changed a testing timeline from four to six weeks and was adopted; HB 2032 later passed 26-0. A Diaz amendment to HB 2033 would have limited written statewide assessments to grades 3-8, but after debate over testing uniformity and local control it failed 15-10, and HB 2033 passed without it. HB 293, relating to mental health instruction requirements, drew extended floor debate, with senators arguing it was important for student well-being and social-emotional learning; the bill passed 16-10. HB 4033, relating to education bond elections, also passed. On the finance and regulatory calendar, HB 2812 on accumulated sick leave payments was amended and recommended do pass in committee, but later failed final passage on the floor 15-11 after concerns were raised about a provision affecting Attorney General representation. HB 2016 and HB 2140 were amended and recommended do pass in Committee of the Whole, HB 2308 and HB 2439 also received do-pass recommendations, and HB 2320 was retained on the calendar. HB 2873, a competitive bidding bill, became the subject of extensive debate over an emergency clause and a strike-everything amendment tied by opponents to a Marana data-center referendum; supporters argued it restored the ability to withdraw referendum petitions. The amended bill ultimately received a do-pass recommendation. The Senate then adopted the Committee of the Whole report, heard the University of Arizona proclamation, and adjourned until Monday, April 13, 2026.