Transcript Highlights:

• any questions you may I'm glad to answer any questions you may have<00:24:49.159> thank<00:24
• any questions regarding happy to answer any questions regarding that<00:26:51.200> representative
• Chairman, so that you understand the full answer that expands on my earlier answer.
• Um, an answer that expands on my earlier answer: in the beginning of the calendar year 2024, for $83
• <00:31:52.000> that dedicated kentuckians to answer that dedicated kentuckians to answer that

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:19 Auditor of Public Accounts 00:01:07 Office of Secretary of State 00:10:22 Kentucky State Treasury 00:17:51 Office of Attorney General 00:28:50, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its first meeting and heard budget-related presentations from the Auditor of Public Accounts and the Secretary of State, with the Treasurer beginning a presentation at the end of the transcript. Auditor Allison Ball reviewed her office’s 2024 and early 2025 work, including hundreds of county and state audits, several special examinations, and ongoing reviews such as the kinship care funding issue, the Kentucky Department of Education audit, and the Jefferson County Public Schools audit. She said her office is focused on waste, fraud, abuse, and legal compliance, and asked the committee to consider future budget changes, including aligning her appropriation with restricted funding and restoring a stronger performance-audit function. She also highlighted audits that exposed serious problems, including the Department of Juvenile Justice review, and said those reports are intended to serve as models for other entities to avoid similar failures. Secretary of State Michael Adams said his office is self-sustaining through fees and does not need tax dollars, but asked for greater access to its own revenues and more flexibility in using them. He highlighted the Safe at Home address confidentiality program, saying recent changes expanded protections for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and that the program has grown rapidly while remaining funded by offender fines. Adams also urged lawmakers to again adjust county election funding for inflation, noting the current per-voter and per-precinct amounts were set decades ago. In questioning, Representative Hart asked whether the Safe at Home program was self-funding; Adams replied that it covers only about 10% of its operating cost and said the best solution would be to let the office use more of the revenue it already collects rather than rely on tax dollars. Treasurer Martin Medcafe, introduced with staff member Russell Weber, praised the General Assembly’s fiscal discipline and described the Treasury’s work in managing state funds. He reported strong results from the Unclaimed Property Fund, saying the office returned $35.5 million to Kentuckians in its first year and $3.8 million in the first month of the current year, and said the State Investments Commission generated $682 million in returns last year. He also highlighted financial literacy efforts through the Kentucky Financial Empowerment Commission and said the Treasury is helping manage opioid settlement funds, which are now earning up to $200,000 per month through investment. No votes or formal actions were taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm here to answer any questions if there are technical questions. Thank you. Thank you.
• They are key to our communities, and we need to protect them.
• They are key to our communities, and we need to protect them.
• And I think that's really the key here is not every business is going to take advantage of it.
• I’ve submitted a further legal analysis and am happy to answer any questions. Thank you.

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. AB 416 would allow emergency room physicians to initiate 5150 mental health holds, with supporters saying it would reduce emergency room bottlenecks and speed care for patients in crisis. County and behavioral health representatives opposed the bill, and some members raised broader concerns about the 5150 system and juvenile placements. The bill was ultimately approved on a do-pass as amended vote. AB 446, the Surveillance Pricing Act, drew extensive testimony. The author and supporters argued it would prohibit businesses from using personal data to charge different prices for the same product or service, describing the practice as discriminatory and exploitative. Business and industry groups opposed the bill, warning that its language was too broad, could affect discounts and loyalty programs, and would create litigation risk through a private right of action. After discussion about enforcement and possible amendments, the bill passed on a do-pass motion. AB 632 would give local governments a faster way to collect penalties for serious code violations, including unsafe housing, fire hazards, and illegal cannabis activity, by allowing certain fines to become money judgments and clarifying lien authority. It had support from county and city groups and no opposition was voiced in the hearing; the bill passed as amended. ACA 7, a constitutional amendment intended to clarify and limit misuse of Section 31A, also moved forward after brief support testimony. The committee then took up AB 649, which would extend protections for businesses that proactively obtain certified access specialist inspections and fix accessibility violations; the author, a small business owner, and others testified in support, while disability rights groups moved to neutral after amendments. Members discussed the balance between access enforcement and reducing predatory litigation, and the bill was still under consideration as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• Ted Keis, Director of Strategic Campaigns for the Grassroots Institute. Okay, is Mr. Keis on it?
• Happy to answer any questions you may have. Okay, thank you so much.
• Happy to answer any questions you may have.
• Happy to answer any questions you may have.
• Happy to answer any questions you may have. Okay, thank you so much.

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 412 HD1, which would expand the definition of lobbying to include certain communications with high-level officials about procurement decisions and create presumptions regarding lobbying on behalf of private clients. The State Ethics Commission and State Procurement Office supported the measure, saying it would improve transparency and align Hawaii with other states, while the Hawaii Primary Care Association opposed it over concerns that employers and others could be swept in too broadly. No public testimony or questions led to any action on the bill during the hearing. The committee then took up House Bill 131, which would allow agencies to disclose government records to researchers for certain research purposes and clarify the Office of Information Practices’ rulemaking authority. OIP and the Public First Law Center supported the bill, arguing it would create uniform standards and that concerns could be handled through rules. The University of Hawaiʻi system, DBEDT, DHS, DLNR, and others raised concerns about the breadth of the terms “research” and “researcher,” privacy, confidential information, and possible misuse; Hawaiian Electric also warned about access to sensitive infrastructure information. Members questioned whether the bill was premature and whether definitions should be narrowed in statute, and OIP said it would consider working with agencies and the University on clearer definitions. House Bill 792 HD1, relating to the Office of the Legislative Analyst, drew no testimony beyond a late written support from the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, and the committee moved on without discussion. The committee then heard House Bill 1424, which would restrict transfers between appropriated funds for positions and operating expenses. Budget and Finance explained that current practice allows transfers from payroll to other current expenses when there are savings, but legislative appropriations for specific purposes must still be spent for that purpose. Several agencies expressed opposition or concerns, saying the bill could reduce flexibility, especially in response to federal funding changes or vacant positions, though members emphasized transparency and accountability. Budget and Finance suggested a reporting approach instead, and the committee discussed quarterly reporting as a possible alternative. Finally, the committee began House Bill 1153 HD1, which concerns funding adjustments for state programs and capital improvement projects and establishes a protocol fund. Budget and Finance, DAGS, and the State Procurement Office supported the measure, while the General Contractors Association and several construction-related groups opposed section two, arguing it would undo recent procurement protest-bond safeguards adopted in Act 162. The hearing then moved on toward House Bill 1297, but the transcript cuts off before that bill was fully discussed.

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm hoping somebody's still left across the way there to answer the phone or something.
• are continually deemed when you look at national ratings about 80% of the rating revolves around 15 key
• This is why this is the way this rating works, and this we want someone in charge of all these key pieces
• Data, we can certainly get that answer. Follow up, Chairman. Thank you.
• We'll look at those bills, correlate them to our priorities, and provide an answer for my follow-up on

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So there are just too many issues with this particular bill that don't have rational answers.
• power to do it and so we're going to do it and it makes sense for us but from the Panhandle to the Keys
• Honestly, I don't have an answer for you.
• things Polk County had for years that I guess maybe infrastructure, I don't know if that's the right answer
• A key component has been the proposed expansion of the existing Monarch Hill Landfill, a process underway

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now we know that they will have to answer to the people of Minnesota for skipping work today, but
• The fact that I have now been the first woman of color... answer to the people of Minnesota for answer
• The tab key decision came this morning.
• Getting back to Tab Key—so you said you'll follow judges' rulings on the session as a whole, control

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The transcript centers on the Minnesota House organizing itself at the start of session, with House Republicans asserting that 67 members were present, enough to elect a Speaker and begin operating, while 66 Democrats were absent. The speaker and other Republican leaders argued that the House has authority over its own quorum rules, internal rules, and presiding officers, and that the Secretary of State does not have constitutional authority to control House organization or adjourn the chamber. They said the Secretary of State’s adjournment was improper and indicated the dispute would likely be resolved by the Minnesota Supreme Court if challenged. The Speaker said she was honored to serve, emphasized working for Minnesotans, and said committees would begin meeting later in the week. Republicans framed their agenda around public safety, fraud prevention, fiscal restraint, and affordability, and repeatedly called on Democrats to return to the chamber and “get to work.” They also said they were open to continued negotiations, but only if Democrats were reasonable and present. Questions from reporters focused on the legal basis for proceeding after the Secretary of State adjourned the session, the likelihood of court review, and whether Republicans would follow any Supreme Court ruling. The Speaker said they would comply with court decisions but were confident in their position. She also said the House would meet again at noon the next day and that the status of members who did not take the oath in the chamber would be reviewed if they appeared.

Transcript Highlights:

• These unregulated fuel depots and illegal transport, transloading operations have emerged as key elements
• I'm happy to answer any questions, and I humbly reserve an opportunity to close, Mr. Chair.
• Do you just, you, you want to answer any questions we may have? Fire away. All the above, huh?
• I'd like to answer a few questions and just share a perspective. My name is Eddie Lucio III.
• And I can answer all sorts of questions about our unique situation.

Transcript Highlights:

• These unregulated fuel depots and illegal transloading operations have emerged as key elements of this
• I'm happy to answer any questions, and I humbly reserve an opportunity to close, Mr. Chair.
• As a resource witness, I'll try to answer any questions. your questions.
• Do you have any testimony, or do you just want to answer any questions we may have?
• I'd like to answer a few questions and just share a perspective.

Bills: SB290, SB2949

Keywords: LP-gas, property owner notice, natural resources, gas installations, safety notification, motor fuel, fuel transport, fuel export, transloading, export fuel transloading facility, fuel terminal, terminal operator, comptroller, Texas Tax Code, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, TCEQ, Department of Public Safety, DPS, border security, ports of entry

Transcript Highlights:

• We look forward to investment in the future and will be happy to answer any questions you might have
• You know, Senator Deciglie, we talked about Key Biscayne and Indian River Lagoon.
• When can cities expect to get an answer as to whether they whether they qualified for the grants, Mr.
• An establishment of invasive species is key to success and cost effective protection for our natural
• And I'm happy to answer any question or hate. Thank you. >> Very interesting stuff. Members.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We turn in turn key it into our in.
• <01:12:09.600> this and you may not be able to answer this and you may not be able to answer
• With your indulgence, I would like for him to answer that."
• We'd love to answer questions.
• <01:38:51.920> Um answer questions. Um answer questions.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 216, 13 January, 2026; 1:45 PM, 925, all

Summary: The subcommittee heard first from the Office of State Public Defender, which said its core budget request was essentially level funding, with attorney and investigator pay raises already included because of the DA pay raise linkage. The main discussion focused on two initiatives: a rural public defense pilot in four counties and a Hinds County/Jackson public defense expansion. The pilot, funded last year with capital expense money, has formed a nonprofit, hired a director and staff, opened an office in Kosciusko, and began taking cases on October 1; most of its 44 cases involved day-one jail visits. The office said the project is intended to improve early representation, reduce jail time, and generate data, while not displacing local public defenders. For Hinds County, the office said new data show about 31% of cases originate from state-agency arrests, and it is seeking roughly $525,000 more to fully fund positions, bringing the total request to about $952,972 for five lawyers, an investigator, a legal secretary, and office expenses. Senators asked about funding sources and workload standards; the office said the pilot request had been submitted as general funds rather than capital expense, and that it is using weighted workload measures rather than strict national caseload standards. The committee then heard from the Attorney General’s office, represented by Deputy Attorney General Doug Miracle, who presented the FY 2027 budget request. The office requested $45.48 million total, including $35.31 million in general funds, which is a reduction from the prior year’s appropriation, but also requested a $1.58 million increase in salary funding. Miracle said the office is losing attorneys to other state agencies and district attorney offices because of salary caps and pay disparities, noting the Attorney General’s statutory salary cap of $150,000 and that more than 18 attorneys left last year. He said HB 1509 created higher pay levels for district attorneys and assistant district attorneys, making retention harder for the Attorney General’s office, and asked for either the salary increase or authority to move funds between budget lines. Miracle also highlighted the office’s work on child welfare and human trafficking, noting that federal HHS officials were visiting Jackson to discuss foster children and that the office administers the state’s human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation fund. He said the office is working to reduce time children spend in state custody and support services for trafficking victims and foster youth. The committee discussed statewide youth court reform as well, with Miracle explaining that the office supports expert recommendations and a plan that could create 25 youth court positions in 20 chancery districts at an estimated $10 million, based on DHS and AOC data and a model using state-employed and contract lawyers. No votes were taken during the excerpted meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I don't think it's just a, you know, black or white answer that there.
• >> I don't know if I can answer if it's if it's ever been a consideration.
• >> I think my answer is similar.
• And if you have answered, that's fine.
• I don't think I can answer all the specifics on on how they're, you know, what was the driver of the

Transcript Highlights:

• It would be my answer on that, frankly. You're recognized for a follow-up.
• Thank you so much for your answers. All right. And maintain that quality.
• Thank you so much for your answers. All right. Any other questions on the bill?
• Chair, and thanks for that answer.
• That's key, like Mr. Levec said, to any kind of design professional.

Summary: The committee first took up a local beverage-license bill for the World Equestrian Center in Marion County. The sponsor described the facility’s size, economic impact, and rapid expansion, and explained that the bill would direct DBPR to issue a special license for qualifying equestrian sports facilities. After questions about whether the carve-out would set a precedent for other businesses, the sponsor said the unique facts of the facility justified the bill. An amendment narrowed the off-premises alcohol authority so the license would allow beer and wine only for off-premises sales, while still allowing on-premises sales of all alcoholic beverages and a standalone bar on the premises. The amendment was adopted, and the bill passed 16-1, with Representative Rayner voting no. The committee then heard PCS for HB 1461, a broad regulatory-reform bill that would repeal continuing education requirements for certain licensed professionals, eliminate several boards/councils/commissions at DBPR and DACS, remove some secondary licenses, and expand licensure pathways. The sponsors argued that most complaints are already handled administratively, that the boards create bureaucracy and cost, and that the bill would improve efficiency without changing initial licensure standards. Members raised concerns about whether DBPR has the subject-matter expertise to replace professional boards, especially for engineering, harbor pilots, electrical work, home inspection, architecture, interior design, and related fields, and about whether removing continuing education could weaken public safety and code compliance. Public testimony on the PCS was mixed but leaned strongly against the bill from affected professions. Opponents from architecture, electrical contracting, home inspection, geology, interior design, real estate, and related groups argued that the boards provide technical expertise, discipline, and updated knowledge tied to changing building codes and safety standards, and that continuing education is important for public protection. Some supporters, including representatives of CPAs and landscape architects, said they appreciated efforts to streamline licensing and reduce anti-competitive barriers but still had concerns about specific provisions. The committee adopted two amendments: one requiring 30 days’ notice for an address change for a prescription sales business, and a second technical amendment. No final vote on the PCS was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think that would be better answered by someone else. Could you answer that?
• Is that the answer? Yes.
• There are a few key elements, and I would love for you to ask me questions, if possible.
• But there are key parts to this.
• But for someone 21 and older, I'd be glad to answer that.

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
• Yeah, um, you know, I'll start with the answer.
• It's going to be key to help manage their stress on the job and prevent burnout.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone want to answer that? It's too bad we can't get answers. All right.
• to answer any questions. to answer any questions.
• The longer answer is short answer is no.
• The answer is yes.
• The answer is yes.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So the answer to your question is no. Okay, appreciate it. Thanks.
• Testifying for House Bill 5654 and I'm happy to answer any questions.
• I want to highlight a few key concerns.
• I want to highlight a few key concerns.
• And I'm happy to answer any questions, and thank you for your time.

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Summary: The committee heard testimony and took action on several land use, housing, municipal utility district, and cemetery-related bills. House Bill 447, dealing with transportation impact analysis requirements tied to MUD bond issuance, drew opposition from a witness who argued it would duplicate work, strain agency resources, and delay development; after the sponsor’s closing remarks, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1202, on third-party review of home backup power installations, was substituted and reported favorably to the full House by a unanimous roll call. House Bill 2494, on disannexation for failure to provide municipal services, and House Bill 1835, removing barriers to HUD-code manufactured homes, were also substituted and reported favorably; HB 1835 passed on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 15, limiting lot size and density requirements in certain large municipalities, was substituted and reported favorably unanimously. The committee also heard House Bill 897, which would authorize the sale or long-term lease of two state-owned Austin properties used by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and HHSC. The sponsor said the properties are in poor condition and that proceeds would benefit the state; after questions, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Several template MUD bills were then laid out, including HB 5652, HB 5654, HB 5661, and HB 5656, each creating or authorizing municipal utility districts in Montgomery or Fort Bend counties for water, wastewater, drainage, road, and recreational improvements. These bills drew limited testimony in support and were left pending without objection. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 2673, which would repeal last session’s change allowing new cemeteries within certain distances of municipalities and restore the prior rule limiting cemetery placement near growing urban areas. The sponsor and supporters argued the 2023 change created unintended consequences, removed valuable taxable land from future use, and complicated city planning; opponents, including a funeral service industry representative, argued the current law gives communities local control and helps address cemetery land shortages. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4753, a bill allowing a property owner to use a municipal record showing a certificate of occupancy was issued when the original document is lost; it was left pending. Finally, HB 3680, a Cameron County-specific bill modifying subdivision/model rule procedures to reduce replatting burdens while preserving colonia protections, and HB 4812, clarifying that condominiums follow Chapter 82 of the Property Code rather than full subdivision platting, both received supportive testimony and were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just want to be clear and just get a direct answer.
• That's a bit of a murky answer.
• I'm not sure I understand that answer.
• That doesn't answer the question.
• Can I answer that? You can respond. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• I haven't gotten an answer.
• I haven't gotten an answer.
• I haven't gotten an answer.
• So let me answer this question.
• I'll be happy to answer any questions for you. Be happy to answer any questions for you.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Commerce Committee opened a public hearing on House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Keith Ammon, which would create a study commission to develop a legal framework for stable tokens and tokenized real-world assets. Ammon described stable tokens as blockchain-based digital tokens backed by U.S. dollars or treasuries, and tokenized real-world assets as representations of ownership in items such as gold, real estate, or artwork. He said the bill is intended to help New Hampshire get ahead of emerging financial markets while waiting to see how federal legislation develops. Committee members asked about the purpose of the bill, the difference between this proposal and Bitcoin, whether state regulation could be preempted by federal law, and whether the commission could be balanced and avoid becoming a vehicle for fraud or money laundering. Ammon said the proposal is blockchain-agnostic, could apply to multiple networks, and is meant to regulate asset-backed tokens rather than create a state-issued coin. He emphasized that the state would not be guaranteeing the underlying assets, but would set rules requiring audits, proof of reserves, and honest representation of backing, with the Secretary of State’s securities office involved in oversight. Several members raised concerns about the risks of stablecoins, including money laundering, tax evasion, and possible harm to the dollar or confusion about whether the state was endorsing a new currency. Ammon responded that the bill would not undermine the dollar and argued that tokenization could actually expand demand for U.S. currency by making it easier to use globally. He also said the state would not be in the business of weighing assets or directly valuing them, only ensuring a valid audit trail and one-to-one backing. The discussion ended with general agreement that the subject is complex and that a commission could help develop future legislation, but no vote or final action was taken in the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I just want to make sure we give them an answer.
• Make sure we give them an answer.
• It's not retroactive, Senator Dunn, to answer that question.
• He doesn't have to stay there and answer any questions.
• any questions that they do not want to answer.

Bills: SB1152, SB1156, SB1157, SB1213, SB1232, SB1268

Keywords: immigration, public benefits, asylum, verification, Arizona Revised Statutes, appropriation, public safety, detention, unauthorized aliens, local government funding, border security, fencing, appropriations, southern border, local government, immigration enforcement, probation, law enforcement, court notification, civil rights

Summary: The Military Affairs and Border Security Committee met and approved the January 26, 2026 minutes, then took up several bills related to veterans, immigration, and border security. SB 1268 was described as an emergency cleanup measure clarifying that a 100% service-connected disabled veteran’s primary residence is fully exempt from property tax, including when jointly owned with a spouse; county assessors supported it as needed to fix ambiguous language before the 2026 tax year, and it passed 7-0. SB 1152 would make people with pending asylum applications eligible for state or local public benefits until asylum is granted; supporters framed it as limiting state spending on pending cases, while opponents argued it was redundant, could encourage racial profiling, and conflicted with humanitarian and economic considerations. It passed 4-3. SB 1156 would appropriate $20 million to reimburse cities, towns, and counties for short-term detention costs involving unauthorized persons; supporters said local governments were bearing an unfair burden, while opponents said the money should go elsewhere and that the state was already spending heavily on border issues. It passed 4-3.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for the answer, sir. Thank you for... Okay. Thank you. Thank you for the answer, sir.
• I'd have to have data to actually answer that question.
• So some of the key criticisms... The Physician Research Institute.
• Thank you, ma'am, for those answers. Thank you.”
• With that, I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you, Mr. Shepard.

Summary: The House Labor and Industrial Relations Committee met on May 7, 2026, and first deferred several measures, including House Bill 460, Senate Bill 322, Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 22, and House Bill 561. The committee then took up House Bill 819 by Chairman Cruz, which would replace Louisiana’s current workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule with the Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) by MCG as the primary guideline, while keeping the existing variance and appeal process. Cruz and MCG representative Troy Prevo argued that ODG is more comprehensive, updated more frequently, and used in many states, and said it could reduce delays, disability duration, and costs. Dr. Jason Picard, the state medical director, testified that Louisiana already uses ODG as a secondary reference in many cases because the state schedule lacks coverage for some body parts and treatments, and said the bill would not otherwise change the appeals process or care delivery. Committee members focused heavily on whether the bill would delay care or improve it. Several members questioned the private-company nature of ODG, the $400 annual subscription cost, and whether Louisiana doctors would be forced to rely on an out-of-state guideline. Rep. Glorioso and others raised concerns about preauthorization delays and proposed amendments to create tacit approval when treatment follows the schedule, require payment within 30 days, and make the carrier prove by clear and convincing evidence that care was not medically necessary to challenge it. Chairman Cruz said he was willing to work with those ideas, and the committee also discussed adding an on-ramp or legacy language so current patients would not be disrupted. Opposition testimony came from injured-worker advocates and representatives of medical and labor groups, including Joseph Jola St. and Robin Krumholt. They argued that Louisiana’s current guidelines are already working, that rates have fallen over time, and that the real problem is delay in approval rather than the content of the schedule. They said ODG is overly rigid, cost-driven, and can lead to denials that shift costs to workers, Medicaid, or private health insurance. They urged the committee to keep Louisiana’s existing system and instead adopt tacit approval under current law. The bill was still under discussion at the close of the transcript, with amendments being read and no final vote shown.