Transcript Highlights:

• . amendments. amendments.
• <00:22:21.880> Amendment amendments to this bill. Amendment amendments to this bill.
• . amendment. amendment.
• <03:38:48.840> Amendment an amendment at the desk. Amendment an amendment at the desk.
• Move the amendment. amendment. amendment.

Keywords: House streaming session for Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 957, house, all

Summary: The House opened with prayer, a quorum call showing 116 members present, and approval of the previous day’s journal. It then took up three ceremonial resolutions. One honored Robert Buchanan for his philanthropy, community leadership, and service in the greater Washington region; another welcomed a visiting delegation from County Tipperary, Ireland, and recognized efforts to strengthen Maryland-Ireland ties; and a third congratulated Dr. Miriam Rogers on her retirement as superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools and her 2026 Woman in School Leadership Award. The chamber then moved through a series of committee reports, largely adopting favorable reports on bills without objection and ordering them to third reading. Measures included House Bills 435, 954, 1087, 1470, 936, 1110, 1554, 187, 324, 688, 776, 1152, 1320, and 1348, covering topics such as movie captioning in public accommodations, procurement and finance, health care facilities, school food procurement, tax foreclosure notice requirements, agricultural electricity tax study, expungement, child support rights, intercepted communications penalties, juvenile supervision, police orders studies, victim notification, and human trafficking reporting. Several bills were amended before being advanced, including House Bill 768 on benefits for children in custody, which added a foster youth savings program; House Bill 877 on institutional debt reporting, which changed reporting dates and required a data dictionary; House Bill 1092 on child advocacy centers, which clarified continuity-of-care standards and technical assistance grants; House Bill 310 on restrictive housing for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, which required assessment at admission; House Bill 634 on police training, which added training on intellectual and developmental disabilities; House Bill 750 on access to religious facilities; House Bill 752 on gift card valuation and forgery; House Bill 1005 on child abuse and neglect reporting; and House Bill 1105 on consumer protection limitations, which was amended to apply only to civil suits. House Bill 1105 drew additional discussion, with the minority leader asking for a special order to review the changes, and the House agreed to postpone it until the appropriate time the next day. Later, House Bill 953, which would authorize transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, prompted extended questioning about Western Maryland flooding, FEMA denials, and the state’s response; the bill was presented as a way to provide relief after federal aid was denied. The transcript ends with the House still in session and continuing through the appropriations report.

Transcript Highlights:

• Following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Mr. Vasut.
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Meyer.
• The following amendment, the clerk will read the amendment. Amendment by Garen.
• Hefner voting aye. amendment the following amendment the clerk will read the amendment amendment amendment
• The following amendment. The clerk read the amendment. Amendment by Phelan.

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, heard the invocation and pledges, and then took up a series of memorial resolutions and recognitions. Members adopted memorial resolutions honoring former President Jimmy Carter and Dr. Alice Gail Hudgens, with remarks highlighting their public service and community impact, and adopted resolutions recognizing Victoria College’s 100th anniversary and May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month. The chamber also recognized Texas A&M system interns and later granted permission for several committees to meet while the House was in session. The House then moved through a long third-reading calendar, passing a number of bills on wide margins. Measures approved included SB 304 on municipal court jurisdiction over nuisance abatement ordinances, SB 608 on reporting evidence collection kits, SB 2312 creating a Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict, SB 494 creating a petroleum theft task force, SB 530 on postsecondary accreditation, HB 45 giving the Attorney General a role in prosecuting human trafficking cases, HB 35 on peer support for first responders, HB 47 and HB 3073 on sexual assault policy and prosecution, HB 318 and HB 3000 creating rural sheriff and ambulance grant programs, HB 554 on Juneteenth fireworks sales with county opt-in authority restored, HB 705 and HB 932 joining licensure compacts for cosmetology and occupational therapy, HB 849 allowing county park boards to meet by video conference, HB 1119 on mental health bed reporting, HB 3041 on students with nontraditional secondary education, HB 713 on maternal mortality review reporting, HB 3104 on Webb County bailiff appointments, HB 3970 on electricity planning for large loads, HB 4042 on Railroad Commission safety provisions for gas distribution pipelines, HB 4490 protecting next-of-kin information, HB 1731 on the physician assistant compact, HB 2607 on Walker County Hospital District governance, HB 3689 on Texas Windstorm Insurance Association funding, HB 1788 on continuing education for barbers and cosmetologists about abuse and trafficking, HB 1612 on hospital direct payments for uninsured patients, and HB 138 on health impact cost and coverage analysis. Several bills drew extended debate or amendments. HB 353, creating a trespass offense near schools and daycares, prompted questions about constitutional concerns and property rights before passing. HB 3211 on optometrists in managed care plans received a perfecting amendment and a Medicaid-related amendment setting a minimum payment level. HB 1056 on gold and silver specie and a state-based currency prompted detailed questioning about its mechanics and fees, followed by a point of order challenging the caption. The House also adopted or postponed a number of items, including postponing HB 2520 and HB 1359 until later in the calendar before later passing both, and laying several bills on the table subject to call. Many measures passed overwhelmingly, while a few, including HB 3326 on loan forgiveness for adjunct professors and HB 3237 on energy consumption goals, passed with narrower margins.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:05.439> which may committee I have an amendment which may committee I have an amendment
• It's amendment 0012S. have. It's amendment 0012S.
• Uh and similarly in the contracting Uh and similarly in the contracting space,<00:49:51.520>
• Do we do this in other instances with DOT contracts?
• As with other contracts as I'm aware of.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• private sector instances the contract private sector instances the contract that<00:19:11.080>
• be making small technical uh amendments be making small technical uh amendments to<00:44:51.079>
• regarding the persons covered we amend regarding the persons covered we amend Pages<00:49:50.160
• of page five amending sections testimony of page five amending sections 15<00:54:18.799> starting
• <00:55:25.319> for making any technical amendments for making any technical amendments for

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I didn't know Tina Vidal-Douart when I met her about getting huge contracts and all of these things.
• I didn't know Tina Vidal-Douart when I met her about getting huge contracts and all of these things.
• Are there amendments? None on the desk, Mr. President. Are there questions of the sponsor?
• Are there amendments? Are there amendments? None on the desk, Mr. President. Are there questions?
• There will be further updates as we go forward about the amendment process and the timing.

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of Doctors of the Day. Members then offered several gallery introductions and Capitol Day recognitions, including St. Johns County Day, Florida Space Day, Florida State Parks Day, AMIkids Day, Manatee County Days, New College of Florida Day, and Florida Keys Day. The chamber received and adopted a committee report on 65 executive appointments. Debate focused on the confirmation of Tina Vidal-Douart, with one senator opposing her appointment over concerns about contracts tied to detention facilities and political contributions, while another senator spoke in support based on her assistance during COVID testing efforts. The report was adopted by a vote of 37 yeas and 0 nays. On the special order calendar, the Senate passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 48 on housing, which requires local governments to allow accessory dwelling units under specified conditions and extends certain density bonus incentives for military families. The Senate also passed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 578, creating a statewide Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Initiative through the Department of Elder Affairs. Both bills passed 38-0. Appropriations Chair Hooper gave a budget update, saying the Senate budget rollout would move to February 12 in committee and February 18 in full appropriations. The Senate then waived rules to immediately certify all bills passed that day to the House, and adjourned until Wednesday, February 11, for committee meetings and other business.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:13:11.519> for<00:13:11.839> economic payment or contracts for economic payment
• or contracts for economic consideration,<00:13:13.200> including<00:13:13.680> reimbursement
• with any agency legislative contracted with any agency legislative or<00:13:45.120> public<00
• I would entertain an amendment to add a reverse repealer so we could get it out and work on it.
• I would I would entertain<00:41:45.760> an<00:41:46.160> amendment<00:41:46.640> to<

Keywords: Accountability, Efficiency, Transparency - Room 210; 28 January, 2026: 10:30 AM, 925, all

Summary: The committee first nominated and elected Senator Lane Taylor as secretary by voice vote, with no opposition. It then took up several bills and reported each one out after brief explanations and no recorded opposition. Senate Bill 2372, from the Department of Archives and History, would allow county filing-fee revenues now used only for preservation of historic records to also support records management, historic preservation, and museum services in counties. Barry White said the money is not for capital projects, but could fund services such as building assessments and recommendations. The committee also heard Senate Bill 2378, which would raise court reporter transcript fees from $2.40 to $4.00 per page; the sponsor said most costs are paid by litigants, while county funds are mainly affected in indigent criminal appeals. Both bills were advanced. The committee next considered Senate Bill 2401, relating to Accelerate Mississippi. Senator Sparks said it would extend the repealer to 2029, update procurement and reporting provisions, change some federal terminology, move the annual report deadline from October 1 to November 1, and repeal obsolete workforce-area references. It was reported out after a brief question about the obsolete sections. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 2402, the Amy Act, which removes the five-day grace period for lobbyist registration so registration must occur before a person begins lobbying; sponsors said the goal is transparency and tracking misinformation, not changing the definition of lobbyist. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 2445 on community mental health centers. Department of Mental Health Executive Director Wendy Bailey said the bill would create a formal performance audit process, with standards developed by June 30, 2027 and audits beginning in FY28 every two years. Centers failing standards would be placed on probation, and continued failure could lead to temporary replacement of leadership by DMH-selected contractors until compliance is restored. Members asked about current probation and decertification procedures, the number of struggling centers, and whether consolidation would be preferable; Bailey said the department wants to preserve local centers and use the process only as a temporary intervention. The bill was discussed but the transcript cuts off before a final vote is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• . to the amendments.
• An amendment was brought back and it was tabled with the amendment, although I will say that the amendment
• Bill 13 as amended by the House, Senate Bill 31 as amended by the Senate, and further amended by the
• Senate bill. 88 as amended by the Senate and further amended by the House.
• House and further amended by the Senate, House Bill 203 as amended by the House and further amended

Transcript Highlights:

• So, um, last year after it went to the House, this bill had some amendments made and so it died in conference
• discussion before I drop an amendment discussion before I drop an amendment out<00:10:13.839>
• <00:10:23.200> if together and maybe propose amendment if together and maybe propose amendment
• pathologists to come paying uh contract pathologists to come in<00:21:27.360> and<00:21:27.600
• You know that a warrant is to protect your Fourth Amendment rights against a seizure of your body, you

Keywords: Judiciary, Division B - Room 409, 28 January, 2026; 9:00 A.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 21104, a Gaming Commission criminal penalties bill presented by Commissioner Jay McDaniel. He said the measure is essentially the same as a bill passed by the Senate last year and would keep penalties low for people merely playing gaming, but make it a felony for operators of illegal online gaming platforms, with a $100,000 fine per conviction and forfeiture authority for funds tied to the crime. The committee substitute was described as clarifying that the penalties target the operator rather than the platform being used. After no questions, the committee moved and adopted the bill. The committee then heard three Department of Public Safety bills from Commissioner Tindle. Senate Bill 2232 would raise seat belt fines from $25 to $100 and direct the additional revenue into existing driver education-related funds, with the stated goal of supporting driver education programs and improving teen road safety. Members asked about the revenue impact and whether the money would be appropriated back to the department and schools; Tindle said the funds would still be subject to legislative appropriation. The bill was moved and adopted, though some members raised concerns about redirecting local fine revenue. Senate Bill 2314 was described as a cleanup bill for driver’s license statutes, updating outdated references, removing obsolete paperwork requirements, allowing first-class mail and optional digital notice through mobile ID, and reflecting the department’s move from Jackson to Pearl. Members questioned whether first-class mail could shorten response time for suspension notices and how mobile ID notices would work; Tindle said the change was intended to save money and allow electronic notice if users opt in. The committee also adopted this bill. Senate Bill 2817 would reorganize DPS by consolidating several divisions into a new Mississippi State Bureau of Investigations, combine equipment and software purchases, raise autopsy fees from $1,000 to $1,200, increase salvage title inspection fees from $75 to $125, and open a broader discussion about the Highway Patrol’s future role. It was also moved and adopted. The committee then heard Senate Bill 2230 from Senator Hill, which would extend electronic warrants to misdemeanors; members discussed efficiency, warrant databases, and Fourth Amendment concerns, but no final action on that bill was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• It also exempts municipal services to be provided under a contract with another governmental entity or
• I'm here today just to restate those, um, suggestions and amendments to the bill that we, that we would
• Amendment to subsection D. They prohibits from charging fees.
• We contract with neighborhoods that are not in the city right now, and, you know, it's a different rate
• if the property owner's contracting with the ESD, then that's a service that the city would not have

Bills: HB24

Keywords: groundwater, conservation, water permits, sustainability, resource management

Transcript Highlights:

• Are there amendments? That was just the amendment. Yeah, sorry. Yes, the amendment.
• So next amendment. Any other amendments?
• Any further amendments? Okay, we have an amendment.
• It’s the text of the amendment. This is the amendment she’s offering. Right, this is the amendment.
• We have an amendment. We don’t have an amendment. We don’t have an amendment. Yeah, I guess not.

Summary: The committee met to review and adopt Legislative Council ballot measure analyses, with members repeatedly reminded that the hearing was limited to the accuracy, clarity, and impartiality of the summaries and not the merits of the underlying proposals. Steve Premack explained the statutory role of the analyses in the publicity pamphlet, and staff presented draft language for several measures. The committee considered and voted on multiple amendments, often debating whether proposed wording was clearer or instead crossed into advocacy or added unnecessary legal detail. For SCR 1004, members debated amendments to more closely mirror the measure’s text and to add language about electric vehicles and mileage, but several proposed changes were rejected. The analysis was ultimately adopted by an 8-6 roll call. HCR 2021 was then adopted without amendment by the same 8-6 margin. For HCR 2055, members debated whether the summary should say the Department of Homeland Security must “do everything” or “use all lawful means available,” and whether to add language about cartels acting “individually or collectively”; both amendments were rejected and the analysis was adopted 8-6. The committee next took up SCR 1004 on photo enforcement systems, where members proposed amendments to clarify that the measure would apply to red light cameras, to add “thereafter” regarding recurring voter approval, and to specify that approval would occur at the general election; those amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. On SCR 1032, dealing with instructional expenses and classroom site fund reductions, members debated adding a definition of the Classroom Site Fund and spelling out the waiver process in more detail; both amendments failed, and the analysis was adopted 8-6. Finally, on HCR 2001 regarding citizenship identification and early voting, members rejected amendments that would have added background on current law, clarified that mail voting would be affected, added severability and revenue-source language, and struck the measure’s short title; the discussion was lengthy and at times contentious, but the transcript ends before a final roll-call vote on that measure is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• restrictions on speech First Amendment restrictions on speech First Amendment rights<00:53:11.839
• "Like, I do have an amendment. The amendment is... I'm sorry, let me put my glasses on.
• Amendment 268 to pass on Amendment 1044." "Okay." "Second." "All in favor of the amendment?"
• "Make a motion on the bill pass as amended." "Second." "All in favor of the amended bill? Say aye."
• 268 to pass on Amendment 268 to pass on Amendment 1044<02:06:36.400> okay<02:06:36.840>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Does everybody understand the amendment? amendment? amendment?
• amendment properly. amendment properly.
• amended amendment, please say<00:47:16.880> I.
• amendment? amendment?
• File 66, donated hunting license File 66, donated hunting license amendments, amendments, amendments,

Bills: SF0025, SF0027, SF0043, SF0066

Keywords: landowner licenses, hunting, wildlife management, quota hunt areas, game and fish commission, game management, hunting regulations, black bear, tracking dogs, wildlife conservation, conservation, contracting, supervisor, funding, districts, hunting licenses, donated licenses, life-threatening illness, vision impairment, nonprofit organizations

Transcript Highlights:

• The witness said they absolutely can do contracts and would consider doing a contract for a certain period
• >> So question is you can do contracts. >> So question is you can do contracts.
• >> We absolutely can do contracts. >> We absolutely can do contracts.
• The recommendation is to move this forward, but making a couple of amendments: adopting the AG's amendments
• The recommendation is to move this forward, but making a couple of amendments: adopting the AG's amendments

Bills: SB2603, SB2083, SB2341, SB2306, SB2782, SB2756, SB2161, SB2477

Keywords: Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, state funding, public performances, educational programs, cultural arts funding, historic properties, preservation, inheritance, working group, public-private partnerships, sustainable funding, historic preservation, Hawaii Revised Statutes, construction, state review, burial sites, cultural artifacts, development review, phased review, administrative fees

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 2603, which would designate the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra as the state orchestra of Hawaii. Testimony was uniformly supportive from the Attorney General’s office, the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Retail Merchants of Hawaii, Hawaii Youth Symphony, the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar Association, and others. Supporters emphasized the bill’s value to arts education, cultural vitality, and the visitor economy. The chair noted there were also many written testimonies submitted, and the bill was left without questions or action in the excerpt. The committee then took up Senate Bill 2083, which would create a state-owned historic properties preservation plan working group within DNR. The State Historic Preservation Division supported the bill and said it would help create a statewide database and better planning for state-owned historic properties, while noting its current review work is reactive and project-by-project. The committee asked about duplication and existing consultation processes; SHPD said it already reviews state projects under existing law and has in-house architectural staff. The measure was then set aside after brief discussion, with no vote shown in the excerpt. Next was Senate Bill 2341, which would authorize phased review of certain private-property projects and change SHPD’s review deadlines. SHPD and the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development supported the bill, saying it could encourage more proactive, programmatic review and that the current average review time for simple projects is about 56 days. Several opponents, including Sierra Club of Hawaii, Bianca Isaki, Malama Kane Lua, and Tara Roas, argued phased review would delay projects, create conflict, and weaken historic preservation protections, especially for iwi kūpuna and burial sites. Committee members raised concerns about whether the bill conflicted with prior court decisions and asked SHPD for its view; SHPD said it was not a legal question for them and suggested a programmatic alternative. The bill was not voted on in the excerpt. Finally, the committee began hearing Senate Bill 2306 on administrative fees for the Bureau of Conveyances. HGEA opposed the measure, focusing on a provision allowing the special fund to be used for qualified contractors, while the Bureau of Conveyances supported the bill as a fee correction that would equalize recording fees between systems. The bureau said specialized technical work sometimes requires outside contracting and that it could consider a contract period; the chair and members discussed the HGEA concern and asked whether the issue could be addressed. No final action was shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• No amendments.
• No amendments.
• They are forced out on strike by their employer's refusal to bargain a fair contract.
• They are forced out on strike by their employer's refusal to bargain a fair contract.
• <00:17:50.720> settlements reach acceptable contract settlements reach acceptable contract

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• All in amendment to Senate File 1518.
• The A2 amendment is adopted. right. The A2 amendment is adopted. Thank<01:20:23.600> you.
• Are they working out a contract? Are they drawing down the money?
• Are they working out a contract? Are they drawing down the money?
• Are they working out a contract? Are they drawing down the money?

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• when that contract was originally executed.
• In that perspective, there are current contracts that'll be fine.
• Contracts, we're better able to protect that IP that we've created here in the state.
• It can't get into a contract with China or Russia directly.
• So we think a legislative fix would be to amend the law.

Bills: HB173, HB184, HB484, HB678, HB 1211, HB1507, HB1705, HB1868, HB2290, HB2851, HB2856, HB3041, HB3204, HB173, HB184

Keywords: foreign donations, higher education, public institutions, national security, funding, prohibition, Texas law, healthcare, insurance, affordability, access, public health, foreign influence, education policy, student loan repayment, prosecuting attorneys, border prosecution unit, financial assistance, tobacco, cigarettes

Transcript Highlights:

• WE ALSO HAD CONCERNS OVER A PRESIDENT AND RSS ADVISORY POSITION CONTRACT AT THE UNIVERSITY.
• Pizzo: JUST GOING MY RAW NUMBERS, $6 MILLION CONSULTING CONTRACT, THAT WAS AT UF. >> Sen.
• THEY AMENDED THE CONTRACT FOR WHAT THEY CALLED ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OR ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN.
• IT SEEMS INORDINATE. >> ARE YOU REFERRING TO HOW MUCH MONEY THE COLLEGES SPEND ON CONTRACTS?
• ON CONSULTING CONTRACTS?

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Do you they've got some extra contracts.
• But if we need to amend the statute, we've got to have a bill alive to be able to amend the statute to
• But if we need to amend the fee.
• <01:06:56.480> spell We're going to make the contract spell We're going to make the contract
• So that's contracts.

Keywords: Appropriations - Room 409, 22 January, 2026; 1:30 P.M., 925, all

Summary: The committee first heard from the Mississippi Auctioneer Commission, which requested level funding. PJ Lindsay reported the agency granted 29 new auctioneer applications and 9 new firm applications, received 3 complaints, resolved 1, signed 1 consent order, and issued 1 suspension. Members questioned the commission about its cash balance, reserve levels, and a large variance between prior spending and the FY26 request; staff explained the difference was tied to technology and contractual costs, including planned computer system updates and out-of-state conference travel for board members. The commission also noted that auctioneering oversight is important because an estimated $4.5 billion will flow through Mississippi escrow accounts in 2025. The Board of Optometry then presented its budget and organizational changes. Board leaders said the board had transitioned away from a state employee model to a management company arrangement with JBAR/Cornerstone, which they said saved about $43,000 and improved service and efficiency. They described the creation of a licensing database and a new back-end system, and said the board was generally seeking level funding with a small increase for computer equipment tied to the new system. Committee members asked about the impact on PERS contributions, the former employee’s retirement, the board’s cash balance, lease arrangements, and whether licensees had complained; the board said the change required legislative approval, the former employee retired, the cash balance was about $399,900, and service complaints had decreased. The Mississippi Board of Licensure for Engineers and Surveyors reported a busy FY2025, including moving most licensure applications online, accepting supporting documents by email, expanding K-12 and college outreach, hosting student interns, visiting ABET-accredited schools, decoupling the surveyor exam registration process, and awarding about $400,000 in grants to engineering programs. The board said it licenses about 15,000 engineers and surveyors plus 8,500 interns, with most registrants from out of state, and that its fees are among the lowest nationally. For the budget, the board requested level funding overall but also sought a new investigator position, 5% salary progressions, increased travel funding for national meetings and STEM outreach, more contractual money for internships and IT modifications, additional supplies, and restoration of a $600,000 grant program that is funded every other year to support university and community college engineering and surveying programs. The board said its operations are supported by fees and that its cash balance is about $1.6 million.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is an A1 amendment if members could allow the A1 amendment to go on so that Miss Bailey and Miss
• There is an A1 amendment if members could allow the A1 amendment to go on so that Miss Bailey and Miss
• <00:13:44.600> case and MCOs utilize contracted case and MCOs utilize contracted case management
• > management<00:58:44.200> a contracted waiver case management a contracted waiver case
• self-direction through waiver amendments self-direction through waiver amendments outside<01:25:

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• DEI thresholds for contracts that are, um, let from all of our state agencies.
• And, uh, when we go for a lot of our contracts, for example, our DEI, uh, IT contracts, we're gonna look
• Um, what about review of contracts?
• So, um, when a contract is up for renewal, we will. Look at the contract.
• We also have a contract with TDI to do the health insure program.