Transcript Highlights:

• That's exclusively why this bill was written: to reinforce sovereignty.
• How might this bill, as written, harm the voting rights and voting options for our constituents?
• How might this bill, as written, harm the voting rights and voting options for our constituents?
• We finally came to an agreement, so we are good to go. Is there any further discussion?
• We are doing what we can on water, and it is up to all of us to come to an agreement.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><02:11:24.320><c> for</c> our Medicine Bow agreement for our Medicine Bow agreement for contractual
• > with</c><02:47:37.280><c> Wyoming</c> We have GNA agreements with Wyoming We have GNA agreements with
• And our GNA agreement agreements<02:48:05.680><c> with</c><02:48:05.840><c> Wyoming</c><02:48:06.160
• </c><02:52:22.480><c> is,</c> stewardship agreement is, stewardship agreement is, and<02:52:23.760><c
• It's set up very differently, almost like a contractual agreement versus an agreement of mutual benefits

Committee: Joint Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee

Transcript Highlights:

• So, I think my is written the way it is.
• And for us to say the law is written this way and we are only going to look at how the law is written
• And for us to say the law is written this way and we are only going to look at how the law is written
• </c><01:15:51.440><c> this</c> for us to say the law is written this for us to say the law is written
• </c> obviously, but I am totally in agreement obviously, but I am totally in agreement with<01:16:51.120

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> front of you you have my written front of you you have my written testimony<00:08:42.080><c> and
• It may be in the DOD liaison written testimony that was sent to the committee chair.
• </c><00:19:58.159><c> testimony</c> the the dod liaison written testimony the the dod liaison written
• That sounds like it's tailor-written for you. Yes, I am aware of that, sir. Thank you.
• I do have a written statement, and I'd like to share a few other things.

Committee: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Transcript Highlights:

• For Senator Champion, the bill is written as a grant to the Birth Justice Collaborative.
• He said there was a lack of clarity about the way the bill was written. Thank you. All right.
• </c><00:58:26.880><c> or</c> a reciprocity kind of uh agreement or a reciprocity kind of uh agreement
• The bill before you today is written for uh $3 million in the biennium in 2023.
• The bill before you today is written for uh $3 million in the biennium in 2023.

Committee: Senate Health and Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• You've got my written testimony.
• You've got my written testimony.
• You've got my written testimony.
• You've got my written testimony.
• You've got my written testimony.

Committee: House Housing

Summary: The Housing Committee opened with a public hearing on HB 196, which would repeal the Housing Champion program. Representative Matt Drew, the prime sponsor, argued the program is an unnecessary and poorly targeted subsidy, saying it rewards municipalities after projects are completed and may not be limited to new housing production. He questioned the transparency of the program, cited difficulty finding required annual reports, and noted a fiscal note suggesting the state could recover up to $3 million if obligations are terminated. Committee members and witnesses debated whether the program’s criteria amount to political favoritism or a standard grant process; supporters said the rubric is specific and that municipalities are evaluated against objective requirements. Representative Priest, Nick Taylor of Housing Action New Hampshire, and Karen Benfield of Stay Work Play New Hampshire all opposed repeal, saying the program encourages local zoning and regulatory changes, helps smaller communities participate, and supports housing supply and young people’s ability to stay in the state. The hearing on HB 196 was then closed. The committee then opened a hearing on HB 1405, a bill establishing an affordable housing guarantee program within the Housing Finance Authority. Prime sponsor Representative Chris Muns said the bill would reduce lender risk by guaranteeing up to 80% of principal on qualifying loans for affordable housing, with a cap of $30 million per lender per year and $300 million outstanding at any time. He described the measure as a low-cost public-private partnership backed by the full faith and credit of the state, and said it was identical to a prior Senate bill that had received unanimous bipartisan committee support before dying later in the process. He framed the bill as one part of a broader housing package aimed at financing, infrastructure, workforce, zoning reform, and other housing-related issues. No votes were taken during the portion of the meeting provided. The only formal actions were opening and closing the public hearing on HB 196 and opening the public hearing on HB 1405, with testimony continuing on HB 1405 at the end of the transcript.

Transcript Highlights:

• And so I guess what I'm saying is I could have an arbitration agreement with my brother, and we could
• first as well, but the more I look into it, I think, you know, fundamental right of making that agreement
• But the way I read it, I don't think there's going to be any issues with that private agreement.
• but I think it's just a restatement that the courts would have to decide whether an arbitration agreement
• to be lionized to the point that there is no guidance necessary, there is no law that needs to be written

Committee: House Government Efficiency

Transcript Highlights:

• Larcela and the board president at Slipfow West, they are in full agreement that they would be able to
• Peter Verkari, testified in that meeting that he signed a contract for the chief of police that was written
• Vicari's admission that he signed a contract written by his own employee is grounds for him to not be
• two landowners in Lafitte who are going to be adversely affected by this particular legislation as written
• prevent having to file a declaratory action to strike down this statute if it goes into effect as written

Bills: HR243 , HB939 , SB56 , SB72 , SB129 , SB171 , SB252

Committee: House Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then took up Senate Bill 56 concerning the Lafitte Area Independent Levee District and its possible transfer into the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-West. Amendment Set 5327 was adopted to add a compliance officer with specified qualifications, described as a checks-and-balances measure separating that role from the chief of police. Testimony in support emphasized the district’s limited recurring revenues, the need for professional management, and the West Bank authority’s ability to provide administrative and operational support. A witness for affected landowners raised concerns about unpaid takings claims and urged amendments to preserve liability and avoid litigation, but the committee ultimately reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The committee then received an update from DOTD Secretary Glenn Laude on the department’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing operations and maintenance, construction process improvements, faster contractor payment times, quicker change-order approvals, and improved project delivery rates. After that, the committee reported favorably Senate Bill 171, which makes cleanup changes to the new water resources authority, and Senate Bill 252, which updates driver’s license organ-donor authorization to record both yes and no choices. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic titles and vehicle registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, support electronic lien and title transactions, and set standards for secure digital titles; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would have created a Louisiana New and Used Motor Vehicle Commission, was converted into a substitute bill creating a Louisiana Vehicle Commission and consolidating the existing new and used vehicle commissions. After discussion of implementation, governance, funding, and employee-transition concerns, the committee adopted the substitute amendments and then deferred the bill. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate, was amended to add designated state officials for a related special plate request tied to security and parking around the Supreme Court in New Orleans, and it was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, as amended, urged safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident; the amendment shifted responsibility from DOTD to surrounding parish governing authorities, and the resolution was reported with amendments before the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Larcela and the board president at Slipfow West, they are in full agreement that they would be able to
• Peter Vicari, testified in that meeting that he signed a contract for the chief of police that was written
• Vicari's admission that he signed a contract written by his own employee is grounds for him to not be
• two landowners in Lafitte who are going to be adversely affected by this particular legislation as written
• prevent having to file a declaratory action to strike down this statute if it goes into effect as written

Summary: The committee first adopted Amendment Set 527 without objection, then adopted Amendment Set 5327, which adds a compliance officer requirement and related qualifications for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority. Supporters of Senate Bill 56 argued that the Lafitte levee district lacks sufficient recurring revenue to maintain its system and that the West Bank flood authority could provide professional management, coordination, and financial support. Testimony also raised concerns about governance problems at SLFPA East and about unresolved landowner damage claims tied to prior levee work. The committee reported SB 56 favorably with amendments. The Department of Transportation and Development secretary then gave an update on the agency’s transformation initiatives, including outsourcing, construction process improvements, faster contractor payments, quicker change-order approvals, and higher project delivery rates. The committee next reported Senate Bill 171 favorably, which cleans up language for the recreation, economy, navigation, and transportation authority board, and Senate Bill 252 favorably, which allows driver’s license records to reflect both acceptance and refusal of anatomical gift authorization. Senate Bill 72, dealing with electronic vehicle titles and registration, was amended extensively to modernize OMV processes, require electronic lien and title functions for certain users, and set implementation timelines; it was then reported with amendments. House Bill 939, which would create a Louisiana Vehicle Commission by consolidating the motor vehicle commissions, was amended with a substitute but then voluntarily deferred to allow more stakeholder work. Senate Bill 129, creating a Master Combat Infantry Specialty license plate and adding a special plate provision for designated state officials tied to Supreme Court parking/security concerns, was reported with amendments. Finally, House Resolution 243, urging safety warning signage on the Tickfaw River after a fatal boating accident, was amended to shift responsibility to parish governing authorities and was reported with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are in agreement. That is an excellent question, and we will definitely clarify that.
• House Bill 3359 was not written by a lobbyist or a policy organization.
• And in your statement to us, you kind of insinuated, I'm just saying that all other bills written here
• are written by lobbyists or other groups.
• But I was thinking in future years to have this in the bill already written and perhaps make it a grant

Committee: House Higher Education and Workforce Development

Summary: The Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development heard House Bill 3359, presented by Rep. Travis Wilson on behalf of Rep. Riggs. The bill would create a state income tax credit for donations to registered school robotics/STEAM programs, including cash, equipment, software, materials, and certain employee volunteer hours. The proposal was described as a 20% credit, capped at $10 million annually beginning in tax year 2027, with a six-year sunset. Committee members raised questions about whether the credit applies to individuals or businesses, how volunteer hours would be valued, whether the bill should be limited to qualified coaches or employees rather than parents or general volunteers, which state agency would administer reporting, and whether the 20% rate should be higher. Rep. Wilson said he was open to clarifying amendments and noted the bill sponsor would need to weigh changes. The bill’s student author and witness, Sarah Waldron, a Westminster Christian Academy senior and robotics team CEO, testified in support. She said the bill was intended to help Missouri schools, especially under-resourced ones, access funding for robotics programs and argued that the credit would leverage private donations into student opportunities and workforce development. She clarified that the volunteer-hour provision was meant for business employees, not individual volunteers, and said she had drafted an amendment to provide higher credits for schools with higher free-and-reduced-lunch percentages. Several committee members praised her work and discussed the need to target aid toward schools with fewer resources. Arne C. A.C. Dinoff, State Public Advocate, testified in opposition. He praised the student’s initiative but argued the state could not afford another tax credit given budget deficits and said volunteerism should not be tied to a fiscal reward. He also questioned the fiscal note and said robotics support should be handled locally rather than through a state tax credit. No vote was taken, and the chair concluded the hearing after testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to note that we are accepting written testimony through the position letter portal on the
• for elders, but it has taken two years for the award to be processed and get to a final funding agreement
• Originally, this bill was written so that any county that did not have a high school or a hospital would
• The 14-day written notice is highly inconsistent.
• This code section was written by young people for young people at a time when nobody was talking about

Committee: House Human Services

Transcript Highlights:

• condition imposed by a city, town, or county, to cure any damage or deficiency within 90 days after written
• plant owner or operator cannot demonstrate that the plant is the subject of a commercial offtake agreement
• plant owner or operator cannot demonstrate that the plant is the subject of a commercial offtake agreement
• terms of the lease, the renewal is in the best interest of the trust, the renewal is supported by written
• The bill requires the State Land Commissioner to issue a written order approving each conceptual land

Committee: Senate Senate Natural Resources Committee of Reference

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 2787, which would bar the state and its political subdivisions from using personnel or financial resources to enforce or cooperate with the federal Mexican wolf reintroduction program, while exempting the Livestock Loss Board’s livestock loss program. Sierra Club and animal welfare advocates opposed the bill as harmful to wolf recovery and unnecessary given the livestock loss reimbursement data. The committee approved HB 2787 on a 4-3 vote. Members then considered House Bill 255, which would create a Brackish Groundwater Recovery Program Fund and authorize the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority to administer projects using long-term water augmentation funds. Opponents argued brackish groundwater is still groundwater and pumping it could cause localized impacts and land subsidence, while supporters framed it as a water-supply solution. The bill failed on a 2-4 vote. The committee next advanced House Bill 2782, requiring disclosure rules for regulatory assets included in utility rates, and House Bill 2781, which would impose financial assurance, insurance, decommissioning, and site-restoration requirements on solar energy power plants. HB 2781 drew stakeholder testimony from solar industry, utilities, and local-government interests; an amendment to revise financial assurance and remove a remediation fund was adopted, but the bill itself then failed on a 4-4 vote. The committee also approved House Bill 2975, which would suspend State Land Department solar scoring maps and require new mining and housing resource maps, despite opposition that it would reduce transparency and favor certain land uses over solar. Later, the committee approved House Bill 2696, as amended, directing the Arizona Commerce Authority to prioritize fuel and gas price reduction and create a fuel resiliency task force, after debate over whether the bill should focus more broadly on energy resilience and whether the ACA was the right agency. The committee also passed HCM 2009, urging Congress to streamline mining access, compensate states for subsurface mineral rights, and require legislative approval for new national monuments, and HB 2889, which would fund ADEQ monitoring of uranium contamination and create a statewide registry and tribal-partnered monitoring program. Finally, the committee heard HB 2763, which would require a legislative joint resolution before the Game and Fish Commission could close a shooting range; Game and Fish said it would add another step to the closure process and mainly affect the Ben Avery facility, but no vote was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So there's an agreement that has to be made that you don't get to leave the state of Louisiana for your
• So there's an agreement that has to be made that you don't get to leave the state of Louisiana for your
• You can go to prison for a very long time by the laws that are written in the state of Louisiana, and
• It fits the way it's written now to have somebody in the room making a request on an act done to a child
• advisement of restraint rights. ...or childbirth, and 20 jails did not provide written advisement of

Summary: The committee held its inaugural meeting on March 5, 2026, with opening remarks from Chair Freiberg and Vice Chair Marcelle describing the panel’s purpose as studying issues affecting women and children, including health, education, economic opportunity, safety, and criminal justice. After roll call, the chair noted the meeting was informational only and not requiring a quorum. The committee then heard presentations and asked questions on human trafficking and child exploitation, followed by an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated women. Mary Kate Andrepont of the Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention presented 2025 data showing 2,963 victims identified, 15,437 service instances, and 33% of victims remaining in services at least nine months. She said 93% of reported victims were sex trafficking victims, most were under 18, and 62 of 64 parishes had trafficking reports. She explained familial trafficking, described screening and coordinated response procedures, and highlighted new tools and outreach campaigns. She also discussed two priority bills: HB 321 by Rep. LaFleur, which would create immunity from prostitution offenses for child trafficking victims under Safe Harbor principles, and SB 83 by Sen. Edmonds, which would require school board trafficking policies and expand victim advocacy services to labor trafficking victims and survivors up to age 21. Committee members asked about reporting procedures, data trends, service gaps, and the reach of the screening tools. Chris Masters of the Attorney General’s office then presented on online child exploitation and child sexual abuse material through the Louisiana ICAC Task Force. He reported 31,203 tips in 2025, 545 arrests, more than 80 children identified or rescued, over 1,500 search warrants, and more than 100 community presentations. He said the task force is expanding statewide, including an Orleans Metro unit, and asked for more analysts and outreach personnel to handle a projected rise in cyber tips. Members asked about community presentations, the scope of the investigations, sex offender social media restrictions, interstate cases, sentencing, and how online enticement and live abuse are prosecuted. The discussion emphasized parental monitoring, school outreach, and coordination with federal partners. The final item introduced an audit report on the treatment and care of incarcerated females. Legislative Auditor staff said the review, requested by a 2023 resolution, found that Louisiana’s jails and guidance documents had not fully addressed the key laws and standards governing women’s incarceration, including restraint use during pregnancy and childbirth, health care, hygiene, dignity, and reentry. They noted that local jails still house a majority of incarcerated women despite the opening of a new state facility, and that several facilities had confirmed prohibited restraint use or failed to provide required written advisements. The staff said the report included legislative considerations for improving compliance and care.

Transcript Highlights:

• Rules have not been written yet, even after 3 years.
• Rules have not been written yet, even after 3 years.
• Rules have not been written yet, even after 3 years.
• Rules have not been written yet, even after 3 years.
• Rules have not been written yet, even after 3 years.

Committee: Senate Finance

Transcript Highlights:

• I have written testimony.
• c> testimony</c><02:11:07.520><c> which</c> We have written written testimony which We have written written
• </c> like written in a policy being written like written in a policy being written in<02:14:46.239><c
• You have our written testimony.
• You have our written testimony. bill. You have our written testimony.

Summary: The joint hearing opened with House Bill 1969, which would provide state funding for colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and underinsured residents. The Department of Human Services said it supports the goal of early screening but would need new administrative capacity, including a program manager and claim pre-screening, to run the program. The Department of Health supported the measure and cited low screening rates in Hawaii, noting an educational campaign to encourage screening. The Insurance Division raised concerns about reliance on federal FAQs, warning that guidance can change and may create state cost exposure. Supporters including the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Hawaii Medical Association argued the bill would close a preventive-care gap, reduce late-stage diagnoses, and save long-term costs; the committee also discussed implementation costs, estimated by DHS at roughly $1.4 million to $2 million annually plus administrative expenses, and a 6-month to 1-year timeline to establish the program. The committee then took up House Bill 1965, which would require health carriers to spend at least 6% of total medical expenditures on primary care providers. The Insurance Division said several provisions raise technical and legal concerns, including the premium freeze, the medical loss ratio language, the lack of an existing external review process for downcoding claims, and a new mandate for medically necessary inter-island transportation that could trigger an ACA defrayal. The Department of Human Services supported the intent but suggested broader language to include primary care supports and services, and noted that QUEST integration plans already invested at least 9% of total medical expenditures in primary care in 2024, with additional spending on supports and low-value care reductions. State health planning officials strongly supported the bill as an investment in primary care, saying it could improve outcomes and lower long-term costs, though they acknowledged a possible temporary premium increase during the transition. Testimony in support emphasized Hawaii’s physician shortage, especially on Maui, the Big Island, and other neighbor islands, and warned that clinics are under financial strain and may close without higher primary care reimbursement. The Hawaii Healthcare Task Force, AARP Hawaii, and other supporters said the bill would help retain providers, improve access for Medicare and Medicaid patients, and prevent downstream costs from emergency room use and avoidable hospitalizations. No votes or final committee action were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I make a motion that we accept all of those minutes for those dates as written.
• The way I see that this is written is one individual could say, 'Well, I don't like the rules, so I'm
• I think you've created a much bigger problem the way it's currently written with future developments
• And secondly, if they sell it, does that completely annihilate that agreement? Senator Taves.
• Does that completely annihilate that agreement? Senator Taves. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee: House Business

Transcript Highlights:

• Our students are tasked with passing six written and practical exams, as well as completing a minimum
• The bill is very well-fleshed out and well-written, and the animals need to...
• The bill is very well-written, and animals need to... Thank you. Thank you for being with us.
• We support the spirit of this law, but the way it is written is not appropriate.
• I'm testifying in opposition to Senate Bill 6138, the way it is written today.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 5899, which would create a chiropractic license endorsement allowing qualified chiropractors to perform chiropractic diagnosis and adjustments on non-human animals. The sponsor described it as a complementary tool to veterinary care, especially in rural areas with limited access to veterinarians. Testimony was mixed: supporters said the bill would expand access to animal chiropractic with training, certification, and veterinary referral to non-chiropractic issues, while opponents from the veterinary community warned about animal and public safety, disease detection, and the lack of a required veterinary referral. The hearing on SB 5899 was suspended and later reopened; testimony concluded with strong support from animal chiropractic practitioners and opposition from veterinarians, and the committee noted 57 signed in pro, 4 con, and 1 other. The committee then held a work session on dental workforce shortages. Presenters from the CORA Foundation, the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies, tribal dental programs, and the Washington State Dental Association described major access gaps, especially for Apple Health enrollees, rural communities, and communities of color. They highlighted low preventive-care utilization, high rates of untreated decay, workforce vacancies for hygienists and assistants, and the value of career ladders such as community health aides and proposed oral preventive assistants. Several speakers emphasized that training pathways, retention, and sustained Medicaid reimbursement are key to improving access and keeping providers in the system. Senate Bill 6138, requiring a multi-provider system for dental procedures performed under deep sedation, drew testimony centered on patient safety after recent deaths in dental settings. The sponsor said the bill responds to a pattern of tragic incidents and would ensure one person is dedicated to monitoring sedation. Supporters from anesthesiology and some oral surgery groups backed stronger monitoring requirements, while oral surgeons and dental representatives argued the current rules already require multiple trained personnel and that the bill could reduce access and increase costs, especially in rural and Medicaid-serving practices. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6072, which would update veterinarian-client-patient relationship rules to allow telemedicine-based relationships and limited telehealth services; animal welfare and veterinary telehealth advocates supported it as an access-to-care measure, while the veterinary association sought clearer guardrails and federal-law language. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 6094 on pediatric transitional care services, which would create a Medicaid payment pathway and related program changes for residential care for substance-exposed infants; supporters said the model helps infants and parents, improves outcomes, and is financially unsustainable under current funding, and the hearing began with testimony in favor before time expired.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think there's a lot of agreement there.
• Start by interrogating and revising the very processes by which laws are written.
• Start by interrogating and revising the very processes by which laws are written so that they are more
• Start by interrogating and revising the very processes by which laws are written.
• Start by interrogating and revising the very processes by which laws are written so that they are more

Transcript Highlights:

• It requires school districts to written.
• ,</c> education, tuition agreements, education, tuition agreements, eligibility,<02:15:36.400><c> transportation
• ,</c> Under the statute as it is now written, Under the statute as it is now written, the<04:32:48.400
• </c> Yet the law as it is currently written Yet the law as it is currently written would<04:33:30.801
• </c> The way the law is currently written The way the law is currently written creates<04:33:53.840><

Transcript Highlights:

• SB 299, as written, amends a portion of SB 131 from last year's bill.
• Recently, our office also received written joint technical assistance from CalEPA, DTSC, and the State
• We now believe we have the agreement because of the TA from the administration.
• We now believe we have the agreement because of the TA from the administration of DTSC, CalEPA, the Water

Summary: The Senate Committee on Environmental Quality heard four bills focused on environmental regulation and public health. SB 299 by Senator Cabaldon would extend a CEQA exemption to child care facilities in residential zones, with committee amendments adding guardrails to exclude sites on natural/protected lands and within 3,200 feet of oil wells or refineries. Support came from child care, planning, local government, and county groups, while one wildlife/plant organization opposed. Members emphasized the need for more child care access and noted the bill was a narrow fix to last year’s CEQA legislation. The committee later voted the bill out on a 7-0 vote. SB 58 by Senator Padilla would update California’s hydrogen sulfide standards and response framework, citing outdated rules and monitoring gaps in the Tijuana River Valley and Salton Sea areas. Testimony from UCLA and community advocates described health impacts and undercounted exceedances, while air district representatives and business interests raised concerns about the scope and timing of the proposal. The committee accepted amendments and advanced the bill on a 7-0 vote. SB 811 by Senator Caballero would establish a regulatory framework for metal shredding facilities, clarifying DTSC enforcement authority and incorporating prior negotiated environmental justice and fire-safety amendments. Supporters included the recycling industry and labor groups; opponents from community, environmental, and local government organizations argued the bill was too deregulatory and did not adequately protect nearby communities. The bill passed 5-0. SB 501 by Senator Allen would expand the state’s battery extended producer responsibility program to include medium-format batteries such as those used in e-bikes and portable power systems. Supporters said the change would improve collection, reduce fire risks, and shift disposal costs from local governments to producers; one battery recycler expressed interest in working on implementation details. The bill was amended and advanced on a 5-2 vote. After quorum was established and votes were taken on call, all four bills were reported out of committee and the hearing adjourned.