Transcript Highlights:

• Please fill out the appropriate card and indicate if you wish to speak and submit it to the sergeant

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on Wednesday, April 22, with a quorum present and heard several bills. HB 1195, relating to the Louisiana State Athletic Commission, was amended with technical changes and a fee-related amendment tied to student athlete agents, then reported favorably. Members asked about criminal penalties and whether the bill would affect prison athletic events; the author said he would follow up on those questions. HB 798, the Broadband and Cable Price Notice Act, was amended to clarify definitions, federal compliance, notice requirements, and severability, then reported favorably after extensive debate over whether providers already give adequate notice, whether a separate notice is necessary, and whether the bill would be preempted by federal law. Charter Communications testified in opposition, saying the bill was duplicative and would add costs, while the author argued it was needed to ensure clear, conspicuous notice of price increases and cancellation rights.

Transcript Highlights:

• Madam President, I move that further proceedings under the roll call be dispensed with and that the Sergeant-at-Arms

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened under call, established a quorum, and heard a prayer and pledge. The main legislative business was House amendments to Senate File 2511, the liquor bill authorizing various municipalities to issue liquor licenses. Senators described it as a bipartisan “one-off” liquor bill with local provisions, including a St. Louis Park food hall license, Minneapolis food hall licenses, a Rochester Chateau Theater provision, expanded University of Minnesota liquor licensing flexibility, Brainerd’s Northern Pacific Center license, seasonal resort licensing, and a care-facility “granny happy hour” provision. Senator Wesenberg asked about a proposed 17-year-old server provision, and Senator Klein said it had been dropped and was never part of the Senate language. The Senate concurred in the House amendments to SF 2511, advanced it to third reading, and passed it on final passage by a vote of 56 ayes to 10 nays. The chamber also adopted committee reports, took up a confirmation calendar item, and unanimously confirmed Joseph Sullivan to another six-year term on the Public Utilities Commission after Senator Frentz reported unanimous committee support and cited broad stakeholder backing. On special orders, the Senate passed House File 3741, which modernizes educational assistance for children and spouses of prisoners of war and deceased veterans by moving coverage under the Minnesota GI Bill and increasing the benefit to $750; it passed 66-0. The Senate also passed Senate File 3622, a 97-page technical and conforming update to the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act. Senator Kroon highlighted changes for small common-interest communities, insurance responsibility in mixed-use buildings, buyer disclosure, court-rule alignment, and lien priority definitions. An A2 amendment delayed the effective date of a separate 308C cooperative housing rewrite for one year to allow more consumer-protection work; after discussion involving Senators Kroon, Dibble, and Westrom, the amendment was adopted, and SF 3622 then passed 67-0. The Senate later adjourned until the following Wednesday.

Transcript Highlights:

• That will be the Orders, Sergeant-at-Arms, please escort the entourage to the floor.

Bills: HB3418, HB3985, HB3463, HB3002, HB4303, HB3919, HB3416, HB3417, HB3415, HB2206, HB3414, HB3265, HB3310, HB3413, HB4486, HB1219, SR39, SB1177, HB3298, HB2696, HB3941, HB3970, HB3264, HB3321, HB2650, HB3497, HB3980, HB3981, HB4421, HB3177, HB3322, HB3499, HB3500, HB3845, HB3742, HB3622, HB1250, HB2710, HB3831, HB4408, HB1002, HB3008, HB3086, HB3595, HB3678, HB4107, HB3695, HB3315, HB3590, HB3006, HB3151, HB2959, HB2398, HB3026, HB3467, HB4268, HB3372, HB2210, HB4359, HB4427

Keywords: public works, bidding procedures, construction contracts, transparency, public trust, electronic bidding, school districts, property rights, public nuisance, compensation claims, government enforcement, Oklahoma Safe Neighborhoods Act, municipal audit, state auditor, local government, financial transparency, gasoline tax allocations, counties, county officers, education

Transcript Highlights:

• The Sergeant at Arms will escort friends and family who are here to the floor after the members take

Bills: HB1576, HB2490, HB1546, HB1588

Keywords: HB1576, Hawaii film industry, DBEDT, BLNR, Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism, Board of Land and Natural Resources, film permits, motion picture production, television production, commercial filming, digital media tax credit, film production tax credit, public notice, transparency, state lands, film studio, land set-aside, revocable permit, memorandum of agreement, memorandum of understanding

Transcript Highlights:

• Sergeant Abso, please secure the chamber doors. Members, please take your seats.

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Thursday, February 19, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Maryland Senate convened with an invocation by Rabbi David Hland, followed by a series of introductions and recognitions for visiting groups and guests, including Delta Sigma Theta members for Delta Day in Annapolis, Towson High School students, the Maryland Pharmacy Coalition, interns, and other visitors. The Senate adopted a resolution honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Maryland chapters for service, scholarship, sisterhood, and social action, and also journalized the rabbi’s invocation. Several committee and delegation announcements were made, including upcoming bill hearings and voting sessions. On legislation, the chamber handled a number of special-order and third-reading bills. Senate Bill 56 and Senate Bill 99 were both delayed for further amendment work, with SB 99 ultimately amended and ordered printed for third reading. The Senate also received and referred a bond initiative and heard an executive nominations report, with the nominations set for consideration in open session at a later time. During third reading, the Senate passed numerous bills, including measures on mail and service animal program disqualifications, police promotion pay restrictions, counterfeit lease penalties, Motor Vehicle Administration identification card requirements, environmental health specialist board sunset extension, used vehicle bill of sale requirements, collective bargaining for ATC cannabis police officers, transfer-on-death designations for vehicles and vessels, heavy-weight port corridor permits, controllable electronic records, lead paint abatement bonding and insurance, civic excellence in public schools, child pornography penalties, cemetery sale/transfer requirements, tobacco licenses for electronic smoking devices, legal services board membership, Baltimore County Public Library supervisory bargaining, money transmitter definitions, scalp cooling insurance coverage, prosthesis and orthosis coverage, elevator inspection database access, tax increment financing in noncontiguous areas, professional liability disclosure for certain care facilities and midwives, immunity for donation of pet supplies, massage therapy board revisions, and others. One bill drew floor debate: Senate Bill 82, which would increase penalties for counterfeit lease of real property, was opposed by a senator who argued it would disproportionately impact renters and conflict with justice reform goals. Despite that objection, the bill passed. The Senate also changed one recorded vote on Senate Bill 252 from red to green by unanimous consent. Overall, the session was marked by routine passage of a large slate of bills, a few postponements for amendment negotiation, and several ceremonial recognitions and announcements.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require any accommodation, please speak with our sergeant staff.

Keywords: 1183, house

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• Our sergeant has a microphone for you, and we are going to keep comments to a maximum of one minute per

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• to speak before the committee should fill out an appearance card and give it to a member of the sergeant

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Anyone wishing to speak before the committee feel out an appearance card and it to one of the sergeants

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• responsible for preserving order and decorum during committee meetings, and the chair may ask the sergeant

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• There's no Sergeant, there's no controller; there is nothing to direct until the House is organized.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: House DFL leaders announced that they had reached a power-sharing agreement with Republicans to organize the Minnesota House and begin the session. They said the deal seats Rep. Brad Tabke, sends election contests to the Ethics Committee, requires 68 votes to create a vacancy, and provides for Republican committee chairs while moving to co-chairs and equal membership once the chamber is tied. They also said the agreement includes limits on the speakership, shared control of rules and conference committees, and a GOP chair for the Oversight Committee; members were to be present in the chamber that day to establish a quorum, with committees starting work Monday. Leaders framed the agreement as protecting the will of voters in Shakopee and statewide, and said Democrats had denied quorum to stop what they described as an attempted Republican power grab. They said the deal was essentially the same as an earlier offer, including conceding the speakership, and thanked negotiators from both parties. In response to questions, they said the breakthrough came after the Minnesota Supreme Court’s quorum ruling and that Republicans had not been ready to seat Tabke or share power before then. During the question-and-answer portion, leaders described the agreement as constraining the speaker’s powers, requiring bipartisan support for bills leaving committee and for floor action, and limiting unilateral procedural control. They said the arrangement would force both sides to be present and negotiate, with no bill reaching the floor without bipartisan cooperation. They also said the House would proceed that afternoon with the election of Speaker Lisa Demuth, followed by implementation of the power-sharing agreement, and that they expected the session to move forward under the new framework.

Transcript Highlights:

• This marks the second time that the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment has participated in this iconic event
• <00:12:02.519> 1st<00:12:03.399> 2025<00:12:04.399> this<00:12:04.560> marks
• <00:12:05.000> the on January 1st 2025 this marks the on January 1st 2025 this marks the second
• He achieved the rank of Master Sergeant while attached to the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an all-Black
• If you decapitate the FBI, Americans will die, mark my words.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, February 7, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• or a three-hour session and then there would be a break, she could manage to get to that three-hour mark
• or a three-hour session and then there would be a break, she could manage to get to that three-hour mark
• um I I'm sure manage to get to that<03:16:56.720> three-hour that three-hour that three-hour Mark
• 17:00.080> very<03:17:00.279> much<03:17:00.439> for<03:17:00.600> your Mark
• okay thank you very much for your Mark okay thank you very much for your testimony<03:17:02.000>

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The meeting was an introductory organizational session for the House Legislative Administration Committee. Chair Greg Hill and Vice Chair Vanessa Sheen welcomed members, introduced the new clerk and committee staff, and described the committee as generally nonpartisan and focused on bills on their merits. They also noted that many bills are handled on a consent calendar after discussion, and that the committee often works closely with staff, House counsel, and the House clerk on procedural matters. A substantial portion of the meeting focused on committee operations and expectations: how committee reports should be prepared and submitted, the use of electronic submissions, scheduling hearings, and the need for clear bill placards at the witness table for livestream viewers. Members discussed the committee’s calendar, including a proposed conflict with the governor’s budget address, and ultimately settled on moving the remaining hearings to February 19. The chair also emphasized advance notice for absences or amendments, and said executive sessions can be scheduled as time allows under current rules. House Clerk Paul Smith testified about his role as a nonpartisan officer and said he would be providing informational testimony on a bill affecting a law he sponsored years ago, as well as on a forthcoming PSLF-related bill for legislators. He also spoke about legislative customs, precedents, and the value of parliamentary procedure. The chair concluded with guidance on decorum: arrive on time, avoid interruptions during testimony, keep food out of the room, use electronic devices discreetly, and route questions through the chair for clarification rather than debate.

Transcript Highlights:

• the existing statute, addresses peace officers only and, in the language with regard to vehicle markings
• And then the next paragraph: any lettering, marking, etc. identifying the vehicle as a law enforcement
• And then the next paragraph: any lettering, marking, etc. identifying the vehicle as a law enforcement
• And then the next paragraph: any lettering, marking, etc. identifying the vehicle as a law enforcement
• And then the next paragraph: any lettering, marking, etc. identifying the vehicle as a law enforcement

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Hello, Jennifer Grepe with Parent Voices California, and I ask the sergeant to hand this to you all.
• Mark Beckley, Chief Deputy Director of Operations for the Department of State Hospitals.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The subcommittee first heard May Revision items for child support, child care, and related human services. The Department of Child Support Services described two technical adjustments, which the LAO said raised no concerns. The Department of Social Services then walked through child care proposals, including a shift in how federal and Proposition 64 funding reductions would be absorbed, a 2.01% COLA, disaster-related child care infrastructure grants, an increase in in-contract administrative support costs for alternative payment agencies, reversion of prospective-pay implementation funding after a federal rule change, a one-time allocation to cover the first quarter of Cost of Care Plus payments in the next fiscal year, reappropriation for existing infrastructure grant closeout work, and estimates of unspent child care funds. The department also outlined trailer bill language on a single rate structure, site safety and emergency procedures, CalWORKs child care data sharing, and child care oversight. The LAO recommended that the Legislature seek more justification for shifting reductions from General Child Care to the Alternative Payment Program, noting that CAP reductions affect more slots and that General Child Care has had significant unspent funds. It supported removing prospective-pay funding, but recommended rejecting the administrative cost shift to a percentage-based rate because it could create future General Fund pressure. It also suggested the Legislature review alignment between the disaster grants and the child care infrastructure program. Senators and members pressed the administration on why the budget would reduce child care slots and COLA percentages while the state still has waitlists and unspent funds, and questioned the need for early funding of Cost of Care Plus payments and the move from a flat administrative amount to a percentage. Public commenters, including providers, advocates, county offices, and infrastructure partners, urged full COLA funding, preservation of child care slots, support for prospective pay, and continued investment in child care access and facilities. After a short recess, the committee moved to Part B on health and heard the Department of State Hospitals. DSH presented a May Revision budget of $3.2 billion and described proposals for a central utility plant replacement at Metropolitan State Hospital, an electronic health record implementation, reduced county bed billing authority due to phased-in LPS bed capacity, limited contract exemption authority for online clinical subscriptions, reversion of prior-year unspent operating funds, and a workforce development proposal shifting some costs to Behavioral Health Services Act funds, including support for an additional psychiatric training cohort at Napa. The department also outlined IST-related savings and a trailer bill to remove the sunset on the independent placement panel program.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you require any accommodation, please speak with our sergeant staff.
• situation, I don't know that this amendment really satisfies a well-intended amendment, but will miss the mark

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• If you need accommodation, please communicate with the sergeant staff.
• Greedy for-profit corporations have created a business model of fraud and made public programs their mark

Bills: HF1338

Keywords: Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, state oversight, government accountability, fraud, waste, abuse, audit, investigation, subpoena, whistleblower, public integrity, transparency, state agencies, executive branch, public funds, taxpayer funds, law enforcement oversight, public safety programs, advisory council

Transcript Highlights:

• And then Colton Taylor, if you could just get in the back there by the sergeant so you can get up.
• Let's see, Mark Anderson, Association Reserves, waves in support, and also the chief executive officer

Summary: The committee first took up CS/SB 1606 on patient access to records. Sponsor Senator Grall explained an amendment that aligned the bill more closely with HIPAA by defining “designated record set,” allowing a 14-day extension, and requiring records to be produced in the requested form if readily producible. Several senators asked about patient portals, legal representatives, and whether the bill applied post-mortem; Grall said the bill was limited to authorized access during the patient’s life. Testimony was largely opposed, with health information and provider groups warning that the bill could create cybersecurity risks, conflict with HIPAA and meaningful-use rules, burden facilities, and improperly broaden access to portals and sensitive records. Supporters argued it would improve patient access and speed. The amendment was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably by roll call vote after debate on the bill as amended. The committee then considered CS/SB 712 on construction regulations. Grall described provisions on synthetic turf, change orders, public works bidding, elevator rails, alarm contractor scope, tall mass timber, pool and spa contractor scope, spaceport exemptions, permit document limits, and solar/energy storage inspections. Two amendments were adopted: one removed pool and spa contractor language and delayed the change-order provision until July 1, 2025; the other removed the tall mass timber section. Pool contractors testified against the scope expansion in the original bill, while others supported the remaining provisions. Senators raised concerns about the Florida Building Commission process and how the public-works language might affect small-business participation, but the bill as amended was ultimately reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard CS/SB 1288 on parental rights. Grall said the bill would require parental consent for most minor health care decisions, allow parental access to records, restrict surveys/questionnaires, and limit use of biofeedback devices, while preserving certain exceptions such as emergency care and STD testing. An amendment clarified questionnaire opt-outs for K-12 students, added court-order exceptions, addressed DNA sampling for criminal investigations, refined biofeedback language, and added emergency behavioral health exceptions; it was adopted. The bill drew extensive testimony both for and against: supporters said it restored parental authority and protected children from decisions they are not equipped to make, while opponents argued it would endanger minors seeking confidential STI, mental health, or abuse-related care, especially in unsafe homes. Senators also debated whether the bill would conflict with existing laws and whether it could leave some minors untreated. The transcript ends during continued public testimony on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sergeant-at-arms has passed out a chart that I think we've created to help explain what the current

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 319, which would tighten and standardize voter identification rules at polling places. Senator Presley and Secretary of State Nancy Landry said the bill replaces the current “generally recognized” photo ID standard with a specific list of acceptable IDs, removes the affidavit-only option, and allows voters without a photo ID to cast a conditional paper ballot at the registrar of voters office or during early voting if they later provide approved documentation within two days after the election. Supporters argued the bill improves consistency, election integrity, and poll-worker guidance while still preserving access through alternative documents and free state IDs; opponents warned it could create confusion and burden seniors, students, homeless voters, and others without easy access to the required documents. After debate, the committee reported SB 319 favorably by a 7-2 vote. The committee then approved Senate Bill 202, which adds one day of compensated meeting time for parish boards of election supervisors in certain elections, and Senate Bill 25, which revises the compensation schedule for registrars of voters and related staff. SB 25 was amended to remove outdated step references and make conforming technical changes, and supporters said the pay structure has not been updated since 2007 despite increased duties and workload. The committee also adopted and reported favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution 29, creating a legislative study committee on water quality in the Chafalalaya Basin, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, creating a task force on illegal dumping, both with technical amendments. In addition, the committee advanced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which asks the legislative auditor to review how fiscal notes are prepared during session, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 33, which creates a work-based learning coordination task force to improve alignment among education, workforce, and employer partners. SCR 33 was amended to change the appointing authority for two members. The committee also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 5, establishing the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, and House Resolution 196, which creates a study committee on the impact of fallen trees on residential property and insurance issues. Several of these measures were supported by agency representatives or outside groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments where needed before reporting the bills and resolutions favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• you wish to give testimony, please fill out a witness card completely, sign it, and hand it to our sergeant

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 399 by Senator Bass, which would create the Louisiana Higher Education Research Security Council to review and potentially block certain gifts, contracts, academic partnerships, and research partnerships involving foreign adversary sources. Bass said the bill is intended to protect university research, intellectual property, and students from foreign influence, and would also require public disclosure of certain foreign-linked arrangements and a plan to eliminate foreign-adversary-linked software. Supporters from State Armor argued Louisiana universities have been vulnerable to Chinese Communist Party influence and intellectual property theft. Representatives from Tulane University and Lenovo raised concerns that the bill could create duplicative review, delay research, raise costs, and sweep in legitimate private or multinational entities; a proposed amendment to exempt entities operating under a CFIUS national security agreement failed 4-8. After debate, the committee moved SB 399 favorably. The committee then considered Senate Bill 310 by Senator Cloud, presented by Representative Carlson, which would require public school and college health centers to display information about pregnancy resources available in Louisiana. Supporters from Louisiana Right to Life said the bill would help connect pregnant students with existing state and private assistance programs, while the ACLU submitted a red card in opposition without speaking. The bill was moved favorably without objection. The committee also advanced House Resolution 171 by Representative Turner, which calls for a study of the workforce-oriented TOPS Tech and M.J. Foster programs, with business and workforce groups supporting the study as a way to measure outcomes and return on investment; it was moved favorably. Next, the committee took up House Bill 1084 by Representative Turner, a tuition autonomy bill for public post-secondary institutions. An amendment was adopted to add a conceptual framework for tuition-setting considerations, but the bill would still remove the existing 10% over two years cap and allow institutions to set tuition more freely. Turner argued universities need more flexibility because state funding has declined and campuses face deferred maintenance and operating pressures. Several members, especially Representative Carlson, warned that higher tuition could reduce access and that the bill did not address broader structural problems in higher education. Despite those concerns, HB 1084 was moved favorably by an 8-3 vote. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 351 by Senator Jackson Andrews, which would let families apply for child care assistance through CCAP once pregnancy is known, rather than waiting until after birth, to help move them up the waiting list. An amendment was adopted to have BESE, rather than the department, handle rulemaking and to allow the House and Senate education committees to approve the implementation process. The bill was then discussed as a way to help parents return to work sooner, and the hearing continued with questions from members.