Transcript Highlights:

• Additionally, I think, as an acknowledgment, across our entire state and all 64 parishes, jury trials
• Additionally, I think, as an acknowledgment, across our entire state and all 64 parishes, jury trials
• Additionally, I think as an acknowledgement, across our entire state and all 64 parishes, jury trials
• I come from a parish that's unitary. We don't have any municipalities.
• And thank God for Don Burke at the DA of Sabine Parish, who worked with a group called the Innocence

Bills: HCR50, HB123, HB219, HB251, HB404, HB769, HB1065, SB58, SB81, SB92, SB97, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB207, SB396, SB410

Keywords: electronic monitoring, GPS ankle monitor, ankle bracelet, pretrial release, post-conviction supervision, bail monitoring, house arrest, corrections, criminal justice, law enforcement, prosecuting authority, court reporting, provider registration, LCLE, Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice, data privacy, personal information, cybersecurity, confidentiality, monitoring violations

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 6, 2026, and first considered SB 396, which would allow children in Office of Juvenile Justice custody to attend review hearings by secure video conference. After adopting an amendment to clarify the in-person six-month review requirement and require OJJ staff to participate virtually as well, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 181, which creates a limited raffle license for nonprofit health care organizations and allows related entities within a health system to operate under one charitable gaming license; after adopting the amendment, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee next debated SB 81 and SB 97, companion measures dealing with waiver of jury trials in non-capital felony cases. Supporters, including the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, argued that requiring prosecutorial consent would align Louisiana with federal practice and many other states and would reduce abuse of jury-trial waivers. Opponents, including criminal defense lawyers, the ACLU, and Vote, argued the bills would shift power to the state, reduce defendants’ control over their mode of trial, and could worsen delays and pressure on jailed defendants. SB 81 and SB 97 both passed on divided roll-call votes, 7-3. The committee also reported SB 207 favorably, extending the prescriptive period for certain public corruption offenses to 10 years after an elected official or public employee leaves office; SB 92, requiring district attorneys to submit sexual assault kits to the statewide tracking system; SB 156, increasing the maximum penalty for negligent homicide, with a technical amendment; SB 58, imposing a mandatory minimum for aggravated flight from an officer and dedicating fine proceeds to pursuit training/technology; SB 141, moving the Integrated Criminal Justice Information System Policy Board to the Louisiana Supreme Court; and SB 410, creating enhanced penalties for accessories after the fact to sex offenses. Later, HB 769, dealing with a holding period for certain domestic violence-related offenders, was reported favorably as amended after debate over its relationship to existing “Gwen’s Law” procedures, and HB 251, requiring notice to victims or families in resentencing matters, was also reported favorably as amended after concerns about post-conviction procedure and possible duplication of existing notice requirements. The committee additionally voluntarily deferred HB 404 and heard HCR 50, which calls for reporting on opioid abatement and treatment programs in correctional facilities and clarification of funding guidance.

Transcript Highlights:

• But they ought to notify the secretary of state, who would then notify the board of registrars of the
• contact the registrar in the...
• Uh, who will contact the registrar in the county where that person was registered.
• Then they send it to the board of registrars in that particular county.
• Registrars. So, this process is already there.

Bills: HB265, HB146, SB254, HB202, HB3, HB42, SB18

Keywords: resisting arrest, penalties, criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, youthful offender, capital murder, victims' rights, immunity, civil liability, use of force, recruitment, illegal alien, enhanced sentencing, criminal offenses, minor victims, felonies, Alabama legislature, bail reform, cash deposit

Transcript Highlights:

• Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
• Registrar Recorder County Clerk.
• As stated, I'm Aaron Navarre's assistant registrar-recorder and county clerk in Los Angeles County.
• I am here on behalf of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the Registrar-Recorder/County
• As a former registrar of voters, I understand the challenges involved in finding voting locations and

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on March 26, 2025, adopted its 2025-26 committee rules, and approved a five-bill consent calendar. The committee then heard several election-related measures focused on transparency, accessibility, and election administration. AB 775 (Fong) would modernize behested payment reporting by extending filing deadlines, requiring direct filing with the FPPC in most cases, and improving online public access; the FPPC chair testified in strong support, and the bill drew no opposition. AB 287 (Lackey) would require vote centers and polling places to provide accessible parking and curbside voting accommodations for voters with disabilities; Los Angeles County election officials and Disability Rights California supported the bill, while LAUSD raised concerns about parking shortages and storage costs and requested amendments. AB 331 (Pellerin) would clarify that certification of election results is a ministerial duty, address misleading ballot return envelopes, and ensure voter information guides reach incarcerated voters in a usable format; the Attorney General’s office sponsored the bill, while the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the feasibility of a state takeover of county canvassing and said it was working on a solution with the author. The committee members generally supported the bills, emphasizing transparency, voter access, and election integrity. AB 775 and AB 287 both received favorable votes after brief discussion, with members noting the importance of transparency in campaign-related reporting and accessibility for voters with disabilities. AB 331 also passed, though the Secretary of State’s office flagged implementation concerns about the proposed certification backstop and the lack of state equipment and staff to canvass ballots. The chair indicated she would continue working with the Secretary of State and other stakeholders on amendments or a workable remedy. All items ultimately passed out of committee. AB 775 was approved 5-0 and re-referred to Appropriations, AB 287 passed 6-0, and AB 331 passed 6-0 and was re-referred to Public Safety. The committee also later confirmed the votes of absent members and adjourned after all agenda items were disposed of.

Transcript Highlights:

• meeting in Pineville for the specific purpose of hearing from residents and concerned citizens in Grant Parish
• in Central Louisiana about giant salvinia in... ...citizens in Grant Parish in Central Louisiana about
• giant salvinia in Ayat Lake in Grant Parish.

Bills: HCR54, HCR79, HCR87, HCR94, HCR104, HB1209

Keywords: migratory waterfowl, hunting regulations, flooded crops, wildlife management, environmental impact, hunting, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, deer hunting, dogs, conservation, hunting heritage, federal regulations, Senator Kennedy, wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, legislative support, environment, protective measures, boating safety

Summary: The Senate Natural Resources Committee met on March 27 with a quorum present, approved prior minutes, and then took up several resolutions and one bill related to wildlife, water resources, and conservation. H.C.R. 79, as amended, urged the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to work together to allow the use of dogs for hunting in Kisatchie National Forest; supporters described it as a traditional hunting practice that has been restricted for years and could benefit local hunters and businesses. H.C.R. 104, as amended, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and modernize the collection, retention, and access to subsurface data, with members emphasizing the need to avoid sharing company-specific information. H.C.R. 87 was reported favorably to support correspondence from U.S. Sen. Kennedy regarding duck flyway management, H.C.R. 54 was reported favorably to study the impact of flooded corn on migratory waterfowl and restore an enforcement mechanism related to hunting over intentionally flooded crops, and H.C.R. 94 was reported favorably to require annual boating safety reports to legislative committees. The committee then heard HB 1209, which would have paused new cooperative endeavor agreements for surface water withdrawals while allowing existing agreements to continue and be renewed through December 31, 2036. The author said the bill was intended to give the state time to develop a more comprehensive, data-driven surface water strategy and to address invasive species such as giant salvinia, which he said has severely affected waterways in his district. Members and witnesses acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, but there was concern that the bill was too complex to move quickly in the session. The committee discussed converting it into a study resolution instead, and the bill was deferred without objection. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• On page 12, Senate Bill number 48 by Senator Singleton and others regarding the Board of Registrars.
• Others regarding Boards of Registrars. They are pending. Senator Singleton, yes, they are pending.
• On the other side, the Board of Registrars Association wanted to be known that they...
• They appoint these registrars in your county. Are they full-time? They basically do this full-time.
• But I do know that they get this pay for doing the Board of Registrars work...

Bills: SJR 2, SB 4, SJR 36, SJR 2, SB 4, SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, SB 40, SJR 2, SB 4, SR 98, SJR 40, SJR 41, SJR 42, SJR 43, SJR 44, SJR 45, SJR 46, SJR 47, SCR 13, SB 6, SB 13, SB 21, SB 826, SB 827, SB 828, SB 829, SB 830, SB 831, SB 832, SB 833, SB 834, SB 835, SB 836, SB 837, SB 838, SB 839, SB 840, SB 841, SB 842, SB 843, SB 844, SB 845, SB 846, SB 847, SB 848, SB 849, SB 850, SB 851, SB 853, SB 854, SB 855, SB 856, SB 857, SB 858, SB 859, SB 860, SB 861, SB 862, SB 863, SB 864, SB 865, SB 866, SB 867, SB 868, SB 869, SB 870, SB 871, SB 872, SB 873, SB 874, SB 875, SB 876, SB 877, SB 878, SB 879, SB 880, SB 881, SB 882, SB 883, SB 884, SB 885, SB 886, SB 887, SB 888, SB 889, SB 890, SB 891, SB 892, SB 893, SB 894, SB 895, SB 896, SB 897, SB 898, SB 899, SB 900, SB 901, SB 902, SB 903, SB 904, SB 905, SB 906, SB 907, SB 908, SB 909, SB 910, SB 911, SB 912, SB 913, SB 914, SB 915, SB 916, SB 917, SB 918, SB 919, SB 920, SB 921, SB 922, SB 923, SB 924, SB 925, SB 926, SB 927, SB 928, SB 929, SB 930, SB 931, SB 932, SB 933, SB 934, SB 935, SB 936, SB 937, SB 938, SB 939, SB 940, SB 941, SB 942, SB 943, SB 944, SB 945, SB 946, SB 947, SB 948, SB 949, SB 950, SB 951, SB 952, SB 953, SB 954, SB 955, SB 956, SB 957, SB 958, SB 959, SB 960, SB 961, SB 962, SB 963, SB 964, SB 965, SB 966, SB 967, SB 968, SB 969, SB 970, SB 971, SB 972, SB 973, SB 974, SB 975, SB 976, SB 977, SB 978, SB 979, SB 980, SB 981, SB 982, SB 983, SB 984, SB 985, SB 986, SB 987, SB 988, SB 989, SB 990, SB 991, SB 992, SB 993, SB 994, SB 995, SB 996, SB 997, SB 998, SB 999, SB 1000, SJR 40, SJR 41, SJR 42, SJR 43, SJR 44, SJR 45, SJR 46, SJR 47, SCR 13, SB 6, SB 13, SB 21, SB 826, SB 827, SB 828, SB 829, SB 830, SB 831, SB 832, SB 833, SB 834, SB 835, SB 836, SB 837, SB 838, SB 839, SB 840, SB 841, SB 842, SB 843, SB 844, SB 845, SB 846, SB 847, SB 848, SB 849, SB 850, SB 851, SB 853, SB 854, SB 855, SB 856, SB 857, SB 858, SB 859, SB 860, SB 861, SB 862, SB 863, SB 864, SB 865, SB 866, SB 867, SB 868, SB 869, SB 870, SB 871, SB 872, SB 873, SB 874, SB 875, SB 876, SB 877, SB 878, SB 879, SB 880, SB 881, SB 882, SB 883, SB 884, SB 885, SB 886, SB 887, SB 888, SB 889, SB 890, SB 891, SB 892, SB 893, SB 894, SB 895, SB 896, SB 897, SB 898, SB 899, SB 900, SB 901, SB 902, SB 903, SB 904, SB 905, SB 906, SB 907, SB 908, SB 909, SB 910, SB 911, SB 912, SB 913, SB 914, SB 915, SB 916, SB 917, SB 918, SB 919, SB 920, SB 921, SB 922, SB 923, SB 924, SB 925, SB 926, SB 927, SB 928, SB 929, SB 930, SB 931, SB 932, SB 933, SB 934, SB 935, SB 936, SB 937, SB 938, SB 939, SB 940, SB 941, SB 942, SB 943, SB 944, SB 945, SB 946, SB 947, SB 948, SB 949, SB 950, SB 951, SB 952, SB 953, SB 954, SB 955, SB 956, SB 957, SB 958, SB 959, SB 960, SB 961, SB 962, SB 963, SB 964, SB 965, SB 966, SB 967, SB 968, SB 969, SB 970, SB 971, SB 972, SB 973, SB 974, SB 975, SB 976, SB 977, SB 978, SB 979, SB 980, SB 981, SB 982, SB 983, SB 984, SB 985, SB 986, SB 987, SB 988, SB 989, SB 990, SB 991, SB 992, SB 993, SB 994, SB 995, SB 996, SB 997, SB 998, SB 999, SB 1000

Keywords: SJR 2, Senate Joint Resolution 2, constitutional amendment, homestead exemption, property tax relief, school property tax, ad valorem tax, residence homestead, school district taxes, Texas Constitution Article VIII, public school finance, homeowner exemption, elderly exemption, senior tax relief, disabled exemption, tax year 2025, voter approval, November 2025 ballot, local government, Ways & Means

Transcript Highlights:

• economic assets, infrastructure, capacity, workforce, resources, and development opportunities in rural parishes
• sales taxes and other mandated charges that are outside the control of businesses and often vary parish
• to parish and sometimes even within the same parish depending on local taxing districts.
• We provide no-cost eviction defense services to residents of Orleans Parish and foreclosure prevention
• Currently, building codes and enforcement vary across parishes, which creates confusion and unpredictability

Bills: HCR66, HB387, HB617, HB797, HB950, HB975, HB1186, HB1222, HB1223, HB1228, HB1256

Keywords: economic development, rural communities, infrastructure, workforce training, Louisiana Economic Development, engineering, land surveying, construction, state fire marshal, plan review, hidden fees, junk fees, drip pricing, price transparency, mandatory fees, surcharges, consumer protection, unfair trade practices, advertising disclosures, total price

Summary: The Senate Commerce Committee met on April 20, approved the prior meeting minutes, and then heard a series of bills and resolutions. It first advanced H. CR 66, which directs Louisiana Economic Development, working with the Governor’s Office of Rural Development, to study rural parish economic assets, infrastructure, workforce, and development opportunities. The committee also moved HB 387, a clarification allowing the fire marshal to review architectural and engineering plans equally, and HB 1223, which seeks to promote clinical trials in Louisiana by having LED market the state’s research capacity and by adjusting internal review board procedures. HB 1228, a cleanup bill for hearing aid dealers that updates definitions, contracts, testing periods, licensing, and related requirements, was also reported favorably, as was HB 950, which would create an elderly consumer perception program through the Office of Elderly Affairs to help seniors recognize scams and fraud. The committee spent the most time on HB 617, a broad “hidden fees” consumer transparency bill. The author and supporters said it would require mandatory fees to be included in upfront pricing so consumers can make informed choices, while opponents from grocery, restaurant, hotel, housing, retail, and business groups argued the bill was vague, overly broad, and likely to create compliance burdens and litigation risk. Housing advocates objected to the bill’s housing exemption, warning it could weaken renters’ ability to bring claims over undisclosed fees. After extensive debate over variable pricing, sales taxes, enforcement, and the scope of the bill, Senator Morris moved to defer HB 617, and the committee agreed without objection. The committee also heard HB 797, which would create a “Bayou Gold” certification program for certain gold vendors and transactional gold products. The sponsor said the program would encourage vendors to keep gold insured, segregated, and closer to Louisiana consumers, with the Treasury administering the certification through participant fees. Several senators and an outside witness raised concerns that the state seal could be mistaken for an endorsement, could create liability or consumer confusion, and would favor a narrow set of vendors. Despite opposition, the committee reported HB 797 favorably, with members noting it still had to go to Finance. Later, the committee advanced HB 1186, which would create a more uniform statewide building code and licensing system for inspectors, add disciplinary authority, and impose a small permit fee to support the program, and HB 1222, which would let LED develop a grocery initiative to address food deserts and food insecurity. The meeting concluded with the committee hearing HB 1256 on abandoned digital assets, which would require dormant digital assets to be held in original form for three years so owners can reclaim them.

Transcript Highlights:

• It still can be a venue if the public official is in East Baton Rouge Parish.”
• No, none of your constituents said that they had issues with removing someone in your parish and asked
• And so if it's in your neighboring parish and you just think that they're both in cahoots, well, you
• It meant coordination between the 19th JDC and our clerk's office in East Baton Rouge Parish.
• Currently, building codes and enforcement vary across parishes, which creates confusion and unpredictability

Bills: HR9, HB709, HB1011, HB1057, HB1186, HB1245, HB1247, SB49, SB425, SB479

Keywords: human rights, individual liberties, Magna Carta, constitutionalism, free speech, Uniform Construction Code, building code, construction code, inspector licensing, building inspectors, plans examiners, public inspector, private inspector, private inspector company, building official, code enforcement, Louisiana Uniform Construction Code Commission, state fire marshal, International Building Code, International Residential Code

Transcript Highlights:

• than 600,000 voted ballots from last year's special election on Prop. 50 from the Riverside County Registrar
• In response, Senate Bill 73 made it a felony to remove voted ballots from the custody of county registrars
• and also provided the state, the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and relevant county registrars
• with a civil remedy against the seizure of those voted ballots from county registrar.
• It would also provide the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, and other relevant county registrars

Summary: The Assembly Elections Committee met on July 1, 2026, heard a full agenda of election-related measures, and took final votes on several bills and one resolution. The committee also adopted two consent items, SB 1429 and SB 1430, without opposition. Members and the chair repeatedly noted committee membership changes and the final meeting of the session, and the chair emphasized the committee’s focus on protecting democracy and election integrity. Among the bills heard, SB 1369 would shorten the signature-gathering period for judicial recalls in larger counties and require paid gatherers to disclose they are compensated; supporters argued it would protect judicial independence, while the chair and some members noted the need to balance recall rights with county differences. SB 900 would reformat campaign disclosure language on large print ads and billboards to improve readability while preserving transparency, with broad support from outdoor advertising, clean money, and good-government groups. SJR 18, which condemns Citizens United and urges action against corporate spending in elections, drew support from reform advocates but also concerns about the resolution’s focus and scope; it was advanced on a party-line split with some members voting no. The committee also advanced SB 1164, a major voting-rights measure expanding California protections against vote dilution and voter suppression, adding preclearance-style review for some jurisdictions, and directing courts to interpret election laws in favor of voting access. Local government representatives opposed it unless amended, citing uncertainty, loss of safe-harbor protections, and implementation concerns, while civil-rights and labor groups strongly supported it. SB 1360, which expands language-access requirements for voters with limited English proficiency and lowers coverage thresholds, was supported by voting-rights and immigrant-advocacy groups but opposed by elections officials unless amended; the committee acknowledged the need for further work on county-level implementation and data standards. The committee also approved SB 1418, which extends protections against seizure of election records and voting systems beyond voted ballots, and SB 884, which creates a buffer zone around polling places and vote-by-mail drop locations to prevent interference with voting and ballot custody, though sheriffs and police groups opposed the arrest restrictions. SB 46, which would give the Secretary of State clearer authority to remove constitutionally ineligible presidential and vice-presidential candidates from the ballot, and SB 715, which moves candidate ballot-designation challenge deadlines earlier, also advanced. Most measures were sent to Appropriations or otherwise held on call for absent members, and the meeting ended with final roll calls and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• Maryland day of March 25th, 2026, we are very pleased to have Father Frank Crumble III of Christ Church Parish
• He's also, obviously, the rector at the Christ Church Parish in Stevensville on Kent Island.
• 00:02:28.040> the<00:02:28.640> Christ<00:02:28.960> Church<00:02:29.240> Parish
• <00:02:29.800> in<00:02:30.080> in rector at the Christ Church Parish in in rector
• at the Christ Church Parish in in Stevensville<00:02:30.960> on<00:02:31.120> Kent<00:02

Keywords: Senate streaming session for Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 960, senate, all

Summary: The Senate convened on March 25, 2026, with an invocation by Father Frank Crumble III, who was introduced as the guest of the Senator from the 36th District. The chamber also recognized several guests and groups, including leaders from Cherry Hill on the occasion of the community’s 80th anniversary, Doctor of the Day Maryam Diallo, the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, students from Andrew Jackson Academy, and several women honored for Women’s History Month. Additional recognitions included the Greater Baltimore Committee, Boy Scouts, Tarbiyah Academy, and a Senate intern. The main floor action was a special resolution congratulating the Cherry Hill community on the 80th anniversary of Cherry Hill Homes, a purpose-built community for African Americans returning from World War II. Senators spoke about Cherry Hill’s history, resilience, and recent community investments such as new schools and a recreation center. The resolution was read in full and adopted unanimously. Senate Bill 890, concerning an insurance premium tax receipts exemption for captive insurance procured by nonprofit hospitals and health care systems, was special ordered for another day at the sponsor’s request. The Senate also took up Senate Bill 283, the Maryland Consolidated Capital Bond Loan of 2026. After brief remarks praising the committee’s work and the statewide investment program, the bill passed third reading by unanimous vote. Committee and delegation announcements followed, including Finance, Triple E, and Judicial Proceedings holding House bill hearings at 1:00 p.m., and the Prince George’s County delegation meeting later that day. The Senate then remained in session long enough to confirm a quorum and adjourned until March 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• full-service registrars.
• It allows Circle Pines Deputy Registrar to become a full-service provider.
• It allows Circle Pines Deputy Registrar to become a full-service provider.
• I've been involved with the deputy registrars for nine years.
• I've been involved with the deputy registrars for nine years.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Other funding from the Revenue Stabilization Fund focuses on initiatives at the local government and parish
• The distributions for each parish for fiscal year 2027 can be found on pages 43 through 43.
• distributed to local entities proportionally based on population and the number of homesteads within a parish

Bills: HB1, HB2, HB3, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3

Keywords: state budget, appropriations, education funding, public health, social services, government operations, state institutions, capital outlay, budget, infrastructure, appropriation, general obligation bonds, bond authorization, capital improvement, financial management, state treasury, funding, state general fund, local government, fiscal year

Transcript Highlights:

• involving the same piece of property, and jurisdiction and venue is all, if they all died in the same parish
• , and they all own immovable property in that parish, and they domiciled in that parish, then the venue
• As long as you have, you know, if the person was domiciled, and the same parish, all of the things that

Summary: The Civil Law Committee met on May 5, 2026, and first considered House Bill 165 by Representative Abear, a constitutional amendment to dedicate $500,000 annually from lottery proceeds to a veterans service grant fund. The committee adopted a technical amendment removing “up to,” approved the 6.8A report, and reported the bill with amendments without objection. The committee then heard Senate Bill 185 by Senator Presley, which would make nondisclosure agreements in civil settlements involving child sexual abuse victims against public policy and unenforceable. Senator Presley and Elizabeth Phillips testified in support, describing the bill as part of the “Trey’s Law” movement to prevent survivors from being silenced. Additional supportive testimony came from Gillian Edwards Coburn, and committee members discussed how NDAs work in civil cases and the need to protect children’s ability to speak. The bill was reported favorably without objection. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 77 by Senator Miller, a Law Institute measure on the effects of leases of movable property. Testimony explained that the bill is intended to protect good-faith lessees of items such as heavy equipment when a merchant leasing the property lacks authority to do so. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee also heard Senate Bill 140 by Senator Miller, which clarifies that multiple successions may be handled in the same proceeding when jurisdiction is proper. Members discussed the cost and efficiency benefits for families, and the bill was reported favorably without objection. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 603 by Representative Wright, a constitutional amendment authorizing state investment in digital assets and precious metals. Members questioned whether the language could include Bitcoin and how such investments would be monitored, with the sponsor saying implementation would be handled later by statute and public officials. The committee adopted the 6.8A report and then voted 5-3 to report the bill favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• For committee today, we have Jeff Fleetham, who is a former registrar of contractors.
• For committee today, we have Jeff Fleetham, who is a former registrar of contractors.
• I am a past director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, 15 years with the registrar—seven as an
• I am a past director of the Arizona Registrar Contractors 15 years with the registrar.
• Well, firstly, the Registrar only has two years' jurisdiction on workmanship.

Bills: SB1041, SB1363, SB1418, SB1419, SB1445, SB1447, SB1488, SB1519, SB1523, SB1560, SB1580

Keywords: electronic monitoring, nursing care, assisted living, resident rights, privacy, consent, surveillance, marijuana, rural opportunity, dispensary, economic development, licensing, social equity, unserved communities, Arizona, small modular reactors, energy regulation, environmental compatibility, utility construction, agricultural use

Summary: The committee took up several appropriations and policy bills, beginning with SB 1488, which would provide $600,000 for a workforce development study on coal-impacted communities in northern Arizona, including areas affected by the closure of the Navajo Generating Station. The sponsor and supporters said the study is intended to help communities transition economically, diversify, and support new jobs; the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1523, appropriating $340,000 to the Navajo Nation for the Ganado waterline pipeline project, was also advanced after testimony that the project would bring clean drinking water to about 235 homes and that the remaining funding gap had been reduced to the requested amount; it passed 7-0 with one member not voting. The committee then approved SB 1041, which would appropriate $500,000 to the Arizona Trail Fund. Supporters described the Arizona Trail as a statewide recreational and cultural asset that needs maintenance and continued support, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 7-0 vote. SB 1445, which would allow smaller cities and towns to use approved on-site bacteriological testing equipment and limit how often ADEQ may require sampling, drew concern from one member about whether the language could be read as restricting sampling during discharge events, but supporters said it would save small towns money; it passed 5-3. Members also advanced SB 1580, a $2.545 million appropriation for fire incident management software and hardware for fire and law enforcement agencies. Fire officials said the platform would improve accountability, information sharing, drone integration, and interoperability during incidents; the bill passed 5-3. SB 1363, which would create additional rural dispensary licensing opportunities for underserved areas, drew support from rural advocates and opposition from the dispensary industry over the number of licenses and transferability language; it passed 8-0. SB 1418, which would streamline siting for small modular nuclear reactors in certain counties, was supported by proponents who argued it would help Arizona meet future energy demand and opposed by counties and environmental groups concerned about local zoning, public review, and waste; it passed 5-3. Finally, SB 1419, a rooftop solar consumer-protection bill requiring added disclosures and inspections, was supported by county officials and some consumer advocates but opposed by solar industry representatives and environmental groups who said it could discourage rooftop solar and restrict speech; it passed 6-2. The committee then began hearing SB 1447, which would extend the groundwater withdrawal fee moratorium and related fund deadlines for Pinal County water projects, with supporters saying the extension is needed to continue well rehabilitation and infrastructure work after Colorado River and CAP-related cuts.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with all 68 parishes.
• So it isolates it to one parish.
• And specifically, we talk about in Morehouse Parish.
• All right, members, it's specific to the hospital in Morehouse Parish.
• It's specific to the hospital in Morehouse Parish.

Bills: HR174, HR194, HCR98, SB39, SB124, SB190, SB236, SB270, SB273, SB359, SB415, SB426, SB437, SB451

Keywords: fenbendazole, cancer treatment, public health, FDA, clinical trials, patient safety, visual acuity, student health, de-identified data, longitudinal analysis, education policy, SNAP, food stamps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, grocery delivery, delivery fees, service charges, online grocery, food access, food insecurity

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 12 and first reported HCR 98 favorably without objection. The resolution asks the Louisiana Department of Health to study whether SNAP benefits could be used to pay grocery delivery fees and related costs, especially for elderly and mobility-limited recipients. The author said the measure would not change SNAP rules, only request a study, and LDH was not opposed. The committee then advanced several Senate bills. SB 273, on hospice care in inpatient licensed facilities, was amended and reported favorably; the bill requires documentation of hydration, nutrition, and care decisions and clarifies facility responsibility when multiple providers are involved. SB 415, creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program, was amended and reported favorably; the author described it as a privately funded, charity-run food card program for people in need, with LDH to develop rules. SB 437, a cleanup bill on judicially referred residential substance abuse treatment facilities, was reported favorably, with LDH explaining that facilities providing treatment must be licensed and surveyed. The committee also approved SB 451 on newborn hearing screenings, which updates terminology and expands reporting requirements to improve early detection and intervention for deaf or hard-of-hearing children. SB 426, modernizing the addictive disorder regulatory authority and creating a licensure pathway for peer support specialists, was reported favorably with amendments after testimony from behavioral health providers and training organizations. SB 236 on annual LDH reviews of kidney disease treatment in Medicaid, SB 39 creating provisional licenses for massage therapist graduates, SB 190 tightening oversight of nursing facilities in the CMS Special Focus Facility Program, and SB 124 allowing peer review sharing within a health system were all reported favorably, most with technical amendments. The committee also reported favorably HR 174 urging study of fenbendazole for cancer, SB 270 allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in health care facilities, SB 359 changing terms for a Morehouse Parish hospital district board, and HR 194 requesting de-identified school visual acuity screening data for researchers. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• We work with all 68 parishes.
• We work with all 68 parishes.
• And specifically, we talk about in Morehouse Parish.
• All right, members, it's specific to hospital and Morehouse Parish.
• It's specific to hospital and Morehouse Parish. So I will make a motion to report SB 359 favorable.

Summary: The House Committee on Health and Welfare met on May 12 and considered a wide range of health, social services, and licensing measures. Early in the meeting, the committee reported favorably HCR 98, which asks the Louisiana Department of Health to study whether SNAP recipients should be allowed to use benefits for grocery delivery fees. The author said the proposal would not change SNAP rules directly, but would examine access issues for elderly, disabled, rural, and transportation-limited residents. The committee also advanced SB 273, a hospice patient-protection bill requiring documentation of hydration, nutrition, and care decisions in inpatient licensed facilities where hospice is provided, with LDH oversight and enforcement authority; members discussed how responsibility is shared between facilities and outside hospice providers, and adopted technical amendments. The committee then approved SB 415, creating the Empower Louisiana Food Purchase Program, a privately funded charitable food-card program intended to let nonprofits distribute food-only cards to people in need. Members and the author discussed whether the cards would be reloadable, which retailers could accept them, and whether prepared foods could be included; LDH said the program could use all SNAP-authorized retailers, and the bill was reported favorably with amendments. SB 437, a cleanup bill for judicially referred residential substance abuse treatment facilities, was also reported favorably with amendments after LDH clarified that facilities providing treatment must be licensed, while residences only housing individuals would not be. SB 451, updating newborn hearing screening terminology and reporting requirements, was reported favorably after testimony that the bill would strengthen early detection and follow-up for deaf or hard-of-hearing children. Later, the committee advanced SB 426, which modernizes the addictive disorder regulatory authority and creates a formal peer support specialist licensing pathway. Supporters said the bill would strengthen the behavioral health workforce, improve accountability, and create a progression from peer support to higher credentials; the committee adopted technical and transition amendments and reported the bill favorably with amendments. SB 236, requiring LDH annual reviews and reports on kidney disease treatment services in Medicaid, was also reported favorably with amendments. Additional measures approved included SB 39, allowing provisional licenses for massage therapy graduates; SB 190, which tightens oversight of poor-performing nursing facilities in the CMS Special Focus Facility Program and sets an 18-month improvement timeline; SB 124, allowing hospitals within the same health system to share peer review records without waiving privilege; HR 174, urging study of fenbendazole as a possible cancer treatment; SB 270, allowing terminally ill patients to use medical marijuana in health care facilities; SB 359, changing terms for certain Morehouse Parish hospital district commissioners; and HR 194, requesting de-identified school visual acuity screening data for research. The committee adjourned after reporting all measures favorably, several with amendments.

Transcript Highlights:

• A voter registrar must send confirmation notice to a voter if they are eligible.
• If the registrar notices that the voter registration address is a commercial.
• Previously I've been a volunteer deputy registrar in Cameron County.
• That's the only thing, only way you can have the registrars do it.
• Vidalgo County, I've formerly been a volunteer deputy registrar in Cameron County.

Bills: SB16, SB76, SB310, SB311, SB396, SB505, SB827, SB964, SB1209, SB1210, SB1386, SB1470, SB2035, SJR37, SB 16

Keywords: voter registration, proof of citizenship, Election Code, criminal offenses, limited federal ballot, transportation, infrastructure, funding, public safety, state regulation, election, polling places, voter access, state oversight, electronic voting, voting, polling place, elections, countywide program, election integrity

Transcript Highlights:

• Parish, diocesan, and corporate subsidy would be the $36 million.
• Colangelo, could I ask you, you mentioned subsidies from the parishes, could you elaborate on that?
• Colangelo: Well, Jennifer speaks on behalf of Catholic schools, so subsidies in parishes is a very...
• So it might mean the construction of a new school, maybe in the same parish or an adjoining parish.
• But they do have a credit because the parish or the congregation that they tithe to also supports the

Bills: HB 3

Keywords: emergency communication, public safety, interoperability, Texas Interoperability Council, grant program, emergency communications, public safety radio, first responders, radio system, dispatch, 911, emergency management, Texas Division of Emergency Management, public safety infrastructure, Project 25, P25, broadband emergency alerting, outdoor warning sirens, homeland security, disaster response

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair, and Senator Truber, if you're a sheriff in a parish and you have 10 or 12 record operators, and
• I'm from a small parish. We have one red light in my parish. One red light.

Bills: HCR96, SB431

Keywords: roundabout, traffic safety, public education, driving rules, Louisiana Department of Transportation, SB 431, Act 768, towing, tow truck companies, storage fees, nonconsensual towing, private property towing, vehicle release, impound, vehicle storage, gate fees, consumer protection, Louisiana State Police, Public Service Commission, stored vehicles

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and took up Senate Bill 431 by Senator Foil. The bill, as amended in the House, would apply only to non-consensual private-property tows and require towing companies to have someone available on weekends to release vehicles within 90 minutes of a call if they want to charge storage fees for Saturday and Sunday. Senator Foil said the measure was intended to help vehicle owners retrieve cars and belongings sooner, while not forcing companies to stay open; Lieutenant John Nelson of Louisiana State Police explained that payment would still occur at the yard and that the bill did not change the fee structure. Amy Seals of Riverside Towing opposed the bill, citing safety concerns, burdens on office staff, and fairness issues because it would not cover police-initiated tows; she suggested limiting weekend release hours to daytime. Despite her concerns, the committee moved SB 431 favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Concurrent Resolution 96 by Representative Adams, which urges the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of Motor Vehicles, to provide educational materials on proper roundabout use. Adams said the resolution was meant to help drivers in smaller parishes and elsewhere who struggle with roundabouts. Several members supported the idea, noting confusion about roundabout navigation in their areas, and one member asked whether driver education already covers the topic. The resolution was moved favorably without objection. Before adjourning, the chair recognized a new DOTD staff member and a visitor from the Florida Women’s Republican group. Representative Spells then moved to adjourn, and the committee adjourned without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• They said there’s no consistency across the statutes for parishes and burn bans.
• There’s no consistency across the statutes for parishes and burn bans and how they were enforced.
• Tangipahoa that you represent, saying we can burn in Tangipahoa this way, you’re just saying, hey, any parish

Summary: The Local and Municipal Affairs Committee met with five senators present and first adopted the May 7 minutes. The committee then took up a series of local bills, beginning with HB 481, which revises the statutory cap on charges per character for public notices; after brief discussion, it was reported favorable. HB 1051, dealing with Shreveport commercial properties that have received insurance payments after fire damage and are dilapidated, was also reported favorable after questions about insurance, spoliation, and consultation with local departments. HB 1080, a related Shreveport measure clarifying the city’s authority to sue after filing a lien on dangerous property, likewise passed favorably after discussion of insurance-related issues. The committee next considered HB 864, which addresses combustible materials left under bridges and was amended to remove imprisonment as a penalty; it was reported favorable as amended. HB 893, concerning procurement rules for the New Orleans Sewage and Water Board as the city assumes more responsibility, was reported favorable. HB 107, creating a local improvement district, and HB 1153, establishing a statewide framework for parish and municipal burn bans after the I-12 fire, both received favorable reports. HB 213, restructuring the downtown development district and adding homeowners and lease owners to the board, and HB 433, renaming the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce in law to the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, were also reported favorable. HB 326, requiring the police chief of Tickfaw to reside in the village, passed without objection. HB 66, which adds administrative adjudication procedures for Alexandria and defines housing violations, was amended and reported favorable. Senator Barrow then presented SB 343 regarding the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission, but said she would turn it into a study resolution; the committee deferred the bill without objection. HB 867, allowing the mayor to appoint the police chief in certain municipalities instead of election, was reported favorable. HB 1254, changing the New Orleans Regional Business Park board from 12 to 11 members and adjusting mayoral appointments accordingly, was briefly deferred at the author’s request and then reported favorable after discussion of avoiding tie votes. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn, adopted without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• There are 7 categories of people that the registrar is to remove. OK let's focus on this one.
• There is a bit of a storm brewing between voter registrars and election integrity groups dedicated to
• Section 16092 says a voter voter desiring to challenge a registration must file with the registrar a
• The registrar has any other reason to believe that a voter's current residence is different from that
• This bill requires the registrar to note in the voter's file each time a declaration is used.