Video & Transcript Research : 'legislative procedure'
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CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Elections Committee Aug 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Are the amendments in Legislative Counsel form? Okay.
- to review the legislation and the language of the legislation before they vote on that language as the
- What I am asking for is verbiage in legislation.
- That's why in the legislation, one of the things we did ask for is an E-minus 88 cutoff in the legislation
- legislative session.
Summary:
The Assembly Elections Committee met on August 19, 2025, to consider ACA 8, SB 280, and an informational hearing on AB 604. The meeting began with several failed motions to adjourn, to read public comments into the record, and to recess so members could review the roughly 16,000 public comments submitted through the committee portal. The chair emphasized the hearing’s expedited format, transparency measures, and rules limiting witness testimony, and noted a letter from Speaker Rivas authorizing Assemblymember Berman to present ACA 8.
ACA 8, described by supporters as the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would place before voters a temporary congressional redistricting plan tied to AB 604 and triggered only if another state, especially Texas, adopts a partisan mid-decade redistricting. Supporters, including Assemblymember Berman, labor groups, CTA, Planned Parenthood affiliates, SEIU, and other allied organizations, argued the measure was a response to partisan gerrymandering elsewhere and a defense of democracy, with voters having the final say in a November 4, 2025 special election. Opponents, including current and former redistricting commissioners, good-government groups, business and taxpayer organizations, and many members of the public, argued the proposal undermines California’s independent redistricting model, was rushed without adequate public review, could cost roughly $200 million or more, and would invite litigation and partisan manipulation.
The committee also debated a proposed amendment that would bar legislators who voted for ACA 8 from later running for Congress in districts adopted under the measure. After extended procedural disputes, the committee voted to lay the amendment on the table. The hearing then continued with extensive public testimony, overwhelmingly divided between strong support and strong opposition, but the transcript provided does not show a final committee vote on ACA 8 or SB 280 before the excerpt ends.
FL
Florida 2026 5th Special Session
Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- sentence in a capital sexual trafficking case if the circuit court fails to follow proper sentencing procedures
- capital sexual battery provisions that we passed two sessions ago to specify that if capital sentence procedure
- Was there a particular case or incident that influenced this legislation? You recognize, Senator.
- It maintains procedures and requirements for sentencing in capital cases as provided within the original
- But I see my role, our role, as legislators, to protect the most innocent against the most heinous.
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice considered and advanced a series of criminal justice bills, with most measures reported favorably after brief presentations, amendments, and roll-call votes. Among the bills approved were CS/SB 468 on fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, which increases offense levels and allows impoundment of involved vehicles; CS/SB 1136 on age as an element of a criminal offense, which strengthens protections for minors and was amended to adjust age thresholds and luring/enticement language; CS/SB 144 on criminal justice, which was narrowed by substitute amendment after discussion with law enforcement and includes provisions on kill switches, body cameras/AI, first responder recognition, and other corrections-related items; and CS/SB 1782, which creates penalties for dangerous excessive speeding. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 964 on objective parole guidelines, CS/SB 1450 on arrest and detention of individuals with significant medical conditions, CS/SB 612 on murder involving unlawful drug distribution by minors, CS/SB 1838 on tampering with or harassing court officials, CS/SB 716 on enhanced penalties for sexual offenses by repeat offenders, CS/SB 1604 on corrections, and CS/SB 1360 on xylazine, which preserves veterinary use while increasing penalties for illicit trafficking and possession for sale.
Several bills drew substantive testimony and debate. CS/SB 1838 prompted concerns from the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers that the tampering language could be applied to prosecutors or defense attorneys; the sponsor said he would work to refine the language. CS/SB 964 received support from criminal defense advocates and a witness who argued Florida’s parole system needs revision due to prison overcrowding and staffing issues. CS/SB 1604 generated questions about inmate access to courts, the statute of limitations for confinement claims, and involuntary mental health treatment; the sponsor said the bill aims to balance inmate rights with timely reporting and to address bad actors in corrections. CS/SB 1360 was supported as a response to the spread of xylazine on the street, while noting its legitimate veterinary use.
The most contested measure was CS/SB 1804 on capital sex trafficking. The bill would create a capital offense for adult trafficking of a child under 12 or a mentally incapacitated person under specified circumstances, with a life-felony fallback if capital punishment is later found unconstitutional. Supporters argued it targets especially heinous conduct and closes a gap in existing law; opponents, including the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and anti-death-penalty advocates, argued it expands the death penalty beyond homicide, raises constitutional concerns, risks retraumatizing victims, and would be costly to litigate. After extensive debate, the committee adopted an amendment aligning the bill with the House companion and reported the bill favorably. The committee also approved SB 776 adding an aggravating factor for assassination or attempted assassination of a head of state, despite objections from some members who voted no. At the end of the meeting, the chair thanked members for the session, and the committee adjourned.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I wanted to start by complimenting Representative Modi on the what I call good legislative hygiene that
- It's mostly a procedural fix.
- History and story, whether through the graves of former legislators, veterans, or freed slaves who built
- While this matter procedurally for, while this matters procedurally for appeals, it has little relevance
- However, this procedural difference should not impact the court's ability to hear and rule on basic local
Bills:
HB113
Keywords:
HB 113, Texas, Government Code Chapter 1253, general obligation bonds, bond election, voter approval, political subdivision, local government, city bonds, county bonds, school district bonds, capital projects, public finance, bond referendum, ballot measure, five-year waiting period, rejected proposition, election law, municipal finance
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- legislation legislation and<00:15:56.720>
make <00:15:57.680>um <00:15:58.560>judgments - >
of <00:57:16.480>a However, the legislative body of a However, the legislative body of - 2413 of the calendar or the legislative 2413 of the calendar or the legislative website. website
- Subdivision conditions and procedures.
- From the bill sponsor, Legislative Council Office of Legislative Council, Director of Intergovernmental
Summary:
The House returned to Senate Bill 325 on regional planning and Act 250 tier jurisdiction and first took up Representative Charlton’s amendment to extend the interim housing exemptions in tier one areas from 2028 to 2030. Charlton argued the change would better align the exemptions with the state’s 2030 housing targets and give rural communities and smaller developers more realistic time to plan and build. Committee members opposing the amendment said the exemptions would no longer be needed once 1A and 1B areas are established, and Ways and Means reported an unfavorable straw poll. After debate, the House rejected the amendment by roll call, 66-76.
During debate, members discussed whether the extension would help or hinder housing production, with supporters emphasizing rural Vermont, achievable timelines, and the need for certainty for developers, while opponents stressed that the temporary exemptions were meant to bridge the transition to the new tier system. The House also heard questions about whether any communities had actually adopted 1A or 1B status yet, and it was noted that future land use maps were not yet complete. The chamber then moved to a second amendment from Representative Dobervich, which would extend certain interim Act 250 exemptions for designated village centers and nearby areas through January 1, 2031, including projects of 50 units or fewer or mixed-income/mixed-use projects meeting specified infrastructure criteria, with municipal bodies able to opt out.
Dobervich said the proposal would expand access to the interim exemptions for rural communities that lack permanent zoning or subdivision bylaws but otherwise meet the criteria, helping more towns build housing in already developed areas. Opponents argued the amendment could allow too much development in small towns without local review and questioned how many municipalities would actually qualify. The debate continued with members discussing the relationship between Act 181, the temporary exemptions, and the ongoing work to create future land use maps and tier designations.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- ARE ADMITTED INTO THE AIR WHEN HEAT GENERATING INSTRUMENTS ARE USED TO CUT HUMAN TISSUE SURGICAL PROCEDURES
- ACTUAL RECOMMENDATIONS IS DUE DECEMBER ONE OF THIS YEAR SO WE WILL HAVE IT IN TIME FOR THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE
- Burton: THANK YOU THIS LEGISLATION IS WHERE PRODUCT BETWEEN DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
- COULD YOU TALK ABOUT MAYBE THE COST OF THAT OR WOULD THERE BE A COST CONCERNING THE LEGISLATION FOR THE
- ARE CONTEMPLATING LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE OR IMPACT THE HEALTHCARE SERVICE INDUSTRY THAT SURGERY CENTERS
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee Apr 20th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- also registering support for South Bay People Power, Working Partnerships USA, Funds Committee on Legislation
- Even modest procedural changes can translate into thousands of additional. Thank you, Mr.
- It's great to be with you today, and I'm proud to be a sponsor of this legislation aimed at modernizing
- This legislation proposes a straightforward but transformative solution.
- Through legislation like AB 1138, this body made a powerful statement that we were committed to keeping
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Education Study Nov 19th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- There was a legislative effort to pursue this option, although it did not pass.
- And as a legislative body, what types of things can you do to support schools and districts to have the
- Accreditation procedures talks about what schools have to do.
- They can find out all the information they need to know about this year's accreditation procedures and
- You'll hear tomorrow in some of our proposed legislation to you, something you've heard about before
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
CPN-EIG, CPN DEFER, CPN DEFER Public Hearings 02-04-2026
Commerce and Consumer Protection
Transcript Highlights:
- It's also unclear at present if this measure seeks to expedite current queues or establish new procedures
- 00:05:14.960>
or <00:05:15.199>establish <00:05:15.680>new <00:05:15.919>procedures - current cues or establish new procedures current cues or establish new procedures for<00:05:17.280
- to establish electric making procedures to establish electric utility<00:30:12.240>
rates <00: - reaffirm that framework and the legisl reaffirm that framework and the legisl legislaturator's<00
Keywords:
renewable energy, grid-ready homes, interconnection process, electric utility, energy independence, surcharge, customer access, energy storage, smart inverters, Public Utilities Commission, PUC, electric utility rates, ratemaking, performance-based regulation, performance-based incentives, performance incentive mechanisms, revenue adjustment mechanisms, cost control mechanisms, reward and penalty mechanisms, alternative ratemaking
Summary:
The committee first reconvened on SB 2471 and SB 2829, both relating to the powers of artificial persons. After discussion with the Attorney General’s office and a prior Q&A period, the chair said the committee would defer decision-making again, with the intent to return with amended versions of both bills that could gain support from the administration and its lawyers. The measures were deferred to Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in Conference Room 229 at 9:30 a.m.
The committee then took up SB 2180, relating to deposits of public funds. Members noted late testimony from the prior day’s joint hearing with the Housing Committee and moved to pass the bill out with amendments, including a defective effective date. The motion carried unanimously among those voting: the chair, vice chair, Senator Lamosao, and Senator Awa voted aye; Senator McKelvey was excused. The measure was adopted.
A joint hearing followed on SB 2033, relating to renewable energy and a streamlined grid-ready homes interconnection process. The PUC supported the bill’s intent but raised concerns about the time, resources, and stakeholder input needed to establish the proposed process, and asked for clarification of terms such as “grid-ready homes” and the role of HERA. Hawaiian Electric said it supported the intent but opposed the proposed process and HERA funding use. The Hawaii Solar Energy Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that faster interconnection is needed to meet rooftop solar goals and lower costs over time. Testimony totaled 27 in support, two in opposition, and four with comments. Members questioned costs, consumer protections, and whether the bill would burden low- and moderate-income households; the bill’s supporters said amendments could clarify the definition of grid-ready homes and add guardrails, while acknowledging that upfront costs and interconnection costs would still need to be addressed.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- And so I appreciate their contributions to help us draft legislation that appropriately balances that
- But noting that, you know, this particular legislation is around the Inspector General, who provides
- And then legislators, if they didn't like that, could tighten up that law.
- This bill simply establishes those procedures in our authorizing statutes. Thank you.
- He said targeted legislation works.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Judiciary Committee Apr 8th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I find myself compelled as a parent and a legislator to bring this piece of legislation back because,
- Almost everything in the Code of Civil Procedure can be changed by stipulation of the parties.
- Expedite the courtroom procedures so we can keep the civil system moving forward.
- I wholeheartedly support this legislation and would also like to be added as a co-author.
- Nicholas Sackett, Social Compassion in Legislation, in strong support. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee heard several bills, beginning with AB 2, which would create enhanced civil penalties for large social media companies when negligence proven in court causes harm to children and teens. The author and supporters argued the bill is needed to address addictive algorithms and harmful content, while opponents warned it was vague, could chill speech, and might be preempted by federal law. Members largely focused on whether the bill changed the standard of care or burden of proof; the bill passed out of committee on a roll call vote, with some members noting concerns but supporting it to continue the discussion.
AB 282, dealing with housing vouchers and source-of-income discrimination, would clarify that housing providers may prioritize applicants who qualify for rental assistance without violating fair housing law. Supporters from housing authorities, local governments, and advocacy groups said it would help voucher holders find units and improve use of housing funds. There was no opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations on a roll call vote, with two no votes.
The committee also considered AB 882 on court reporter availability and electronic recording in certain cases when a court reporter is unavailable. Supporters said the bill is a temporary, narrowly tailored response to a shortage of reporters and would preserve access to accurate records, while opponents argued it was too narrow, raised access-to-justice concerns, and should be broadened. Members from both sides emphasized the importance of court reporters and electronic recording as a backup; the bill passed with an urgency clause and was sent to Appropriations. The committee then heard AB 325 on algorithmic price fixing, AB 935 on civil rights data clarity, AB 1414 on tenant choice of internet service provider, and AB 67 on Attorney General enforcement of the Reproductive Privacy Act; each drew support from sponsors and advocacy groups, opposition centered on overbreadth or policy concerns, and each advanced on committee votes, with several members requesting further amendments or clarification.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Executive Departments and Administration (01/28/2025)
Executive Departments and Administration
Transcript Highlights:
- or have been on the joint legislative or have been on the joint legislative committee<00:19:39.760
- As a legislator, I get your newsletters delivered to my legislative inbox all the time, and I do have
- "As a legislator, I get your newsletters delivered to my legislative inbox all the time, and I do have
- "As a legislator, I get your newsletters delivered to my legislative inbox all the time, and I do have
- we we uh we support uh this legislation we we uh we support uh this legislation um<01:55:49.960>
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
JLARC – Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee May 14th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I just say as a legislator, I'm not sure that you...
- The legislative auditor makes two recommendations related to data reporting.
- The legislative auditor recommends that the legislature keep the survivor's exemption in place.
- The legislative auditor's conclusion is that the Developmental Disabilities Administration...
- So the second legislative Provide reliable client data to us for this study.
Summary:
At the May 14, 2025 JLARC meeting, members approved the January 9 minutes and adopted the 2025–27 biennial work plan with a minor typo correction. Staff reviewed the new work plan studies, including a drug take-back program fee/expenditure review due in December 2025 and a state energy performance standard compliance review due in June 2027, and noted JLARC’s recent session activity, including several bills passed related to JLARC work and recommendations.
The committee then heard a preliminary cannabis market study showing Washington businesses likely produced two to three times more cannabis than retailers sold in 2023. Staff and RAND said LCB’s data systems are incomplete and unreliable, limiting regulation, tax verification, and diversion tracking; they recommended that LCB submit a plan by year-end for collecting accurate data by the end of 2026. Members and LCB discussed the long timeline for a new traceability system, the causes of missing sales and weight data, overproduction, diversion, and the social equity program’s effect on producer licenses.
JLARC also presented a preliminary hospital oversight report concluding that the Department of Health is late on many hospital inspections, does not verify third-party inspection standards, does not review adverse health event correction plans, and could make hospital data more accessible. The committee discussed fee funding, language access, and inspection timing, and DOH said it would work on a strategic plan and continue coordinating with JLARC. Members also heard a preliminary report on the public records survivor exemption, which found agencies are using it but need more guidance; JLARC recommended keeping the exemption and having the Attorney General provide additional training. Finally, the committee approved the DDA processes and staffing final report for distribution, which recommended performance metrics, stronger data quality controls, and workforce planning; DDA concurred. JLARC also introduced proposed study questions for a future DCYF juvenile rehabilitation review focused on safety, security, programs, staffing, education, and contraband, and the meeting adjourned after members asked about scope and facility conditions.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee Jan 14th, 2026
Ways and Means Education
Transcript Highlights:
- We'll follow procedural rules and conduct ourselves in an orderly manner.
- We'll follow procedural rules and conduct ourselves in an orderly manner.
- We'll follow procedural rules and conduct ourselves in an orderly manner.
- /c><00:04:21.359>
ourselves procedural rules and conduct ourselves procedural rules and conduct - We do want to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency in reviewing and advancing legislation.
Keywords:
HB87, Marengo County, coroner, deputy coroner, county commission, expense allowance, mileage allowance, travel reimbursement, local act, local legislation, county general fund, public official compensation, county office, Section 45-46-60, Alabama Code, salary increase, allowance increase, National Signing Day, athletic scholarships, military enlistment
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- This legislation is about access, stability, and workforce support.
- This legislation is existing programs.
- >> Under this legislative framework? Absolutely. That is correct.
- >> Under this legislative framework? Absolutely. That is correct.
- >> Under this legislative framework? Absolutely. That is correct.
Keywords:
00:00:00 - Call to Order/Roll Call
00:01:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 689
00:15:15 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 689
00:17:02 - Discussion of 26RS HB 407
00:45:40 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 407
00:49:25 - Discussion of 26RS HB 713
00:55:50 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 713
00:56:54 - Discussion of 26RS HB 676
01:06:42 - Roll Call Vote on 26RS HB 676
01:08:43 - Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first took up House Bill 689, which would authorize Kentucky to seek federal approval for a Medicaid state-directed payment program for physician and non-physician professional services delivered through qualifying hospital-affiliated groups, beginning in 2026. Rep. Amy Neighbors and witnesses from Owensboro Health and St. Elizabeth Healthcare said the bill would bring in about $29 million in new federal Medicaid dollars without using general fund money, help retain physicians, support rural and underserved access, and tie payments to quality metrics. Witnesses described staffing shortages, rising costs, and the need to sustain services such as OB care, primary care, and preventive outpatient services. After questions about how the funding would work and whether private practices were included, the committee voted on the bill and passed it with favorable expression.
The committee then moved to House Bill 407, as substituted, which would streamline Kentucky’s certificate-of-need process. Rep. Marianne Proctor and supporters from the Pacific Legal Foundation and the Institute for Justice said the bill would not repeal CON but would modernize a system they described as outdated and overly restrictive, citing national trends toward reform and arguing that Kentucky’s process has changed little since the 1970s. They said the substitute added language requiring the cabinet to contact a dominant provider when needed for data to make CON determinations.
Mark Gilfoil, speaking in opposition for St. Elizabeth Healthcare, argued that CON is not a barrier to care in Northern Kentucky and said the bill would weaken the process by limiting who can request hearings, present evidence, and appeal decisions, effectively giving applicants control and making approvals nearly automatic. He said St. Elizabeth serves as a safety-net hospital for low-income and publicly insured patients and warned the bill could harm that role. Members questioned both sides about the appeal process, the definition of safety-net hospitals, and whether the bill could increase facilities and create waste or abuse. The discussion was still ongoing when the transcript ended.
NH
New Hampshire 2025 Regular Session
Senate Election Law and Municipal Affairs (04/29/2025)
Election Law and Municipal Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- I mean, the existing language allows the local legislative body to set the procedures to override a cap
- >
the <00:15:45.959>procedures <00:15:46.959>to <00:15:47.279>override <00 - :15:47.760>
a body to set the procedures to override a body to set the procedures to override - <00:33:27.120>
for it is designed to make the procedure for it is designed to make the procedure - The question shall not be subject to amendment by the legislative body.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- Report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
- But it's bigger point parliamentary procedure. State your point of parliamentary procedure.
- , state your point of parliamentary procedure.
- We can do that, legislators, and that's exactly what they're doing.
- I think I'm typically a legislator who wants to get stuff done.
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
Criminal Judiciary REVISED: Links added Feb 3rd, 2026 at 03:00 pm
Criminal Judiciary
Transcript Highlights:
- Of our new, our new procedures, it made more sense to say this bill is already under title twenty-one
- It's just a drafting procedure that we do right. Any further questions? None.
- wanted to introduce someone who is a special guest who will be with Me all session Aley Burwell is a legislative
Keywords:
firearms, carry on vessels, self-defense, Oklahoma law, gun rights, hunting, corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, criminal justice, minimum sentences, parole eligibility, violent crimes, Oklahoma statutes, reckless driving, D2 felony, penalties, traffic offenses
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 21, 2026 - 10:00 AM
Transcript Highlights:
- MOST IMPORTANTLY THE LEGISLATION EXPANDS PATIENT ACCESS, IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF CARE IN MORE RURAL AND
- UNDERSERVED AREAS AND REDUCES HEALTHCARE COSTS BY DECREASING RELIANCE ON OPIOIDS AND UNNECESSARY PROCEDURES
- COULD YOU ELABORATE ON HOW MANY OTHER STATES ARE DOING THIS PROCEDURE.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 29th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Landmen and about this entire conversation for the past two legislative sessions.
- So last year in the legislative session, there was an amendment on The legislative session.
- We've worked really, really hard on this piece of legislation together.
- “So today with this legislation, we’re trying to supersede the federal requirements?”
- Couldn’t the department do a PSA on this rather than having another piece of legislation?
Summary:
The House Natural Resources Committee met on April 29, 2026, with a quorum present and took up several bills related to property rights, expropriation, renewable energy recycling, and local permitting. Representative Domangue first presented HCR 80 on private property rights, using it to highlight the 2025 landman code of conduct and the need for stronger guardrails in expropriation negotiations. She then deferred the resolution in order to allow Chairman Geymann to present HB 841, which was described as establishing a code of conduct for landmen and expropriation-related negotiations. The committee heard testimony and watched video examples from landowners describing intimidation, inadequate compensation offers, and the need for fair treatment. Amendments were adopted to broaden the bill to all certificate holders, prohibit threats about court costs and attorney fees, shorten response times, and add graduated fines and public posting for violations. HB 841 was reported favorably as amended, with no opposition cards recorded.
The committee then considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which would require recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. After discussion with DEQ, the bill was amended to clarify that existing universal waste rules apply and to remove language that would have required the renewable facility owner to pay decommissioning costs in that section; the effective date was set for January 1, 2027. Testimony from renewable energy industry representatives supported the measure and explained that solar panels and related components can be recycled at high rates, with established markets for recovered materials. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 621 favorably.
Next, Representative Jacob Landry presented HB 595, aimed at preventing local governments from unreasonably delaying or impeding energy projects through permit requirements, especially road permits affecting Haynesville Shale operations. After amendment, the bill required timely action on local road permits and deemed them approved if not acted on within 30 days. Supporters emphasized the economic importance of the Haynesville and the need for predictable permitting, while opponents argued the bill could further erode local authority, particularly regarding carbon capture and sequestration. The committee reported HB 595 favorably. Landry then presented HB 1191, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites to provide a cleaner path for cleanup, finality, and future investment. The bill drew technical and substantive amendments, including changes to definitions, confidentiality, and the role of DEQ; discussion continued over whether the bill should be deferred to allow more time to work through the remaining issues.
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
Natural Resources and Environment Apr 29th, 2026
Natural Resources & Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- So I would just like to highlight some of what was in this piece of legislation that, once again, this
- House Bill 841 by Chairman Geymann provides for expropriation procedures. Vice Chair in the chair.
- We've worked really, really hard on this piece of legislation together.
- So today with this legislation, we're trying to supersede the federal requirements?
- Couldn't the department do a PSA on this rather than having another piece of legislation?
Summary:
The committee first heard HCR 80 by Representative Domangue, which expressed support for private property rights and reviewed the 2025 landman code of conduct. Domangue described concerns about aggressive landmen and expropriation threats, then voluntarily deferred the resolution so Chairman Geymann could present his bill. The committee then took up HB 841, also on expropriation procedures and landman conduct. Geymann explained the bill was aimed at how expropriation negotiations are conducted and enforced, not at whether expropriation is allowed, and cited a recent dispute involving a pipeline right-of-way and threatening letters to landowners. A video of affected landowners was played, and members from industry and landowner groups discussed the need for fair compensation and better communication.
The committee adopted two amendment sets to HB 841. The first set made technical changes, removed some court-cost language, broadened the code of conduct to all certificate holders, added a prohibition on threatening landowners with court costs and attorney fees, shortened the response period for offers, and clarified that the rules apply across energy types rather than only carbon capture. The second amendment set added graduated fines for violations, required the Department of Conservation and Energy to collect the fines, and directed the department to post violators on its website. After support testimony and no opposition, HB 841 was reported favorably as amended.
The committee next considered HB 621 by Representative Coates, which requires recycling of decommissioned renewable energy infrastructure to the extent practical. An amendment clarified that existing DEQ recycling rules apply. Members raised concerns about decommissioning language, costs, and whether the bill overlapped with existing hazardous-waste and universal-waste rules. Coates agreed to remove the bill’s last sentence on decommissioning costs and add an effective date of January 1, 2027. DEQ explained that many components are already covered under federal and state universal-waste rules, and industry witnesses said solar recycling is feasible and already occurring. HB 621 was then reported favorably as amended.
Finally, the committee heard HB 595 by Representative Jacob Landry, which addresses local permits that impede natural resource development, especially road permits affecting Haynesville shale operations. An amendment clarified that local governments may not unreasonably interfere with permitted activity and that road permits not acted on within 30 days are deemed approved. Supporters said delayed parish permits can stall rigs, reduce investment, and hurt royalty owners, while opponents warned the bill could further erode local authority, including in carbon capture matters. Police jury representatives said they were willing to keep working on the issue and suggested a 30- to 45-day target for permit decisions. HB 595 was reported favorably as amended. The committee then began HB 1191 by Representative Landry, creating a certificate of compliance process for oilfield and exploration and production sites, with testimony that it could help clear environmental liability and bring properties back into commerce; the bill was still under amendment and questioning when the transcript ended.