Transcript Highlights:

• And this seems lot of other good needs.
• If an app wants to direct market, which a lot of consumers like, there are a lot of people that use these
• <00:48:00.640> of to direct market, which a lot of to direct market, which a lot of consumers
• There are a lot of consumers like.
• As a lot of you know, I Chair Gomez.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 3117, which would impose an excise tax on social media companies based on Minnesota monthly users and data-mining activity, and adopted an A1 amendment that added clarifying language identifying social media platforms. Chair Gomez described the bill as a way to tax companies profiting from data mining and social media use, citing concerns about child bullying, misinformation, and wealth concentration. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the 2025 taxes bill. Supporters testified that the measure would help raise revenue from a highly profitable industry and better align the tax code with the social costs of data collection and social media use. Pastor Julie Thompson, MAPE representative Tanner Fritzinger, Council Member Sue Bud, and Eric Bernstein of We Make Minnesota all backed the bill, arguing that social media companies extract value from users’ data, contribute to mental health and social harms, and should pay more toward public needs. Bernstein also framed the tax as a way to broaden the tax base and fund schools and other services. Opponents warned that the bill could sweep in local broadcasters, newspapers, and other businesses that use digital platforms and collect some user data, and that costs would likely be passed on to consumers. Wendy Pollson of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association said the definitions were too broad and could unintentionally include local media. Deb Peters, speaking for Americans for Digital Opportunity, argued the tax would raise costs for small businesses and consumers, create legal risks, and amount to double taxation. Several members echoed concerns about regressivity, administration, and whether the bill actually addresses online bullying or data privacy, while supporters said it is a first step toward taxing a new, lightly taxed industry.

Transcript Highlights:

• We just said, you know, it just seems like we spend a lot of time and a lot of dollars on re-engineering
• And we've, I think we've made a lot of headway.
• You know, we use a lot of that today.
• I heard a lot of interesting things said here.
• I heard a lot of interesting things said here.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have worked pretty hard this year to stop a lot of what we would consider to be expensive mandates
• year<00:20:22.080> to<00:20:22.559> stop<00:20:23.600> a<00:20:23.919> lot
• , and she is not quite willing to go there without a lot more input from the public.
• there without a lot more input from<00:30:04.960> the<00:30:05.200> public.
• I think a lot more discussion needs to happen around taking this up to third grade.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Committee of Conference on Senate Bill 578 met to reconcile differences in a bill concerning recess times for children and related early learning provisions. The Senate sponsor described two compromise amendments, both based on the Senate version, that would restore play-based learning through third grade and replace guided reading with interactive shared reading; the only difference between the two was whether recess would extend through fifth grade or eighth grade. The sponsor argued the changes were supported by studies, existing state investment in play-based learning, and examples from schools using recess to improve attendance and behavior. House members opposed the amendments, saying they were concerned about creating an expensive or unfunded mandate and about limiting local control over curriculum decisions. One House member said the state lacked enough fiscal support and implementation time for districts, and another said the proposal should perhaps be studied further before expanding it beyond kindergarten. Supporters countered that the state had already invested in training, that the proposal was a teaching method rather than a new curriculum, and that play-based learning and recess improve mental health, classroom behavior, and student engagement. The committee voted on the 2084S amendment, and it failed on a divided vote. After further discussion, the House reiterated that it would stick with its position and oppose the Senate amendments. The chair then stated that the committee was at an impasse and that the bill was effectively dead, with no further action taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• And since 2022, the automobile market has changed significantly, and there are lots and lots of vehicles
• And a lot of rural legislators have heard about this.
• And since 2022, the automobile market has changed significantly, and there are lots and lots of vehicles
• And a lot of rural legislators have heard about this.
• of car lots are F-150 pickups And what is being labeled a hybrid vehicle on a lot of car lots are F-

Summary: The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs met on May 11, 2026, approved the April 27 minutes, and then took up several House bills. HB 618, by Rep. McMakin, would update Louisiana Economic Development fees and filing charges by indexing them to inflation and allowing some discretion to waive or reduce fees for small businesses; it was reported favorable. HB 732, by Rep. Owen, drew extensive discussion because it combined two issues: temporary OMV relief for a hospice-related ID problem and a suspension of the new hybrid vehicle road usage fee. Members and the OMV commissioner raised constitutional and drafting concerns about waiving or eliminating obligations, and the committee discussed how newer vehicle classifications blur the line between electric, hybrid, and gas-powered vehicles. The committee ultimately reported HB 732 favorable, with the understanding that amendments and further work would be needed before floor action. The committee also reported favorable on HB 217 and HB 214 by Rep. Henry, which would authorize local governments to grant property tax exemptions for the rehabilitation of blighted property and place the related constitutional amendment before voters. Testimony emphasized that the measure is permissive for local governments, applies only after a property is formally blighted and rehabilitated, and is intended to encourage redevelopment while preserving some tax revenue. Members discussed the exemption level, duration, and the need for clearer definitions of blight, but no objections were raised. HB 593, also by Rep. Henry, would raise the maximum service fee for OMV public tag agent offices statewide; the commissioner explained that many offices are locally operated and that the increase would help cover costs, and the bill was reported favorable. Later, HB 514 and HB 961, by Rep. Foreman, were reported favorable. HB 514 would allow local governments, by referendum, to provide additional property tax relief for seniors who meet income and freeze requirements, with phased age-based eligibility steps; HB 961 would extend a similar concept to certain homesteads held in trust. Members discussed the optional local nature of the program and the need to avoid overly broad rules. HB 908, by Rep. Mina, would increase certain Secretary of State business services fees to support operations and system upgrades; agency officials said the fees had not been comprehensively adjusted since 2013 and remained below regional averages, and the bill was reported favorable. The committee then heard an informational update on the capital outlay bill from the Division of Administration, including the use of bundled projects for universities and DOTD, the status of P1/P2/P5 funding, and available cash capacity. Finally, HB 1010, by Rep. Deshotel, was reported favorable after brief discussion; it would require assessors to report property tax collections to the Louisiana Tax Commission for centralized public reporting.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lot of people say that work groups aren't successful, but we have a new plan for the probation and
• I didn't know a lot about what I was talking about or what I was asking for.
• <00:13:24.480> of work that you've impacted a lot of work that you've impacted a lot of people
• underscoring, because that affects a lot underscoring, because that affects a lot of<00:14:26.040
• and there's a lot of people back there. and there's a lot of people back there.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thrash, and the health department, and a lot of other experts that know a lot more about this than me
• > this experts that know a lot more about this experts that know a lot more about this than<00
• we'll talk a lot on the floor about it. we'll talk a lot on the floor about it.
• >> Talk a lot on the floor. >> Talk a lot on the floor.
• A lot of that's got to do with states.

Bills: HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB589, HB591, HB609, HB614, SB57, SB280, SB332, HB627

Keywords: Jefferson County, building regulations, zoning, public health, building commissioner, permits, construction, land use, county tax, lodging tax, Henry County, transient accommodations, hospitality industry, local act, sheriff, sheriff's office, task force, abandoned property, stolen property, unclaimed property

Transcript Highlights:

• And they're added We take away, and we've done that a lot. So are you all in that statute?
• There's a lot we won't know until we have a disaster.
• I raised rates $10 an hour, which really helped a lot.
• A lot of the work will be done voluntarily.
• So, we appreciate a lot. So, thank you.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We have a lot of people still working from home.
• So lots of good questions already in front of you.
• There has been a lot of good discussion over the years.
• A lot of it has to do with the process.
• Could really just take care of a lot of problems quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I think you're going to learn a lot today from Ms.
• For a lot of people, for a lot of projects these days, that's a stretch goal, because they can't get
• A lot of those had different criteria for different programs.
• For instance, we do a lot of fire trucks.
• of money and a lot of good things happening in the Water Trust Board.

Transcript Highlights:

• But really, you know, lots of resources were created.
• A lot of that involved dealing with FEMA, and we found that very frustrating.
• I learn a lot every year from them as well.
• I struggle a lot, you know, when we're in this role.
• I think the phones have a lot to do with that. I could give you...

Keywords: 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, that feeds into a lot of our challenges.
• I believe there's a lot of people in this country making a lot of money off construction.
• Have a lot of the data that that can say when or if, and a lot of it does depend on the appeals court
• We spent a lot of time on tariffs.
• So lots of reasons to stop by TRC on one of these trips. Thank you.

Transcript Highlights:

• He's just making lots of noise. Noise can be impactful too.
• Well, we've actually done a lot already in the past couple years.
• Well, we've actually done a lot flu?
• There also are a lot of veterans who want to be farmers.
• There also are a lot of veterans other.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It gets reversed a lot: Bradford Thomas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Well, a lot can go wrong.
• Bill Horn: I've seen a lot of changes to the area in those years, and a lot of them are bad.
• So I know a lot about the beach. I'm also a surfer.
• And so I know a lot about the beach. I'm also a surfer.

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute. The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• In a lot of ways, this is truly one team, one fight.
• In a lot of ways, this is truly one team, one fight.
• And I know that there was a lot of issues with it.
• That there was a lot of issues with it.
• Because it sounded like there's a lot of new technology.

Summary: The subcommittee heard a lengthy presentation on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ I-Connect system, based on an ILAB assessment of the platform’s performance and requirements. ILAB said the system provides useful centralized records, reporting, compliance support, and audit trails, but users described it as cumbersome, outdated, and inefficient, with excessive manual entry, weak navigation, limited notifications, no mobile app, poor printing/export options, and performance issues. ILAB also said the original 2013-era requirements were too high-level and that only a portion of the requirements could be verified, with some features de-scoped or never implemented. Their recommendations included better integration with electronic health record systems, improved performance monitoring, electronic signatures, OCR, and more modern export and verification tools. Public testimony from providers and advocates echoed those concerns. A support coordination provider said the system is nicknamed “I Disconnect,” described problems with EVV/GPS sign-ins, lengthy support plans, lack of a phone app, and possible HIPAA concerns. Another advocate said the system should have preserved family access to records and criticized the need for providers to use workarounds and additional software. APD staff said the agency has spent about $19.7 million through FY 2023-24, has regular build updates under the current contract with WellSky, and uses an internal help desk and vendor ticketing process to triage bugs versus enhancement requests. They said some issues are handled case-by-case, critical tickets have SLAs, and the agency is working on interoperability and other requested improvements. Members questioned whether the system should be fixed or replaced, whether the original contract and SaaS arrangement were sufficient, and whether the state received value for the money spent. APD said the system went live in phases and that all functionality was in place by June 2024, while ILAB and members noted significant technical debt and unresolved gaps. The committee also discussed record retention, provider access to records after a consumer changes providers, and whether federal funding or compliance could be affected. The meeting ended with broader budget remarks emphasizing completion over expansion, stronger upfront planning for technology projects, and more accountability before funding new systems or major enhancements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Doing a lot of this work in a lot of different places.
• Deloitte really brings to the table a lot of examples, a lot of best practices, but probably more than
• Taking that's because it is a lot of effort and a lot of patience has to be exercised to really do this
• Well, it's still a lot of work.
• It had a lot of scrutiny.

Transcript Highlights:

• We're a massive district, a lot of rural areas, but also a lot of my district is growing, with tens of
• We get a lot of complaints from parents who have children...
• There are a lot of firearms at these events.
• That seems like when I first started, we had a lot of those local.
• We had a lot of those local.

Summary: The Industries and Professional Activities Subcommittee met to hear a panel on the prosecution and enforcement of illegal gaming in Florida. The chair opened with a video showing seized machines at a Florida Gaming Control Commission warehouse and described the scale of illegal operations. Panelists included the commission’s executive director, local sheriffs and police officials, and state attorneys from several counties, who described widespread illegal slot-machine locations, often in strip malls or convenience-store-type settings, and said the machines are typically used in organized criminal activity rather than legitimate amusement gaming. Witnesses repeatedly said the current penalty structure is ineffective because possession and operation of illegal slot machines are generally second-degree misdemeanors, which they described as too minor to deter operators who can quickly reopen after paying fines or completing diversion. They said enforcement is resource-intensive, requiring undercover work, search warrants, machine seizure, storage, forensic review, and long prosecutions, often while the same operators reopen elsewhere. Several panelists cited associated crimes such as robberies, firearms offenses, prostitution, drug activity, human trafficking, and at least some homicides tied to illegal gaming locations. Members also asked about the difference between legal amusement devices and illegal slot machines, online gambling, illegal horse racing, local licensing and ordinances, and whether manufacturers or distributors could be pursued. The commission and prosecutors said legal slot machines are limited to specific regulated locations and that lawful amusement machines lack a material element of chance. They said many illegal machines are imported or reworked versions of gaming devices and that upstream accountability is difficult under current law. Panelists also discussed cooperation with licensed casinos, tribal gaming entities, and local governments, noting that some local ordinances have tried to permit or limit these businesses. The main policy takeaway from the panel was a call to increase penalties, likely to felony-level offenses, and to consider stronger forfeiture and enforcement tools. No vote or formal action was taken at the meeting, and the chair adjourned after thanking the panelists.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:20:52.640> of probably are going to lose a lot of probably are going to lose a lot of
• There's a lot of money on the books that's invested, and a lot of that's earmarked for reserves.
• There's a lot of money on the books that's invested, and a lot of that's earmarked for reserves.
• There's a lot of money on the books that's invested, and a lot of that's earmarked for reserves.
• A lot of questions, a lot of testimony to provide a road map for some of these issues.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The Committee on Public Safety met on January 31, 2025, and first heard House Bill 1062, a housekeeping measure relating to the Hawaii Air National Guard. Testimony in support came from representatives of the Adjutant General and other National Guard witnesses. A member raised a technical question about language allowing the Guard to hold the rank authorized by the Department of the Air Force, and the response was that the bill should not require additional HR language; no vote was taken. The committee then heard House Bill 674, which would authorize allowances for TRICARE dental and vision coverage for Hawaii National Guard personnel ordered to active duty for more than 30 days. The Department of Defense supported the bill through Brigadier General Ross, Director of Joint Staff, and Terry Heiti also testified in support. There were no questions or action taken on the measure. House Bill 652, relating to veterans’ rights and benefits and regulating compensation for advice or assistance on veterans’ benefits, drew the most discussion. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Hawaii supported the bill, arguing it would protect veterans from illegal or exploitative practices and noting its own service to more than 2,000 veterans in fiscal year 2024. Opposition came from the National Association for Veterans Rights and Veteran Benefits Guide, which argued the bill would restrict access to needed services and that some for-profit providers operate legally and should not be barred. Committee members questioned the scope of the bill, accreditation requirements, and whether nonprofit or pro bono services would be affected. A Department of Defense veteran services official said veterans can be vulnerable to exploitation and that some legal fee arrangements can be abusive, while also noting pro bono options exist. The committee did not reach a decision on the bill during the excerpt. The committee also began hearing House Bill 1058, which would create a veteran cemetery board within the Office of Veteran Services to help state veteran cemeteries comply with federal standards. The Office of Veteran Services and Terry Heiti testified in support. Members asked about the board’s membership, timeline, and consultant selection, and were told the working group was still in an organizational stage and no construction timeline had been set. The final measure discussed was House Bill 503, which would appropriate funds for a consultant to evaluate locations and designs for a Hawaii First Responders Memorial. The Department of Accounting and General Services supported the bill, and testimony in support was received from county and city officials, UPW Hawaii, and individuals. Members asked about the working group, timeline, and budget, and were told the project was still in early planning; no final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had a lot of um a lot of links here because a lot of these documents were lengthy.
• I had a lot of um a lot of links here because a lot of these documents were lengthy.
• I had a lot of um a lot over 57 pages.
• c> of links here because a lot of these of links here because a lot of these documents<01:11:44.719><
• was like a lot of collaboration on this. was like a lot of collaboration on this.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That will cost a lot of money as well.
• So this sounds like a lot of money, and of course it is a lot of money.
• A lot of discussion today about health and safety.
• A lot of discussion today about health and safety.
• A lot of discussion today about health and safety.

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• It means a lot to my district.
• I think they did a lot of work. They put a lot of work into this. It was 177 pages.
• Because I'm on a lot of the same track.
• A lot of my constituents are in that area.
• So Wildlife and Fisheries actually, in a lot of the permits for Lake Pontchartrain, actually, in a lot

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee heard a series of natural resources and environmental measures, mostly local property transfers and Wildlife and Fisheries bills. It reported favorable on Senate Bills 229 and 71, which authorize property transfers in Bossier and Lafayette parishes, and on several department bills dealing with fishing and boating rules: SB 203 on possession of catch during multi-day trips, SB 429 on registration of lapsed or “orphan” boats, SB 204 on commercial fishing gear licenses for nonresidents, SB 205 reducing duplicate registration for federally documented boats, SB 213 on titling certain vessels and outboard motors, SB 257 removing Social Security number requirements from certain tags, and HB 662, a substitute bill setting a hierarchy for handling seized sick, injured, or orphan wildlife. The committee also adopted amendments and reported favorable SB 379, a technical cleanup bill tied to the Department of Conservation and Energy reorganization, though an opposition witness warned it could reduce minimum oil and gas royalties and asked for a fiscal note. Members also advanced several measures aimed at coastal and flood-related concerns. HCR 62, by Rep. Domangue, urges FEMA to review flood maps every five years instead of every ten and to better account for local flood-protection projects; members broadly supported it and discussed the burden of flood insurance in coastal parishes. SB 214 would give the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District authority to stop pumping during immediate flood risk events identified by the National Weather Service or GOSEP, and it was reported favorable. SB 274, as amended, requires lead hazard risk assessments and remediation for certain child care and pre-kindergarten facilities, with DEQ and LDH testimony supporting the update. HCR 78 memorializes Congress to pass the American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026, which supporters said would help Louisiana’s seafood industry and access federal loans and grants. The committee also debated broader policy resolutions. HCR 216, by Rep. Owen, sought to repudiate the Louisiana Climate Action Plan of 2022, but after extensive discussion about its purpose, possible effects on existing projects, and whether the legislature should instead hold a hearing, the resolution was voluntarily deferred. Finally, the committee took up SCR 24 on chronic wasting disease rules, adopted amendments raising the prevalence threshold from 1.5% to 2.5% and adjusting zone and baiting provisions, and continued discussion of the bill’s reset of management rules for deer disease control.