Transcript Highlights:

• But I'd love to see a port up there. Okay.
• We all know how vitally important the ports are in this state.
• for ports.
• The Louisiana Port and Waterways Investment Commission The Louisiana Port and Waterways Investment Commission
• was created last year looking at additional funding for ports.

Bills: HR1, HB96, HB345, HB360, HB401, HB592, HB703, HB723, HB729, HB776, HB838, HB844, HB882, HB885, HB888, HB966

Keywords: coastal protection, restoration, flood management, public hearings, environmental compliance, drag racing, public roads, vehicle impoundment, law enforcement, penalties, rail infrastructure, ports, Class II railroads, Class III railroads, transportation, memorial highway, Louisiana, commemoration, signage, memorial bridge

Summary: The committee first heard House Resolution 1, which approves the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s annual State Integrated Coastal Protection Plan for fiscal years 2026-2027. CPRA officials described the plan as about $1.54 billion, with roughly 93% directed to project implementation and construction, funded through state mineral revenue, GOMESA, BP spill dollars, surplus funds, and newly available coastal sediment funds. They outlined projects across the coast, including marsh creation, barrier island restoration, levees, pump stations, freshwater diversions, and nonstructural flood protection, and said the plan had been unanimously approved by the CPRA board after public hearings. Members asked about specific coastal and basin issues, including the Sabine River, the Chafalaya Basin, Bayou Sorrel, and tidal flooding in interior parishes. HR 1 was reported favorably without objection. The committee then considered House Bill 838, as substituted, dealing with vehicle inspection stickers and related OMV modernization. The substitute would repeal inspection requirements for assembled vehicles, keep periodic inspections for commercial and student transportation vehicles, address federal inspection requirements, allow out-of-state inspections in some cases, and create a Louisiana Vehicle Identification Program using QR codes. Members focused on privacy and enforcement questions, and OMV and state IT officials explained that the QR code would contain only the VIN and that the system would support police ticketing applications. The bill also ties implementation to the OMV modernization effort and takes effect January 1, 2027. HB 838 was reported by substitute. The committee next advanced House Bill 888 on temporary dealer plates, adopting a set of amendments that added security features, clarified timing for the new electronic issuance system, and adjusted rules for temporary tags and dealer plates. Testimony from the auto dealers’ association said the bill was intended to reduce fraud, resolve confusion over five-day versus 60-day tags, and extend certain temporary loaner tag periods from five to ten days. HB 888 was reported with amendments. The committee also heard House Bill 885 on electronic titles and lien recordation, which would allow electronic signatures, electronic lien notifications, and electronic titling/recordation for participating commercial entities, with civil immunity for good-faith actions and a severability clause. Members raised questions about fraud prevention and consumer participation, and supporters said the bill would modernize the process and align Louisiana with current industry practice. HB 885 was reported by substitute. Finally, the committee advanced House Bill 723, which allows certain two- and three-wheeled motorcycles and mopeds to proceed through a red light under specified circumstances when sensors fail to detect them. The sponsor said the measure is a safety fix for riders stuck at malfunctioning signals, and the bill was amended to clarify the vehicle types covered. The committee also considered House Bill 882 on outdoor advertising, which would increase billboard spacing on state highways from 150 feet to 1,000 feet and allow certain signs damaged by an act of God after January 1, 2010, to be rebuilt. Supporters said the bill would reduce billboard density and improve aesthetics, while opponents argued it would harm smaller operators and impose a one-size-fits-all rule. After testimony, HB 882 was amended and reported.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Representative, I apologize we didn't get to visit about this before committee.
• You know, that's a good question because I did have a visit from DPS as soon as I filed it.
• DPS has pushed to take this duty over, take our ports of entry over, with the $60 million price tag,
• As a former sheriff, I can tell you that these ports of entry are usually in the rural counties, and
• Their jurisdiction is a 25-mile circle around that port of entry or seven miles around a way station.

Bills: HB2936, HB2937, HB2951, HB2960, HB2979, HB2980, HB3062, HB3082, HB3087, HB3148, HB3152, HB3262, HB3264, HB3266, HB3268, HB3269, HB3278, HB3299, HB3544, HB3606, HB3678, HB3790, HB3903, HB3996, HB4139, HB4140, HB4142, HB4143, HB4144, HB4260, HB4272, HB4296, HB4324, HB4339, HB4341, HB4342

Keywords: HB2936, children, child protection, adoption, Oklahoma Adoption Code, gestational carrier, gestational agreement, surrogacy, intended parent, preplacement home study, home study, prospective adoptive parent, foster placement, child abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, lewd molestation, sex offender registry, Oklahoma Sex Offenders Registration Act

Transcript Highlights:

• as well as probably dozens of social workers in our community that got their degrees online and visiting
• And I believe you saw the executive order signing, and as a result The Dolly Parton will be visiting
• They took a turn to go visit a lake and got stuck there.
• So, the majority of freight coming from ports of Long Beach and L.A. going to the rest of the country
• Adding another couple of dollars to My hotel visit for gasoline, you know, to make up the road fund.

Transcript Highlights:

• We funded ports, buildings so that the port can then rent it to a business.
• Just like the port project I mentioned to you—same thing.
• We do have two large ports on the coast of Oregon.
• We have Coos Bay and we also have the Port of Newport.
• You can visit it at resource-cws.com.

Summary: The task force met to focus on funding systems and incentive structures for a proposed regional waste infrastructure effort, including how a future WIPA framework might support solid waste planning in the Willamette Valley. Staff and members heard presentations from DEQ on the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, from Business Oregon on the Special Public Works Fund, and from Oregon State Treasury on state bonding capacity and the bond issuance process. Presenters explained how their programs are structured, how projects are scored or approved, what kinds of public entities and projects are eligible, and how interagency coordination and co-funding can work. DEQ emphasized that its revolving loan fund is driven by water-quality benefits and public-health criteria, while Business Oregon described a broader infrastructure loan program for public entities with no scoring system, and Treasury outlined the state’s debt-capacity process and the differences between general obligation and lottery bonds. Members used the presentations to discuss whether similar funding tools could support solid waste infrastructure, especially for transfer stations, regional hubs, and related facilities that may need to be built before Coffin Butte reaches the end of its lifespan. Several questions centered on whether public-private partnerships could qualify, whether equipment inside facilities could be financed, how repayment would work, and whether planning costs could be covered. DEQ and Business Oregon both said they could potentially collaborate on scoring or co-funding, but noted eligibility limits and the need for public ownership in many cases. Treasury said bond capacity is limited and competitive, especially for lottery bonds, and that project authorization generally runs on a two-year cycle, though unused authority can sometimes be reauthorized. In task force discussion, members debated whether the group should pursue a dedicated funding lane for the seven-county region rather than having local governments compete with other statewide needs. Some members stressed the importance of criteria to avoid stranded assets and to ensure funding is available when projects are ready, while others raised concerns about how cities and counties would generate revenue to repay debt during construction and early operations. The group also discussed flow control, system fees, and the need for regional collaboration among counties, cities, and haulers to create enough waste volume to support new infrastructure. Staff noted that pre-session filing materials for the legislature are due September 11, and the chair said the August meeting will focus on organizational structure and identifying partners. During public comment, Representative Kevin Mannix submitted written testimony supporting the WIPA concept and urging the task force to endorse it. Commissioner Bubba King of Yamhill County urged the task force to compare alternatives objectively and warned against adding bureaucracy before evaluating existing infrastructure and costs. Commissioners Kevin Cameron and Roger Nyquist of Marion and Linn counties described regional hub-and-spoke concepts, transfer stations, and intermodal options, emphasizing the need for planning, strategic siting, and collaboration with haulers and local governments.

Transcript Highlights:

• generation master plan, multimodal industrial complex and trade port.
• With this volume, the Port of Laredo is prone to routine backlogs.
• the Port Authority.
• Uh, we've been referred to as the port in Ports to Plains.
• , duties and obligations that we are giving it to this port.

Bills: HB74, HB175

Keywords: environmental project, public money, political subdivision, greenhouse gas emissions, federal law compliance, renewable energy, water conservation, retroactive child support, child conception, paternity, family law, health care expenses

Transcript Highlights:

• sites, and I know we have a question from the host of that site visit, Representative Marshall.
• , B.C., working with our Port Angeles High School students.
• Washington home ports more than half of the North Pacific's large fishing vessels.
• Washington home ports more than half of the North Pacific's large fishing vessels.
• We visit a school district nearby. Where do you go? Oh, never mind. Never mind.

Summary: The House Education Committee received status updates on career and technical education (CTE), including OSPI’s work under 2024 legislation on allied health pathways and a statewide CTE task force, an update from Core Plus Maritime, and findings from an Education Northwest longitudinal study of Washington CTE access and outcomes. OSPI described development of allied health guidance such as a home care aide to nursing assistant bridge, model curricula, updated course equivalency frameworks, and coordination with health agencies and employers. It also reviewed Core Plus framework work, task force expansion under later legislation, and the timeline for recommendations due in November 2026. Committee members asked about health profession outreach, equitable access for rural districts, data updates, and employer support for local programs; OSPI said it continues to work with agency and industry partners and that local labor-market alignment varies by region. Core Plus Maritime presenters described expanding maritime career exploration into middle school through low-cost ROV curriculum, student visits to ferries and vessels, Sea Scouts partnerships, and ship-based safety and welding experiences. Industry representatives from the Northwest Marine Trade Association, American Seafoods, and Vigor Marine Group emphasized the maritime sector’s economic importance, aging workforce, and need for hands-on training to build the pipeline for family-wage jobs. A teacher from South Kitsap High School said the program gives students a clear pathway and has helped connect them to careers in shipyards, fishing, and related trades. Vigor also noted support for a student welding competition and equipment donations for a Rainier Beach shop. Dr. Sam Riggs of Education Northwest presented a longitudinal study using state data from 2013-14 through 2023-24. The study found CTE access has been relatively steady statewide, but offerings vary by school size, locale, and income, with rural and lower-income schools generally offering fewer pathways. Participation is high: nearly all students earn at least some CTE credit, and more students are accumulating multiple credits over time, though fewer go deep within a single pathway. Students who earned more CTE credits, especially within pathways such as agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and construction, were more likely to graduate on time and later had stronger postsecondary certificate attainment and earnings. Riggs recommended addressing local barriers to participation, considering whether the CTE graduation requirement should better encourage depth while preserving flexibility, and aligning offerings more closely with labor-market needs. Committee members asked about COVID-era trends, student motivation, early workforce entry, delivery settings such as skill centers, and how to interpret the comparison groups used in the analysis.

Transcript Highlights:

• port.
• Port St. Pete is really kind of a research port.
• Port Tampa Bay is one of our largest land ports, a significant diverse port, lots of aggregate.
• Port of Pensacola is another historic port.
• Port of Pensacola is another historic port.

Summary: The Transportation and Economic Development Budget Subcommittee heard an overview from FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue on the state’s transportation work program, with emphasis on the Moving Florida Forward initiative, major roadway projects, workforce needs, seaports, airports, spaceport infrastructure, and the role of MPOs/TPOs in planning. He said the $4 billion general revenue investment in Moving Florida Forward has been leveraged into a roughly $7 billion-plus program, with 20 projects underway and about 70% of the initiative expected to be under construction by year’s end. He highlighted I-4 as the centerpiece, describing a new procurement approach, phased delivery, and added lanes intended to provide congestion relief during construction. He also discussed a projected 38% growth in transportation workforce needs and proposed a Florida Transportation Academy and a research institute to support training and innovation. Tiffany King of the Florida Airports Council said Florida’s 128 public-use airports have about $5.7 billion in unfunded projects through 2029, and stressed that airport priorities include not only terminals and passenger capacity but also safety, security, gates, and environmental work. Michael Rubin of the Florida Ports Council said Florida’s 16 deepwater seaports now have a $195.9 billion economic impact, support about 1.2 million jobs, and generate $7.4 billion in state and local taxes; he noted that ports still have about $4 billion in project needs, including dredging and intermodal connections. Jeff Sheffield of the North Florida TPO described the value of regional, community-based planning and said his four-county TPO has helped align local priorities with FDOT funding. Members asked about whether the state is planning for advanced air mobility and “flying cars,” whether Moving Florida Forward bypassed MPOs, how long major projects take, cost escalation, regionalization of MPOs, port governance, airport governance, and the contractor qualification system. FDOT and the witnesses said the state is working on policy and planning for advanced air mobility, that Moving Florida Forward did not bypass MPOs because the projects were already locally prioritized, and that the main delay is funding rather than the planning process. They said long-range plans are updated regularly and can be amended when priorities change, and that regional MPO structures can improve coordination. The committee took no formal vote; the meeting concluded after questions and comments, including discussion of workforce training opportunities for incarcerated individuals and a motion to adjourn by the ranking member.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would encourage you to please come visit Texarkana when you can.
• This applies at land and sea ports of entry.
• Daily, thousands of individuals cross our border to legally work, shop, visit family, and contribute
• clear that this enhanced identification is now part of what is going to be federally recognized at our ports
• As a matter of this identification, if you go to the port of entry right now and, you know, next time

Bills: HB3484, HCR112, HCR125

Keywords: border municipalities, agreements, funding eligibility, infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, REAL ID, travel document, border crossing, Texas, U.S. citizens, Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, defense innovation, national security, U.S. Army Futures Command, military technology, economic growth, 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm the executive director at the Washington Public Ports Association, signed in today pro on Senate
• We have more public ports in my district than any. That's true.
• I think your reference to Chinook and Waco suggests that there are other ports in your district that
• Shinooka Waco suggests that there are other ports in your district that have dredging needs as well,
• goals, had adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.

Bills: SB6005

Keywords: transportation budget, transportation appropriations, capital budget, supplemental budget, Washington State Department of Transportation, WSDOT, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, ferries, Puget Sound ferries, tolling, express toll lanes, highway safety, traffic safety, impaired driving, ignition interlock, speed cameras, transit funding, public transit, multimodal transportation

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, the supplemental transportation appropriations bill. Committee staff reviewed the current transportation budget, recent revenue forecasts, and the impact of the 2025 session’s new revenues and spending plan. They noted that fuel-tax-related forecasts were revised downward, while Climate Commitment Act revenues were revised upward in the near term but are expected to decline over time. The governor’s proposal was described as balancing over the six-year horizon and adding about $3.1 billion in bond-backed resources, including major preservation funding, three new ferries, maintenance, and support for other transportation accounts and agencies. Governor’s staff said the budget prioritizes preservation because of bridge deterioration, pavement needs, ferry fleet aging, and maintenance backlogs. They highlighted funding for bridge replacement and rehabilitation, paving, slope stabilization, culverts, maintenance, ferry vessel purchases and preservation, county road grant startup costs, State Patrol communications equipment, Department of Licensing mobile services and call center modernization, Columbia River dredging, bridge-strike analysis, and restoration of regional mobility grants. Committee members asked about electric vehicle adoption effects on fuel revenues, the self-insurance account, ferry vessel size and dock compatibility, and whether DOL mobile offices would be limited to rural areas. Public testimony was largely supportive of the governor’s budget emphasis on preservation and maintenance. Cities, counties, contractors, business groups, ports, ferry users, and labor representatives backed investments in roads, bridges, ferries, dredging, and local access services, while urging more funding and better support for workers and equipment. Some witnesses argued the system is underfunded and fragile, while one testifier urged restraint and questioned the reliability of dedicated revenues. Other testimony called for continued support for COFA REAL ID assistance, Confluence Parkway in Wenatchee, and greater use of Climate Commitment Act funds for rail and port electrification. No votes were taken; the hearing on SB 6005 concluded and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Port. >> Hi.
• , uh, unannounced site visits.
• </c><00:39:59.920><c> uh</c> would talk about the site visits uh would talk about the site visits uh
• ,</c> &gt;&gt; Senator Port, &gt;&gt; Senator Port, &gt;&gt; no.
• Senator Liski, Senator<01:31:17.360><c> Port.</c> Senator Port. Senator Port.

Keywords: 918, senate, all

Summary: The committees resumed discussion of amendments to a bill dealing with licensing moratoria, change-of-ownership rules, and related provider oversight issues. Amendment A8 would prevent a licensing moratorium for certain intermediate care service settings from blocking a new license when the change is due to a change of ownership, including temporary licenses and transitional licenses. Department of Human Services staff said they were still reviewing the language but explained the department’s concern was maintaining program integrity and ensuring owners go through full change-of-ownership review so the agency can see who owns a provider and check compliance history. Senators supporting the amendment argued it would keep legitimate businesses from being harmed by a moratorium and could help preserve providers when ownership changes or family members take over after a death. A8 was adopted on a roll call, with both committees voting in support. Amendment A9, also on the moratorium topic, would exempt a change of ownership from the moratorium so long as it does not increase license capacity or service scope. The department said it needed more analysis to avoid unintended consequences, but the amendment was added to the working bill. Amendment A10 proposed a more detailed, data-driven framework for the moratorium and included a provision about refunds after implementation; department staff said the language would add cost and would require technical assistance, while senators emphasized the need to address licensure backlogs and avoid making provider delays worse. A10 was approved by the committees, though not unanimously. Amendment A11 would have set standards for how the commissioner designates provider types or program areas as moderate or high risk, with added transparency criteria. The department said the commissioner already has that authority and raised concerns about federal requirements and the state’s corrective action plan, and Senator Hoffman withdrew the amendment. Amendment A12, offered by Senator Fateh, would preserve remote supports by removing bill language that repealed the service and would add safeguards for remote overnight supervision, including staffing ratios to ensure emergency response times can be met. Several senators supported keeping remote services as an important, cost-effective option amid workforce shortages, while the department said it had program integrity concerns and supported the governor’s proposal to remove the service. The committee nevertheless advanced A12, with members noting the need to balance safety and integrity with access to services.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> Um, for instance, Senator Port has been working over the course of the last couple of weeks on some
• with us yesterday and talked and visited with us yesterday and talked about<00:14:05.360><c> the</c>
• 15:02.320><c> instance,</c><00:15:03.199><c> uh,</c><00:15:03.519><c> Senator</c><00:15:03.920><c> Port
• </c><00:15:04.240><c> has</c> &gt;&gt; Um, for instance, uh, Senator Port has &gt;&gt; Um, for instance
• , uh, Senator Port has been<00:15:04.720><c> working</c><00:15:05.279><c> uh</c><00:15:05.440><c> over

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> 4,500 ft of their Port Authority Road. 4,500 ft of their Port Authority Road.
• </c> has neglected it for years and the port has neglected it for years and the port now<00:15:50.079
• </c> of docks, wars, equipment, port of docks, wars, equipment, port buildings,<00:18:02.400><c> storage
• </c> Paduka McCrack and Canyon River Port Paduka McCrack and Canyon River Port Authority<00:24:32.240
• ,</c><00:30:23.919><c> but</c> of those up from some of the ports, but of those up from some of the ports

Keywords: 00:01 Call to Order and Roll Call 00:47 Approval of Minutes 01:07 Airport Projects 12:17 Riverport Projects 38:27 Electric Vehicle Charging Program 54:10 Adjournment, 958, all

Summary: The Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation met on July 15, 2025, approved the June 4 minutes, and heard updates on aviation and riverport funding programs. Commissioner Mark Carter of the Kentucky Department of Aviation reported on the $200,000 grants for general aviation airports included in House Bill 1, saying the money is being used mainly for hangar projects, fuel trucks, parking lot resurfacing, airport equipment, crew cars, and public education efforts. He said about 25 hangar-related projects were reported, with an estimated 60 T-hangars and four or five box hangars supported, and noted that the grants are often used to match federal funds. He also said the state’s jet fuel tax revenue generates about $23 million annually, up from about $19 million in 2021, and that most airports are now compliant with the ADS-B/VOR-related reporting system required in budget language, which has improved reported operations and may help airports qualify for FAA grants. Members asked about the pace of airport projects, the limited number of contractors for hangar construction, and whether airports could finance hangars themselves. Carter said timing has generally been good, though federal projects have slowed somewhat and contractor capacity remains a challenge, and he said there is no statute preventing airports from financing part or all of a hangar project. Questions also focused on the long-term need for hangars and the effect of the jet fuel cap, with Carter saying general aviation airports still have significant hangar demand and rely on state assistance because hangars are a key revenue source. Jeremy Edgeworth of the Transportation Cabinet and Brian Wright of the Kentucky Association of Riverports then reviewed riverport projects funded through House Bill 265 and House Bill 1. Edgeworth said the cabinet’s riverport grant program awarded $500,000 in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 13 projects under an 80/20 match, and that House Bill 1 provided $7.5 million per year for public riverports with no local match. He described completed or underway projects at multiple ports, including equipment replacements, dock and road repairs, material handling upgrades, mooring cell rehabilitation, and a waterline loop at Owensboro. He said $12.6 million of the KPRCM funds had been awarded across 20 projects, with about $2.4 million still to be awarded later in the fall. Wright said the riverport investments are helping ports replace aging assets, expand capacity, and match federal dollars, but he also said the statewide capital need remains large, with the current list of top projects already in the $90 million range and longer-term needs still estimated at $60 million to $90 million. Members asked about timelines and future needs, and Edgeworth said many of the larger projects will take two to five years because of permitting and coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers. No additional votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• The Port Commission, I think half the town of Nacchish came down here to the Capitol today, and so it's
• But thank you, thank you so much, and I would encourage everybody here to visit Nacchish to experience
• Everybody here to visit Nacchish to experience the culture, the food, and this is going to be a very
• House concurrent resolution by Representative Baham to urge and request the Port of Orleans to obtain
• House concurrent resolution by Representative Baham to urge and request the Port of Orleans to obtain

Bills: HR65, HR66, HR67, HR68, HR69, HCR33, HCR34, HB1006, HB1007, HB1008, HB1010, HB1011, HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, SCR2, SCR5, SCR6, SCR11, SCR16, SCR17, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, SB8, SB10, SB12, SB16, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB29, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB44, SB49, SB58, SB68, SB75, SB77, SB81, SB97, SB103, SB159, SB163, SB172, SB180, SB182, SB244, SB248, SB253, SB254, SB279, SB306, SB318, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB397, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB100, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB272, HB337, HB350, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB445, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB752, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB733, HB875, HB952, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB52, HB901, HB193, HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

• Northwestern State here, from Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, the city of Natchitoches, the Port
• The Port Commission.
• Everybody here to visit Natchitoches to experience the culture, the food, and this is going to be a very
• House Concurrent Resolution by Representative Baham to urge and request the Port of Orleans to obtain
• House Concurrent Resolution by Representative Baham to urge and request the Port of Orleans to obtain

Bills: HR65, HR66, HR67, HR68, HR69, HCR33, HCR34, HB1006, HB1007, HB1008, HB1010, HB1011, HR58, HR59, HR60, HR61, HR62, HR63, HR64, HCR32, SCR2, SCR5, SCR6, SCR11, SCR16, SCR17, HB43, HB447, HB573, HB1000, HB1001, HB1002, HB1003, HB1004, HB1005, SB8, SB10, SB12, SB16, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB29, SB32, SB41, SB42, SB44, SB49, SB58, SB68, SB75, SB77, SB81, SB97, SB103, SB159, SB163, SB172, SB180, SB182, SB244, SB248, SB253, SB254, SB279, SB306, SB318, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB397, HB53, HB57, HB64, HB100, HB102, HB106, HB111, HB137, HB152, HB155, HB177, HB238, HB256, HB258, HB272, HB337, HB350, HB359, HB363, HB386, HB434, HB445, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB661, HB697, HB726, HB727, HB747, HB752, HB756, HB758, HB759, HB765, HB767, HB825, HB858, HB930, HB941, HB957, HB964, HB203, HB228, HB234, HB260, HB268, HB271, HB285, HB289, HB351, HB400, HB413, HB469, HB534, HB551, HB552, HB574, HB576, HB634, HB649, HB677, HB735, HB739, HB779, HB784, HB796, HB842, HB850, HB919, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB15, HB16, HB17, HB18, HB19, HB22, HB33, HB34, HB35, HB44, HB46, HB47, HB48, HB61, HB101, HB126, HB135, HB142, HB164, HB185, HB215, HB226, HB232, HB233, HB242, HB284, HB292, HB297, HB301, HB334, HB436, HB468, HB548, HB571, HB582, HB593, HB594, HB609, HB613, HB712, HB722, HB732, HB746, HB827, HB845, HB848, HB921, HB923, HB951, HB953, HB999, HB733, HB875, HB952, HB868, HB119, HB140, HB52, HB901, HB193, HB570

Keywords: condolences, Sam Goodwin, Northwestern State University, football coach, athletic legacy, obituary, ShaMonica Huggins, Louisiana, community support, public service, law enforcement, memorial resolution, Louisiana Legislature, tribute, centenarian, community recognition, Louisiana history, birthday celebration, Jeanerette, French bread

Transcript Highlights:

• It just so happens that I've had several opportunities to visit build sites, especially on women's build
• the Capitol. ...and he's here with his wonderful wife visiting the Capitol, learning about our state
• During his first term, he traveled throughout California doing public readings and visiting classrooms
• the heart of L.A., just a piece of concrete they built to control floods and move tanks out of the ports
• They built to control floods and move tanks out of the ports in World War II, and it just sits there

Keywords: 987, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met with a quorum present and began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The chamber first took up Senate Resolution 71, authored by Senator Arreguín, recognizing the importance of affordable homeownership in California. Senators from both parties spoke in support, emphasizing homeownership as a path to economic stability, generational wealth, and community strength, and highlighting the role of nonprofit builders such as Habitat for Humanity and state programs like CalHome. The resolution also noted racial and economic disparities in homeownership and the need to expand entry-level housing opportunities. SR 71 passed on a 35-0 vote, after which Habitat for Humanity representatives were welcomed to the floor. The Senate then recognized visiting guests, including Sir James Cleverly and Lady Susanna Cleverly, before moving to confirmations. The chamber confirmed Trista Gonzalez as Director of the Department of Tax and Fee Administration, Aaron McGuire as executive director of the Board of State and Community Corrections, and Lee Herrick for another term as California Poet Laureate, each by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also adopted SCR 115, by Senator Daly, designating Wear Red Day and February as Heart Health Month. Senators shared personal remarks about women’s heart health, stroke awareness, and the importance of listening to warning signs; the resolution passed 37-0. Next, the Senate adopted SR 75, by Senator Rubio, declaring California Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Week. Supporters described the Cal EITC as an important anti-poverty tool that many eligible families miss because they are unaware of it, and urged broader outreach so more Californians can claim the credit. That resolution passed 29-0. The chamber also heard an announcement that the Select Committee on Economic Development and Technological Innovation would meet later that morning. The session concluded with adjournment-in-memory tributes, including a lengthy remembrance of architect Frank Gehry and a tribute to June Roberti, wife of former Senate Pro Tem David Roberti, as well as Stephen Michael Ruta Flores, a football coach and educator remembered for his impact on students and athletes. The Senate then recessed, with the next floor session scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• bills that we just passed, uh, like our site readiness program that came out of HB 2, HB 19, our trade ports
• But, um, along with that site visit, that's going to hold all of the conversations that we are thinking
• It's my understanding that this committee has met in uh Las Cruces previously, and to visit uh a city
• um, yeah, and, and to, um, vice Chair's comments earlier, I think it's really important for us to visit
• I wish it was over the weekend, so you can uh visit the famous uh flea market they have there.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have more public ports in my district than any. That's true.
• Shinook, Ilwaco suggests that there are other ports in your district that have dredging needs as well
• In Port Angeles, our members showed me on a map where they found the various tools along the side of
• As a reminder, the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, one year before the state adopted its greenhouse gas
• goals, had adopted the Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy.

Summary: The Senate Transportation Committee met on January 13, 2026, for a work session on Governor Ferguson’s proposed 2026 supplemental transportation budget and a public hearing on Senate Bill 6005, which makes supplemental transportation appropriations for the 2025–27 biennium. Committee staff reviewed the transportation budget outlook, noting that the 2025 session had balanced the transportation budget over four years with significant new revenues, but that recent fuel-tax and Climate Commitment Act forecasts had softened the long-term outlook. Staff and the governor’s budget team said the proposal still leaves the budget in positive shape while addressing major needs such as preservation, ferry replacement, maintenance, and the state self-insurance account. The governor’s office described a $16.8 billion transportation budget proposal centered on preservation and maintenance, including $3.1 billion in bonding for eligible preservation projects, $1.1 billion for three new ferries, additional ferry preservation funding, pavement and bridge work, maintenance funding, County Road Administration Board startup money, State Patrol communications upgrades, DOL service access improvements, dredging for the Lower Columbia River, and restored regional mobility grant funding. Committee members asked about ferry capacity, DOL mobile offices, self-insurance costs, and whether additional preservation money could be used in 2026. Testifiers from cities, counties, labor, ports, construction, business, and environmental groups generally supported the emphasis on preservation, ferry reliability, local road funding, and freight projects, while some urged broader transit and rail investment and one witness criticized the budget’s spending approach. During public testimony on SB 6005, speakers from Bainbridge Island and ferry communities supported ferry investments and reliability improvements; local government and labor representatives backed preservation funding and better working conditions for transportation workers; business and construction groups endorsed maintenance, paving, bridge repair, and the Lower Columbia dredging item; and port and environmental advocates supported freight, port electrification, and rail funding. One witness raised concerns about the cost and long-term implications of hybrid-electric ferry maintenance, and another urged restraint in spending. The hearing ended after testimony, with the chair noting the sign-in tally and adjourning the committee without a vote on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Port, no. >> No.
• </c> &gt;&gt; Thank you, Senator Port. Senator Balden. &gt;&gt; Thank you, Senator Port.
• . >> Senator Port. >> Yes.
• </c> candidate visiting candidate visiting as<01:10:42.320><c> in</c><01:10:42.560><c> this</c><01:10
• Okay, Senator Port. >> Sorry. Okay, Senator Port. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I have a testifier here, Holly Massac, Port Authority administrator, to provide more details.
• The one thing I'm not, and I understood your comment that the Port Authority purchased it to prevent
• Again, it's Holly Mik from the Bloomington Port Authority.
• </c> it's Holly mik from the Bloomington Port it's Holly mik from the Bloomington Port Authority<00:21
• So in a little bit, we're going to hear from my pal Kelsey, whose farm I visited this last summer.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The first is the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program.
• We visited 10 of these last fall, 10 different cities.
• And also I chair the Select Committee on the Ports and Goods Movement.
• we can to make sure that our ports are as vibrant as possible.
• I toured all of our 12 ports and came out with a legislative report why our ports are needed and why

Summary: The subcommittee first heard an informational presentation on the May Revision’s proposed reorganization of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency into separate housing-focused and consumer/business-focused entities. Administration officials said the split would improve oversight, streamline decision-making, and create a dedicated California Housing and Homelessness Agency with a new housing development and finance committee. The Department of Finance said funding was needed in 2025-26 to begin implementation, while the LAO recommended rejecting the proposal without prejudice because the Little Hoover Commission review was still pending and the plan would require ongoing General Fund costs. Members raised concerns about the timing, the lack of alignment with the budget process, and whether the reorganization would improve accountability for homelessness spending; several public witnesses supported the concept but stressed it could not substitute for new housing and homelessness dollars. The committee then took up the Department of Veterans Affairs. CalVet requested funding for phase three of its electronic health care record project and a trailer bill to preserve authority for federal background checks, but the May Revision withdrew requests for deferred maintenance and additional administrative support. The LAO noted deferred maintenance can prevent larger future costs, and the chair criticized the withdrawal of less than $1 million for veterans’ homes as short-sighted given existing repair needs. No vote was taken. Next, the Department of Housing and Community Development presented its budget. HCD said the May Revision provides no new affordable housing or homelessness funding, but does retain existing rounds of funding and proposes a $31.7 million reversion from undersubscribed housing programs. Members from both parties expressed concern about zeroing out ongoing housing and homelessness investments, especially for LIHTC, the Multifamily Housing Program, and HAP. HCD also defended its homelessness accountability and compliance work, saying the unit includes about 30 program staff and six attorneys, with three additional attorneys requested mainly to handle public records and litigation workload. Public commenters largely opposed the lack of new funding and urged continued support for housing and homelessness programs, while some supported the reorganization and accountability efforts. Finally, the committee heard Go-Biz proposals. The administration requested authority to increase funding for a federal trade program match if needed, plus reappropriations for administrative funds tied to the Containerized Ports Interoperability Grant Program, zero-emission vehicle operations, and the Women’s Business Center Enhancement Program. It also proposed withdrawing the Cal Competes grant request and reverting remaining funds from the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. The LAO said Cal Competes is generally effective but could be cut as a budget solution, while warning that the performing arts fund was close to awards and should be considered carefully. Members objected to pulling back committed funds for performing arts organizations and questioned why the state would withdraw support after applications had already been submitted.