Transcript Highlights:

• Your signatures and affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• Thank you so much for your testimony. The board is clear.
• I always look forward to your testimony and thank you for being here.
• I'm conflicted because I recall testimony I'm conflicted because I recall testimony on this in committee
• Hearing that testimony, but I do want to be clear in that.

Bills: HR73, HR272, HR273, HR278, HCR91, HCR99, HCR100, HCR111, HB255, HB261, HB328, HB378, HB479, HB517, HB564, HB778, HB1090, SB135, SB278, SB448

Keywords: domestic abuse, protective orders, victim protection, Louisiana State Law Institute, mandatory procedures, parental discipline, corporal punishment, child abuse, cruelty to juveniles, juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, child welfare, DCFS, Office of Juvenile Justice, reasonable discipline, parental rights, family law, law enforcement reports, abuse allegations, single-parent households

Summary: The Criminal Justice Committee met on May 19, 2026, with a long agenda and several members’ bills and resolutions. The committee first considered HB 255, as substituted, which would add up to two years of imprisonment for a person charged with a felony or rioting offense who wore a mask or face covering to evade identification, with exceptions for religious coverings, motorcycles, and medical use. Supporters said it targeted concealment during felonies; the ACLU opposed it as redundant and potentially overbroad, while the Louisiana District Attorneys Association clarified the enhancement would apply only to felony convictions. The committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 255 favorably by a vote of 8-3. It then advanced HB 378, which creates penalties for using a vehicle to obstruct first responders and law enforcement; after an amendment narrowed the bill to first responders, it was reported favorably. HB 1090, increasing penalties for arson of a religious building, also passed favorably after testimony emphasizing attacks on houses of worship. HR 272, requesting a study on parental discipline, abuse allegations, and juvenile delinquency, was reported favorably as well. The committee also heard HB 479, the Fiscal Truth and Sentencing Act, which would require more detailed reporting on incarceration costs and sentencing impacts. Supporters, including the ACLU, said the bill would improve transparency and help lawmakers make better fiscal decisions; clerks of court opposed it as an unfunded mandate. Despite amendments shifting reporting duties and clarifying compliance with Children’s Code Article 412, the bill failed on a 4-7 roll call. The committee then deferred HCR 99 and took up HR 278, which asks the Attorney General to consult stakeholders and review electronic monitoring laws and regulations; supporters described serious failures in the current GPS monitoring system, and the resolution was reported favorably. HR 273, creating a task force to study work release programs, was also reported favorably after members said it would help refine the system and gather cost data. Later, the committee heard SB 448 on the Office of the State Public Defender. After discussion of a recent Supreme Court ruling and concerns about expert-witness funding and indigency determinations, the committee adopted an amendment adding a contradictory-hearing process and appellate review protections, then reported the bill as amended. HCR 100, concerning casino property sales, was amended to remove specific property references and instead urge the Gaming Control Board to consider economic development, job creation, and community benefit; the casino association withdrew opposition after the amendment, and the resolution was reported favorably as amended. The committee also voluntarily deferred SB 278 and HCR 91. HB 261, which would create exceptions to abortion laws for rape and certain sex offenses, drew extensive emotional testimony from supporters and opponents, including survivors and legislators discussing rape, incest, and fetal life; the bill was defeated 2-10. Finally, the committee took up HB 778 on kratom possession, with the author arguing for a distinction between natural kratom and synthetic products, and supporters and opponents offering conflicting testimony about safety, addiction recovery, and regulation.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to give testimony, please fill out a witness card completely and legibly.
• Your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true. Please be aware.
• To our Sergeant-at-Arms, your signature is an affirmation that the testimony you give is true.
• We heard testimony on this last year—last week, last year, yes, last year. All right.
• The amendment also expressly requires expert testimony.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We will take public testimony, hear concerns, uh praise whatever people might have for the bill.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Um, anyone else wishing to testify? Once, twice.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. testimony. testimony.
• <00:30:49.799> I<00:30:50.799> I've is there no further testimony?
• I I've is there no further testimony?

Bills: HF2783

Keywords: state government finance, biennial budget, appropriations, Minnesota Management and Budget, Healthy Aging Subcabinet, Office of Healthy Aging, older adults, aging policy, long-term care, caregivers, public health, Medicaid fraud, medical assistance fraud, attorney general subpoena power, fraud enforcement, business filing fraud, Secretary of State, deceptive mailings, consumer protection, certified public accountant

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's move to public testimony.
• Now I can go to public testimony.
• Public testimony? No public testimony. Amendment? We are on debate on the amendment.
• Chair: Is there public testimony on the bill?
• Lots of public testimony.

Transcript Highlights:

• We do have one public testimony card. Proponent Bill Carry Stillman from the Commission on Ethics.
• See no other public testimonies. With that, we're closing public testimony.
• Public Chair Garrison: testimony? Seeing no public testimony. Debate on special order letter?

Transcript Highlights:

• Is there any public testimony? We have no public testimony. Representative, you are recognized.
• We have no public testimony. Is anyone here to testify on the strike call amendment? We have none.
• In public testimony, Sam Wagner from Florida League of Cities waives in support.
• Any further public testimony? Thank you. None? We are in debate. Members, debate on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you like to submit that testimony.
• <00:20:02.960> and for 30 minutes for for uh testimony and for 30 minutes for for uh testimony
• Um I was wondering if you testimony.
• Thank you. day that because of my testimony, I'm day that because of my testimony, I'm not<02:21:31.200
• that very well organized testimony. that very well organized testimony.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Testimony may be limited to four minutes.
• Members, if there are none, we will proceed to testimony. The chair calls Liana Mann. Thank you.
• Seeing none, we will proceed to testimony. The chair calls Tyler Carlson. Have you registered?
• Thank you for your testimony. Do you think this would essentially make your process more efficient?
• Thank you for your testimony. Motion to testify for or against Senate Bill 2073. If not, chair.

Bills: HB3557, HB5578, SB973, SB974, SB2068, SB2073

Keywords: ad valorem tax, property tax, incomplete structure, human occupancy, tax exemption, HB 5578, Texas Tax Code, Section 6.062, appraisal district, county appraisal district, chief appraiser, budget hearing, public notice, notice of hearing, newspaper publication, website notice, social media notice, online newspaper, county government, property appraisal

Transcript Highlights:

• THERE ARE NO AMENDMENTS, WE HAVE PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• I THINK ONE OF THE PEOPLE IN PUBLIC TESTIMONY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT TREATING IT SIMILAR TO ALCOHOL.
• YOU HEARD IT FROM THE PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND THEREFORE ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN THE SAME WAY THAT ALCOHOL IS
• WE ARE IN PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
• PUBLIC TESTIMONY.

Transcript Highlights:

• Seeing none, is there any public testimony? Yes, there is. Thank you for asking.
• Is there public testimony? We do have. Is there public testimony?
• Seeing none, is there public testimony on the amendment? Any debate? Any objection?
• Seeing none, is there public testimony. We do have public testimony. All right.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 932, which would eliminate out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging under state-regulated insurance policies. The sponsor said the bill is intended to reduce delays in follow-up testing after abnormal mammograms and noted support from medical and cancer advocacy groups. Senators Arrington and Sharief spoke in favor, and the bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered CS for SB 160 on CPA licensure. The sponsor said the bill adds additional pathways to licensure in Florida without lowering standards and is similar to measures being considered in other states. The Florida Institute of CPAs supported the bill, and it was also reported favorably. The committee then took up a water management district bill, described as a comprehensive measure to increase transparency in planning, funding, budgeting, reporting, and business practices while making historic investments in Everglades restoration. Senators asked about the role of the Legislative Budget Commission and whether the bill would affect the Lake Okeechobee system operating manual; the sponsor said those issues were still being worked through and that the bill was focused on accountability and transparency. The bill was reported favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 50 on coastal resiliency and mangroves. The bill promotes nature-based solutions such as mangroves, living seawalls, and oyster reefs, and requires DEP to establish related rules and study effects on flood risk and insurance premiums. An amendment providing $250,000 from the Resilient Florida Trust Fund for a feasibility study was adopted without objection. The bill drew broad support from environmental and coastal groups and was reported favorably. SB 56 on geoengineering and weather modification was temporarily postponed and not heard, and the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony. Thank you for your testimony.
• <00:31:29.080> Fritsinger, testimony.
• Up next, Tanner Fritsinger, testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you very much for your testimony.
• much for your testimony. much for your testimony.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House File 5055, the governor’s supplemental tax budget. Commissioner of Revenue Paul Marquart outlined the proposal as a balanced budget package that would leave a positive bottom line in the current biennium and beyond. He emphasized family-focused tax relief, especially a new refundable young child credit for children ages 0 to 4, which would provide up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more, benefit about 104,000 families, and phase out at higher incomes. He also described federal conformity changes, including updates to business interest deductions, dependent care credits, and Section 179 expensing, along with omitted federal items such as research expensing and opportunity zones due to cost and policy concerns. Marquart also defended broader tax modernization proposals, including expanding the sales tax to selected consumer services such as accounting, banking, brokerage, and legal services while lowering the statewide sales tax rate, and creating a social media tax on consumer data collection that would fund an AI readiness special revenue fund rather than the general fund. He said these changes would make the sales tax less regressive and better aligned with the modern economy. Additional provisions mentioned included a gun-related gross receipts tax on firearms and ammunition, cannabis tax technical changes, historic structure rehabilitation conformity, and added auditors for tax compliance. Testimony from outside groups was mixed. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project supported the governor’s approach as a response to federal tax and spending changes, praised the decision not to conform to opportunity zones or federal no-tax-on-tips/overtime provisions, and urged even stronger revenue measures. Brian Lake of the Minnesota State Bar Association strongly opposed the proposed sales tax on consumer legal services, arguing it would burden low- and middle-income people in sensitive cases and create unfairness when individuals litigate against the state. Tanner Fritsinger of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees supported the sales tax base expansion and the social media tax as ways to broaden revenue without raising the base rate. The committee chair thanked the commissioner and then began hearing public testimony, with additional testifiers queued up.

Transcript Highlights:

• the record and commence your testimony the record and commence your testimony when<00:09:20.080>
• Sparks to state his name and begin his testimony.
• then begin your testimony. then begin your testimony.
• Will you be taking any testimony on Wednesday, Mr. Chair? Yes, Senator Dahms, we will be.
• <01:22:44.280> on Will you be taking any testimony on Will you be taking any testimony on

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And the second point that we heard in testimony was that if we didn't approve this bill, nobody would
• And I think another thing that we heard in testimony with regard to the error rate aspect of this is
• >> From<00:49:39.520> further<00:49:40.000> testimony, >> From further testimony
• We heard in testimony, we heard testimony in Division One from the state treasurer that with the existing
• > we<01:05:17.119> heard We heard in testimony, we heard We heard in testimony, we heard testimony

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:08:39.399> in to provide some um verbal testimony in to provide some um verbal testimony
• the the dod liaison written testimony the the dod liaison written testimony that<00:19:58.960>
• Do you happen to have a copy of your testimony?
• Seeing none, thank you for your testimony.
• Thank you very much for your testimony. Thank you. Anyone else?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Any testimony that actually is copy.
• <01:31:47.199> Good you for hearing my testimony. Good you for hearing my testimony.
• Continue with testimony for HB10. heard. Continue with testimony for HB10.
• Thank you for your testimony.
• testimony as well that I'll pass out. testimony as well that I'll pass out.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Did you also want to give testimony? Yes, ma’am.
• So at this time, if you both would want to give your testimony?
• So at this time, if you both would want to give your testimony?
• So what I'm hearing in some of the testimony, and perhaps Rep.
• That means your time's up for your testimony.

Summary: The committee first heard SB 206, which would require cardiovascular pre-screening and blood pressure testing for student athletes beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Chairman Miller said the bill was prompted by concerns about undiagnosed hypertension and sudden cardiac arrest in young athletes, and Coach Marcus Scott testified about his own kidney transplant after years of untreated high blood pressure. Members asked about who would perform the screenings and how follow-up would work; the American Heart Association said existing athletic physical processes and referral networks could handle it. An amendment was adopted, and the committee reported SB 206 favorably as amended. The committee then took up SB 305, which would require a publicly available statewide career-alignment dashboard showing how degree programs connect to workforce outcomes, including completion, employment, wages, and high-demand jobs. Chairman Edmonds and student task force member Cruz Cassard said the goal was to help students understand job opportunities in Louisiana and reduce the number leaving the state after graduation. Workforce and higher education stakeholders supported the measure as a transparency and workforce-planning tool. The committee reported SB 305 favorably. Next, the committee considered HB 624, a school safety cleanup bill updating references from crisis management plans to emergency operations plans and aligning school emergency language with national standards. Representative Johnson and the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools said the bill would not create new mandates or costs, but would clarify existing requirements. The committee reported HB 624 favorably. The committee then heard HB 1022, as substituted, concerning school-based health care services. Representative Jackson said the bill was intended to clarify that medical decisions in school-based health centers should be made by licensed health professionals, not school staff, while preserving parental consent. Testimony from school-based health center providers supported the bill, but several members raised concerns about consent, parental authority, and whether the language shifted too much responsibility away from schools; the Charter School Association suggested adding more collaborative language. After discussion, the committee adopted the substitute and reported HB 1022 favorably by a 10-4 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• As you all heard earlier on my testimony of the flood that I went through, I am living testimony that
• OK, please get to the end of your testimony. Last thing.
• I'm interested to hear the testimony, but Um, oh, absolutely.
• I look forward to testimony. Members, any more questions? All right.
• All right, 3 minute limit on your testimony.

Bills: HB 1520, HB 1525, HB 1530, HB 1535, HB 2068, HB 2091, HB 2347, HB 2372, HB 2805, HB 2815, HB 2867, HB 3154, HB 3482, HB 3483, HB 3663, HB 3781, HB 3901, HB 3915, HB 4135, HB 4153, HB 4158, HB 4329, HB 4331

Keywords: Angelina and Neches River Authority, river authority, Sunset Advisory Commission, Texas Sunset Act, Special District Local Laws Code, local government, natural resources, board of directors, director training, board governance, public testimony, open meetings, public information, conflict of interest, ethics, complaint system, general manager, board president, staggered terms, removal of director

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like to report that online testimony I'd like to report that online testimony had<00:19:38.880
• The only thing I'm going to say is we heard a lot of testimony.
• And one of the things I heard testimony.
• > silencing<00:44:11.440> people's testimony about this silencing people's testimony about
• <01:19:02.719> Um no testimony whatsoever. Um no testimony whatsoever.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first returned to House Bill 157, which had been left pending from an earlier session. After correcting the procedural posture, the committee voted on a motion of ought to pass and it failed on a roll call. A reconsideration motion then passed unanimously, restoring the bill to the floor. Representative Turcot then moved ITL, explaining the committee believed there was a better path, likely through an ad hoc study and a future bill; that motion passed 9-2, and the chair said a minority report would be required and not to place the bill on consent. The committee next took up House Bill 331, which would require the Secretary of State to publish the current location of bills on the website until gubernatorial action. Supporters said the bill would reduce confusion and legislative limbo after bills leave the House and Senate. Online testimony was reported as 116 in support and 4 opposed. The committee voted 11-0 to pass the bill and placed it on consent. House Bill 347 followed, dealing with protections for legislators’ employment when serving in office. Supporters argued it would protect elected officials from employer retaliation and clarify existing law; opponents said it was an unnecessary mandate on employers and raised enforcement concerns, especially for out-of-state employers. The committee voted 8-3 to pass the bill, and a minority report was anticipated; it was not placed on consent. The committee then considered House Bill 605, which included student loan forgiveness provisions tied to legislative service. Members opposing the bill argued legislators are not state employees and should not receive that benefit, while others noted the bill’s employment-related provisions and the difficulty of meeting the hours requirement. The committee voted 11-0 to ITL House Bill 605 and placed it on consent.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:09:16.399> and then we're going to go to testimony and then we're going to go to testimony
• Rachel Jenner, executive director, Allied Charities of Minnesota, to your testimony.
• Thank you for your testimony, and thank you for your service.
• Angstrom, to your testimony. Mr. Angstrom: Yes, thank you, Chairman.
• Thank you very much for your testimony.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• Thank you for your testimony.
• Adam sski from EDF Renewables testimony Adam sski from EDF Renewables if<00:20:59.760> you<00
• uh representative AUM thank testimony uh representative AUM thank you<00:26:50.360> Mr<00:26:
• Mr sakoli sakoli skolski thank testimony Mr sakoli sakoli skolski thank you<00:26:56.200> um<
• thank you very much for your testimony thank you very much for your testimony George George Daman

Keywords: 1183, house