Transcript Highlights:

• I reserve the right to kind of limit as the...
• The statute of limitations had already expired.
• Current statutes of limitations fail to reflect this.
• And eliminating the statute of limitations.
• So they would not have a statute of limitations.

Bills: SB41, SB33, SB32, SB30

Keywords: sexual crimes, statute of limitations, criminal justice, victim rights, child abuse, individualized treatment, investigational treatment, health care, life-threatening illness, patient rights, physician recommendation, informed consent, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child protection, prosecution, crime amendments, SB30, induced abortion, abortion reporting

Transcript Highlights:

• And limitations?
• What limitations are there?
• We are opposed to the reinstatement of the Medi-Cal asset test limit, as that will limit access to IHSS
• are more strict limitations in year 2027?
• And so that is time-limited.

Summary: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health held the first of several hearings on the Governor’s May Revision for health care, with opening remarks focused on the state’s projected $12 billion deficit, looming federal Medicaid changes, and the potential impact on Medi-Cal, public health, reproductive health, and safety-net providers. Several members criticized the proposal as balancing the budget on vulnerable Californians, while others defended the need for cost containment and questioned the administration’s assumptions. The chair set ground rules for respectful, focused questioning and outlined three topics: the Medi-Cal proposals, Proposition 35, and Proposition 56. DHCS Director Michelle Baas presented the May Revision’s Medi-Cal package, saying the department’s budget totals $200.6 billion overall, including $45.2 billion General Fund, and that the proposals are intended to address rising caseloads, pharmacy costs, and managed care spending. She described proposed changes for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, including a freeze on new full-scope enrollment for those 19 and older, $100 monthly premiums beginning in 2027, elimination of adult dental and long-term care coverage, removal of PPS/RAP payments to FQHCs and rural health clinics for that population, and a pharmacy rebate aggregator. Other proposals included eliminating certain OTC drug classes, removing GLP-1 coverage for weight loss, prior authorization and step therapy changes, reinstating the Medi-Cal asset test, eliminating acupuncture as an optional benefit, allowing utilization management for hospice, raising the managed care minimum medical loss ratio to 90%, reducing PACE capitation rates toward the midpoint of the actuarial range, eliminating the skilled nursing facility workforce and quality incentive program, and suspending the SNF backup power requirement. The LAO said the revised Medi-Cal spending estimate is about $2.5 billion higher than the Governor’s Budget in the budget year, and that the increase appears driven more by higher per-enrollee costs than by caseload alone. The LAO said the budget solutions are concentrated in a few areas, are largely ongoing, and should be considered in light of federal uncertainty, but suggested the Legislature could explore alternatives such as more targeted income thresholds for the undocumented expansion and simpler asset-test rules. Department of Finance officials said the proposals are difficult but necessary to address a third consecutive deficit and rising Medi-Cal costs. Members then pressed the administration on the methodology and impacts of the proposals, especially the enrollment freeze, premiums, asset test, hospice controls, PACE reductions, and the elimination of benefits and provider payments. No votes or formal actions were taken at this hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• types to suspend the statute limitations types to suspend the statute limitations on<00:23:19.440
• <00:23:30.960> on 15-year statute limitations on 15-year statute limitations on collections
• Certainly, if we need an extension of the statute of limitations or a tolling of the statute of limitations
• Certainly, if we need an extension of the statute of limitations or a tolling of the statute of limitations
• <00:36:41.200> to believe in support should be limited to believe in support should be limited

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard several measures, beginning with Senate Bill 869 on community outreach boards. The Office of Information Practices said the bill was now clear and raised no concerns after clarification that it applies to Hawaii County community development action plan committees under the Sunshine Law. Written support was received from several individuals, and one testifier initially opposed the bill but withdrew opposition after hearing OIP’s explanation. No vote was taken in the excerpt. The committee then heard Senate Bill 405 on neighborhood board meetings, which would let boards receive and discuss reports from government officials that were not on a noticed agenda, with final action deferred to a later noticed meeting. OIP said the bill was a policy choice but warned it would give boards more flexibility at the cost of less public notice. Support came from the Wke neighborhood board and Jacob Weinek, while Natalie Iwasa and Greg Mian opposed it, arguing it could lead to unclear agenda items and deeper discussion without adequate public notice. No vote was taken. The committee also heard Senate Bill 903 on a claims review working group in the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands asking for the measure to be deferred because it believed a complete inventory and audit of the public lands trust should come first. Members asked about the status of related House Bill 1358. The committee then heard tax measures: Senate Bill 1469, which would suspend the collection statute of limitations while tax assessments are on appeal, and Senate Bill 1467, which would clarify that county tax appeals do not need to be served on the Director of Taxation. The Tax Department supported both bills, and the Tax Foundation’s witness generally agreed but suggested a possible amendment to SB 1469 regarding insurance premium tax language. The committee then moved to Senate Bill 544 on sentencing of minor defendants, which would require courts to consider youth-related factors and allow departures from mandatory minimums; OHA, the Public Defender, Human Rights for Kids, and others supported it, citing trauma, diminished culpability, and national trends, and no opposition was noted in the excerpt. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 691 on family courts, which would set a minimum age of 12 for adjudication of law violations. The Public Defender and Human Rights for Kids supported the bill, saying very young children should not be treated as law violators and can still receive services through other family court mechanisms. The Attorney General’s office and the Honolulu Prosecutor’s Office opposed the measure, arguing it could limit court jurisdiction and services for younger children and might have unintended consequences, including recruitment of children into criminal activity. Members asked whether amendments could preserve the bill’s intent while addressing those concerns; no final action is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, those are some of the limited opportunities that this bill lays out.
• And the stay is lifted for that limited purpose.
• In addition to other limitations of liability. Are there any questions?
• This delays critical treatments and strains already limited resources.
• So, again, I empathize that there is a limited availability.

Bills: HB 1239, HB1990, HB1748, HB1749, HB2578, HB2986, HB1970, HB3163, HB2733, HB1922, HB 113, HB 1088, HB1938, HB3004, HB2637, HB2960, HB113

Keywords: public health, access to healthcare, insurance reforms, medical expenses, healthcare providers, mental health, protective custody, preliminary examination, detention period, emergency circumstances, emergency detention, legal framework, detention, healthcare, liability, landowners, nonagricultural land, trespassing, public safety, interpreters

Transcript Highlights:

• So that is a limitation of time.
• So that is a limitation of time. Yeah.
• aren't term limits for the secretary of state or, you know, other executive officers.
• That term limits are a good thing.
• I think Representative Drazkowski had a bill many years ago to do term limits.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, we place limits on dollar amounts federally. We place limits on when we can raise funds.
• We place limits on, so you're OK with placing limits, funds from corporations.
• There's plenty of precedent where we have, we place limits.
• So you're OK with the idea of placing limits at times.
• What are, what are the limits? Say it again.

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance

Transcript Highlights:

• And then for the higher limits, they'll be substantially similar to limits that have already been extended
• How high is the credit limit now? How high is the credit limit now?
• And a limit would be determined based on responsible limits that we will work alongside our operators
• As far back, the first tribe to enter into this limitation appendix with the higher limits—that's what
• I call it, the higher limits, the extension of credit, etc.

Summary: The State Government and Tribal Relations Committee held a public hearing on July 10 at 8:30 a.m. on a proposed amendment to the Lummi Nation’s tribal-state gaming compact. Washington State Gambling Commission Director Tina Griffin and Tribal Relations Advisor Johnny Bray outlined the compact process under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and explained that the amendment had reached tentative agreement after negotiations with the Lummi Nation. Lummi Vice Chair Terence Adams and Councilperson Vindeen Washington described the amendment as the tribe’s sixth compact amendment and said it would expand gaming opportunities while supporting tribal governmental services, infrastructure, and jobs. The main changes discussed were authorization for electronic table games, extension of credit to customers, higher wagering limits, and the possibility of a second gaming facility. Committee members asked several questions about how credit limits would be set, how electronic table games work, whether online gaming was included, and how the systems would be tested and monitored. Witnesses said online gaming is not authorized by this amendment, that electronic table games must be certified by an independent lab and tested under state-tribal procedures, and that higher-limit tables could go up to $5,000 with no more than 25% of tables at those limits. Lummi representatives said credit policies would be developed responsibly after approval and that the tribe already uses strong internal controls. The Gambling Commission said seven tribes currently operate electronic table games and 13 tribes have adopted the limitations appendix related to credit and wager limits. The hearing was informational and part of the required public review before the commission’s later vote that morning on whether to forward the amendment to the governor or send it back for further negotiations. No vote was taken by the committee during this hearing, and the chair closed the meeting after thanking the presenters.

Transcript Highlights:

• So it's not as though that “but not limited to” language occurs in a vacuum.
• So it's not as though that “but not limited to” language occurs in a vacuum.
• And so, again, the “but not limited to” language does not occur in a vacuum.
• But you're not limited to those things you pointed out.
• But again, you're saying, but also everything else with “but not limited to.”

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• They're going to talk about limits of fish. How many fish should we keep? Daily possession limits.
• They're going to talk about limits of fish. How many fish should we keep? Daily possession limits.
• They're going to talk about limits of fish. How many fish should we keep? Daily possession limits.
• They're going to talk about limits of fish. How many fish should we keep? Daily possession limits.
• They're going to talk about limits of fish. How many fish should we keep? Daily possession limits.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The $10,000 limit is consistent with federal reporting requirements.
• The definition of daily transaction limit is updated accordingly.
• The 10,000 limit is consistent with federal reporting requirements.
• The definition of daily transaction limit is updated accordingly.
• Secondly, it requires the transaction limit is updated accordingly.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Banking and Insurance met with a quorum present and took up a full agenda of bills, beginning with SB 1286 by Sen. Wright. That bill expanded the state recruitment bonus program to include newly employed firefighters, created a DFS grant review panel, and established a PTSD institute within DFS for first-responder behavioral health. Fire chiefs, the Florida League of Cities, and others supported the measure, and the committee reported it favorably. The committee then considered SB 198 on virtual currency kiosks by Sen. Rousan. A substitute amendment was adopted that clarified daily transaction limits, registration requirements, expiration rules, and OFR authority to deny registrations. Testimony focused on protecting seniors from crypto-ATM scams while giving the industry regulatory certainty. The committee also favorably reported CS/SB 198. Members next approved CS/SB 772, which allows portable electronics limited licensees to sell eyewear insurance, and CS/SB 1504, which updates insurance customer representative licensing pathways by allowing a high school insurance and personal finance course to count toward pre-licensure education. The committee also favorably reported Sen. Gruters’ CS/SB 1038 and CS/SB 1040, which together create the Florida Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve and its trust fund framework, and CS/SB 1440, which expands public records exemptions and cybersecurity-related protections for financial institutions, loan originators, money service businesses, and credit unions. Sen. Burton’s SB 1668 on the NICA program drew extensive testimony from a NICA board member and family advocate, who urged stronger funding to preserve lifelong care for catastrophically injured children; the bill was reported favorably despite concerns from the Florida Justice Association about benefit restrictions and retroactivity. Finally, the committee approved CS/SB 570, creating a DFS task force on payment scams, after an amendment reduced FDLE’s required representation. At the end of the meeting, Sen. Burton requested to be recorded in the affirmative on SB 1286, and Sen. Passidomo requested affirmative votes on tabs 3, 5, and 9; the committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I would like to remind everyone of the three-minute limit for testimony.
• Connecticut and Vermont have put potency limits in place.
• At Quebec, when they first legalized, they set a limit of 30% THC.
• What they will do is set a total THC limit and regulate above that limit.
• Connecticut and Vermont have a 30% limit on flower and 60% limit on concentrates.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy held a hearing on a broad set of cannabis and hemp bills, with the chairs opening by emphasizing unfinished work on equity, public health, safety, and market stability. The committee heard testimony on House Bill 146, which would create more efficient cannabis testing standards by increasing batch sizes, reducing or eliminating some environmental testing, standardizing lab reporting, and requiring annual scientific review and public data reporting. Industry witnesses, including a representative of the Massachusetts Cannabis Coalition, cultivators, and a testing lab owner, said current testing rules are overly burdensome, costly, and inconsistent, and argued the bill would lower compliance costs while preserving consumer safety. A testing lab witness also said some operators switch labs to obtain higher THC results or pass contaminated batches, and urged greater transparency and better sampling protocols. A major portion of the hearing focused on intoxicating hemp and related bills that would bring hemp-derived intoxicating products under a stronger regulatory framework. Legislators and industry witnesses described products sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores as often untested, not age-gated, and sometimes mislabeled or far above the federal hemp THC threshold. Testimony from attorneys and cannabis business leaders said states can regulate these products more strictly under the Farm Bill’s non-preemption language, and pointed to New Jersey and other states as possible models. Some witnesses and committee members stressed that any new rules should avoid harming non-intoxicating CBD businesses or lawful hemp farmers, while others argued that the products are effectively cannabis and should be regulated like cannabis for licensing, testing, age limits, and taxation. The committee also heard extensive public-health testimony in support of bills S. 95, S. 96, S. 97 and their House counterparts H. 191, H. 192, and H. 193. Parents, advocates, and public health professionals urged stronger warning labels, THC potency caps, and improved data collection on cannabis-related harms, citing cannabis-induced psychosis, addiction, anxiety, and youth exposure to high-potency products. Several witnesses said Massachusetts has not done enough to track health outcomes or warn consumers, and referenced other jurisdictions such as Connecticut, Vermont, Colorado, Canada, and Quebec as examples of stronger limits or warnings. No votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing; the committee primarily received testimony and questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am in support of appointment of a limited physical administrator for the water.
• And that's what brings us here today. ...entering into the limited fiscal administration.
• However, the importance of having this process go forward and having a limited fiscal fund...
• I'm here today to find out the state wants to put a limited fiscal administrator in place.
• And on that note, I would like to make a motion to appoint a limited...

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on the troubled water system in Tallulah and whether to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the water utility. Senator Jackson described the system’s long-running failures, the need to expand repairs beyond the treatment plant to the distribution network, and the growing project cost, which he said had risen to roughly $26 million. Legislative Auditor’s Office staff explained that the system had received failing grades from LDH for several years, had entered joint receivership in 2024, and was placed under a public health emergency in 2025; they said the city’s adoption of limited fiscal administration in April 2026 made it eligible for additional state funding. Governor’s staff said the state, GOSEP, Magnolia, and the city had worked together to restore service and that the limited fiscal administrator would help unlock an emergency subfund and other financing sources. The mayor of Tallulah supported the appointment, saying the state’s work had improved water quality and that the limited role would focus only on the water system rather than the whole city. She said the city was preparing an RFQ to move the project toward bidding. Two residents spoke in opposition. One argued that the city had recently elected a new council and should wait for new local leadership before proceeding. Another questioned the need for the appointment, criticized past management and contract arrangements, and objected to using emergency funds to pay prior project costs. State officials responded that the F grade and public health concerns justified the action, that the administrator would control water-system finances, and that the distribution system needed repairs to address leaks and water quality issues. After discussion, a committee member moved to appoint a limited fiscal administrator for the Tallulah water system. The motion was seconded and passed without opposition. The committee then moved to public comment and adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Once you call that limited to.
• limitations do you say that we there? limitations do you say that we there?
• the topic limit limitations. the topic limit limitations.
• this convention down to y'all limited term limits, balance budget... alternate would come in.
• budget The y'all limited term limits, balanced budget, y'all limited term limits, balanced budget

Bills: HB433, HB443

Keywords: tax distribution, Talladega County, economic development, public safety, rural infrastructure, HB443, Underground Damage Prevention Program, One-Call Notification System, 811, utility locate, dig law, excavation safety, damage prevention, underground utilities, pipeline safety, public utilities, buried facilities, excavation notice, demolition notice, Alabama Public Service Commission

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 41 eliminates the statute of limitations.
• The statute of limitations on second.
• subject to a statute of limitations.
• Statute of limitations are a policy decision.
• Statute of limitations are a policy decision.

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And so if we're going to have term limits, then let's do it right.
• you for, I'm not for term limits.
• All people are going to be talking about term limits.
• All people are going to be talking about term limits.
• Term Limits. Another is the attorney for U.S. Term Limits.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The North Dakota House convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a quorum present, then received a gubernatorial veto message on Senate Bill 2261. The governor vetoed the bill creating a prison industries workforce development tax credit, citing dormant Commerce Clause concerns and arguing the tax credit would create an unfair market advantage and not meaningfully help Rough Rider Industries. The House agreed to place SB 2261 on the next day’s calendar for a possible veto override. The chamber also re-referred Senate Bill 2159 to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and appointed a conference committee for Senate Bill 2133 after the Senate refused to concur with House amendments. The House then took up a series of Senate amendments and final passage votes on several bills. It concurred in amendments and passed House Bill 1140 naming the Specialist John P. Fettig, Iraq Bridge; House Bill 1241 allowing funeral home vehicles to display flashing purple lights and clarifying emergency vehicle lamp rules; House Bill 1316 imposing additional penalties for repeated violations of temporary restricted licenses; House Bill 1127 expanding Department of Financial Institutions authority and data security provisions; House Bill 1564 on Indian child welfare; House Bill 1167 requiring AI disclosure statements in political communications; House Bill 1170 on state employee annual leave; House Bill 1447 regulating virtual currency kiosks; House Bill 1278 creating a cash management board for state treasury funds; House Bill 1024, the deficiency appropriation bill; House Bill 1205 on newborn safety devices; House Bill 1204 expanding false-information rules for political ads to text messages and telephone calls; House Bill 1001, the governor’s budget; House Bill 1206 increasing penalties for DUI offenses involving a minor; House Bill 1088 on insurance penalties and restitution; and House Bill 1515 on motor vehicle warranty work compensation. Most passed with strong margins, though HB 1170 and HB 1024 drew notable opposition, and HB 1447 and HB 1204 also had several nays. The most extended debate came on Senate Concurrent Resolution 4008, which proposed a constitutional amendment to change legislative term limits from the current structure to four four-year terms and repeal a constitutional restriction on proposing such changes. Supporters argued the measure would preserve institutional knowledge, allow voters to reconsider the 2022 term-limit decision, and let the public decide on the ballot. Opponents said the people had already spoken, the measure was confusing or unnecessary, and it could distract from other ballot issues. After reconsideration was granted, the House passed SCR 4008 by a vote of 53 yeas to 39 nays. The session ended with announcements, committee meeting notices, and adjournment until April 3, 2025.

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no statute of limitations on murder of the body.
• The last bill that I'm testifying on is S. 1169, an act of limiting the statute of limitation for civil
• Back in 2014, we extended the civil statute of limitations.
• Back in 2014, we extended the civil statute of limitations.
• It changed the statute of limitations.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on the Judiciary held a lengthy hearing on a wide range of bills involving domestic violence, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, trafficking, victim compensation, and related criminal justice reforms. Testimony focused on measures to support survivors and close perceived legal gaps, including bills to protect domestic violence survivors in child welfare proceedings, expand victim compensation for homicide families and trafficking survivors, create a DNA exception to the rape statute of limitations, eliminate or extend statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse, and strengthen laws on upskirting, sexual abuse by adults in positions of authority, and sexual assault by rideshare drivers. Several speakers also addressed bills concerning vulnerable adults, harassment and custody-related abuse, and early evidence kits. Witnesses included legislators, prosecutors, advocates, and many survivors who described personal experiences with abuse and barriers to justice. Supporters argued that current laws often leave survivors without meaningful remedies, especially where consent, reporting requirements, evidentiary rules, or statutes of limitations prevent prosecution or compensation. Prosecutors and advocates said the bills would clarify vague statutes, increase penalties in some cases, and better reflect the realities of coercion, grooming, trafficking, and delayed reporting. Some testimony also urged amendments, including changes to victim compensation reporting rules and clarifications to avoid unintended conflicts with other wage-recovery laws. No committee votes or final actions were taken in the hearing itself. The chairs emphasized strict time limits, respectful conduct, and the submission of written testimony, and several witnesses were called out of order to accommodate the large number of speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• We are going to limit testimony today to three minutes.
• I'm interested in the 5% limit.
• what we see as a good limit.
• But that limit is really on a local basis.
• Does this leave that limit? Limit intact, this doesn't do anything with that limit, right?

Bills: SB512, SB1024

Keywords: SB 512, Texas Finance Code, money transmission, money services business, money transmitter, money transmission licensee, terms of service, consumer protection, civil penalty, attorney general enforcement, account closure, refund of balance, financial services regulation, payments industry, fintech, prepaid accounts, remittance, licensee compliance, local government debt, municipal finance

Transcript Highlights:

• would be limited to federal funds.
• This is prohibitions, limitations.
• So there is going to be some limitations on what we can do.
• She said the limit is not necessarily dollar-based; it is project-based.
• She said that is a limiting factor and confirmed to Representative Nelson that it is a limiting factor

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The Appropriations Division met in a work session on the draft Rural Health Transformation appropriations bill, 25.1392.01000, with no public testimony taken. Legislative Council and the Department of Health and Human Services walked through the bill, which would appropriate about $397.8 million in federal grant funds over two federal fiscal years, provide transfer authority, allow certain federal funds to be used for salaries and wages without counting against existing transfer limits, and authorize OMB to adjust other agencies’ spending authority if they receive grant awards through HHS. The bill also includes several temporary statutory exemptions to help implement the program, plus recipient acknowledgement/reporting requirements, periodic reports to Legislative Management, and an immediate effective date upon filing. Committee discussion focused heavily on how the federal rural health transformation money can be used and administered. Department officials explained that CMS will review projects for allowability and sustainability, that the state has flexibility to move funds among categories, and that the grant is limited to 10% administrative costs. Members asked about whether the funding could support renovations, equipment, ambulances, bulk purchasing, food distribution, and other rural health ideas, and were told many details will depend on CMS approval and the eventual applications. Questions also addressed cash flow, timing of obligations and reimbursements, FTE funding, and whether grant recipients should be told the program will not continue beyond the federal period; officials said the language is meant to prevent expectations of automatic continuation, not to bar future legislative action. The committee also discussed the bill’s use of a two-year appropriation amount, with staff explaining that the state must appropriate enough authority to cover the federal grant cycle and that unused authority would lapse if the full amount is not received or spent. Members raised concerns about whether the bill’s language could limit creativity or future program design, but department officials and several members emphasized the need for flexibility because CMS may reject overly specific directives. After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the bill draft to the full committee; the motion carried on a roll call vote, and the chair said the full Joint Appropriations Committee would take up the bill at the special session next week.

Transcript Highlights:

• And this basically establishes the growth limit.
• And this basically establishes the growth limit.
• , the limit will be the last one established by REC.
• So if we manually change that limit, it would just reset to the original, to the last limit from RAC.
• So if we manually change that limit, it would just reset to the original, to the last limit from RAC.

Bills: HB316, HB549, HB646, HB752, HB824, HB873, HB1129, HB1157, HB1170

Keywords: literacy, adolescent, teacher education, high-dosage tutoring, reading intervention, workforce development, training programs, Bayou Growth Opportunity, funding, employment, skills gap, qualified employer, credential recognition, government growth limit, recurring revenue, state finance, Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund, fiscal responsibility, legislative sessions, regular sessions

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on April 22 and first considered Chairman Beaulieu’s House Bill 646, a constitutional amendment limiting the amount of State General Fund money that may be appropriated in a fiscal year. After adopting a set of amendments creating the Louisiana Income Tax Elimination Fund and making conforming changes, the committee reported the bill favorably as amended. The companion bill, House Bill 824, which establishes the growth limit formula based on CPI, medical CPI, and population change, was also amended and reported favorably as amended. Supporters framed both measures as a way to keep spending within recurring revenues and create a path toward reducing or eliminating the state income tax. The committee then reported favorably as amended House Bill 1157, creating the Louisiana State Infrastructure Fund to help finance infrastructure-related projects, with testimony that it would leverage private and federal dollars and initially focus on rail, port, road, and bridge projects. House Bill 316, which provides a framework for student literacy reforms for grades four through eight, was presented as having no new cost because the Department of Education said the work was already covered by existing resources; it was reported favorably. House Bill 549, creating the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program to provide employer-based training grants, also received support from business groups and was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 1129, dealing with the sale of state-owned surplus movable property, drew support from Louisiana auctioneers who argued local firms should be allowed to bid on the state’s auction contract instead of relying on an out-of-state vendor; it was reported favorably. House Bill 873, which would fund pursuit intervention technology through a $2 driver’s license fee, generated significant concern about adding fees and whether the money should instead come from existing budgets. After discussion of the proposed technologies and training, the committee deferred the bill voluntarily to work on alternatives, including a possible sunset and other funding options. Finally, House Bill 752, which would change the timing and duration of regular legislative sessions by joint rule, was reported without action after members noted the revised fiscal note showed a decrease in state general fund expenditures. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• There's clear precedent that you can place limits. I mean, we place limits on dollar amounts.
• Federally, we place limits on when we can raise funds, we place limits on...
• So you're okay with placing limits?
• Yeah, there are no current limits.
• What are the limits? Say it again.

Bills: HB18

Keywords: HB 18, Texas Legislature, quorum break, quorum-busting, legislative walkout, absent legislators, political contributions, campaign finance, political expenditures, legislative caucus, specific-purpose committee, Texas Ethics Commission, civil penalty, show cause order, district court, Fifteenth Court of Appeals, session fundraising, travel lodging food expenses, legislative session, compelled attendance