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WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Finance Feb 4th, 2026 at 04:00 pm

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • The state sales and use tax rate is 6.5%.
  • We don't oppose the state providing exemptions from the state portion of sales and use tax for qualifying
  • property tax as the state school levy.
  • HP 2376 inserts new statutory language stating the support of common schools includes The language stating
  • I'm the co-chair of the state and local tax section of the Washington State Bar, and I teach tax at UW
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 29th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Those goals guide the OSPI-developed state learning standards, Those goals guide the OSPI-developed state
  • and non-state resources.
  • for incentive payments with non-state resources, including future non-state resources, by November.
  • Twenty states have enacted these bans, and in fact, the state of Florida has shown that...
  • future state level.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Law & Justice Jan 27th, 2026 at 08:00 am

Law & Justice

Transcript Highlights:
  • the liability that the state faces.
  • Not only would this be shielding Washington State from public accountability, the state would also have
  • , practicing throughout the state.
  • State juries do justice.
  • Other states, my colleagues in other states call me and say, hey, what did you do there?
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Local Government Jan 23rd, 2026 at 10:30 am

Local Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is concerning scissor-stair regulations in the state building code.
  • The original bill would require the State Building Code Council to convene a technical advisory group
  • As a reminder, this bill requires the State Building Code Council to adopt rules relating to embodied
  • It wasn't required because the State Building Code Council could have done that work.
  • We had issues with our fire chiefs, with fire commissioners, with our library districts.
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Health Care & Wellness Jan 14th, 2026 at 01:30 pm

Health Care & Wellness

Transcript Highlights:
  • But I still think it's important that the state make a stand and join a lot of other states around the
  • I've been licensed in Colorado, California, Texas, and Washington, and I've held my Washington State
  • I have been offering what's essentially tele-advice outside of Washington State, so for multiple states
  • Also last year, the state invested nearly $6 million in Also, last year, the state invested nearly $6
  • By utilizing that option, We are seeing state funds being siphoned off to out-of-state corporations instead
WA

Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Jan 14th, 2026 at 10:30 am

Early Learning & K-12 Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • Through SCAP, the state contributes state funding assistance, which is determined using a formula based
  • In 2025 in Washington State, our state, a public... ...and invasive.
  • of Washington and United States.
  • We are a diverse state.
  • We are a diverse state.
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

01/14/2026 - Senate Judiciary and Elections

Judiciary and Elections

Transcript Highlights:
  • State your name, please.
  • I also represent the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, which is the state NRA organization
  • They're older than our state.
  • every gun shop in the state of Arizona.
  • weapon on campus, and that was in defense of themselves in the state of Texas.
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee Apr 16th, 2025

Finance and Taxation General Fund

Transcript Highlights:
  • the law to kind of codify that to give people regulatory confidence and get people outside of our states
  • interested in Alabama and seeing it as a crypto-friendly state.
  • marketing concepts with pop-up shops and lounges in Austin... pop-up shops and lounges in Austin, Texas
  • It also stated that the tobacco industry has designed, engineered, and marketed menthol cigarettes and
  • In our annual state of tobacco control report, Alabama received an FS. control report, Alabama received
AL

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee Mar 4th, 2025

County and Municipal Government

Transcript Highlights:
  • Okay, $152,153 for each state death benefit? Yes. $152,153 for each state death benefit? Yes, sir.
  • Several other states have four, and we'd like to move this to five.
  • I mean, I would assume all over the state, depending...
  • They were also... if it was an outside, out-of-state entity applying to come into the state and they
  • They were charging fees more than what was stated by the than was stated by the statute.
TX

Texas 89th 2nd C.S.

89th Legislative Session May 8th, 2025

Texas House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • This is an exercise of police power by the state of Texas.
  • We have investments that come to the state of Texas.
  • Does anything in your bill grant the State of Texas, or an employee of the State of Texas, whether it
  • We’re talking about the State of Texas, the State of Texas, the State Attorney General.
  • Texas is among the most diverse states in the entire United States of America.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, offered an invocation and pledges, and received several announcements and recognitions before moving to legislation. Members honored the UTRGV chess team for winning a share of the 2025 President’s Cup, educator Jessica Lopez, the late Jennifer Maddenly, Jeanette Valdez Duran and Mobile Blessings from the Heart, TAMAC’s 50th anniversary, and journalist Bernardine Steptoe’s retirement. The chamber also adopted motions allowing committees to meet, setting a local and consent calendar, and suspending posting rules for a Public Health hearing on SB 2721. The House then considered a long series of Senate and House bills on third reading, with many passing by wide margins. Measures included SB 906 on Ysleta del Sur Pueblo peace officers; SB 1229 designating Veterans Memorial Highway; SB 855 on foster care medical costs; SB 703 on massage therapy licensing and trafficking protections; SB 1025 on tax-increase ballot language; SB 1119 on water park liability; SB 1080 on provisional occupational licenses for people with criminal convictions; SB 929 on lien deadlines; SB 1355 on liquor sales credit disputes; SB 2231 on fee waivers for college applications; SB 1877 on Public Utility Commission data access; SB 1998 on pediatric preceptorships; and several House bills on topics such as bond forfeiture notice, health workforce planning, civil commitment counsel, expunction of contempt records, consumer transactions, nuisance birds, theft venue, military grant applications, AI cancer-detection grants, cybersecurity contract language, military-related tuition, utility recovery mechanisms, psychedelic therapy studies, teacher retirement funding transparency, election procedures, juvenile parole eligibility, and more. Some bills drew notable debate or amendments. HB 200, creating a “second look” parole process for certain juvenile offenders after 20 years, prompted extended discussion about serious offenses and juvenile rehabilitation before passing 102-4. HB 2298 on AI-assisted cancer detection passed 85-62 after the sponsor emphasized “augmented intelligence” and physician oversight. HB 5247 on utility capital recovery saw a failed amendment to require ratepayer credits, then passed. HB 3045, a franchise tax exemption for spaceport operators, initially failed 73-74 but later passed after verification showed a 70-69 result. SB 2420, regulating app stores and mobile software distribution, was postponed for later consideration after substantial debate over age verification responsibilities. Several other measures were postponed, including SB 888, SB 552, SB 17, and SB 2420, while HB 1128 on election judges carrying concealed handguns passed 85-57 after a withdrawn point of order.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Economic and Rural Development Jul 7th, 2025

Economic & Rural Development & Policy Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • regarding the Texas v.
  • not just in our state, but also in our neighboring states.
  • There's really only two states: Texas and us. So if the United States of America.
  • If a state identifies a project that is good for the state, the state can partner with that developer
  • Yes, Texas actually has more solar and more batteries than any other state.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Committee on Education Finance - 03/03/26

Education Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • "Uh, that is what our code of conduct states." "Okay.
  • Um, we actually, in 2023, were funded by the state legislature.
  • Um, that doesn't seem to be part Texas.
  • Texas Tower shooting in 1966, right?
  • </c> that would come down to the library that would come down to the library where<01:43:06.719><c> they
Keywords: 1187, senate, all
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 18th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • projects and plans and ideas that might be good, but they might not be good for this land, for our state
  • She’s our executive director of our great school board, which is always in the top 10 in the state of
  • And so they’re visiting the Capitol today, the Louisiana State Student Association, The Louisiana State
  • Ball, provide relative to state highways, designate a portion of U.S.
  • It's got the green ribbon for PANS/PANDAS, and it's all in green, the state of Louisiana.
Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer by Father Josh Johnson, and heard several personal privileges recognizing guests and special observances, including Plaquemines Parish Day, TRIO Day visitors from Southern University, the creation of an Italian-American Legislative Caucus tied to St. Joseph’s Day, and a pro-life gala. Members also welcomed Colonel Joseph Masekia back to Louisiana after 30 years of military service. Senate messages reported concurrence in HCR 13, adoption and transmittal of SCR 13 on World Down Syndrome Day, and passage of numerous Senate bills, which were read by title and laid over. The chamber then handled a series of House resolutions and committee reports, including resolutions honoring individuals and events, and committee reports from Criminal Justice, Education, Health and Welfare, House and Governmental Affairs, Insurance, and Natural Resources. Several resolutions were adopted without objection, including measures for Plaquemines Parish Day, the Italian-American Legislative Caucus, and commendations for local honorees. The House also received and referred a number of new House bills, including the capital outlay budget, bond authorization, retirement, municipal, civil law, commerce, appropriations, transportation, and tax-related measures. The House took up and passed multiple bills on the floor, often after technical amendments. These included HB 207 on the Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board, HB 300 raising the appraisal threshold for state bank residential loans, HB 428 creating an LSU College World Series champions prestige plate, HB 464 on utility damage reporting, HB 587 creating a PANS/PANDAS specialty plate, HB 618 on Louisiana Economic Development fees, HB 629 for a Crew of Athena plate, HB 801 creating a classic black prestige plate, HB 853 on misleading solicitations by non-government entities, HB 891 consolidating conservation-related prestige plates, HB 112 clarifying child relocation distance measurement, HB 657 naming highways in honor of local figures, and HB 354 naming a bridge for Caleb Easterling. Most passed unanimously or near-unanimously, with HB 801 passing 93-1. The House also adopted amendments and recommitted several bills to Appropriations, and the day ended with announcements of upcoming committee meetings and adjournment until Monday at 2:00 p.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

House of Representatives Mar 18th, 2026

Louisiana House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • projects and plans and ideas that might be good, but they might not be good for this land, for our state
  • She’s our executive director of our great school board, which is always in the top 10 in the state of
  • And so they’re visiting the Capitol today, the Louisiana State Student Association, The Louisiana State
  • Ball, provide relative to state highways, designate a portion of U.S.
  • It's got the green ribbon for PANS/PANDAS, and it's all in green, the state of Louisiana.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Senate Session (Part II) May 23rd, 2025

Texas Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • of Texas.
  • It's Education package in Texas history.
  • of Texas to decide.
  • That question is best for the people of the state of Texas to decide if they believe the governor or
  • before a state agency?
Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion to suspend Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 6 p.m. that day. It then took up and passed several bills, often by suspending the regular order of business and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 1866 gave limited Texas peace officer authority to National Park Service law enforcement officers within the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park; HB 4996 increased the penalty for refusing to release a fraudulent lien when the victim is a public servant; and HB 5033 created a trigger mechanism for ending vehicle emissions inspections if federal law changes. HB 1533 made a range of appraisal and property tax procedure changes, HB 2282 raised the arrest warrant reimbursement fee from $50 to $75, HB 3421 updated probate and estates procedures, and HB 4263 revised Texas Juvenile Justice Department grievance procedures. Each of these measures advanced through second reading, third reading, and final passage, with recorded votes generally showing strong support and some opposition on a few bills. The chamber also considered major policy bills. HB 2, the large public education and school finance package, drew extensive floor discussion and multiple amendments. Senators emphasized its $8.5 billion investment, including teacher and staff pay, school safety funding, special education, charter and traditional school funding changes, and other allotment adjustments. Several senators praised the bill as historic and collaborative, while also noting the need to monitor implementation and future effects. After adopting amendments and hearing supportive remarks from multiple members, the Senate passed HB 2 on final vote, 31-0. Other debated measures included HB 143, which codified cooperation between the Railroad Commission and the Public Utility Commission to address electrical safety hazards at well sites and related facilities, and CS SB 3074/3070, which allowed limited written communications from the governor, lieutenant governor, and legislators to TCEQ commissioners about permit applications, with disclosure and response requirements. Senator Johnson raised concerns that the TCEQ bill could politicize an apolitical permitting process and potentially affect federal delegation, but the bill was amended and passed 28-3. The Senate also passed HB 4426 on Railroad Commission permits for commercial surface disposal facilities, HB 3161 giving TMRS cities more flexibility on employee contribution rates, and HB 2712 allowing future test years for certain water and sewer utility rate-making, with an amendment to protect ratepayers if projections overcharge them. At the end of the session, the Senate handled several procedural motions, including re-referring HB 1904 from Criminal Justice to State Affairs and suspending posting rules so committees could meet later that day. The chamber then recessed until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, for a local and uncontested calendar, and planned to adjourn until 5:00 p.m. that same day after that calendar concluded.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 7th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States.
  • law that created a border compact between Louisiana and Texas.
  • schools in the state of Louisiana.
  • Some other states are doing this, and so we're joining the list.
  • Some other states are doing this, and so we're joining the list.
Bills: SB525, SR112, SR109, SCR61, SCR62, SCR12, HB175, HB276, HB437, HB456, HB457, HB459, HB488, HB579, HB656, HB804, HB818, HB841, HB981, HB1052, HB1089, HB1101, HB1154, HB1166, HB1193, HB1194, HB1203, HB1209, HB1244, HB1249, HB221, HCR69, HCR58, SB57, SB405, SB414, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB205, HB210, HB220, HB222, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB799, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1236, HB1241, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SR86, SCR30, SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB295, SB388, SB450, SB465, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382
Summary: The Senate convened with 27 members present, heard a guest minister’s prayer for the National Day of Prayer, and adopted the pledge. The chamber then dispensed with the journal and received a legislative bureau report on numerous House bills. It also received House messages on several Senate bills and joint resolutions, including concurrence on multiple Senate measures with amendments, and introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 63, which would request an audit of the fiscal note process. The Senate adopted Senate Resolution 86, which would prohibit eyeglasses with video or audio recording capability on the Senate floor without approval from the President. Several Senate bills were advanced, including measures on human trafficking training in schools (SB 83), bulletproof vests for peace officers (SB 143), dental care for cancer patients (SB 155), parental leave for educators (SB 157), election board compensation days (SB 202), child welfare and the state child ombudsman (SB 237), brain injury treatment coverage (SB 295), foreign-adversary contract review and homeland security (SB 388), school safety reporting (SB 450), and prompt-pay standards for health care claims (SB 465). Most of these bills passed the Senate unanimously or near-unanimously and were moved to reconsider, while SB 513 on public works average-bid contracting was amended and returned to the calendar. The Senate also took up many House bills, passing measures on voluntary portable benefits for independent contractors (HB 301), memorial highway and terminal designations (HB 358, HB 384, HB 428, HB 657, HB 675, HB 716, HB 972), insurance and health-related changes (HB 413, HB 450, HB 631, HB 680), workforce development (HB 680), and a seafood research authorization near Grand Isle (HB 669). Several bills were amended before passage, including HB 359 on election qualifying rules and HB 675 with an added memorial corridor for crossing guard Katie Wells. Other House bills were received but not acted on or were returned to the calendar. The session ended with committee announcements, a brief recognition of mothers in the chamber, and adjournment until Monday, May 11 at 2 p.m.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Senate May 7th, 2026

Louisiana Senate Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States.
  • law that created a border compact between Louisiana and Texas.
  • in the state of Louisiana.
  • Some other states are doing this, and so we're joining the list.
  • Some other states are doing this, and so we're joining the list.
Bills: SB525, SR112, SR109, SCR61, SCR62, SCR12, HB175, HB276, HB437, HB456, HB457, HB459, HB488, HB579, HB656, HB804, HB818, HB841, HB981, HB1052, HB1089, HB1101, HB1154, HB1166, HB1193, HB1194, HB1203, HB1209, HB1244, HB1249, HB221, HCR69, HCR58, SB57, SB405, SB414, HB62, HB193, HB203, HB205, HB210, HB220, HB222, HB228, HB246, HB420, HB475, HB486, HB574, HB584, HB750, HB799, HB813, HB815, HB826, HB870, HB949, HB953, HB1045, HB1092, HB1151, HB1162, HB1176, HB1177, HB1196, HB1214, HB1236, HB1241, SB106, SB206, SB248, SB441, SR86, SCR30, SB83, SB135, SB143, SB155, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB295, SB388, SB450, SB465, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB484, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB501, SB513, HCR31, HB301, HB358, HB359, HB384, HB413, HB428, HB450, HB462, HB547, HB613, HB631, HB657, HB669, HB675, HB680, HB691, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB727, HB728, HB735, HB747, HB759, HB825, HB845, HB846, HB903, HB904, HB907, HB923, HB929, HB941, HB962, HB965, HB1036, HB287, HB370, HB515, HB521, HB570, HB1200, HB29, HB39, HB58, HB67, HB73, HB76, HB77, HB82, HB112, HB121, HB125, HB132, HB134, HB151, HB154, HB155, HB161, HB166, HB187, HB191, HB207, HB211, HB224, HB238, HB241, HB242, HB250, HB260, HB265, HB275, HB300, HB320, HB338, HB339, HB349, HB379, HB399, HB427, HB463, HB464, HB468, HB545, HB550, HB551, HB565, HB588, HB639, HB725, HB782, HB805, HB808, HB834, HB847, HB853, HB858, HB861, HB883, HB916, HB937, HB977, HB1012, HB1027, HB1044, HB1054, HB1091, HB1117, HB90, HB127, HB138, HB150, HB201, HB268, HB273, HB285, HB315, HB354, HB355, HB360, HB376, HB445, HB506, HB606, HB649, HB665, HB681, HB721, HB746, HB757, HB781, HB835, HB844, HB857, HB872, HB886, HB889, HB892, HB972, HB982, HB987, HB1037, HB1068, HB1072, HB1078, HB1085, HB1132, HB1137, HB1167, HB1174, HB1232, HB1238, HB23, HB136, HB36, HB119, HB126, HB129, HB245, HB271, HB280, HB337, HB351, HB677, HB726, HB789, HB850, HB956, HB966, SB149, SB382
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • We represent 3% of the population of the state and we generate 15% of the revenues to the state coffers
  • not only with the state but with 45 other reciprocal partners across the state.
  • Not only with the state, but with 45 other reciprocal partners across the state.
  • And we are a very large department all over the state, so ensuring that our culture across the state
  • believe, some other states.
Keywords: 988, house, all
AZ

Arizona 2026 Regular Session

02/04/2026 - House Judiciary

House Judiciary Committee of Reference

Transcript Highlights:
  • 2.4% in the state of Arizona.
  • It's not the state doing it.
  • Our own state constitution puts it even more plainly in Article 2, Section 24, Our own state constitution
  • Nude individuals would show up to wineries, to libraries, or undress at libraries, would undress at city
  • It was at libraries. I didn't know I needed notice at a library. This was in Southern California.
Summary: The committee first heard HB 2415, which would regulate kratom by treating certain synthetically derived compounds as narcotic drugs, raising the minimum sale age to 21, and penalizing sales of products exceeding a 400 parts per million cap. The sponsor and supporters argued the bill targets dangerous synthetic or highly concentrated kratom while preserving natural leaf products; testimony included a woman describing kratom addiction and treatment, family members describing harm from 7-OH products, and law enforcement and Attorney General’s Office support. Opponents, including criminal justice advocates, warned the bill could sweep in users and create harsh felony penalties, while some speakers urged a full ban and others defended natural kratom as distinct from synthetic products. The committee adopted the Wynn amendment and then gave HB 2415, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. The committee then considered HB 2870, which would prohibit more than one Level 2 or Level 3 registered sex offender from residing in the same home unless they are related by blood, marriage, or adoption. The sponsor said the bill was prompted by a neighborhood case involving multiple sex offenders in one residence and argued it was aimed at residential homes, not supervised group homes. Supporters described fear and disruption in their neighborhoods, while opponents argued the bill would reduce already limited housing, make supervision harder, and potentially force people onto the streets; some also raised due process and recidivism concerns. After discussion about possible amendments and the distinction between group homes and unsupervised residences, the committee approved HB 2870 with a do-pass recommendation by a 6-3 vote. Next, the committee heard HB 2413, which requires GPS or electronic monitoring for registered sex offenders who are homeless or lack a permanent address until they obtain one. Supporters said the bill would close a gap because transient registrants are only required to check in every 90 days, leaving law enforcement without regular location information; a policy analyst said monitoring could be implemented through existing systems, though costs and administration would vary. Opponents argued the bill raises due process and equal protection concerns, duplicates existing reporting requirements, and could impose costs on people trying to stabilize their lives. The committee passed HB 2413 on a 5-4 vote. Finally, the committee took up HB 2720, which increases the penalty for purchasing prostitution to a class 6 felony and directs a $200 assessment to the anti-human trafficking fund, with an amendment clarifying the affirmative defense for trafficking victims and restricting use of the assessment to trafficking services. Supporters, including the sponsor, prosecutors, Phoenix police, and a city council member, said the bill targets buyers who drive demand and exploitation. Opponents from criminal justice and anti-violence groups argued the bill could still ensnare trafficking victims and sex workers, especially because the affirmative defense may be hard to assert in practice. After adopting the amendment, the committee gave HB 2720, as amended, a do-pass recommendation by an 8-0-1 vote.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary B May 27th, 2026

Judiciary B

Transcript Highlights:
  • As we know, gaming is a very serious and vital component to tourism here in the state of Louisiana, and
  • And as you know, Caesar's Entertainment, we've got 52 properties in 18 states, with over 30 states participating
  • The state of Mississippi does not tax free play. Okay. Thank you.
  • The state of Mississippi does not tax free play. Okay. All right. Excellent.
  • other neighboring states.
Summary: The Senate Judiciary B Committee met on May 27 and first approved the minutes from the May 21 meeting. The committee then took up House Bill 75, as amended, which would increase the promotional play tax deduction for gaming facilities from $5 million to $7 million and apply the change to racetracks and other brick-and-mortar casino properties on a phased-in basis. The bill’s author and gaming industry witnesses said the measure would help Louisiana compete with neighboring states, drive visitation, and support horse racing purses and tourism. The committee adopted the amendments and reported HB 75 favorably. The committee next considered House Bill 623, which creates a three-tier system for vapor products and includes related technical changes, including a provision allowing in-person delivery of vapor, alternative nicotine, or smokeless tobacco products by third-party contractors from licensed Louisiana retailers with age verification. Amendments were adopted to correct language and address an effective-date issue tied to another bill. The committee then reported HB 623 with amendments. House Bill 302, which would prohibit the sale of vapor products near schools, was also amended and heard with testimony from the New Orleans Health Department and the American Lung Association. Both witnesses supported youth protections but urged clarifying language to ensure local governments can keep or adopt stricter rules and to avoid conflicts with existing local ordinances; the health department also noted concerns that the bill focuses only on vapor products while youth nicotine use is broader. After discussion, the committee reported HB 302 with amendments. The meeting ended with thanks to staff and members, and the committee adjourned without objection.