Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Albrittain, Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator
• Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Figures, Hi, Senator Gavan. Senator Gavan.
• Uh, Senator Butler was going to be handling this, but he is sick.

Bills: SB213, HB24, HB163, HB226, HB271, HB288, HB319, HB24

Keywords: utility tax, poultry industry, energy consumption, agricultural exemption, tax exemption, HB24, Volunteer Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement Program, EMS, emergency medical services, EMSP, paramedic training, EMT training, tuition reimbursement, scholarship, workforce development, volunteer rescue squad, volunteer fire department, ambulance service, nonprofit ambulance, Alabama Department of Public Health

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like the Sergeant-at-Arms to come. I'd have some documents to present to the committee.
• Now, if I could get the Sergeant-at-Arms one more time, Now, if I could get the Sergeant-at-Arms one
• My name is Krisha, and I'm speaking on behalf of my son, Jaden Butler, who cannot be here today.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like the Sergeant-at-Arms to come. I have some documents to present to the committee.
• Now, if I could get the Sergeant-at-Arms one more time, Now, if I could get the Sergeant-at-Arms one
• My name is Krisha, and I'm speaking on behalf of my son, Jaden Butler, who cannot be here today.

Summary: The Senate Education Committee met to hear several education-related measures. It reported favorably, without objection, on House Bill 1215, which would transfer certain removed historical statues and monuments to the Office of State Parks, prohibit re-erection in the parish where they were removed, and require interpretive signage. The committee also advanced House Bill 682, which creates a school guardian program for honorably discharged veterans employed or contracted by local school systems or charter schools; testimony emphasized that guardians would be unarmed, trained, and used for mentoring and school safety. House Bill 1079, giving enrollment preferences in charter schools to children in early childhood programs, military families, foster children, and children in custody disputes, was also reported favorably, as was House Concurrent Resolution 81, directing the Department of Education to study options for districts facing declining enrollment. The committee then took up House Bill 1084, which would allow public postsecondary institutions to raise tuition and mandatory fees by up to 15 percent annually, with higher increases requiring Board of Supervisors approval. The bill drew extended debate over affordability, TOPS, student retention, and whether universities should have more autonomy to set prices. Members raised concerns about fee burdens on families and whether the state should first study the issue; supporters argued the bill would increase transparency and let institutions respond to funding needs and market conditions. Senator Mazzell offered an amendment lowering the cap from 15 percent to 10 percent, and the committee adopted the amendment before reporting the bill favorably as amended. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 342, which would shift the burden of proof in special education due process hearings from parents to local education agencies. The author and parents testified that the current system places an unfair burden on families of children with disabilities, who often lack access to records and legal resources, and that schools already control the documentation and should have to show compliance with IEP obligations. Jefferson Parish school officials opposed the bill, arguing it would increase legal costs, require more staff and attorney time, and potentially lead to more hearings; they also questioned the fiscal note. The Legislative Fiscal Office said the fiscal impact was indeterminable, and the committee continued hearing testimony from parents and school representatives as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Butler. >> Hi. >> Senator Coleman. >> Hi. >> Senator Hovie.
• >> Senator<00:05:21.759> Butler. >> Senator Butler. >> Senator Butler.

Bills: SB174, SB174

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, SB174, alternative energy, alternative energy wells, alternative energy facility, geothermal, geothermal energy, subsurface energy, energy storage, energy capture, energy generation, hydropower, solar energy, oil and gas well conversion, well conversion, plugging and abandonment

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:14:19.040> oh<00:14:19.360> sorry<00:14:20.360> Amanda<00:14:20.720> Butler
• Amanda Butler oh sorry Amanda Butler Amanda Butler oh sorry Amanda Butler Chief<00:14:21.320>
• on this and addressing the issue, but there's more to come in the future, and I'd like to let Miss Butler
• <00:41:37.240> I'll<00:41:37.480> I'll um and actually miss Butler I'll I'll um and
• actually miss Butler I'll I'll address<00:41:37.960> this<00:41:38.040> one<00:41:38.200

Keywords: The previous live stream for this committee experienced a technical issue. This is the complete meeting recording recovered from backups., 958, all

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 44, “Landon’s Law,” sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni. The bill would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac on hand while limiting liability. Testimony from Equal First Aid and LifeVac emphasized that choking is a leading cause of death for children, that the devices are noninvasive and FDA-registered, and that updated Red Cross guidance allows their use when standard rescue protocols fail or are not feasible. Lauren McCubbins, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her 8-year-old son’s death from choking at school and urged the committee to give schools an added rescue option. Members asked questions about how the device works, whether the Heimlich maneuver remains part of the protocol, and whether the bill is limited to LifeVac or applies to similar devices. The bill was reported favorably, with a roll call vote showing unanimous support from members present. The committee then heard a bill sponsored by Rep. J. Baker aimed at reducing administrative burdens in schools and supporting teacher recruitment and retention. The measure would lengthen the required evaluation cycle for tenured teachers from every three years to every five years, provide teachers a copy of their employment contract upon request, streamline professional development provisions, update continuous school improvement plan filing requirements, restore schools’ ability to use Title II funds for certain programs after an unintended consequence of prior legislation, and require KDE to review reporting requirements and eliminate those not required by law. Rep. Baker said the bill was developed with teachers and administrators through a working group and is intended to reduce “check-the-box” tasks so educators can focus on instruction. Amanda Butler of Spencer County Schools and other educators testified that the changes would save time, preserve funding for mentor and induction programs, and reduce repetitive paperwork. Rep. Fleming asked for clarification on the longer evaluation cycle, and an educator witness explained that each evaluation involves pre-observation, observation, and post-observation time and that districts would still retain flexibility to evaluate more often if needed. No final vote on this bill was included in the transcript excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Butler? Here. Senator Elliott? Here. Representative England? Here. Representative Garrett?
• Senator Butler. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
• Senator<00:18:28.160> Butler. Senator Butler. Senator Butler.
• <00:18:39.640> Act, Butler-Dickson Act, Butler-Dickson Act, if<00:18:41.360> you'll<00:
• Thank you, Senator Butler. Um, any other questions? To be continued. Thank you, Mandy.

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Butler. >> Here. A quorum being present, ready to conduct business.
• <00:12:56.639> Senator<00:12:56.959> Butler >> Senator Stewart.
• Senator Butler >> Senator Stewart.
• Hi. >> Senator Stewart. >> Senator Butler. >> I, Mr. Chairman. >> 8 to 1.
• Senator Butler. >> Senator Stewart. Senator Butler. >> Hi. >> Seven.

Bills: HB541

Keywords: PFAS, drinking water, public health, environmental management, liability, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We've had another male closure in Florida here in Lake Butler.
• And then we're going to ground cover restoration at Lake Wales, Ridge State Forest as well boundary marking
• Boundary and surveys so boundary maintenance includes fire, breaks down the marking sign posting in many
• County, kind of near Jacksonville, reestablishing boundary line and then Picayune strand as well as 12 Mark
• Four-week Mark. >> Thank you. >> Representative one murder. You're recognized in questions.

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Butler? Here. Senator Figures? Here. Senator Hatcher? Here. Senator Hovy? Here.
• Please, Senator Butler. Senator Chestine. I. Senator Butler. Senator Chestine. I. Senator Figures.
• Senator Butler? Hi, Senator... Please. Senator Butler? Hi, Senator. Senator Chestine? Hi, Senator.

Bills: HB266, SB85, SB166, HB266, SB85, SB166

Keywords: education, diploma, adult education, dropout prevention, nontraditional high school program, driver's license eligibility, vaccination exemption, religious exemption, medical exemption, vaccine mandate, testing requirement, public schools, K-12, students, parents, guardians, higher education, college enrollment, university attendance, public institutions of higher education

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Albritton, Senator Butler, Senator Chesteen, Senator Figures, Senator Givhan, Senator Hatcher
• Senator Albrittton,<00:08:28.720> Senator<00:08:29.039> Butler,<00:08:30.080> Senator
• Senator Albritton, Senator Butler, Senator Chesteen, Senator Figures, Senator Givhan, Senator Hatcher
• Senator Albritton, Senator Butler, Senator Chesteen, Senator Figures, Senator Givhan, Senator Hatcher

Bills: SB159, SB159

Keywords: sales tax exemption, use tax exemption, diapers, baby supplies, baby formula, baby bottles, baby wipes, breast pump, breast milk pumping equipment, lactation, nursing bra, nursing pads, maternity wear, pregnancy clothing, postpartum clothing, menstrual products, tampons, sanitary napkins, panty liners, menstrual cups

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Beasley, Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chestine, Senator Coleman-Madison, Senator
• Senator Butler, hi. Senator Chestine, hi. Senator Coleman-Madison, Senator Gavan, hi.
• Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chesteen, Senator Coleman-Madison, Senator Givhan, Senator Roberts
• >> Senator Beasley, Senator Bell, Senator Butler, Senator Chesteen, Senator Coleman-Madison, Senator

Bills: SB63, HB156, HB289, SB80, SB84, SB63, HB156, HB289, SB80, SB84

Keywords: immigration, law enforcement, fingerprints, DNA collection, illegal aliens, Alabama state law, out-of-state warrants, criminal procedure, extradition, Alabama Code, arrest authority, interstate cooperation, Marshall County, TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority, in-lieu-of-taxes, payments distribution, local legislation, school funding, education finance

Transcript Highlights:

• Call the roll: Senator Butler, Senator Elliott, Senator Allen.
• Call the roll: Senator Butler, Senator Elliott. Senator Butler, aye.

Keywords: 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• First up today is Chair Butler with HCR 79. Thank you. Up today is Chair Butler with HCR 79.
• Members, HCR 79 by Chairman Butler memorializes Congress and the United States Forest Service to take
• Brett Butler and I... Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Rep.
• Butler and I went to Washington, D.C., this past year and really spoke to the folks we thought were necessary
• And if you’ve seen a hound on the side of the road, believe it or not, Rhonda Butler would pull the car

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee took up a series of natural resources, wildlife, environmental, and infrastructure measures. HCR 79 by Chairman Butler, which memorializes Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow dog hunting in Kisatchie National Forest, drew testimony in support from hunters and a former NRCS official describing it as a rural Louisiana tradition, and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which said it supported hunting with dogs generally but opposed the deer/hog hunting portions while favoring the recovery-of-wounded-deer component. The committee reported HCR 79 favorable. It also reported favorable on SB 419, allowing pre-charged pneumatic devices for deer during primitive firearms season, and on SCR 29, creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality and sediment impacts, and SB 111, setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would monitor the effects through sampling and creel data. Several resolutions and bills focused on environmental management and state property. SB 174 authorized transfer of certain state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board and was reported favorable. SB 189, a preemptive ban on intentional release or dispersion of fuels or chemicals to affect temperatures, was also reported favorable after discussion of geoengineering-related additives. SB 99, which updates DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices for permits and public notifications, was supported by DEQ and reported favorable. HCR 104, from Rep. Coates, asked the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study and recommend improvements to subsurface data collection and access; testimony described efforts to modernize core and well-log records and build a statewide 3D subsurface model, and the resolution was reported favorable. The committee also considered river, boating, and wildlife-related measures. SB 331 would temporarily remove portions of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River, including dredging and channel realignment, while prohibiting commercial development and reservoir construction; environmental groups opposed it as a bad precedent and urged a shorter sunset, but the bill was reported favorable. HCR 54 urged a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior and was reported favorable after support from the Flyway Federation and Louisiana Wildlife Federation. HCR 94 would require annual Wildlife and Fisheries reports on boating safety data, and HCR 87 expressed support for a U.S. senator’s correspondence on migratory flyways; both were reported favorable. SB 505, dealing with the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Dedicated Fund, was reported favorable after testimony that it would expand grant capacity, create a two-cycle application process, and address LLC-related issues. The committee also advanced several measures on public policy and cleanup issues. HCR 85 created a task force on illegal dumping; after amendments added Keep Louisiana Beautiful and the Louisiana Police Jury Association, members discussed statewide tire dumping problems, DEQ staffing, and cleanup funding, and the resolution was reported favorable as amended. HR 216, as substituted, was changed from a repudiation of the Louisiana Climate Action Plan to a resolution authorizing the committee to hold a hearing and receive input from agencies and stakeholders on the plan; after reconsideration and adoption of the substitute amendment, it was reported favorable. One item, SB 243, was voluntarily deferred.

Transcript Highlights:

• First up today is Chair Butler with HCR 79. Thank you. Up today is Chair Butler with HCR 79.
• Members, HCR 79 by Chairman Butler memorializes Congress and the United States Forest Service to take
• Brett Butler and I, we went to Washington, D.C., this past year and really spoke to the folks we thought
• Butler and I went to Washington, D.C., this past year and really spoke to the folks we thought was necessary
• And if you’ve seen a hound on the side of the road, believe it or not, Rhonda Butler would pull the car

Summary: The House Natural Resources Committee met with a quorum and took up a series of hunting, wildlife, environmental, and property measures. It reported favorably HCR 79, which urges Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to allow deer hunting with dogs in Kisatchie National Forest, after testimony emphasizing the cultural importance of dog hunting and opposition from the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, which supported only the wounded-deer recovery component. The committee also reported favorably SB 419 on using pre-charged pneumatic devices during primitive firearms season, SCR 29 creating a study committee on Atchafalaya Basin water quality, and SB 111 setting black bass and crappie bag and size limits in the basin, with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saying it would continue sampling and monitor impacts. Members then approved SB 174 transferring state property in Caddo Parish from Louisiana Tech University to the Caddo Parish School Board, SB 189 prohibiting intentional release of fuels or chemicals for temperature-affecting purposes, and SB 99 modernizing DEQ communications to allow optional electronic notices. They also reported favorably HCR 54 requesting a federal study of flooded corn and migratory waterfowl behavior, and HCR 94 requiring annual boating safety reports from Wildlife and Fisheries; witnesses supported the reporting idea and suggested adding a 10-year average for context. The committee next approved HCR 104, which asks the Department of Conservation and Energy and the Louisiana Geological Survey to study collection and access to subsurface data, with LSU’s Greg Upton describing ongoing modernization of core samples, well logs, and 3D subsurface mapping. It also passed SB 331, which temporarily removes a section of the Louisiana Scenic Rivers Act for five years to allow work on the lower Pearl River; conservation groups opposed the bill, warning about precedent, flooding, erosion, and habitat impacts, while the author said the measure was narrowly tailored to address severe silting and channel problems. Finally, the committee created a task force on illegal dumping in HCR 85 after amending its membership, adopted a substitute for HR 216 to authorize a committee hearing on the 2022 Louisiana Climate Action Plan, and reported favorably HCR 87 supporting a U.S. senator’s migratory flyway correspondence and SB 505 revising the Motor Fuels Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund grant process and related tank requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Senator Butler. >> Here. >> Senator Figures. >> Here. >> Senator Hatcher. >> Senator Hovy. >> Here
• With Senator Hatcher coming in, let's get a clean roll. >> Senator Butler. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Senator Chestine
• Senator Butler. >> Okay. Any objections to using our previous roll?
• Senator Butler.<00:05:07.280> Okay.
• Any objections to using Butler. Okay.

Bills: SB66, SB74, SB72, SB149, SB168, SB66, SB74, SB72, SB149, SB168

Keywords: University of Montevallo, trustees, board governance, terms of office, quorum, education, teacher support, loan assistance, acute shortage, Alabama teachers, higher education, adult learners, grant program, education funding, eligibility requirements, teacher certification, military veterans, temporary teaching certificate, workforce development, K-12 education

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman. >> So, I saw that Representative Butler came in. >> Well, I'm sorry.
• >> So, I saw that Representative Butler >> So, I saw that Representative Butler came
• And I saw that Representative Butler was able to make it up from the House.
• And I saw that Representative Butler was able to make it up from the House.
• And I saw that Representative Butler was able to make it up from the House.

Bills: HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261, HB227, HB454, SB323, HB266, SB52, SB53, SB296, HB37, HB429, HB93, HB249, HB328, HB111, HB132, HB26, SB261

Keywords: firefighter benefits, occupational disease, line of duty, disability pension, death benefits, retirement benefits, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer presumption, HIV, hepatitis, municipal firefighters, state firefighters, fire districts, workers' compensation, public safety employees, post-retirement benefits, benefit eligibility cutoff, occupational illness

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Matt Butler, District 28 in Etowah County. >> Ben Robbins, District 33, Talladega and Cleburne counties
• Butler >> here. >> Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Moore >> here. >> Miss Gavan. Gibbons. >> Uh, Mr.
• Butler — here. >> Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Moore — here. >> Miss Gavan. Gibbons. >> Uh, Mr.
• Butler. >> Here. >> Mr. Lawrence. Mr. Moore. >> Here. >> Miss Gavan. Gibbons. >> Uh, Mr.

Bills: HB59, HB128, HB59, HB128

Keywords: early voting, electoral participation, voting centers, Alabama elections, absentee ballot, HB128, Alabama Board of Nursing, Sunset Law, sunset review, nursing board, nurse licensure, registered nurse, RN, licensed practical nurse, LPN, advanced practice nursing, certified registered nurse anesthetist, CRNA, consumer member, board appointments

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Butler. Aye. The ayes win. Okay, Mr. Bills. The ayes win. Okay, Mr.
• Senator Butler. Aye. Eight to zero. Oh, Roberts. Oh, I'm Eight to zero. Oh, Roberts. Oh, I'm sorry.
• Senator Butler. You were insane. You would have signed earlier. I'm sorry. I'd already got you.

Bills: SB248, SB242, HB44, SB266, HB44

Keywords: Alabama Administrative Procedure Act, APA, administrative law, judicial review, agency deference, Chevron deference, de novo review, contested case, state agency, regulatory power, individual liberty, statutory interpretation, rule interpretation, license revocation, license suspension, tax assessment, tax refund, administrative appeal, circuit court, Montgomery County

Transcript Highlights:

• Gentleman from Hinds, Miss Lady from Hinds, Miss Butler Washington. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Hinds, Miss Butler Washington. Hinds, Miss Butler Washington.

Keywords: MS House Floor - 27 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Hudson Hollandsworth, a senior at Pisgah High School sponsored by Representative Shanks. After the roll call, the clerk confirmed a quorum was present, and the House dispensed with reading the journal. There were no reports from select committees, no resolutions or memorials, and no items taken up from the calendar. During introductions of guests, Representative Butler Washington introduced Dr. Fred Ken C. Jr. as the House doctor of the day. She noted that he is a Jackson native, a Provine High School graduate, an Alcorn State University graduate, a Navy veteran, an emergency medicine physician in Jackson, and a small business owner. The House welcomed him. No announcements were made by the clerk or members, and no legislation was debated or voted on beyond routine procedural motions. The House then adopted a motion to adjourn and stood adjourned until 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Transcript Highlights:

• the power given to the chairman of the committee, we will next hear House Bill 1253 by Chairwoman Butler
• Thank you, Representative Butler, for bringing the bill.
• Chairwoman Butler, before you leave, in what order would you like us to take the rest of the House members
• Chairwoman Butler, Chairwoman Butler, before you leave, in what order would you like us to take the rest

Keywords: 974, senate, all