Transcript Highlights:

• </c> state or national programs to small state or national programs to small businesses<00:07:20.039>
• public and private many of which small public and private many of which are<00:11:23.959><c> small</
• </c><00:21:48.400><c> business</c> guidance mean our small business guidance mean our small business
• Small businesses and our employees so desperately need it.
• </c><01:24:50.560><c> to</c> family and no employer is too small to family and no employer is too small

Committee: House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• if I'm not mistaken, to build with federal taxpayer funds to build to 60,000 or so households and small
• Is there a standard, or is this going to be an opportunity for some small municipalities to really take
• We didn't move it because the small guys, the old marketers, came up and said, we don't want the big
• Another code that typically gets put in that same boat is the National Electrical Code.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on May 18, 2026, with a quorum present and the chair noting it was the committee’s last meeting of the session. The committee first considered Senate Bill 254, which would prohibit certain excess debit card surcharges and authorize enforcement by the Attorney General. After adopting technical amendments and a committee amendment requiring written notice before a private right of action, the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then took up Senate Bill 80 on broadband administration fees and GUMBO program closeout. Members questioned the proposed increase in administrative and contractor fees, the timing of project completion, and how withheld reimbursements would work for utility damage. After adopting several amendments, including cleanup language and a provision to restore the reimbursement process, the bill was reported favorably as amended, though the Louisiana Telecommunications Association voiced concerns about the withholding language and lack of a clearer fault-determination process. The committee next considered Senate Bill 469, updating the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Technical amendments were adopted, along with amendments clarifying that the bill’s 30-day notice to utility owner-operators is separate from existing GUMBO notice requirements and creating a rapid dispute-resolution process involving the Office of Broadband, the utility operator, and the local governing authority. Testimony from broadband and municipal stakeholders emphasized the need for quicker responses to excavation damage and better enforcement, while some witnesses raised concerns about the late amendment and the need for clearer recourse and standards. The bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 468, dealing with fuel rewards programs and fuel discount limits, was also amended to allow such discounts while capping them at $1 below the advertised price; it was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 131, concerning attorney’s fees and costs in professional licensing disciplinary proceedings, drew testimony from a cosmetology board representative and the Pelican Institute. Supporters argued the bill would curb incentives for boards to generate revenue through enforcement and give licensees a fairer opportunity to resolve cases; board testimony noted that some boards already have fee caps and that enforcement actions are relatively limited. After adopting an amendment clarifying when a licensee is the prevailing party, the bill was reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 251 on critical infrastructure protection also received technical amendments and several substantive changes, including adding ports and airports to the definition of critical infrastructure, clarifying “significant access,” adding a knowledge requirement, and adjusting exemptions and enforcement timing; it was reported favorably as amended after testimony from State Armor representatives about foreign adversary threats. Finally, House Resolution 253 was introduced to create a task force to study how post-2005 building code additions and inspection requirements affect residential construction costs, with the sponsor explaining the goal was to gather industry input and return recommendations next session.

Transcript Highlights:

• if I'm not mistaken, to build with federal taxpayer funds to build to 60,000 or so households and small
• Is there a standard, or is this going to be an opportunity for some small municipalities to, like, really
• We didn't move it because the small guys, the oil marketers, came up and said, we don't want the big
• Another code that typically gets put in that same boat is the National Electrical Code.

Bills: HB1163 , HB1168 , HR252 , HR253 , HCR103 , HCR108 , SB80 , SB131 , SB251 , SB254 , SB279 , SB384 , SB414 , SB468 , SB469 , SB496

Committee: House Commerce

Keywords: fireworks, retail sales, fire safety, legislation, holiday celebrations, construction standards, precast concrete, DOTD, building regulations, minimum requirements, public projects, private projects, consumer protection, credit card fees, cash transactions, rounding practices, transparency, low-income, economic impact, residential construction

Transcript Highlights:

• And are we all rowing the boat in the same direction?
• drops really low, like let's say they've only got five students left, then they're getting a very small
• I am a volunteer parent advocate, small business owner, and I reside in Ascension Parish.
• I'm a volunteer parent advocate, small business owner, and I reside in Ascension Parish.

Committee: House Education

Summary: The committee first heard HB 690 by Rep. Amedee, which would prohibit education agencies and vendors from contracting with foreign adversaries, foreign terrorist organizations, or their agents, and would apply to education service providers, vendors of educational products, and some schools. Supporters argued the bill would protect school tax dollars and prevent foreign influence, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, citing similar actions in Florida and Texas. Some members raised questions about due process, how ineligibility would be determined, and whether payments would stop before appeals were resolved. A technical amendment changing “terrorists” to “terrorist” was adopted, and HB 690 was reported as amended without objection. The committee then took up HB 1078 by Rep. Freiberg, which would allow higher education institutions to offer standalone online courses, not just online programs tied to a degree, and to offer online programs even when there is no equivalent on-campus program. LSU officials said the bill would give flexibility for professional and workforce-related courses and certificates. Members asked about tuition-setting, prerequisites, and whether non-degree students could enroll. The bill was reported favorably without objection. HB 113 by Rep. Phelps, which sought retroactive application of the uniform 10-point grading scale to students who were ninth graders in 2023-2024, drew significant concern. Members questioned fairness, inconsistency if only some districts could recalculate grades, and the fiscal impact of retroactivity. Phelps said he had intended to capture that cohort and was willing to work with the Department of Education, but after debate the committee voted 2-9 against reporting the bill, so the motion failed. The committee also heard HB 632 by Rep. Spell on LA FIRST data sharing. The bill would streamline how student data is shared for the state’s longitudinal data system, and amendments were adopted to remove a five-year look-back and clarify data matching and de-identification. Members debated privacy, opt-out rights, and whether the bill should require or merely allow districts to participate; concerns were raised about sharing personally identifying information and the lack of clear opt-out protections. Rep. Carlson offered an amendment to change “shall” to “may,” but later withdrew it so the bill could be deferred for further discussion. Finally, HB 1132 by Rep. Carver, carried by Rep. Carlson, was introduced to expand lab school authorization within the University of Louisiana system; an amendment was offered to limit the change to new schools established after August 1, and discussion began on that amendment as the transcript ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• And are we all rowing the boat in the same direction?
• drops really low, like let's say they've only got five students left, then they're getting a very small
• I am a volunteer parent advocate, small business owner, and I reside in Ascension Parish.
• I'm a volunteer parent advocate, small business owner, and I reside in Ascension Parish.

Bills: HB113 , HB342 , HB632 , HB690 , HB1003 , HB1078 , HB1132 , HB1146

Committee: House Education

Keywords: grading scale, education reform, students, public schools, academic policy, special education, due process, local education agency, burden of proof, IEP, education law, data sharing, student information, privacy, education, LA FIRST, foreign adversaries, terrorism, contracting, school funding

Transcript Highlights:

• director of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, and the best part is she's the operations manager for our small
• That's probably functionally appropriate when they're very, very small.
• But as they continue, it— Functionally appropriate when they're very, very small, but as they continue
• The term used tangible personal property shall not include motor vehicles, trailers, boats, or outboard

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, approval of the prior day’s journal by a 108-1 roll call vote, and several points of personal privilege. Members observed moments of silence for fallen Christian County deputies and for Paul Jones, who died from a fentanyl overdose. The chamber also recognized Black History Month, with remarks on African American history and the ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity. Numerous special guests were introduced, including University of Missouri Truman School students, community and food advocates, local families, St. Louis Public Schools visitors, and other constituents. The House then took up House Committee Substitute for House Bill 2682, which would extend existing school free-expression protections to political and ideological speech in K-12 public schools, while preserving guardrails against disruption, bullying, and unlawful conduct. Supporters said students should not lose First Amendment rights at school and that the bill would protect all viewpoints equally; opponents warned the language was too broad and could protect hateful or extremist speech, create confusion for schools, and undermine student safety. After extended debate, the substitute was adopted and the bill was ordered perfected and printed. Members also advanced House Bill 2274, creating the Missouri Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact to ease teacher certification reciprocity across states and help recruit teachers, including military spouses. Supporters said it would improve staffing and retention; one member objected to the fiscal note, while others noted the compact’s governing structure and potential benefits. The House likewise adopted an amendment and advanced House Committee Substitute for House Bill 1883, which would exempt consignment auctions from sales tax and also include certain durable medical equipment language; debate centered on fiscal impact, fairness, and whether the bill would benefit the sponsor’s profession. Finally, House Bill 2085, a tobacco preemption bill, was introduced and explained as standardizing retail tobacco rules under state law while preserving existing local ordinances and local tobacco-21 policies; discussion began with concerns about local control and the scope of grandfathered ordinances.

Transcript Highlights:

• Imagine, you know, some of these prosecutors in a very small county of four or five thousand people and
• Imagine, you know, some of these prosecutors in a very small county of four or five thousand people and
• And do you have any data that tells us... ...is it so big in Southwest versus it's very small, or Southeast
• So knowing those signs online, we have been in contact with many other families who are in the same boat

Committee: House Children and Families

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Nick Romley, here on behalf of the Small School Districts Association.
• behind, confusion replaces clarity, and for those of us balancing work, family, and school, even a small
• Harbor College as well in Long Beach and many community colleges in the surrounding area.
• That stability helps small businesses grow and strengthens our regional economy.

Summary: The Assembly Higher Education Committee heard several measures focused on community college baccalaureate programs and trustee compensation. AB 2528 would raise the maximum monthly compensation cap for community college district trustees, with the author and supporters arguing the change is permissive, long overdue, and needed to make service more accessible to working people and better reflect community diversity. CSEA took a tweener position, warning about optics and asking for longer public notice before any compensation increase, while some members raised concerns about taxpayer costs and benefits. The bill was discussed but no final vote is reflected in the transcript excerpt. The committee then took up AB 2053, which would authorize Coast Community College District to offer a cybersecurity bachelor’s degree. Supporters said the bill addresses a workforce shortage, serves working adults and veterans, and includes an LAO evaluation and a sunset. CSU and its Academic Senate opposed the bill, arguing it duplicates existing CSU programs and could set a precedent for more one-off degrees. Members also raised questions about funding, Prop. 98, and whether the program would divert resources; the author said the district already has funding and that the bill is a narrow pilot. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer the bill to Appropriations, with several ayes and some no votes, and the roll left open for additional members. AB 2301, a pilot allowing up to 10 community college districts to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees, drew broad support from nursing, labor, and community college groups who said California faces a severe nursing shortage and that community colleges offer a more affordable pathway for working and rural students. CSU and other opponents argued existing ADN-to-BSN pathways are more efficient and that the bill could worsen competition for limited clinical placements and faculty. Members questioned funding and Prop. 98 impacts; the Chancellor’s Office said the pilot would not require new state funding and would rely on existing mechanisms such as Strong Workforce and nursing infrastructure grants. The committee voted to do pass and re-refer AB 2301 to Appropriations, with the roll again left open. The transcript then began AB 2694, a broader workforce-responsive baccalaureate expansion bill intended to address duplication rules and create a more flexible process for community college bachelor’s degrees, but the discussion was not completed in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Chair and members, Nick Romley, here on behalf of the Small School Districts Association.
• behind, confusion replaces clarity, and for those of us balancing work, family, and school, even a small
• Harbor College as well in Long Beach and many community colleges in the surrounding area.
• That stability helps small businesses grow and strengthens our regional economy.

Committee: House Higher Education

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If I live in California and I register my boat in Arizona, and when I get my license plate for my boat

Bills: HB2006 , HB2165 , HB2245 , HB2348 , HB2806 , HB2901 , HB2902 , HCR2016

Committee: House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections

Keywords: sample ballots, elections, primary election, general election, mailing deadline, ballot mailing, county election officials, board of supervisors, secretary of state, early voting list, election administration, voter information, postal service, USPS processing center, city elections, town elections, special district elections, Arizona election law, ballot proofing, party chair

Transcript Highlights:

• very</c><01:20:20.120><c> is</c><01:20:20.239><c> a</c><01:20:20.400><c> very</c><01:20:20.639><c> small
• </c><01:20:21.000><c> part</c><01:20:21.159><c> of</c> kind of a very is a very small part of kind of
• a very is a very small part of that<01:20:22.000><c> but</c><01:20:22.199><c> what</c><01:20:22.360>
• The school holds a lottery every year for attendance, and due to its small size, the school must turn
• size the school must due to its small size the school must turn<03:34:40.880><c> away</c><03:34:41.239

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee began by announcing that afternoon hearings, including House Bill 283, would be moved to Representatives Hall because of expected public interest. It then took up House Bill 671, which would establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Mark Pearson, described the measure as a way to close gaps in early reading readiness and said it was intended as a first step, with only a placeholder appropriation while details are developed. He framed it as a targeted effort to help children who are not entering first grade ready to read. Testimony on HB 671 was largely supportive. Representatives asked about the bill’s structure, whether a specific program had been identified, how it would interact with play-based learning, and why the provider was limited to a registered nonprofit. Waterford.org representatives Teresa Rosenberger and Rob Riley testified in support, describing Waterford Upstart as a home-based, evidence-based early learning program already used in New Hampshire. They said the program provides adaptive instruction, family coaching, and technology support, including computers, tablets, internet access, and translation services in more than 100 languages. They also said the model has been successful in New Hampshire, including a Nashua pilot and later statewide efforts, and that similar legislation has existed in other states. Rep. Jonah Wheeler also spoke in support of the bill. The chair then closed the hearing on HB 671. After a fiscal note for HB 671 was distributed, the committee moved to House Bill 781, which would require school districts to adopt policies for a cell phone-free education and includes an appropriation. The transcript cuts off as Rep. Litchfield was introduced to testify on that bill, so no testimony, debate, or vote on HB 781 is included in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• We represent small businesses in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. We oppose this bill.
• We'll have small ones in a few years, but we are not going to have the larger aircraft.
• So you have to think: do you want a small district that may only have four employees?
• We work with big housing providers, middle-sized developers, small guys, all of them.
• We work with big housing providers, middle-sized developers, small guys, all of them.

Summary: The committee hearing centered first on AB 1243, the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would direct CalEPA to identify major fossil fuel companies, study California’s climate damages, and assess fees on the largest polluters to fund resilience, recovery, and related projects. The author and supporters argued the bill would make polluters help pay for climate harms, protect taxpayers, create jobs in construction and clean energy, and dedicate at least 40% of funds to disadvantaged communities. Support testimony came from environmental justice groups, labor, youth advocates, health organizations, and many individual witnesses, while opponents from the building trades, chambers of commerce, petroleum, and business groups warned it would raise fuel and consumer costs, threaten refinery jobs, and create legal and economic uncertainty. Committee members debated the bill’s impact on affordability, jobs, refinery closures, and whether cap-and-trade already addresses climate funding needs. The committee ultimately voted to give AB 1243 a due pass recommendation to the Judiciary Committee, with the roll left open. After AB 1243, the committee moved to another bill on wildfire mitigation and related resilience work. The author said the measure addresses a long-running wildfire problem and accepted committee amendments, describing the bill as a response to increasingly severe wildfire seasons and the need to help communities stay safe and rebuild after disasters. The transcript cuts off as that presentation begins, so no final action on the second bill is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• Works with small communities and one of the<00:41:26.800><c> small</c><00:41:27.119><c> small</c><00
• small communities I work for the small small communities I work for is<00:41:28.400><c> New</c><00:41
• </c> New Albert is a very small community. New Albert is a very small community.
• Very, very small facility.
• </c> it's a growing small growing community. it's a growing small growing community.

Bills: HF2418 , HF1666 , HF232 , HF344 , HF402 , HF431 , HF468 , HF547 , HF583 , HF1476 , HF1711 , HF2787 , HF2788 , HF3207

Committee: House Capital Investment

Keywords: capital investment, political subdivisions, state assistance, funding, project grants, child care, Slayton, state bonds, economic development, extended time revenue, school funding, state aid, career and technical education, CTE, STEM, secondary credit, after-school programs, summer school, learning year program, extended day

Transcript Highlights:

• Let's get take the boat until he's back.
• Do I now have to take them back to court, go to small claims court?
• We did one amendment, pretty small, in TE committee.
• :39:17.840><c> in</c><02:39:18.080><c> TE</c> amendment uh pretty small in TE amendment uh pretty small
• Um, these are very small things in keeping with the rest of the bill.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Because as you folks know, especially in our small building window, time is money.
• the state is not reviewing those small projects.
• </c> point about small point about small projects<00:33:36.320><c> you</c><00:33:36.399><c> know</c><
• </c> not reviewing those small projects. not reviewing those small projects.
• increase but not a big perhaps a small increase but not a big one.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 110, as amended by the Senate, which would establish fees for alteration-of-terrain applications and direct the Department of Environmental Services to adopt rules for a permit-by-notification process for certain projects. Trisha Milo introduced the bill for Senator Lang and noted that the department had worked on the amended language. Matt Mayberry of the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association said the industry strongly supported the bill, describing it as a public-private partnership that would speed review for developers without affecting local control, with builders paying the costs rather than taxpayers. Members focused heavily on how the bill’s fee structure and permit thresholds would work, especially for projects near shoreland, wetlands, and protected water bodies. Representative Opel raised concerns about whether the bill reduced review of habitat and shoreland impacts or shifted costs unfairly; Philip Trobridge of DES explained that the bill does not eliminate those reviews and that shoreland projects still receive greater scrutiny. He said the bill creates different tiers, with the permit-by-notification process applying to certain projects between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet that are not in protected shoreland, while larger or shoreland-affected projects remain under the standard review process. He also said the proposed fees were based on sustaining the program, covering added habitat and species review responsibilities, and keeping reviews efficient. Trobridge said the new fee structure would generate about $1.2 million in additional revenue and help fund additional staff and related program costs. He stated that the department had worked with the regulated community and believed the fees were fair and reasonable, though he acknowledged the bill’s wording was confusing and that the threshold could be revisited later if the new process works well. Members also discussed how the state process interacts with local approvals, and Trobridge said both state and local approvals are required before a project can begin. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• For example, the Twins One and Twins Two cabins are small.
• For example, the Twins One and Twins Two cabins are small.
• And I had small little—there were a couple little errors here and there that weren't substantial.
• being played the night before, and knowing about TDEM's warning, their pre-positioning swift water boats
• The one that I found was a small pink bear blanket that she had taken home from the hospital when she

Keywords: 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Resolution 109 by Senator Gudger, establishing the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force.
• In this budget, we added a couple small programs. We increased the gifted grant program.
• /c><00:55:47.359><c> added</c><00:55:47.680><c> a</c><00:55:47.920><c> couple</c><00:55:48.160><c> small
• </c><00:55:49.200><c> We</c> we um added a couple small programs.
• We we um added a couple small programs.

Keywords: 920, all

Summary: The Alabama Senate convened with prayer and the pledge, confirmed a quorum, excused absent senators, and adopted the previous day’s journal. The chamber then received House messages referring House Bill 614 on supplemental appropriations and House Bill 224 on the distribution and use of tax funds to the Finance and Taxation General Fund Committee. Committee reports followed on several bills, including favorable reports for House Bills 169, 542, 593, and 13, with HB 542 amended in committee. The Senate also referred Senator Orr’s proposed rules change to the Rules Committee. A series of resolutions were taken up and adopted, including Senate Resolution 109 creating the Alabama Boating Safety Task Force, Senate Joint Resolutions 102 and 103, House Joint Resolutions 237, 215, 216, 218, and 235, Senate Joint Resolution 88 supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear life cycle innovation effort, Senate Joint Resolution 93 creating a rural EMS and volunteer fire department study commission, Senate Joint Resolution 94 commending Exchange Club of Tuscaloosa Officer of the Year honorees, and Senate Joint Resolution 110 commending William Riley Hawkins Jr. on his retirement from AARP Alabama. The Senate also recognized several guests in the gallery, including local school superintendents and a student visitor. The chamber then moved through local legislation, adopting BRs and passing numerous local bills and constitutional amendments, including measures for Mobile, Prichard, Class 2 municipalities, Mingo County, Talladega County, Perry County, Wilcox County, Clay County, Washington County, and Madison County. Senate Bill 376 on Mobile County and Senate Bill 379 on Madison County were both passed and transmitted. Most local bills passed on unanimous or near-unanimous votes using the previous roll. The Senate also adopted Special Order Calendar Resolution 111, setting a special order calendar for the 27th legislative day that prioritized a long list of appropriations, education, retirement, dam safety, and higher education bills. On that calendar, House Bills 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 565, and Senate Bill 380 were taken up. HB 235’s committee substitute was tabled, a floor substitute was adopted restoring funding to the McQuain Center and removing some arts grants, and the bill passed. HB 236 passed after a language amendment. HB 237 passed as the Education Opportunities Reserve Fund bill. HB 238 passed after a floor substitute that shifted arts grants, added Voices for Alabama’s Children, adjusted RAISE Act weights, and increased funding for poverty, special education, and gifted students, along with a small amendment. HB 239 passed as the public education employee pay raise bill, with a substitute adding a retiree bonus and members discussing that the bonus would also be carried through SB 380. HB 240, HB 241, HB 242, and HB 565 all passed. SB 380 on the teachers retirement system received committee amendments and was being advanced as the vehicle for the retiree bonus, with Senator Orr explaining the bonus would be about $33 million and based on $1 per month of service for eligible retirees with at least 10 years of service.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's just a small piece. There's just the least we can do.
• I think that's a small tweak.
• It allowed us to, you know, replace a car that was too small.
• We have a small one in the city of Washoe.
• And small businesses are closing, and people are leaving.

Bills: HB2720 , HB2073 , SB5816 , SB5919 , SB5831 , SB6244 , SB6044 , SB5109 , SB5877 , SB6258

Keywords: behavioral health, emergency services, health insurance, provider access, mental health funding, premium assistance, funding, healthcare, subsidies, juice grapes, agriculture, commerce, state regulation, market access, fire safety, insurance incentives, best practices, community protection, voluntary measures, mortgage modification

Transcript Highlights:

• If it's going to reach those small counties and those small municipalities, I think it's likely to come
• It is a small community.
• Six counties together can do more than what one small county can do alone.
• The City of Belmead is a small, poor city.
• Small businesses can reduce demand during peak periods.

Committee: House State Affairs

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, what's the rationale for getting rid of that as opposed to raising that up with the small claims
• </c><00:58:20.319><c> claims</c> the court administrator and small claims the court administrator and
• small claims court.<00:58:21.119><c> Uh</c><00:58:21.440><c> I</c><00:58:21.680><c> didn't</c><00:58
• That would take some kind of a small staffing study to figure that out.
• small amount amounts<01:29:05.280><c> of</c><01:29:05.440><c> money.

Committee: Senate Judiciary and Public Safety

Keywords: 1187, senate, all