Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I would imagine that it would be somewhat...
• I would imagine that it would be somewhat determined by the teaching methods of the individual teacher
• I can imagine if we had another pandemic or emergency like that, the same thing would happen.
• And that might sound kind of odd, and most people think that the online library resources we have are
• Those devices are library media devices. They're checked out from the library to the teachers.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So someone can... one of the things that's difficult about this, and you can imagine this, if you're
• Texas is the only state in the nation that has three presidential libraries to honor and recognize the
• And you can only imagine what kind of trauma that would bring in.
• It triggers them, and you can only imagine what kind of trauma that would bring into the adult's life
• And can you imagine a family who has nowhere to go?

Summary: The Senate first adopted a motion by Senator Zaffirini to suspend Senate Rule 5.14 and move the intent calendar deadline to 8:00 p.m. that day, also allowing the Secretary to make the calendar available as soon as practicable. The chamber then took up and passed several House bills, often by suspending the regular order and the constitutional three-day rule. HB 2128, relating to a study of rural firefighting and technical rescue capabilities, passed unanimously. HB 4157, on liability protections for commercial spaceflight and exploration, passed 28-3. HB 2240, concerning certain void marriages, passed after adoption of a Birdwell amendment extending filing deadlines to 90 days for certain active-duty service members and Foreign Service officers. HB 367, on verification of excused absences for students with severe or life-threatening illnesses, passed unanimously after clarifying school district forms and TEA model forms. HB 1506, expanding expedited handgun license eligibility to certain retired county court judges, passed 29-2. HB 4449, on alcohol sales in annexed municipal areas, passed 29-2. HB 3812, on health plan prior authorization requirements, passed 30-1. The Senate also announced a long list of bills and resolutions signed in the presence of the Senate. A major portion of the meeting centered on HB 521, a voting-related bill on curbside voting for voters with disabilities. Senator Paxton described it as an anti-misuse measure requiring a signed eligibility form for curbside voting, creating a 20-foot electioneering buffer, limiting election officer assistance in marking ballots unless a second officer is present, and adding reporting requirements for people who assist seven or more curbside voters. Senators Miles, Menendez, Johnson, Campbell, Cook, and others questioned whether the bill would burden disabled voters, create a de facto registry of volunteers, and impose a harsh Class A misdemeanor penalty for failing to complete the form. Paxton said the bill was intended to protect legitimate curbside voters and curb abuse, and the chamber adopted Paxton Floor Amendment No. 1 after a recorded vote. Zaffirini’s Floor Amendment No. 2, allowing an escorting voter to receive his or her own ballot at the curbside or entrance, was adopted. Menendez’s Floor Amendment No. 3 to reduce the penalty failed. The bill was then passed to third reading on a 20-11 vote, with a motion by Senator Miles to have the exchanges reduced to writing and placed in the journal adopted. The Senate also passed HB 3000, creating a grant program for rural ambulance service providers, after a comptroller-related amendment; HB 5616, establishing the Texas Presidential Library Promotion Program and funding for traveling exhibits, after narrowing the bill to mobile exhibits only; HB 4211, addressing certain residential property interests controlled by entities, which passed 30-1; HB 1178, creating temporary educator certificates for out-of-state certified educators and military spouses, which passed unanimously; HB 2243, creating the Texas Commission on Teacher Job Satisfaction and Retention, which passed after debate over the need to streamline education mandates; and HB 42, increasing and reallocating the constitutional Higher Education Fund appropriation by 50% to $1.18 billion, which passed 31-0. Finally, HB 2512, a Fort Worth-specific bill limiting ETJ release for land subject to active development agreements, passed after debate over broader ETJ and de-annexation policy, with a local-only clarifying amendment adopted and a proposed broader amendment withdrawn. The meeting ended with the Senate beginning consideration of HB 3372, which would bar school district administrators from receiving financial benefits tied to outside consulting or contracting with education entities, though the transcript cuts off during questions on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• They would be able to use existing music room or libraries or locker rooms that would be more affordable
• They would be able to use existing music room or libraries or locker rooms that would be more affordable
• Because I would imagine that there are still a lot of very safe places for people to take shelter as
• </c><00:41:45.880><c> that</c><00:41:46.000><c> these</c> Cuz I I I would imagine that these Cuz I I
• I would imagine that these that<00:41:47.240><c> there</c><00:41:47.400><c> are</c><00:41:47.600><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In order to create this funding stream, we slowed the growth in student support aid, allocated library
• Chair and members, Article 7 is the School Nutrition and Libraries Article.
• The repeal of school library aid happens beginning in fiscal year 2026.
• On line 46, you can see the reductions to the school library aid repeal.
• So, in fiscal year 26, it is not the entire reduction to the school library aid. Aid.

Bills: HF1388

Keywords: BARR Center, Building Assets, Reducing Risks, education finance, school funding, grant appropriation, evidence-based program, student achievement, social and emotional learning, school climate, teacher effectiveness, high school graduation, students in poverty, students of color, BIPOC, equity in education, Minnesota Department of Education, urban schools, suburban schools, rural schools, school coaching

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot imagine that it is changing bond ratings.
• Is it libraries? Public health services? Meal programs?
• I pay property taxes to live in a community that has resources, safety resources, schools, libraries,
• And the 10 percent for savings go for services like free tutoring for kids after school and the library
• lot of our working families, and some folks Representative Eskamani: already spoke to this, public libraries

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill No. 1244, by the Education Committee, an act relating to regional library systems, providing
• system board of directors, powers and duties of the system board, and administration of the Board of Library
• House Bill No. 1244, by the Education Committee, an act relating to regional library systems, providing
• Could you imagine going to a business and you're giving a business money and they're putting it into
• Could you imagine that? I couldn't.

Keywords: 989, all

Summary: The House convened with 63 members present and approved the House Journal. A lengthy page program followed, during which the chamber recognized the student pages and heard remarks about their backgrounds and experiences. After the program, the House received messages from the Governor and Senate, referred several bills to committees, and printed a number of new House bills and resolutions for referral. Committee reports also advanced several measures, including House Bills 628, 630, 631, 548, and 599 to second reading, while misdirected bills and a joint resolution were re-referred to the appropriate committees. On second reading, several bills and resolutions were placed on the third reading calendar, including House Resolution 24 and House Bills 543, 652, 556, 602, 654, 549, and 673. The main floor debate centered on House Bill 598, which would require campaign funds to be kept in a separate campaign account and require certification within seven days when a candidate loans personal funds to the campaign. Members raised concerns about ambiguity, cash handling, reporting burdens, and enforcement, while supporters emphasized transparency and preventing unreported self-loans. At the sponsor’s request, the House voted 55-10 to send HB 598 to General Orders for further work. The House then considered House Bill 620, which would formally recognize county commissioners’ role in federal land-use decisions affecting their counties. After brief discussion, the bill passed the House 60-5 and was transmitted to the Senate. The chamber also held the remaining third-reading bills for one legislative day, enrolled House Bills 514 and 515, and received several announcements, including committee meeting notices, a budget whiteboard session, and a dental day event. The House adjourned until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• We also have a, uh, we're working on visualizing that climate library, and we call it Clock Climate Library
• climate library for the call it clock climate library for the Commonwealth<00:14:24.639><c> of</c><00
• </c> visual library for uh disaster research. visual library for uh disaster research.
• We have a a extensive library shows up.
• But if you can imagine being separation.

Keywords: 958, all

Summary: The task force met with a quorum, approved the August meeting minutes, and heard a presentation from Dr. Jerry Brosky of the Kentucky Mesonet and Kentucky Climate Center. He described the Mesonet’s statewide weather network, now with 84 stations in 78 counties, real-time data used by the National Weather Service, mobile apps, and more than a billion observations. He said recent legislative funding has allowed upgrades such as soil temperature and moisture sensors, cameras at every site, and improved communications and power systems, and has enabled expansion into new counties. He also highlighted products used for flooding, drought, and heat safety, including a wet bulb globe temperature tool being developed with the Department of Public Health. In response to questions, he said counties interested in a station should contact his center, that a station typically costs about $50,000, and that the program is already considering a second Pike County site. The committee then heard from Ryan Drain of Blue Skies and Chris McGee of the American Red Cross on long-term disaster recovery and a software platform called Darcy, short for Disaster Aware and Ready Communities Initiative. McGee explained the Red Cross’s long-term recovery work, including support for recovery groups, direct financial assistance, grantmaking, and coordination with local and federal partners. He emphasized that disasters are occurring more frequently and with repeated impacts, and shared examples from Kentucky and other states showing the need for organized recovery and storm shelter support. Drain said Darcy was developed after the 2021 Mayfield-Graves tornado recovery to replace fragmented spreadsheets and PDFs with a centralized, survivor-led system for preparedness, response, and recovery, designed to improve coordination, reduce duplication, and shorten recovery time. No votes or formal actions were taken beyond adoption of the minutes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're not imagining that. Let's see. Can I ask the sergeant to see if we can make a call?
• It's equivalent to the loss of 23 police officers, 26 firefighters, and our entire library system.
• It's equivalent to the loss of 23 police officers, 26 firefighters, and our entire library system.
• We need... 26 firefighters, and our entire library system.
• This affects essential services like public safety, health care, and libraries.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We had built new libraries in every community in which we needed one.
• I went to a library... ...assessment in your parish.
• We had built new libraries in every community in which we needed one.
• I went to a library board and just convinced them, let's roll this thing back.
• We had built new libraries in every community in which we needed one.

Bills: HB287, HB340, HB412, HB440, HB514, HB515, HB521, HB543, HB553, HB570, HB961

Keywords: HB 287, Louisiana Tax Commission, ad valorem, property tax, property assessment, assessment fees, fee extension, sunset extension, public service property, utility property, insurance company property, financial institution property, tax administration, R.S. 47:1838, Act 296, reappraisal, ad valorem tax, valuation, Louisiana tax law, homestead exemption

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you imagine this young lady and her family arrived in America when she was just an infant and actually
• Can you imagine this young lady and her family arrived in America when she was just an infant and actually
• Elliott Junior High in Altadena and Pasadena High School, spending much of her youth at the Altadena Library
• graduated from Brin-Mar College with a degree in political science and went on to pursue a career in library
• and information science, working at the Caltech Library.

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the journals, and took up motions to remove several measures from the inactive file, including S.J.R. 9, SB 626, and SCR 89. The main item on the floor was SCR 106 by Senator Choi, which recognized January 13 as Korean American Day and highlighted the history and contributions of Korean Americans in California and nationwide. Senator Choi and many members spoke in support, citing Korean American business, civic, cultural, military, and community contributions, as well as local Korean American communities and landmarks across their districts. The resolution was adopted on a 38-0 vote. After passage, Senator Choi introduced Korean American guests in the chamber and invited members to a reception. The Senate then returned to motions and committee announcements, including upcoming meetings of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee and the Senate Human Services Committee. Members also requested that SB 626 be returned to the Assembly for amendments. The remainder of the session was devoted to adjournment memorials. Senators Umberg, Allen, Pérez, and Menjivar honored Monica Lynn Martinez-Hays, victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires, and Sergeant Adrian Carrillo, respectively. The memorials recounted the lives and community service of the deceased and emphasized ongoing grief, recovery, and support for affected families and communities. The Senate announced it would recess until the next scheduled floor session on Friday, January 16 at 9 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Garner Holt also started Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, or E.T.I., which is a national leader
• She helped to build parks, libraries, and infrastructure that continue to serve residents today.
• In fact, the courtyard... ...libraries and infrastructure that continue to serve residents today.
• In fact, the courtyard of the beautiful Dove Library, which includes a theater and a gallery, is named

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered a prayer recognizing World Water Day and the challenges of water scarcity, and then proceeded with several floor introductions. Members welcomed wildlife photographer Alice Cahill, outgoing California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegria, and a delegation of Cal Poly Pomona students participating in CSU advocacy activities. The chamber also received a message that the Assembly had passed AB 2156, and the Senate approved the March 16-19 journals as corrected. The main floor action was on Senate Concurrent Resolution 132, which designates March 22, 2026, as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized the value of robotics and hands-on STEAM education for career readiness, problem-solving, and workforce development. The resolution passed by a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced student and industry guests connected to robotics education, including a Poway High School student and representatives from Garner Holt Productions. The Senate then considered five gubernatorial appointments, all of which were confirmed unanimously: Paul Toopee as Director of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. The body also suspended Joint Rule 62A to allow the Governmental Organization Committee to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. At the end of the session, the Senate adjourned in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and public servant, and announced it would reconvene on March 26, 2026, after the State of the Judiciary joint convention.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, imagine you pull into a Target parking lot, and you order a TV that costs, let's say, $500.
• So, imagine you real world examples.
• We are currently preparing to sponsor the Anoka County Library summer reading challenge.
• </c> County Library summer reading challenge. County Library summer reading challenge.
• Then imagine that sit well with them.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• The headquarters is in my district, and the library center used to be down more in the downtown area
• And Representative Connolly, I imagine this was helped with ADA access as well. I know...
• And Representative Connolly, I imagine this has helped with ADA access as well.
• So imagine what would happen, you know, when we have all this. constantly. It happens.
• Just imagine six million more square feet of development coming.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened by explaining new attendance and public-testimony procedures, including that testimony would be recorded, livestreamed, and generally made public, with possible redactions for sensitive material. The chairs also noted that no committee rules were being formally adopted yet and that no votes would be taken during the hearing. Senator Collins briefly emphasized the committee’s oversight role on land takings and Article 97 issues, including concerns about proposed regulatory changes and the legislature’s constitutional role. The first major bill discussed was H. 3324, concerning the former Christos site on Crescent Street in Brockton and a proposed transfer of state-owned land from DCAM. Representative Michelle DuBois, Representative Rita Mendes, Mayor Sullivan, the Metro South Chamber’s Chris Cooney, Catholic Charities’ Larry Mayne, and Brockton planning director Rob May all supported the bill, describing the parcel as long vacant and arguing it should be reused for a mixed-use project with Catholic Charities, including affordable/workforce housing, an early education center, food pantry, workforce development, and language classes. Several speakers said the project would help retain Catholic Charities in Brockton and bring tax revenue and community services. DuBois outlined expected amendments, including moving one parcel into a municipal sale partnership and changing a “shall” to “may” regarding a right-turn lane. Some members raised questions about whether a deed transfer to a nonprofit was preferable to a long-term lease and about affordability definitions, but the bill was generally supported. Representative Connolly then testified on two Cambridge bills: H. 3308, relating to the Riverside Boat Club and a reconfigured DCR parcel boundary to support a lease with no loss of public space, and H. 3309, which would facilitate access to justice by preserving consideration of a vacant former probate court site for future court use. Senator DiDomenico supported the Riverside Boat Club measure and the broader goal of restoring court access in Cambridge. Members discussed accessibility, possible future court configurations, and the site’s prior use as an emergency shelter. The committee then heard testimony on S. 2217/H. 2108 concerning Columbia Point and access around the UMass/Bayside area. Harbor Point residents, including Orlando Perrella, Michael Corcoran, Richard Fulham, and Miles Byrne, described severe traffic congestion, emergency-access concerns, and frustration with the UMass Building Authority’s handling of the site and prior community commitments. Senator Collins said the committee should consider seeking an SJC opinion, and possibly an Attorney General opinion, on Article 97 and public-access rights. After the in-person testimony concluded, the committee attempted to reach remaining virtual witnesses on S. 2217 but did not receive testimony. With no further witnesses, the committee adjourned without taking any votes.

Transcript Highlights:

• You got 7 Yes, so there's that we have 9 slots available for libraries.
• Libraries has 9, the innovation grant recipients have 7. The commission team has 20.
• For example, I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to find 9 folks representing libraries.
• You know, libraries might do an offshoot meeting on their own.
• I really can't even begin to imagine it.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I cannot imagine... ...having to explain to them why a random stranger approached them one day while
• Our tax offices, our courthouses, our public libraries, our schools could be hit with exorbitant fines
• I love our public institutions, our libraries, our state parks, our universities.
• By and large, these men are not the stereotypical predator. ...you would imagine would follow a woman
• Imagine this incident happening after the... Passage of this bill.

Bills: HB7, SB 8, HB7, SB 8

Keywords: abortion, healthcare, jurisdiction, civil action, qui tam, prohibition, state law, sex designation, restroom access, civil penalties, private civil right of action, women's privacy, 997, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I would encourage your support of that by doing a unanimous aye, I would imagine, for his resolution
• Can you imagine having Lyndon, for those of us who knew him, as either your history or government teacher
• protection, to establish provisions regarding children’s schools and library protection; amending Section
• amending Section 18, 15, 17, B, Idaho Code, to revise provisions regarding children's schools and library
• protection, to establish provisions regarding children's schools and library protection, amending Section

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, approved the March 4, 2026 journal, and received notice of a substitute appointment for Legislative District 32. Much of the day was devoted to Idaho Day ceremonies, including prayers, the Pledge of Allegiance, a performance of the national anthem, and remarks honoring Idaho history and former Representative Lyndon Bateman, who was remembered as the founder of Idaho Day and a longtime advocate for cursive, history, and civic education. Guest speakers included historian Justin Vipperman, who spoke about liberty, self-government, and Idaho’s frontier development, and former Attorney General David Leroy, who praised Bateman’s public service and legacy. Members also shared personal tributes before the chamber considered a memorial resolution in Bateman’s honor. The House suspended the rules by a two-thirds vote and adopted House Concurrent Resolution 31, recognizing and commending the lifetime achievements of Lyndon Bateman. The resolution passed 68-0 with two absent and excused, and was sent to the Senate. The chamber also received and referred several Senate messages and committee reports, including bills and resolutions on transportation, agriculture, commerce, state affairs, resources, and other topics. New measures were introduced on issues such as minors and library protections, tax exemptions, stable coins, parental rights and child custody, county fair boards, vehicle license plates, honey industry regulation, and Idaho Digital Learning Academy governance. Several bills and resolutions were placed on the second reading calendar, including measures on elections, environmental quality, hazardous waste, transportation, vehicle titles, industrial hemp, Medicaid managed care, Medicare, and appropriations. House Bill 750 was moved to general orders, and the remaining third-reading bills were held one legislative day. The House also announced committee schedule changes, upcoming events tied to Idaho Day and other advocacy groups, and a reminder about project submissions. The chamber adjourned until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Would you, could you imagine language that would improve the bill that would allow the protection of
• I imagine there is. I don't have that information right now, so I'll get back to you.
• John Scheller, King County Library System Government Relations Manager, joining in support of House Bill
• of the Public Libraries of Washington.
• The public library directors group participated in the TIF study group convened by the Association of

Bills: HB2313, HB2451, HB2298, HB2566, HB2517

Keywords: grocery stores, public ownership, food accessibility, community services, economic development, tax increment financing, local government, municipal finance, public infrastructure, property title protection, land record fraud, county auditors, voluntary program, real estate, procurement, contracting, transparency, financial oversight, municipal permitting, transit projects

Transcript Highlights:

• Regardless of whether it's your local government, if you're a library trustee or whoever it might be,
• While this is a refile, none of us could have imagined... Favorable report last session.
• While this is a refile, none of us could have imagined how harrowingly similar the political context
• I am the President of the Boston Public Library.
• Housing and branch library space in the Dorchester section of the City of Boston, which was filed by

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The hearing covered a wide range of bills, with substantial testimony on commemorative days and several local development measures. Early testimony focused on competing proposals about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Senator Comerford and others supported redesignating the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, while several Italian American legislators and advocates opposed changing Columbus Day and instead urged a separate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on August 9 or another date. Committee members noted the long-running debate, discussed the state flag and motto review process, and emphasized that any changes would require legislation. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee also heard strong support for a Fred Korematsu Day bill, with testimony from advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and Korematsu’s daughter. Witnesses described Korematsu’s resistance to Japanese American incarceration during World War II, argued that his story remains relevant amid current immigration and civil liberties concerns, and said the designation would help educate students and the public. A separate bill to designate September as PCOS Awareness Month drew testimony from Senator Miranda and health advocates, who described the disorder’s prevalence, frequent misdiagnosis, fertility and pregnancy risks, and the value of public awareness and education. Other bills discussed included a Domestic Workers’ Rights Day proposal, supported by Representative Garcia and Representative Sousa, who spoke about the invisibility and vulnerability of domestic workers and the importance of recognizing their labor. The committee also heard support for a veteran suicide awareness and remembrance day, a Boston branch library and affordable housing project in Dorchester, and a Fall River waterfront redevelopment bill transferring land to the local redevelopment authority for a major mixed-use project. In addition, Senator Miranda testified in favor of a memorial portrait for former Representative Doris Bunty, highlighting her pioneering role in the legislature and Boston public housing. The hearing was hybrid and lengthy, with the chair repeatedly asking witnesses to be concise and noting that testimony would be public record.

Transcript Highlights:

• Garner Holt also started Garner Holt Education Through Imagination, or E.T.I., which is a national leader
• She helped to build parks, libraries, and infrastructure that continue to serve residents today.
• Libraries and infrastructure that continue to serve residents today.
• In fact, the courtyard of the beautiful Dove Library, which includes a theater and a gallery, is named

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer marking World Water Day, and the Pledge of Allegiance, then suspended Senate Rule 55 to allow guests on the floor. Several special introductions followed, including California Wildlife Photo of the Year winner Alice Cahill, outgoing Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham, Avalon Fire Chief Michael Alegría, and a Cal Poly Pomona student delegation participating in CHESS/CSU Lobby Day. Members praised Bonham’s long service and the students’ advocacy on higher education issues. The Assembly’s passage of AB 2156 was announced, and the Senate approved the March 16–19 journals as corrected. The chamber then took up SCR 132, designating March 22, 2026 as California STEAM Robotics Day. The author and supporting senators emphasized robotics and STEAM education as hands-on preparation for careers in engineering, AI, manufacturing, and other technical fields, and highlighted partnerships with industry and programs such as FIRST Robotics. The resolution passed on a 34-0 vote. Afterward, the author introduced robotics students and industry representatives, including Ethan Wynn of Poway High School and leaders from Garner Holt Productions, to recognize their work in STEAM education and robotics. The Senate next considered five gubernatorial appointments, all brought by Senator Grove: Paul Toopee to lead the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Peter Britery to the Southwestern Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, Dr. Youngping Chen and Gregory Lung to the California Acupuncture Board, and Roy Mather to the Board of Pilot Commissioners. Each nominee was described as experienced in the relevant field and each was confirmed unanimously, 34-0. The Senate also suspended Joint Rule 62(a) to allow the Committee on Governmental Organization to hear AB 2156 on March 24 without sufficient notice. In closing, Senator Blakespear requested adjournment in memory of Anne Colchin, a longtime Carlsbad city councilmember and civic leader remembered for decades of public service, environmental stewardship, and community planning. The Senate agreed to memorialize her, then announced that members would proceed to the Assembly chambers for the joint convention and State of the Judiciary address, with the next floor session scheduled for March 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• And you make good grades, I imagine. Mm-hmm.
• And you make good grades, I imagine. Mm-hmm.
• Apparently, there was a member on a library board that wouldn't call another member of the library board
• And that was the library board I mentioned.
• The library board because they would not use the preferred pronouns by another member of the library

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 162, which would change the workers’ compensation medical treatment schedule appeals process by allowing additional medical evidence submitted in court to be sent back to the medical director for review and a new opinion. The Attorney General’s office explained the bill, noting a 30-day deadline for the medical director to act before the case returns to court. The bill drew support from injured workers and several business and labor groups, and the committee adopted technical amendments and then reported the bill favorably without objection. House Bill 353, which would establish a state minimum wage starting at $12 in 2027, rising to $15 in 2029 and then indexed to inflation, prompted extensive testimony and debate. Supporters, including the sponsor, Invest in Louisiana, the Workplace Justice Project, 10,000 Women Louisiana, and the AFL-CIO, argued that Louisiana’s wages have lagged behind living costs, that many workers remain in poverty despite working, and that higher wages would help families and local economies. Opponents, including NFIB and several members, argued that the market is already setting wages above the federal minimum in many jobs, that a mandate would raise costs, compress pay scales, reduce hours or jobs, and hurt small businesses. After discussion, the committee voted on the bill and it failed on a roll call vote. The committee then reported Senate Bill 383 favorably with amendments. That bill expands the incumbent worker training program by increasing funding flexibility, shortening the business eligibility period from three years to two, and allowing unobligated funds to roll over. Members and the Louisiana Works secretary discussed workforce training, outreach, and how to connect workers to existing training programs and high-demand jobs. The committee also reported Senate Bill 382 favorably, which repeals the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council, and began hearing House Bill 422, the “Behind-the-Counter Safety Act,” aimed at workplace violence protections for retail and food service workers, including signage, reporting, and enhanced penalties; the sponsor explained it was intended to address attacks on frontline workers and to give businesses a tool to warn against violence.