Transcript Highlights:

• So look, the federal government is moving fast because they're connected.
• And so what the federal government is saying, thank you. Thank you.
• We're the safety basis approval authority.
• We interface with tribal, state, and local governments.
• So how is the government supporting advanced reactors?

Summary: The meeting was an extended briefing from Idaho National Laboratory officials on the lab’s mission, its role in nuclear energy research, and the federal push to accelerate advanced reactor deployment. Speakers described INL’s size and capabilities, including test reactors, fuel and materials facilities, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure work, and partnerships with DOE, the NRC, the Department of Defense, and private companies. They emphasized that the lab is supporting both commercial nuclear development and national security work, while also training a large intern workforce. A major theme was the current federal effort to streamline nuclear regulation and speed up licensing and demonstration. The speakers said recent executive orders and DOE/NRC coordination are reducing redundant requirements, shortening environmental review timelines, and aiming for three new nuclear systems to reach criticality by July 4, 2026. They argued that regulatory uncertainty has been a major driver of nuclear cost and that the administration’s actions, along with DOE’s pilot and demonstration programs, are intended to rebuild the domestic supply chain and industrial base. The discussion also focused on advanced reactor types, including small modular reactors, microreactors, molten salt concepts, and liquid-metal designs. Officials said these technologies are being developed for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, hydrogen production, and other nontraditional uses. They highlighted several projects and companies, including Oklo, Aalo, Radiant, X-energy, TerraPower, Kairos, and DOE’s MARVEL and Project Pele efforts, and said some reactors are expected to reach criticality or operation in the next few years. Questions from attendees covered safety, public health impacts, materials and heat management, waste or used fuel handling, costs, and whether nuclear could remain competitive against other energy sources; the speakers responded that advanced reactors are designed with passive safety features, that used fuel should be viewed as a resource, and that cost remains highly design- and supply-chain-dependent.

Transcript Highlights:

• The federal government does not recognize this contracting method.
• Okay, in your discussions with the author, who clearly has seen an issue, probably in his district, and
• Sheffs, I don't want to assume that the author would send it to conference. I'm not assuming that.
• That the author would send it to conference. I'm not assuming that.
• I want to thank you for bringing this resolution because it is needed, especially with what our parish

Summary: The House Transportation Committee met on May 26 and considered several resolutions and one Senate bill dealing with transportation project delivery, vehicle safety, school-zone safety, flooding, and highway signage. The committee first took up SCR 64, which creates a task force to study construction management at risk (CMAR) for public works. An amendment added representatives from Louisiana Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to the task force, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The committee also heard HR 282, which creates a task force to study utility terrain vehicles with Louisiana State Police and other stakeholders; an amendment added the State Fire Marshal, and the resolution was reported with amendments. The most extensive discussion centered on SB 513, which addressed public works project delivery methods and included a proposal for an average-bid award method as well as design-build authority for airports and vertiports. Testimony from a Reason Foundation policy analyst and a Louisiana Associated General Contractors representative opposed the average-bid concept, arguing it lacked U.S. precedent, could encourage collusion, and could raise costs, while airport-related design-build provisions were supported. The committee adopted an amendment in concept to remove the average-bid language, then reported SB 513 with amendments by a vote of 11 yeas and 4 nays. The committee also reported SCR 62 favorably, which urges DOTD to evaluate all school zones on state highways in response to safety concerns and near misses involving crossing guards and distracted driving. In addition, HCR 112 was reported favorably to study flooding on Louisiana Highway 1 in Shreveport, and HR 275 was reported favorably to study an interstate highway signage maintenance and reporting program. The meeting concluded after all items were acted on and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• bill gives the president the authority bill gives the president the authority to<00:34:35.119>
• authority granted under this bill? authority granted under this bill?
• <00:35:57.760> to coercing those foreign governments to coercing those foreign governments
• to what the Mexican government has done. to what the Mexican government has done.
• problem with is when we see a government problem with is when we see a government mistreating<00

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Friday, March 27, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And also co-author—I forgot to add my name.
• And also co-author—I forgot to add my name. Sorry about that. Thank you, Representative Marceau.
• My seatmate beat me to the move favorable, but I would like to co-authors, so thank you for bringing
• Senate Bill 202 by Senator Klein-Peter provides for the increase of parish board of election supervisor
• meetings in certain parishes for certain races.

Summary: The House Appropriations Committee met on May 26, 2026, and first took up Senate Bill 433, which would provide Medicaid coverage for certain weight-loss medications. After adopting a House amendment adding customary subject-to-appropriation language, the committee heard from LDH Secretary Bruce Greenstein, who said the state currently spends about $240 million a year on GLP-1 drugs for Medicaid patients with obesity and certain other conditions, and that the bill would let the department expand coverage gradually while controlling costs and negotiating better pricing. Members spoke in strong support, and SB 433 was reported favorable as amended. The committee then considered Senate Bill 157, which creates paid parental leave for eligible public K-12 educators and staff. An amendment was adopted to adjust fund language and make the bill proper for Appropriations. Senator Jenkins and supporters, including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, described the bill as providing six weeks of paid leave for birth, adoption, fostering, and related family-building events, while members discussed whether medical leave should also be included and confirmed the leave applies to fathers as well. The bill drew broad support and was reported favorable as amended. Senate Bill 250, requiring the Office of Group Benefits to offer a comprehensive weight management plan with employees paying the full premium and medication costs, was briefly discussed and reported favorable without objection. The committee then spent considerable time on Senate Bill 237, a child welfare measure from Senator Barrow that would expand notification, access, and investigative procedures for the Child Ombudsman and DCFS, including child-on-child sexual abuse cases and multidisciplinary fatality reviews. Members and agency officials debated the fiscal note, with estimates ranging from about $525,000 to $3.2 million and disagreement over whether some costs were already covered or could be absorbed; after a roll call, the bill passed 10-9 and was reported favorable as amended. Finally, the committee began Senate Bill 155, which requires insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care tied to cancer treatment. Senator Talbot and medical and cancer advocacy witnesses said the bill would remove a barrier to timely chemotherapy or radiation and could prevent more expensive complications later. Members expressed support and discussed a relatively small fiscal note, but the transcript cuts off before final action on the bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• houses Church parsonages occupied Parish houses Church parsonages occupied by<00:33:08.200> their
• So, for example, like a Catholic church, when they go fill out their A-9 each year, you know, a parish
• And then they have houses they call parish houses, and they all represent, like, we have a family on.
• His attorney has these books that identify things like a parsonage house, no, a parish house.
• And then they have houses they call parish houses, and they all represent, like, we have a family on.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One matter comes before the Senate for its final passage: an act authorizing the town of Scituate to
• The Senate from the Third Parish of Plymouth, Ms.
• Duneer, asks unanimous consent that the rules The Senate from the Third Parish of Plymouth, Ms.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Senate met briefly and first took up final passage of two local bills. It enacted House No. 4657, authorizing the town of Scituate to issue four additional all-alcoholic-beverage licenses for on-premises sales, and it also enacted a bill amending the charter of the town of Acushnet (H-234-1). In both cases, the Senate approved the measures and ordered them signed by the President and laid before the Governor. After a short recess, the Senate received a House bill changing the Board of Selectmen in Boylston to a select board (House No. 4621). On unanimous consent, the rules were suspended so the bill could be considered forthwith, and the Senate ordered it to a third reading. The session then concluded with an adjournment under the Constitution, ending the 2025 session of the 194th General Court. The Senate announced it would reconvene for the 2026 session on Wednesday at 11 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those were my co-authors on the House File 1845.
• were my co-author on the House File<00:19:47.919> 1845.
• we've experienced our own government we've experienced our own government targeting a<00:31:08.640
• co-authors co-authors and<00:31:45.120> those<00:31:45.279> on<00:31:45.519> the
• Shame on I didn't sign on as co-author.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House took up House File 3919, a Veterans Affairs bill to modify benefits for veterans of the Secret War in Laos and to codify recommendations from an SGU task force created in the prior session. Representative Cha, the bill’s author, explained that the measure was the product of eight task force meetings and consultation with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and he described the bill as a way to recognize SGU veterans, including Hmong, Lao, and other indigenous groups who served in Laos. He and several members spoke at length about the sacrifices of SGU veterans and the Hmong refugee experience, emphasizing that the bill was both a policy change and an overdue act of recognition. Multiple members rose in support. Representative Duran said he initially had concerns but changed his view after conversations with Cha and said he was not offended by the bill as a combat veteran. Representatives Lee, Vang, Gander, McDonald, Frasier, and others praised the veterans’ service, noted the large Hmong population in Minnesota, and said the bill was long overdue. Representative Lee K. offered a more cautious note, saying the bill was the result of a difficult compromise and expressing concern that the licensing distinction for these veterans was different from other veterans, though he still supported the measure. Representative Jean J. clarified that veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act already have access to state programs, while this bill was aimed at SGU veterans who were not naturalized under that act. After discussion, the House proceeded to a roll-call vote. The bill passed unanimously, 132 ayes and 0 nays, and its title was agreed to.

Transcript Highlights:

• A lifelong member of Queen of the Universe Parish, my home parish in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jerry
• Parish, my home parish in Bucks Universe Parish, my home parish in Bucks County,<00:09:30.320> Pennsylvania
• It's no different for government.
• It's no different for government.
• It's no different for government.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, there's some people go, well, the FAA governs that, and it is true the FAA governs airspace safety
• <00:12:00.320> airspace and it is true the FAA governs airspace and it is true the FAA governs
• The FAA doesn't govern privacy.
• Parish Road and you're a hobbyist who Parish Road and you're a hobbyist who wants<00:18:04.240> a<
• government ID based age verification. government ID based age verification.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of my former colleagues at a PSC meeting said only in government is eight months too short a period
• Despite the fact that the ports from Baton Rouge to Blackman Parish represent one of the busiest and
• Despite the fact that the ports from Baton Rouge to Blackman Parish represent one of the busiest and
• Most from Baton Rouge to Blackman Parish represent one of the busiest and most diverse port complexes
• You've heard some examples today, and certainly there's discussions around governance and resourcing.

Summary: The Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission met on May 14, 2026, with a quorum present and approved the July minutes. Leadership gave opening remarks welcoming new members and noting that the commission is now administratively housed with the Office of Multimodal Commerce, which is expected to provide staff support, resources, and help restart the commission’s strategic planning work. Commissioners said the next major agenda item will likely be consultant support and further work on the strategic plan. The commission then repealed a prior July resolution that had requested a Louisiana Ports Infrastructure and Development Fund and identified critical projects for international trade and economic development. Members said the resolution was well-intentioned but premature because the projects had not been fully vetted, LED had not been sufficiently involved, and there was no clear funding plan. The repeal passed by motion and vote, with commissioners emphasizing that the projects themselves remain supported and will be revisited in a more thorough format through the strategic plan. A major portion of the meeting focused on the collaborative marketing study for the five Lower Mississippi River ports. Joe Toomey and Ken Erickson of Polaris described a regional marketing strategy built from cargo analysis, stakeholder interviews, and port data, aimed at increasing trade, economic growth, foreign direct investment, infrastructure funding support, and long-term coordination. Commissioners and LED representatives said the effort shows stronger cooperation among the ports, will live at LED with a cooperative endeavor agreement, and is already being used in foreign investment outreach and as a possible template for other port regions. The commission also received an update from the navigation and safety task force. Steve Wall, the new NOBER president, said he would continue the work begun by the late Captain Toby Waddington, who was honored with a moment of silence. Commissioners reported that recommendations from the task force are being implemented, including air gap sensors, bridge-related planning, and bundled dredging projects in the current capital outlay process. The meeting ended with no public comment and adjourned after commissioners indicated they would meet again in the next quarter.

Transcript Highlights:

• SB1266 recognizes its author, Senator Alvarado, to explain the bill. Welcome, Senator.
• Good government bill. We will leave this bill pending at this time.
• Senate Bill 1580 would simply require local mental health authorities, with the governing body, to include
• When you look at how many local mental health authorities there are... authorities, they cover a variety
• Members, questions of the author.

Bills: SB623, SB1266, SB1310, SB1373, SB1580, SB1952, SB2032, SB2269, SB2544, SB2653, SB2796

Keywords: pharmacist, vaccine administration, COVID-19, exclusive authority, healthcare, Medicaid, provider enrollment, credentialing, administrative burden, Texas Health and Human Services, senior retirement communities, emergency response, residential safety, contract provisions, health and safety regulations, medical staff privileges, hospital administration, healthcare regulation, Texas Health and Safety Code, consistency in privileges

Transcript Highlights:

• We do not have any questions for the author or for you.
• Section 1868.2, the authorization of co-pay assistance.
• But the federal government has decided it is harmful to federal employees.
• But the federal government has decided it is harmful to federal employees.
• I will say this: the authors asked me to run this bill on the floor.

Summary: The Senate Committee on Insurance met on May 6, 2026, and first reported HB 1241 favorably. That bill, by Chairman Furman, requires insurers to check with DCFS before paying certain insurance settlements to determine whether the recipient owes delinquent child support, and to withhold and remit arrears if found. DCFS explained that Louisiana already has intercepts and other collection tools, but no current mechanism for insurance settlements. Senators raised concerns about notice to obligors and about liability if insurers fail to withhold, but the bill was advanced without objection. The committee then heard HB 870, which would require health insurers and PBMs to cover lower-cost generic or biosimilar drugs when available and to use utilization management no more restrictively on those drugs. Supporters said the bill would improve access and lower patient costs by using wholesale acquisition cost as the comparison point. Opponents, including Louisiana Blue and the AFL-CIO, argued that WAC ignores rebates and net cost, could force plans to cover higher-cost biosimilars first, and could increase premiums and disrupt ERISA and fully insured plan design. The committee adopted a technical amendment set and then a second amendment set that added notice and reporting requirements tied to net cost calculations, and HB 870 was reported favorably as amended. Several other bills were moved with little or no opposition. HB 1176, concerning Medicare Advantage coverage for integrative cancer treatments such as cold cap therapy, cryotherapy, and acupuncture, was amended to change the effective date and then reported favorably. HB 1196, dealing with colorectal cancer screening follow-up colonoscopies, was also amended and reported favorably. HB 1162, a consumer protection bill requiring DOI to verify that a contractor named on a first-party property damage check is licensed in Louisiana, was amended and reported favorably. HB 826, which modernizes insurance referral rules to allow referrals by email or website address, was reported favorably. The committee also heard HB 1151 on insurer investment limits and solvency protections, and HB 1236 on pharmacy reimbursement and copay maximizer programs; both drew substantial testimony and concern, especially over retroactivity, PBM cost allocation, and whether copay maximizers shift costs to patients, but the transcript cuts off before final action on HB 1236.

Transcript Highlights:

• I think it's the best way to govern, as a matter of fact.
• I think it's the best way to govern, as a matter of fact.
• I think it's the best way to govern, as a matter of fact.
• I think it's the best way to govern, as a matter of fact.
• I think it's the best way to govern, as a matter of fact.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Education Finance Committee met on February 5, 2025, to hear testimony from representatives of Minnesota’s Catholic and other nonpublic schools, focused on state nonpublic pupil aid, transportation, counseling, nursing, and related support programs. Meg Forette of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis argued that Catholic schools serve more than 30,000 students across many districts, educate a diverse population, and achieve strong academic results while operating at far lower per-student costs than public schools. She urged lawmakers to reject proposed cuts to nonpublic funding, saying they would be inequitable and harmful to lower-income families, and also raised concerns about state teacher-licensing requirements conflicting with Catholic values. Trisha Menshu, principal of St. John Paul II Catholic School in Northeast Minneapolis, described a student body with high levels of poverty, learning needs, and academic gaps, and said state-funded nurse and guidance-counseling services are essential to keeping students safe, healthy, and on track for high school. She said the school absorbs many costs itself, including medical supplies and significant staff time, and credited the support programs with helping students make strong academic growth and graduate on time. In response to a senator’s question, she clarified that the school uses the nursing aid for limited nurse time and pays other medical-related costs from operating funds, with no billing back to public school districts. Committee members asked follow-up questions about the relationship between teacher licensing and Catholic values, and about how medical needs for nonpublic students are funded. Forette said the concern was not with welcoming all students but with how DEI-related trainings and language are presented in ways that conflict with Catholic teaching. The committee then moved on to the next testifier, Andrew Hiliker of Stella Maris Academy in Duluth, who began by describing his school’s growth and the state’s role in supporting all students, regardless of school choice.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, Rapides Parish had to shut down their schools for about 10 days, various schools, because
• We're just not—that's not the job of government.
• And thank you, Representative Carlson, for authoring the bill for us.
• I've heard all morning I was in House and Government Affairs and told that ethics is listening.
• Freeman brought up the district attorney in Orleans Parish.

Summary: The committee first heard House Bill 137, which would strengthen penalties for knowingly making threats against schools, school activities, students, or school employees. The author said the bill responds to repeated false threats that disrupt schools, frighten families, and divert law enforcement, and it adds education and parental acknowledgment requirements. Members discussed possible juvenile consequences such as public service or physical work at schools, and the bill drew support from law enforcement, district attorneys, and Catholic bishops. It was reported favorably without objection. House Bill 321 followed, addressing Louisiana’s Safe Harbor law by expressly exempting minors from prostitution offenses and treating them as trafficking victims rather than offenders. The author, clergy, trafficking advocates, and a survivor testified that children involved in commercial sex are typically coerced, groomed, or controlled by traffickers, often family members or caregivers, and should receive protection and services instead of arrest. Witnesses described statewide advocacy and crisis-response services created in 2022, and committee members asked about prosecution of perpetrators and the prevalence of trafficking in rural areas. The bill was reported favorably without objection. The committee then approved House Bill 1246, a response to a fatal drunk-driving crash involving Jada Bright, which would allow law enforcement to keep intoxicated offenders in jail if they are not safe to release. An amendment was adopted to clean up the language, and the bill was reported favorably. House Bill 1104, creating a misdemeanor for possession of motor vehicle key-programming or emulating devices used to steal cars, also passed favorably with support from prosecutors and police. House Bill 552, a cleanup measure replacing references to intoxication with impairment in prior drug-related statutes, was reported favorably as well. Finally, the committee took up House Bill 310, which would require random reassignment when a defendant waives a jury trial in districts with more than two judges, unless the prosecutor agrees otherwise. Supporters said it would prevent judge shopping and address concerns about unusually high acquittal rates before particular judges, while opponents argued it raises due process concerns and effectively lets prosecutors choose the judge. Despite the opposition, the bill was reported favorably. The last major item was House Bill 1107, dealing with post-conviction death penalty cases involving claims of intellectual disability; the bill would set a 75 IQ threshold and create procedures for Atkins claims. Supporters said it would bring finality to long-pending capital cases and follow U.S. Supreme Court guidance, while opponents argued it would be unconstitutional under Atkins, Moore, and Hall because intellectual disability cannot be reduced to a single number. After extensive testimony and debate over amendments, the committee adopted the amendment and then reported the bill favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Last year, Rapides Parish had to shut down their schools for about 10 days, various schools, because
• We’re just not—that’s not the job of government.
• And thank you, Representative Carlson, for authoring the bill for us.
• I've heard all morning I was in House and Government Affairs and told that ethics is listening.
• Freeman brought up the district attorney in Orleans Parish.

Keywords: 974, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• in our parish. The priest is the leader. in our parish. The priest is the leader.
• <00:14:10.079> Government following appointments. Government following appointments.
• But I believe that to rebuild trust in government, we need to be making constituent contact.
• S.196 — Government Operations. S.197 — Health and Welfare. S.198 — Economic Development.
• Senate Government Operations will meet at 1:00. >> Senator from Washington. >> Thank you, Mr.

Keywords: 927, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• One of the lone exceptions I know is the Sabine River Authority, which has its own authority managing
• And a portion of the parishes.
• I do believe that the Sabine River Authority has its own independent authority in Title 38, so I don't
• Can you describe that authority?
• I was a Livingston Parish councilman, and he worked for an engineering firm in Livingston Parish.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• This bill does not expand federal authority.
• the extended authority or the same authority?
• mental health authority, also known as an LMHA.
• in the federal government."
• Now, of course, UN declarations are not binding on the federal government or the state government.

Bills: HB1583, HB1775, HB1832, HB1836, HB1837, HB1866, HB1983, HB2029, HB2217, HB2318, HB2363, HB2486

Keywords: mental health, emergency detention, peace officer, mental illness, prevention of harm, border security, private landowners, study and report, General Land Office, participation, controlled substances, opioid antagonists, law enforcement training, substance abuse prevention, Texas-Mexico border, criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, National Park Service, arrest powers

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of our parishes, whether they're sheriffs or local, maybe a larger police force or state police,
• Does that mean we're going to come up to Winn Parish and work on the Amite? Absolutely. Absolutely.
• Senate Bill 388 by Senator Hodges authorizes review of state contracts for foreign adversaries and terrorist

Summary: The House Committee on Appropriations met on May 18, 2026, and considered four Senate bills. Senate Bill 143 would create a Special Protective Equipment Fund to finance bulletproof vests for peace officers, with the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement to regulate distribution; an amendment standardizing fund language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Testimony and cards in support came from law enforcement groups and the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement. Senate Bill 367 would create the Watershed Restoration and Conservation Fund, depositing remaining severance tax revenues from sand and stone mining after constitutional allocations; an amendment was adopted to align it with House Bill 802 by adding reporting and appropriation language, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. Support was noted from the Louisiana Concrete Association and Chiefs of Police, and members discussed flood-related concerns and broader watershed restoration goals. Senate Bill 388 would authorize review of state contracts involving foreign adversary nations or terrorist organizations and remove a trigger clause from a prior 2023 law. The sponsor said the review could be done at no cost, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 398 would reorganize manufactured housing regulation by moving oversight from the fire marshal’s office to the Board of Contractors, consolidating residential housing oversight, moving licensees to Title 37, and changing inspection procedures; an amendment to conform fund language was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as amended. The committee then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• That's simply bad governing.
• Trust that government decisions are fair.
• to perform the functions of government.
• TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT.
• It is far past time the Federal Government follows suit.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Monday, February 23, 2026, 1012, house, all