Transcript Highlights:

• pro-transparency, pro-efficiency, pro-cost-effectiveness bill, and I think ultimately it will end up improving performance
• pro-transparency, pro-efficiency, pro-cost-effectiveness bill, and I think ultimately it will end up improving performance
• I think it's just during the selection and evaluation process. But how does it slow you down?
• I think it's just during the selection and evaluation process. But how does it slow you down?
• That commission is charged with examining, evaluating, and establishing compensation for elective officials

Committee: House and Governmental Affairs

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and considered several bills, mostly dealing with open meetings, public records, election administration, and local government notice requirements. Senate Bill 1 by Sen. Jenkins would authorize electronic voting under the Open Meetings Law and apply retroactively to validate prior electronic votes; after brief discussion and support from the Louisiana Municipal Association, it was reported favorably. House Bill 1052 by Rep. Spell would exempt certain child advocacy center and multidisciplinary team work product, forensic interviews, and related sensitive records from public records disclosure to protect child abuse investigations; testimony from child advocacy organizations emphasized the need to prevent misuse of records and preserve court-controlled access, and the bill was reported favorably. Senate Bill 289 by Sen. Abraham, concerning confidentiality of certain university records and negotiations, was amended to clarify protections for proprietary research, donor confidentiality, and limited confidentiality for industry negotiations, then reported favorably as amended. Senate Bill 218 by Sen. Talbot, allowing alternative certification programs for election officials if approved by the State Board of Election Supervisors, and Senate Bill 220, a technical correction regarding the official journal of the state, were both reported favorably. Senate Bill 161 by Sen. Seaball, repealing a requirement that certain high-salary unclassified state employees register vehicles in Louisiana, was also reported favorably after questions about its scope and purpose. The committee then took up House Bill 1193 by Rep. Sawyer, which authorizes the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority to use indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity construction contracts for maintenance and emergency work. CPRA officials said the model would speed small repairs and pre-construction tasks, improve efficiency, and mirror a similar DOTD approach; an amendment narrowed the public-records language and excluded design-build contracting. Members raised concerns about public records transparency and inclusion of minority and small contractors, but the bill was reported favorably as amended. House Bill 249 by Rep. Green, a constitutional amendment creating an independent compensation commission for elected officials and tying adjustments to CPI, drew extensive debate over removing the legislature from setting salaries, the appointment structure, and whether the state could afford automatic increases. After opposition from several members and a roll-call vote, the bill failed to be reported, 6 yeas to 9 nays. Because HB 249 failed, the companion enabling bill, House Bill 248, was deferred. Finally, the committee heard House Bill 997 by Rep. Edmondson, which would let parishes, municipalities, and school boards use their own websites as an alternative to newspaper publication for public notices. Supporters from the Police Jury Association argued the bill would reduce duplicative costs, preserve all existing notice requirements, and simply add a third option alongside newspaper publication and newspaper-hosted digital publication. An amendment narrowed the bill to parishes, municipalities, and school boards, removing other political subdivisions. Members questioned transparency, enforcement, record retention, and whether the change would undermine newspapers; supporters said courts would still enforce notice requirements and that local governments already maintain the records. The bill remained under discussion at the end of the transcript, with no final action shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• pro-transparency, pro-efficiency, pro-cost-effectiveness bill, and I think ultimately it will end up improving performance
• pro-transparency, pro-efficiency, pro-cost-effectiveness bill, and I think ultimately it will end up improving performance
• I think it's just during the selection and evaluation process. But how does it slow you down?
• I think it's just during the selection and evaluation process. But how does it slow you down?
• That commission is charged with examining, evaluating, and establishing compensation for elected officials

Bills: HB248, HB249, HB997, HB1052, HB1193, SB1, SB161, SB218, SB220, SB289, SB435

Committee: House and Governmental Affairs

Keywords: Compensation Commission, elected officials, salary evaluation, government accountability, Louisiana legislature, compensation, independent commission, salary adjustment, consumer price index, official journal, public notices, government transparency, local government, municipal website, school board notices, parish council, police jury, special districts, levee district, drainage district

Transcript Highlights:

• under a school improvement plan or corrective action plan, from dismissing a student for academic performance
• amendment language requiring cursive instruction to grade 3.5 and removes the required written evaluation
• under a school improvement plan or corrective action plan from dismissing a student for academic performance
• amendment language requiring cursive instruction to grade 3.5 and removes the required written evaluation
• amendment language requiring cursive instruction to grade 3.5 and removes the required written evaluation

Summary: The Senate convened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing interns, staff, visitors, and a military veteran. After routine announcements, the chamber took up several House-returned bills and special-order measures, with most motions to concur or refuse to concur adopted without objection. Early actions included unanimous concurrence in House amendments to SB 118 on RV park special assessments and SB 572 on ethics rules for public officers and employees, both passing 38-0. The Senate then debated and passed CS/CS/HB 991 on election integrity by a 27-12 vote after extensive opposition focused on voter registration documentation, student IDs, provisional ballots, and potential disenfranchisement; the sponsor defended the bill as a citizenship-verification and election-security measure. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 182, an education package combining several related provisions, by 37-0, and later approved SB 474 on military affairs by 39-0 after a technical amendment restoring certain retirement eligibility positions. The Senate refused to concur in the House amendment to CS/CS/CS/SB 1014 on municipal utility service, and refused to concur in the House strike-all amendment to SB 598 after the House had added composting language to the cremation definition. Several other messages were temporarily postponed. On the special-order calendar, the Senate passed CS/CS/HB 425 on historic cemeteries by 39-0, allowing historic Black cemetery boards to sell surplus property not used for burial to fund maintenance. It also passed HB 929 on chickee regulation by 39-0, limiting local restrictions on chickee construction and setting spacing, fire-safety, and permitting rules. SB 1370 on habitual traffic offender designation was substituted with identical CS/HB 35 and passed 39-0, expanding habitual offender treatment to repeated driving without a valid license. The chamber then returned to CS/CS/CS/SB 902, the Department of Health package, which was substituted with CS/HB 733 and amended to retain the Senate’s medical marijuana location limits, adjust NICU nutrition language, modify the dental student loan repayment program, and require a pediatric trauma center designation for certain specialty children’s hospitals; it passed 37-0. The Senate also moved CS/CS/CS/HB 905 on foreign influence to the special-order calendar and began debate on a strike-all amendment defining foreign terrorist organizations and foreign countries of concern, restricting gifts and business ties, tightening sister-city affiliations, and adding ethics training and reporting requirements, but the transcript ends before final action on that bill.

Transcript Highlights:

• oftentimes requiring 30 to 40 percent of the total settlement for a process that the county could perform
• You may hear the opposition share that firms can perform this more efficiently than counties, and that
• You may hear the opposition share that firms can perform this more efficiently than counties, and that
• But even for individual consumers, a 10% fee does not reflect the cost of performing this work and would
• But even for individual consumers, a 10% fee does not reflect the cost of performing this work and would

Committee: Revenue and Taxation

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• If providers are forced to follow guidelines, at some point, providers will also be performing medical
• Surgery was authorized and then performed.
• A quick look providers will also be performing medical malpractice. A quick look at waste.
• Surgery was authorized and then performed. But there's a seven month delay.
• These changes are unprecedented and need research, evaluation, and testing.

Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 2091, a collective bargaining measure that would require state agencies and other employers covered by the Personnel System Reform Act to provide unions with employee contact and job information similar to what other public employers already must share. The sponsor and union witnesses said the bill would close a gap left by prior legislation and improve communication with represented employees; no one testified in opposition during the hearing portion shown. Action on the bill was deferred. The committee then moved to House Bill 2264, which would allow workers who voluntarily participate in an employer-initiated layoff or reduction-in-force plan to qualify for unemployment insurance if the separation results from that plan. The sponsor and a member described it as a narrow fix to clarify eligibility and reduce disputes. After brief supportive testimony, the committee voted 9-0 to report the bill out with a due pass recommendation. A lengthy hearing followed on House Bill 2218, a workers’ compensation bill that would expand provider choice, require notice to injured workers of their right to choose a provider, limit employer steering, speed utilization review, allow more flexibility from treatment guidelines, and change rules for reopening or continuing treatment on certain claims. Supporters, including injured workers, unions, attorneys, firefighters, and a psychiatrist, argued the current system delays care and over-relies on rigid guidelines; opponents from business groups and the Department of Labor and Industries said the bill would weaken evidence-based standards, raise costs, and create uncertainty. No final action was taken in the portion shown. The committee also heard House Bill 2105, as a proposed substitute, which would require employers to notify workers after an ICE Form I-9 inspection notice or results, limit voluntary access to certain records without a subpoena or warrant, require workplace postings, and create enforcement by the Attorney General and private lawsuits. Supporters said the bill would provide due process, transparency, and protection for immigrant workers; opponents, especially small business and agricultural groups, warned of conflicts with federal law, burdensome notice requirements, and severe penalties. The hearing continued with additional testimony, and no vote was taken in the excerpt provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• If you wish to follow along, the LFC volumes you'll notice the investment Smith Performance Report on
• Chair, members of the Council, just to know the Executive and LFC have reached a consensus on the performance
• And so I guess the question that I'd like to ask is, is here performing with the people that you have
• So that might be helpful to look at, but we can also send you our latest performance report information
• So the State Printing Program is funded by fee revenue from printing work performed for public entities

Committee: House Appropriations & Finance

Keywords: 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sarah was admitted to the Texas Children's Hospital where a team of specialists performed life-saving
• I instead submit to you... ...demanding law enforcement perform the government's job.
• And forces them to act as enforcers of a broken immigration system, to perform duties that they did not
• It failed to consistently monitor or evaluate the performance of partner agencies. and the program posed
• To perform our critical missions, we need to be safely clear the area for launch activities.

Bills: HB1320, HB2012, HB2293, HB2655, HB3174, HB4108, HB4661, HB4799, HB5534, HB5580

Committee: S/C on County & Regional Government

Keywords: transportation, infrastructure, funding, state budget, public safety, child welfare, county boards, membership, local governance, public welfare, government service, social services, Texas Family Code, regulation, vendors, solicitors, roadside sales, county authority, Sweeny Hospital District, board of directors

Transcript Highlights:

• Replace line 86 on page four with the following: It currently says "function or performing".
• Now, listen to this, and this is what’s going to be read to a juror: What does conduct performed within
• function or performing a legitimate goal through means that were within the law enforcement officer's
• Performed within a law enforcement officer's discretionary authority, a court must put aside the conduct
• I sense that we need that same confidence within our law enforcement officers—that they can perform their

Bills: HB43, SB81, SB178, SB138, SB89, SB183, HB27, HB188, HB199, HB190, SB117, HB43, HB27

Committee: Judiciary

Keywords: criminal procedure, split sentencing, probation, Class A felony, Class B felony, minimum confinement, speedy trial, visiting judge, court administration, violent crimes, Alabama Supreme Court, employment, criminal record, certificate of employability, occupational licensing, negligent hiring, rehabilitation, limited relief, tribal police, law enforcement

Transcript Highlights:

• These are short animated, well-done videos by OBGYN doctors that have actually performed abortions in
• OBGYN doctors that have actually OBGYN doctors that have actually performed<00:11:26.240><c> abortions
• abortions and stuff in the performed abortions and stuff in the past<00:11:28.519><c> and</c><00:11:
• Sur iies on that doctors use to perform Sur iies on Tiny<01:12:26.400><c> children</c><01:12:26.719>
• <03:42:46.640><c> and</c> evaluation and evaluation and opinion opinion opinion so<03:42:51.120><c> here

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 662, which would require public schools to include discussion of abortion procedures and show specified videos in health education classes. The prime sponsor argued the bill would ensure students receive medically accurate, age-appropriate, and nonpolitical information about abortion, saying the topic is important for informed decision-making and should be taught consistently statewide. He said the videos were intended for grades 9-12, that parents could opt out, and that the requirement was meant to supplement, not sway, students’ views. He also acknowledged the bill could be seen as limiting local control over curriculum and said the intent was to prevent the topic from being missed due to scheduling disruptions. Committee members questioned the sponsor about local control, the need for a video mandate, the source of his statistics, whether the bill could be biased or inflammatory, and whether the requirement should apply every year in high school. The sponsor said the videos were only a starting point, could be replaced by others, and were meant to be informational. He also said the bill was not intended to influence students’ decisions about abortion. Several supporters testified in favor, including representatives of New Hampshire Right to Life and others who said students should be told the “truth” about abortion and its consequences. They emphasized graphic or emotionally difficult aspects of abortion and argued that young people need this information to make informed choices. Opponents and skeptical witnesses raised concerns about prescribing curriculum, eroding local control, and the appropriateness of the material for younger high school students. The New Hampshire School Administrators Association said the bill was overly prescriptive, that health education standards are already set by the State Board of Education, and that the topics in the bill are not part of the current standards. That witness recommended the committee consider retaining the bill for further work or making it less prescriptive. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the meeting provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The language before you pairs flexibility and innovation with clear performance expectations and real
• Clarifies what should be in an agreement, including performance expectations and an important dispute
• The language before you pairs flexibility and innovation with clear performance expectations and real
• Clarifies what should be in an agreement, including performance expectations and an important dispute
• And members, more importantly, I have two performance expectations and an performance expectations and

Bills: HF3714, HF4399, HF4176, HF2544, HF60, HF4231, HF4232

Committee: Education Policy

Keywords: foster care, child welfare, enrollment priority, education programs, child care assistance, education, school board, elections, local governance, school district, site-governed schools, education reform, local control, autonomy, interchange, bond issuance, transportation, infrastructure funding, Sherburne County, student eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• is focused on achieving... ...tangible outcomes for our students through an automated budget and evaluation
• The A-BEST framework provides a crucial benchmark for assessing our performance in student success.
• We've evaluated numerous options to address the issue.
• As we look at performing universities, it's important to focus on these things.
• How is the Katy campus performing? The Katy campus is served by both UH and UH West.

Bills: SB1, SB 1

Committee: Finance

Keywords: appropriations, budget, state funding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, campground safety, youth camp regulations, flood safety, emergency evacuation, health and safety standards, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, and so businesses are... performance of not only the um uh performance of not only the um uh organizations
• We also know that DEED is a part of the solution as well to help us re-evaluate where Always open to
• We also know that DEED is a part of the solution as well to help us re-evaluate where Much of what you
• We also know that DEED is a part of the solution as well to help us re-evaluate where They're helping
• </c><00:59:46.640><c> where</c> As well, to help us re-evaluate where things are at.

Bills: HF2440

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

Keywords: labor market, employment, economic development, funding, data analysis, 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> high standard of academic performance high standard of academic performance are<00:54:18.720><c>
• Just quick, where can I find the reports on the performance of the schools that are getting EFAs?
• One year I evaluated a first grader who was somewhere around March.
• </c> one example of why we need to evaluate one example of why we need to evaluate all<02:57:33.840><
• an annual state audit uh performance an annual state performance<03:14:32.840><c> audit</c><03:14:33.479

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The hearing focused on House Bill 115-FN, which would remove the income cap from New Hampshire’s Education Freedom Account eligibility rules. Representative Valerie McDonnell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure is intended to fund students rather than systems and to expand educational choice regardless of income or zip code. She described the change as a small statutory edit but argued it would have significant benefits, including helping families afford alternative education settings and testing costs such as AP exams. She also cited testimony from families who said EFAs helped children with special needs or difficult circumstances, and she argued the program is popular and cost-effective. Committee members questioned McDonnell about the bill’s fiscal impact and administration. One member asked whether removing the income cap would extend vouchers to families above the statewide median income and whether the change could cost more than $100 million annually; McDonnell said she did not agree with that estimate and pointed to Arizona as a comparison. Representative Wendy Thomas asked whether the bill should require stronger data-sharing from the Children’s Scholarship Fund, which administers the program, so the Department of Education and taxpayers could better track spending; McDonnell said the program already uses ClassWallet and regulated expenditures, and that the question was better directed to the administrator. Several members testified in opposition. Representative Wendy Thomas said the bill would increase costs for public schools, raise local property taxes, and worsen oversight problems. Representative Heath Howard argued the proposal would function as a subsidy for wealthy families already paying private tuition and said public education and special education should be funded first. Representative Megan Murray also opposed the bill, emphasizing the lack of a legal reporting requirement for EFA spending and the need for transparency, accountability, and attention to special education needs. Representative Sam Farrington supported expansion, sharing a constituent story about a student who left public school after harassment and benefited from private school placement. No vote or final action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• So what this bill does, if you look on line 36, it changes the wording to supervise and evaluate the
• These seals are earned through a basic rubric of performance and scholarship and class selection, having
• high enough GPA, getting a 90% on the state's seal, the state excellence civics exam, and also performing
• research project or various Research project or various volunteer opportunities to achieve the performance

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the conclusion of MIT's Elections Performance Index, a nonpartisan, objective measure of election
• The index evaluates all 50 states across 18 performance indicators, voter registration rates, post-election
• And under color of law means acting or purporting to act in the performance of official duties under

Bills: SB264, SB261

Committee: Senate Rules

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms, 996, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That is the conclusion of MIT's Elections Performance Index, a nonpartisan, objective measure of election
• The index evaluates all 50 states across 18 performance indicators: voter registration rates, post-election
• And under color of law means acting or purporting to act in the performance of official duties under

Bills: SB264, SB261

Committee: House Rules & Order Of Business

Keywords: election integrity, voter coercion, public safety, emergency procedures, polling place security, health regulations, community welfare, peace promotion, legislative reforms

Summary: The committee heard two election-related bills. SB 264, sponsored by Sen. Duhigg and others and presented by the Secretary of State, would add definitions and new offenses to New Mexico election law to prohibit interference with elections, including the presence of troops or armed persons at polling places or ballot drop boxes, attempts to impose election rules contrary to state law, and intentional obstruction of access to polling places. It also would create civil enforcement options, strengthen existing election offenses by adding “under color of law” language, and include emergency voting procedures for voters displaced by natural disasters. Supporters, including Common Cause, the Center for Civic Policy, and the League of Women Voters, said the bill protects voters from intimidation and outside interference. Several county clerks and rural legislators raised concerns about late changes, lack of consultation, rural logistics, and possible litigation. The committee adopted the Rules Committee substitute and advanced SB 264 on a 5-3 roll call vote. SB 261, presented as a companion election measure, would remove the existing exception that allowed law enforcement to carry firearms at polling places, but the sponsor offered an amendment to allow armed law enforcement to respond when called by the presiding judge, county clerk, or Secretary of State. Supporters said firearms do not belong in or around polling places because they can intimidate voters and poll workers, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary because existing law already covers law enforcement response and that the amendment created confusion. After a recess caused by members leaving the room, the committee returned, adopted the Rules Committee substitute including the amendment, and advanced SB 261 by unanimous voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• The ranges are critical in performing our firearm analysis.
• They are not, as long as they are law enforcement and performing the administration of criminal justice
• Over 2,084 IEP and 32 Section 504 meetings convened, seven re-evals, re-evaluation, and eligibility determinations
• We're proud to hold the public's trust and recognize the Legislature has faith in us to perform these

Summary: The committee heard budget presentations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the clerks of court. FDLE outlined 28 legislative budget requests for fiscal year 2026-27, including funding for a new Fort Myers regional operations center lease, technology and data system upgrades, moving several programs off uncertain federal grants, expanding the wellness office, cryptocurrency seizure efforts, cybersecurity, forensic equipment, digital forensics, criminal history modernization, training, and the SAFE fentanyl enforcement program. Members asked about the reported 79% increase in officer misconduct cases, the role of body cameras and masking, public records request burdens on local agencies, and the status of Fibers and the Uniform Arrest Affidavit systems. FDLE said the misconduct data covers all sworn officers and corrections personnel, that many cases would not be affected by body cameras because they involve off-duty conduct or internal matters, and that it is working with agencies and vendors to improve participation in reporting systems. DJJ Secretary Matt Walsh updated the committee on the Florida Scholars Academy, describing the new unified education system across 39 residential facilities. He reported first-year enrollment, course completions, graduations, and compliance results, and said the program now provides in-person and blended instruction, individualized support, mental health services, and career and technical education. He also discussed staffing shortages in some detention facilities, the need for more residential beds, and the importance of recognizing and supporting staff. In response to questions, he explained how the program addresses students with disabilities and behavioral needs through one-on-one instruction, paraprofessionals, and immediate mental health support. The clerks of court presented a budget request centered on funding shortfalls and rising costs. Clerk and Comptroller Stacey Butterfield said clerks are operating with outdated funding levels despite increased statutory duties, higher postage and staffing costs, and growing workloads in priority case types such as injunctions for protection and other high-risk matters. The clerks requested $22 million in direct appropriations, including support for due process costs, jury management, and staffing for 37 new judges approved last session. Members also asked about Senate Bill 532, which Butterfield described as a CPI-based measure to update court fines and fees that have remained unchanged since 2008. The committee took no votes on the presentations and adjourned after discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• allowed a one-time carryover. over to the next fiscal year to support the vendor payment for services performed
• efficiency improvements, but the department also has struggled to hire and retain inspectors who perform
• In the old days we did perform more inspections, but we were inspecting places that you know, if you
• So we also, our new IT director is fairly new, and so he's come in and kind of evaluated the services

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• IT ALSO REQUIRES DBA EVALUATE THE HEALTH LITERACY OF VETERANS IN OUR STATE AND PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS
• THE PURPLE START WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT EMPHASIZES KEY PERFORMANCE METRICS IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE NETWORKS
• BOARD SELECTED TO RECEIVE THIS DESIGNATION WERE REQUIRED TO HAVE RECEIVED FLORIDA COMMERCE VETERANS PERFORMANCE
• THE NEW CRITERIA WOULD INCLUDE SUBMISSION FOR THE FLORIDA COMMERCE VETERANS PERFORMANCE AWARD, BUT IT

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We'll call it an evaluation relative to special education.
• in light of all the performance audits.
• And what the audit performance audits.
• in light of all the related evaluation in light of all the performance<01:29:45.840><c> audits.
• If I may, repres performance audits.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first revisited HB 781, the cell phone bill, after previously retaining it. On reconsideration, members moved to OTP the bill, and it passed unanimously. The committee then moved into the budget tracking packet and adopted an amendment to HB 2 to add the same cell phone policy language, also unanimously, and separately reduced HB 1 by $1 million to match the policy change. Members noted the cell phone language had already been stripped of grant funding language in the House version and that the policy and funding pieces were being aligned across the budget bills. The committee then took up a Department of Education technical amendment to HB 2 on charter school grants, which made timing and administrative changes without altering grant amounts, and adopted it unanimously. Members also discussed but held other education-related items, including adequacy grants, pending broader decisions on overall education funding. Another HB 2 item concerning E-911/state police radio communications prompted a longer discussion about whether E-911 surcharge funds were being used for purposes that should instead be general-funded. After debate over whether to leave the current practice in place or split the funding 50/50 between E-911 and general funds, the committee adopted a joint HB 1/HB 2 change to shift the funding source to a 50/50 split and delete the HB 2 language authorizing the prior use; the motion passed 7-0. The committee also discussed but did not act on several lottery-related provisions, including the video lottery terminal amendment, the increase in maximum ticket price from $30 to $50, and related tax split changes, with members planning to hear from the Lottery Commission on Monday. The meeting ended with the committee beginning review of new amendments in the tracking packet, including a Department of Education request related to Public School Infrastructure Commission grant administration, but no action was taken on that item in the portion provided.