Transcript Highlights:

• And continue to provide that type of water service for our community.
• Same type of testing. I'm sure this is kind of common around the around the state, okay?
• Dallas in the Region C plan and all of the folks in Region C, 1.3 million acre feet that they need. to
• We have all different types of local government. that work in water.
• So, T-A-W-C. Why T-A-W-C? We were founded out of a need for a unified voice.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Right now, are any birthing centers in the state of Florida doing C-sections? You recognize.
• So this bill, though, which already went into effect, said they could do C-sections.
• C. DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
• This past year, C-to-sale integration was the number one thing.
• And the C-to-sale tracking was... that's a newer accomplishment. That was news to me.

Summary: The Senate Health Policy Committee received updates from the Agency for Health Care Administration and the Department of Health on implementation of 2024 health care laws. AHCA reviewed progress on workforce and reimbursement measures in Senate Bill 7016 and related bills, including FRAME and TEACH funding, graduate medical education reporting, behavioral health teaching hospitals, acute hospital care at home, advanced birth centers, non-emergent care access plans, and rural emergency hospitals. Agency officials said several programs are already operational or have begun payments, while others are still in rulemaking, federal approval, or report-preparation stages. Senators asked about timing, funding reversion concerns, and whether appropriated dollars would be spent on schedule, especially for behavioral health teaching hospitals and the new birth center category. The Department of Health then reported on practitioner licensure and public health programs. MQA described implementation of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, the Mobile Act licensure pathway, massage therapy enforcement changes, background screening expansion, liposuction safety requirements, pharmacist HIV post-exposure prophylaxis authority, and chiropractic dry needling. Public health staff updated the committee on FRAME and dental loan repayment, the Sinati screening grant program, the cancer research and innovation changes, the health care innovation council and loan program, the pediatric rare disease grant program, telehealth maternity care expansion, newborn screening for congenital CMV, the sickle cell registry and grants, and the swimming lesson voucher program. Members focused questions on how practitioners were being recruited to underserved areas, the pace of licensure approvals, and whether new programs were on track to use appropriated funds. The committee also heard a lengthy update from the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The director reported more than 900,000 qualified patients, real-time seed-to-sale tracking now integrated across most dispensaries and labs, and ongoing compliance work on product testing, advertising, diversion, and patient safety. Senators questioned the decline in qualified physicians, how THC potency is labeled and verified, and what the agency can do about diversion to non-patients. The director said the office relies on complaints, inspections, lab audits, and coordination with law enforcement, and that patients can be suspended if violations are confirmed.

Transcript Highlights:

• You can see on your screen there the breakdown of the types of different facilities that we have around
• What level of funding is required to, A, eliminate the wait list, B, stabilize providers, C, address
• What level of funding is required to, A, eliminate the wait list, B, stabilize providers, C, address
• You know, some type of management for their accounting or their financing, or even their own HR tools
• They have some type of literacy testing, right?

Summary: The Early Childhood Committee met to receive an update from the Office of Early Childhood on Arkansas child care and early learning programs. Committee members discussed the state’s child care crisis, including reported economic losses from lack of access, the need to track access, affordability, workforce shortages, rural and infant/toddler care gaps, and the role of local leads in identifying needs across the state. The committee also approved the February 17 minutes. Office of Early Childhood staff explained their responsibilities under the LEARNS Act, including kindergarten readiness, provider quality, and access to affordable seats. They reviewed licensing, quality efforts, and the two main funding streams: School Readiness Assistance (SRA), a federally funded voucher program serving about 14,600 children with a wait list of more than 3,000, and Arkansas Better Chance (ABC), a state-funded program serving about 23,000 children, with approval to increase to 24,000 slots. Members asked about the difference between market rate surveys and cost analyses, and staff said the office is procuring both, with results expected by the end of the year. Several members raised concerns about funding levels, especially that ABC reimbursement has not kept pace with K-12 funding increases and that child care reimbursement remains below the true cost of care. Staff said ABC requires certified teachers and lower ratios than SRA, but pays less, and that some federal pre-K slots were moved into ABC to preserve continuity of care. They also explained that SRA eligibility changes, including a higher work requirement and ending a child care worker eligibility category, were made to reduce spending and serve families on the wait list. The committee discussed communication with providers and parents, technical assistance for centers, and possible future legislative action to stabilize providers and expand access, but no votes or formal actions were taken beyond approving the minutes and adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> thesec><04:31:38.960><c> typesc><04:31:39.199><c> ofc> source of funding for these types of
• source of funding for these types of programs<04:31:39.840><c> becausec><04:31:40.159><c> they're<
• And so you know all of those<05:12:38.798><c> typesc><05:12:39.040><c> ofc><05:12:39.360><c> um
• c><05:12:39.600><c> concernsc><05:12:39.920><c> havec><05:12:40.160><c> beenc> those types of um
• concerns have been those types of um concerns have been addressed<05:12:40.638><c> inc><05:12:40.958

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 47, sponsored by Senator Regina Birdsell at the request of the Insurance Department. The bill would clarify that a birth mother’s health insurance is the primary policy for a newborn’s care unless the mother has no coverage or no employer-sponsored coverage. Birdsell and Insurance Commissioner DJ Benton Court said the measure simply codifies the department’s long-standing interpretation of existing law. Representative Miles asked whether the coverage would extend to a grandchild if a young woman on her parents’ plan had a baby, and Birdsell said it would. The hearing on SB 47 was then closed. The committee next heard Senate Bill 121, introduced by Grant Bosi for Senator Kevin Avard. The bill requires insurers to notify the Insurance Department when they stop writing an entire line of business or, in some cases, when they change Medicare Advantage offerings. Benton Court said the bill was prompted by disruption in the Medicare Advantage market, where consumers and the department were confused by carriers exiting, changing plans, or narrowing offerings. He said the department does not regulate Medicare Advantage itself, but does license the carriers, and the notice requirement would help the department advise consumers; he also said noncompliance could affect a carrier’s license and could lead to fines. Members discussed the notice period, and the department and AHIP indicated support for changing it from 120 days to 90 days to align with federal timing. The hearing was closed with plans to work on an amendment in subcommittee. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 247, introduced by Representative Brian Cole, which would prohibit network exclusion for pharmacies that refuse to dispense prescriptions when PBM reimbursement is below acquisition cost. Cole said the bill is meant to stop pharmacies from being forced to sell at a loss. Members questioned whether pharmacies voluntarily enter PBM contracts, whether the bill would raise consumer prices, and whether it would mainly affect independent pharmacies. Cole and others said the issue has changed over time because PBMs now control a much larger share of the market, and that the bill would let pharmacies refuse loss-making fills and direct patients to mail order instead. The discussion also noted that the bill excludes Medicare and Medicaid and that the current proposal does not create a middle-ground option for patients to pay a premium at the counter.

Transcript Highlights:

• that are doing<00:45:01.839><c> thisc><00:45:02.160><c> samec><00:45:02.480><c> typec><00:45:02.640
• > typesc><01:38:03.760><c> ofc><01:38:03.920><c> approachesc> that some of those types of approaches
• c><01:50:59.600><c> thatc> the type of local government entity that the type of local government
• ><c> typec><03:00:47.840><c> ofc><03:00:48.000><c> modelc><03:00:48.240><c> towardc><03:00:48.640
• ><c> morec> distribution type of model toward more distribution type of model toward more of<03:00:

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• thisc><00:42:01.280><c> superficialc><00:42:02.400><c> typec><00:42:02.640><c> stuff.
• c><00:46:00.079><c> typesc><00:46:00.400><c> ofc> involved in many different types of involved
• ><c> onc><04:00:42.080><c> planc><04:00:42.399><c> typec><04:00:42.560><c> andc><04:00:42.800
• ><c> agec><04:00:43.120><c> beforec> depending on plan type and age before depending on plan type
• c> income and plan type.

Keywords: 981, all

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:04:42.720><c> thec><00:04:42.960><c> majorityc><00:04:43.360><c> andc><00:04:43.600><c>
• :44.479><c> andc><00:04:44.639><c> thec><00:04:44.800><c> minorityc><00:04:45.280><c> whipc><
• c><00:04:47.120><c> Butc><00:04:47.280><c> inc><00:04:47.520><c> noc><00:04:47.759><c> event<
• /c><00:06:17.600><c> on,c><00:06:17.840><c> Ic><00:06:18.080><c> wasc><00:06:18.240><c> 23c><
• ><c> ac><00:07:47.759><c> manc><00:07:47.919><c> ofc><00:07:48.000><c> hisc><00:07:48.240><c>

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 1012, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ofc><00:00:49.079><c> yearsc><00:00:49.760><c> umc><00:00:50.559><c> butc><00:00:50.760><c>
• <c> toc><00:00:52.399><c> hearc><00:00:52.800><c> todayc><00:00:53.239><c> fromc><00:00:53.879
• c> mostc><00:41:31.319><c> typesc><00:41:31.720><c> ofc> residents mpfa finances most types of
• residents mpfa finances most types of Municipal<00:41:32.520><c> wasc><00:41:33.000><c> waterc><00
• affordability and specific project type<00:42:44.280><c> andc><00:42:44.440><c> I'llc><00:42:44.599

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> butc><00:06:00.080><c> atc><00:06:00.400><c> thec><00:06:00.560><c> samec><00:06:00.720>
• c><00:06:04.960><c> Wec><00:06:05.199><c> wantc><00:06:05.280><c> toc><00:06:05.440><c> make<
• ><c> wouldc><00:06:08.400><c> likec><00:06:08.560><c> toc><00:06:08.720><c> tryc><00:06:08.800
• limitsc><00:53:45.920><c> andc><00:53:46.480><c> thatc><00:53:46.800><c> typec><00:53:46.960
• c> fish limits and that type stuff. fish limits and that type stuff.

Bills: HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328, HB348, HB106, HB347, HB54, SB118, SB167, SB195, HB260, HB263, HB328

Keywords: bail reform, illegal aliens, violent offenses, pretrial detention, flight risk, court hearings, doxing, personal identifying information, harassment, online safety, law enforcement, public servants, penalties, consumer protection, illicit material, private rights, digital privacy, nonconsensual distribution, incarceration, pregnancy

Transcript Highlights:

• :27.520><c> thec><00:08:27.680><c> zoomc><00:08:27.960><c> chatc><00:08:28.199><c> functionc>
• 08:31.360><c> usec><00:08:31.560><c> thec><00:08:31.680><c> chatc><00:08:31.960><c> functionc
• c><00:08:36.640><c> staffc><00:08:36.880><c> knowc><00:08:37.039><c> thatc><00:08:37.159><c>
• ><c> typec><00:54:31.160><c> ofc><00:54:31.359><c> depositc><00:54:31.760><c> accountsc><00:54
• :32.200><c> thatc> on um the type of deposit accounts that on um the type of deposit accounts that

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills related to consumer protection, liquor regulation, construction procurement, and state contracting. On House Bill 565, DCCA and the Office of Consumer Protection stood on written testimony, and a committee member raised a question about whether creators of remains would have to hold them indefinitely if family members did not respond; the member indicated language would be fixed to address that issue. No vote was taken. House Bill 208, dealing with liquor law changes, drew strong support from Scarlet Honolulu and Maui Brewing Company, who said the measure would modernize liquor rules and add guardrails, while the Wine Institute and Anheuser-Busch opposed it as a special tax break or unnecessary expansion of liquor-related authority. Members questioned whether anonymous complaints should be allowed and whether the bill could lead to retaliation; the supporter said complaints should not be anonymous and suggested the Liquor Commission had been accused of writing complaints to target licenses. No action was taken. House Bill 939, concerning taxation of low-ABV spirits-based beverages, received support from Maui Brewing Company and Johnson Brothers, who said it would align tax treatment with existing categories and reduce confusion, while the Wine Institute and Anheuser-Busch opposed it as a narrow tax break that could reduce revenue and should instead be considered in a broader alcohol tax review. House Bill 808, on construction defect insurance or related protections for state projects, drew comments from DAGS, the State Procurement Office, and the Subcontractors Association, with the latter warning it would make state contracting harder and shrink the contractor base; the chair questioned what recourse the state has when defects appear after a project is completed. House Bill 809, addressing procurement and subcontractor-listing corrections, drew opposition from SPO, DAGS, and the Subcontractors Association, while the General Contractors Association supported it; members debated whether a 24-hour correction window would create abuse or simply allow minor ministerial fixes, and the bill’s sponsor said the goal was to reduce bid protests and procurement discretion. No votes or final committee actions were recorded in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• andc><00:12:17.200><c> behindc><00:12:17.839><c> usc><00:12:18.079><c> isc><00:12:18.639><c>
• c><00:21:36.960><c> pagec><00:21:37.280><c> twoc><00:21:37.600><c> thec><00:21:37.840><c> type
• c><00:21:38.159><c> getsc> As we move on to page two, the type gets smaller.
• ><c> allc> it's um a council on addiction, all it's um a council on addiction, all types<01:19:19.520
• c> types of addiction, including gambling, types of addiction, including gambling, uh<01:19:21.679>

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The Legislative Budget Assistant staff presented an overview of the Senate changes to the House-passed budget, focusing on revenue estimates, appropriations, and ending balances across the general fund and education trust fund. The presentation emphasized that the Senate’s budget reflected higher revenue assumptions than the House, driven in part by updated April revenue figures, changes to business, tobacco, and real estate transfer tax splits, and different assumptions about video lottery terminal revenue. The Senate also adjusted lapse estimates upward, especially for HHS, after receiving updated information that lapses could be much larger than originally assumed. The presenter walked through the major differences in the surplus statements for fiscal years 2025 through 2027. Compared with the House, the Senate budget generally showed higher revenues, lower or different appropriations in some areas, and larger balances carried forward, including a larger education trust fund balance and a different rainy day fund transfer. The Senate’s approach also changed several policy assumptions, such as maintaining liquor revenue dedication, removing the House’s meals-and-rooms distribution cap, changing the treatment of unique revenue, and altering the process for meeting a targeted revenue amount by giving the governor more flexibility. On the appropriations side, the Senate removed or modified several House reductions and added funding or adjustments in areas including the judicial branch, corrections, HHS, the Human Rights Commission, and certain settlement costs. The presenter also highlighted Senate changes in House Bill 2 and related budget provisions, including a new arts tax credit, a nursing home bed fee, changes to Medicaid premium assumptions, and differences in how motor vehicle inspection repeal and BLT-related revenue are handled. No votes were taken in the portion shown; the discussion was informational and comparative, aimed at explaining the Senate budget changes before conference committee negotiations.

Transcript Highlights:

• <c> chairc><00:01:17.520><c> Senatorc><00:01:17.920><c> dublec><00:01:18.600><c> andc><00:01:
• :01:24.920><c> toc><00:01:25.400><c> bec><00:01:26.400><c> uhc><00:01:26.560><c> presentingc>
• c> usc><00:01:45.320><c> ourc><00:01:45.880><c> hostc><00:01:46.240><c> ofc><00:01:46.640><c>
• ><c> isc><00:02:05.000><c> toc><00:02:05.119><c> kindc><00:02:05.240><c> ofc><00:02:05.360><c
• ><c> ofc><00:02:10.039><c> uhc><00:02:10.599><c> uhc><00:02:11.039><c> uhc><00:02:11.480><c>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Transportation Committee met on January 29, 2025, to hear the Metropolitan Council’s presentation on the Governor’s proposed agency budget requests. The Council outlined three main budget items: authorization to advance funds to MnDOT to help coordinate a highway project with arterial bus rapid transit construction; a proposal to make free regular-route transit rides permanent for eligible Metro Mobility riders, after a successful pilot that produced nearly 75,000 rides; and a reduction in general fund support for rail operations, which the Council said it could absorb in the near term. The Council also noted it was seeking $15 million in the bonding bill for bus rapid transit, including support for the H Line, and described other capital requests for an infill/infiltration program and regional parks. Council leadership said the advance-funds proposal would let two projects move together more efficiently, reduce disruption, and potentially lower costs by avoiding repeated reconstruction and maintenance. On the Metro Mobility fare pilot, they said the lower fare increased rider freedom and spontaneity while saving state money because fixed-route service is cheaper than individual Metro Mobility trips. On the general fund reduction, they said the agency is expanding service, opening the Gold Line, B Line, and E Line, and can manage the cut because of its diversified revenue sources, though it could affect future expansion. Senator Nelson raised concerns about the proposal to expand the Right-of-Way Acquisition Loan Fund to include regional parks and trails, warning that the legislation should clearly avoid creating condemnation authority for park or trail projects, especially where they are adjacent to MnDOT projects. Council staff responded that the program would finance local acquisitions rather than give the Met Council condemnation power, and said they would take the concern under advisement and ensure the legislation is carefully drafted. Members also discussed federal funding uncertainty; Council officials said federal transit operating support is about $30 million and that a pause or cut could affect future capital projects and some existing awards, while the region’s diversified funding base would help cushion operations. No votes or formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> representativec><00:18:42.960><c> miakec><00:18:43.559><c> andc><00:18:43.679><c> wec> chair
• c><00:18:44.480><c> chairc><00:18:44.880><c> Kilac><00:18:45.240><c> andc><00:18:45.400><c> vice
• ><c> relatedc><00:18:52.080><c> toc><00:18:52.240><c> Transitc><00:18:52.520><c> orientedc> is
• :57.600><c> Craigc><00:18:57.840><c> Nakamotoc><00:18:58.440><c> hc><00:18:58.840><c> CDAc><00
• ><c> typesc><01:00:09.880><c> ofc><01:00:10.240><c> umc> right to repair on other types of um right

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 1484 on transit-oriented development and HB 157 on transportation. For HB 1484, testimony included a request from the Hoi Community Development Authority to be removed from the measure while offering to assist if the transit-oriented development law is implemented, along with testimony in opposition and support from several individuals. The committees later recommended HB 1484 be passed with amendments, including an HD1, a defective date, deletion of a reference to section 225 on page 11, adoption of H-CDA’s proposed amendment, and related committee report changes. The vote was adopted in both committees, with Representatives Cochran and Lee excused and Representative Mora voting with reservations. HB 157 concerned the transfer and acceptance of roads in the Villages of Kapolei. HHFDC supported the bill’s intent and explained that the roads were originally self-permitted, the city had not accepted dedication, and HHFDC has been maintaining and upgrading the roads under an MOA that requires improvements to city standards before transfer. Testimony from the Villages of Kapolei Association and others described ongoing problems with non-emergency police services, illegal parking, abandoned vehicles, and the need for city enforcement on roads that are open to the public. Committee members asked about the current holdup, the possibility of transferring roads in segments, and whether a cash settlement could resolve the issue; HHFDC said it was working in segments and that the city had mentioned a $60 million figure. The committees then recommended HB 157 pass with amendments, noting they were awaiting an Attorney General opinion on authority to compel the transfer and that the matter would continue to the Committee on Water and Land. The Transportation Committee also heard several additional bills. HB 1083, concerning vessels in state commercial harbors, drew support from the Department of Transportation and some industry groups and opposition from charter operators; HB 1159, which would require compliance with harbor master evacuation orders and increase penalties, drew DOT support and opposition from multiple vessel operators, who argued the bill was too broad and should define emergencies more clearly and use tiered penalties. HB 58, limiting civil liability for firefighting at commercial harbors, received DOT and Maritime Group support. HB 1165, on county disposal of ocean-bordering property and state highway acquisition, received DOT support. HB 938, a broad motor vehicle franchise and EV-related bill, drew support from the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board, but strong opposition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Tesla, Rivian, Scout Motors, and others; opponents argued it would restrict direct-to-consumer EV sales and innovation, while dealers said the bill was too broad and needed further stakeholder work. No final votes were taken on the Transportation Committee’s remaining measures in the portion provided, and the joint hearing was adjourned after decision-making on HB 1484 and HB 157.

Transcript Highlights:

• :35.159><c> testifyc><00:01:35.520><c> inc><00:01:35.680><c> personc><00:01:35.960><c> isc><00
• c><00:02:08.160><c> uhc><00:02:08.319><c> alac><00:02:08.759><c> chairc><00:02:09.280><c> uh<
• c> Ic><00:02:14.000><c> standc><00:02:14.400><c> onc><00:02:14.680><c> myc> The University of
• c> thatc><00:04:36.440><c> youc><00:04:36.919><c> umc><00:04:37.160><c> canc><00:04:37.520><c
• c><00:09:50.240><c> thec><00:09:50.959><c> doc><00:09:51.959><c> umc><00:09:52.519><c> andc

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard several transportation and arts-related measures. HB 307 on special member plates drew written support from Protect Ohana, and HB 531 on a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center specialty plate received strong support from the Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, both emphasizing cancer research, patient care, outreach, and public awareness. HB 706 would require skateboard users under 16 to wear helmets, and HB 1231 would expand red light photo enforcement; both drew support from transportation and safety advocates, while the Judiciary raised concerns about citation volume, staffing, manual processing, and the need for consultation and a phased rollout. The committee also discussed HB 54, which increases penalties for repeated excessive speeding offenses; the Attorney General’s office supported the enforcement rationale and fingerprinting language, while the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing it adds harsh penalties and jail time despite broader efforts to reduce excessive punishment. For the camera-enforcement bills, the Department of Transportation said the red-light and speed-camera programs would be expanded gradually, with existing intersections converted first and additional locations added over time, and noted that the system would require about $2 million and significant automation for the Judiciary. The Judiciary repeatedly asked for more time, public input on camera locations, and effective dates that would allow staffing and system changes. On HB 1166, which funds the automated speed enforcement program, DOT proposed technical amendments to make the citations non-moving violations and to align the statute with the red-light program; the Judiciary again said it had no position on the policy but needed time and consultation to absorb the workload. HB 235, a North Shore red-light imaging bill, drew similar Judiciary concerns and support from a testifier who said enforcement would improve compliance and reduce crashes. The committee also heard HB 1159 on commercial harbor evacuations, with Hawaii Emergency Management Agency supporting the bill as a way to give harbor masters enforceable authority to order vessels out during emergencies. The discussion focused on whether the measure would affect all commercial harbor users, including smaller fishing vessels, and whether it would conflict with Coast Guard authority; the bill’s proponents said it would let the state enforce orders already issued by the captain of the port and protect cargo lanes during crises. Finally, HB 17 on the Hawaiʻi Community Development Authority was described by HCDA as a housekeeping and structural bill that would update its purposes, allow it to assist other agencies, and replace multiple county boards with a single program reporting to the 17-member board. DHHL supported the bill because of potential transit and infrastructure benefits for Kapolei and nearby homestead developments, and committee members discussed future financing tools such as improvement districts, TIF, and other mechanisms to fund infrastructure early in the development process.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, that takes us down to item C."
• They passed all their legislation, and they're moving to a new one-door and workforce services type of
• They're also working with West Virginia and Mississippi and Virginia on the same types of things that
• has been no request, but I would like to request the use of those monies to renovate Committee Room C,
• has been no request, but I would like to request the use of those monies to renovate Committee Room C,

Summary: The Executive Subcommittee met and first considered a waiver request from the Stuttgart School District to use the TIPS interlocal purchasing system for a turf replacement project instead of a traditional competitive bid. Superintendent Jeff McKinney explained that three bids were received but none fully met the RFP specifications, including warranty and insurance requirements. After review by the district’s architect, the committee approved the waiver request by voice vote. The committee then approved a consultant services agreement between the Bureau of Legislative Research and Work Ed Consulting to support the Hospital Medicaid Developmental Disability Subcommittee’s study under Act 145. Legislators said the consultant would help develop workforce-system reform legislation for the 2027 session, and noted the firm’s experience in other states. The contract runs through June 30, 2027, with a maximum amount of $158,000, and was approved without opposition. Next, the committee approved an actuarial and consultant services agreement with Perrin Knight to provide ongoing actuarial support for the state property insurance captive and related legislative oversight work. Bureau staff said the contract would run from April 1 through December 31, 2027, with a maximum amount of $475,000, though only actual hours and travel would be billed. Members asked about budgeting, invoice timing, and overlap with other insurance consultants, and the agreement was approved. Finally, the committee approved using Bureau committee room funds to renovate Committee Room C in the Big Mac Building, citing outdated audiovisual equipment and the need to update the room to match other recent renovations before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• I also want to note that C&E is not a research institution.
• Third is that there are few quick and easy answers when it comes to this type of work.
• Those, that type of earthquake pattern is more like a swarm.
• "To Representative Sawyer's question, yes, you're correct: Class C airspace.
• So I guess putting step A and step B into place, and now we're on to step C.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee first heard an update on the Northwest Louisiana earthquake cluster. Laura Sori of the Department of Conservation and Energy said the agency has inspected Class II injection wells within 12 miles of the earthquakes, found no permit violations, and is requiring monthly reporting of daily injection data. LSU and Tulane researchers explained that the swarm includes about 50 earthquakes detected by USGS since December 2025, including a 4.9 magnitude event on March 5, and that better monitoring is needed because Louisiana has very limited seismic station coverage. Dr. Cynthia Ebinger said her temporary array has detected more small quakes than USGS, that the pattern looks more like a swarm than normal aftershocks, and that the data suggest pressure changes in the subsurface, though no definitive cause was identified. Keith Hall of LSU described how other states responded to suspected induced seismicity with more monitoring, more frequent reporting, injection limits or moratoria, and “traffic light” systems that escalate regulatory responses as seismicity increases. Members asked about depths, fault locations, possible links to injection or fracking, and whether more monitoring and data-sharing should be pursued; several speakers said Louisiana likely needs a denser monitoring network and more structured data collection. A Texas geoscientist, William Berger, also testified that Texas uses large-scale data analysis and AI to study injection-related seismicity and argued for secure sharing of operator data to improve forecasting and risk management. The committee then took testimony on UAV and drone incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base. GOSEP said the incident was logged in WebEOC and the common operating picture, but that Barksdale did not request direct GOSEP resources and that the matter was handled through law enforcement channels. Louisiana State Police and the FBI said they were limited in what they could disclose, but confirmed multiple drone sightings on the morning and evening of March 9 and continued monitoring for several days. State Police said they have created a task force with the Police Chiefs Association, Sheriffs Association, GOSEP, and LSP, and that officers are receiving FBI-related training to help detect and, where authorized, mitigate drones. Members discussed whether the activity was nefarious, what counts as an incursion, and the need for better public education about drone restrictions near military and critical infrastructure sites. No formal action was taken, but members said the issue will continue to be tracked alongside pending legislation. Finally, the committee received a one-year update on the merger of GOSEP with the Louisiana National Guard and Military Department. Major General Thomas Freelieu and Brigadier General Jason Maffus said the merger has reduced GOSEP from seven divisions to three, shifted administrative functions to the Military Department, and produced about $10.5 million in first-year cost avoidance. They said the agency has modernized its common operating picture, returned staff to in-person work, and continued statewide preparedness exercises. Freelieu highlighted Guard missions including cyber expansion, the new Air National Guard cyber squadron at Jackson Barracks, modernization of the 159th Fighter Wing, and ongoing support for homeland security missions in New Orleans and Washington, D.C. Maffus said GOSEP’s core mission remains emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, and that the merger is intended to make state support to parishes faster and more efficient.

Transcript Highlights:

• 43.159><c> youc><00:02:43.280><c> couldc><00:02:43.440><c> seec><00:02:43.599><c> thec><00:02
• c><00:02:47.879><c> Ic><00:02:48.080><c> gotc><00:02:48.280><c> toc><00:02:48.519><c> Congress<
• ><c> thec><00:02:56.560><c> Centralc><00:02:57.120><c> Libraryc><00:02:58.120><c> wec><00:02:
• c><00:03:02.519><c> uhc><00:03:02.680><c> noc><00:03:03.040><c> docc><00:03:03.280><c> lowc
• <c> knowc><00:08:40.320><c> itc><00:08:40.440><c> isc><00:08:40.560><c> notc><00:08:40.760><c

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><c> yourc><00:04:04.480><c> testimonyc><00:04:05.200><c> isc><00:04:05.519><c> inc> >>
• ofc><00:04:06.959><c> umc><00:04:07.120><c> allc><00:04:07.360><c> ofc><00:04:07.519><c> the
• :13.599><c> ofc><00:04:14.400><c> umc><00:04:14.799><c> testimoniesc><00:04:16.239><c> uhc><00
• c><00:04:37.520><c> ofc><00:04:38.240><c> umc><00:04:38.400><c> HRSc><00:04:39.040><c> 92Hc
• c><00:04:48.800><c> umc><00:04:49.040><c> ofc><00:04:49.360><c> thec><00:04:49.440><c> thec

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Committee on Labor and Technology heard testimony on several labor-related bills. SB 2567 would allow public employers to seek temporary restraining orders against harassment of employees; the Judiciary, DHS, DOE, and others supported it, with some asking that coverage be broadened to all public employees. The Judiciary said it would not oppose expanding the bill’s scope. The chair deferred decision-making on SB 2567 to February 13, 2026, to allow further discussion with the Judiciary and Attorney General’s Office. SB 2386 would expand pay-transparency requirements for job listings and lower the small-employer exemption threshold from 50 to 25 employees. Testifiers largely supported the measure, citing transparency and retention benefits, while one opposition was noted. The committee voted to pass SB 2386 with amendments, including changing the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2389, the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, drew support from labor advocates but concerns from DLIR and the Attorney General’s Office about enforcement and a prosecutorial provision; after questions about quota tracking and recordkeeping, the chair deferred the bill. SB 2663 would require employers to respond in writing to workers’ compensation treatment plans within seven days and establish related penalties. DLIR opposed the bill as drafted, citing fairness and existing statutory conflicts, while injured workers and labor representatives supported it and described long delays in treatment approvals. The committee voted to pass SB 2663 with amendments, including directing fines to the special compensation fund, clarifying enforcement, and setting the effective date to January 1, 2077. SB 2555 would allow retirees to work in succession-planning positions without losing retirement benefits; ERS supported the intent but suggested an annual reporting requirement and noted existing rehire mechanisms. The committee voted to pass SB 2555 with amendments, including an annual report requirement and the same January 1, 2077 effective date. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• c><00:01:42.759><c> forc><00:01:43.079><c> comingc><00:01:44.079><c> thankc><00:01:44.200><c>
• :01:49.040><c> yesc><00:01:49.360><c> thankc><00:01:49.479><c> youc><00:01:49.600><c> Mrc> chairman
• c><00:01:50.320><c> havec><00:01:50.759><c> umc><00:01:51.159><c> ac><00:01:51.360><c> guest<
• c><00:01:56.240><c> somec><00:01:56.439><c> ofc><00:01:56.680><c> thec><00:01:57.439><c> animal
• <c> toc><00:03:38.959><c> goc><00:03:39.680><c> myc><00:03:39.920><c> goalc><00:03:40.400><c>

Keywords: Intro: 00:00 Attendance Roll Call: 00:31 Discussion of SB 122: 02:30 Roll Call Vote on SB 122: 26:47, 958, all

Summary: The Senate Agriculture Committee took up Senate Bill 122, a measure dealing with pet stores, breeders, and the scope of local regulation. The chair explained the bill was intended to balance private business rights with local control, and said he wanted to clarify definitions such as qualified breeder, local authority, and where fees and fines would go. He also said he would work on a floor amendment and noted concerns about whether the bill would allow localities to outright ban pet stores or instead only regulate them. The committee first adopted a committee substitute by motion and voice vote. Supporters of the bill, including representatives from Petland and an attorney who had worked on animal-related regulation in Ohio, argued that the bill would create statewide standards, protect responsible pet retailers from what they described as politically motivated local bans, and preserve consumer choice. They said local governments would still be able to inspect, require documentation, and enforce licensing, but not shut businesses down without due process. A senator from Campbell County asked whether the bill would interfere with strong local ordinances; supporters responded that the bill would set standards higher than USDA rules and still allow local regulation, while opposing local bans. Opposition came from the Kentucky League of Cities and representatives of Kentucky animal care and control agencies. KLC said local decisions should remain at the local level and noted that several cities and one county already had ordinances that could be affected; it also said the bill was opposed by its board and might overlap with pending litigation. Animal control representatives said the bill did not clearly define breeder verification or enforcement responsibility, could restrict local authority, and did not address animal care conditions or consumer transparency. After questions and debate, the committee voted on the bill; the roll call ended in a 5-5 tie, and Senate Bill 122 failed to pass out of committee.

Transcript Highlights:

• 00:01:02.480><c> toc><00:01:02.719><c> avoidc><00:01:03.079><c> ac><00:01:03.559><c> deficitc
• :01:07.640><c> moneyc><00:01:08.119><c> thatc><00:01:08.439><c> thatc><00:01:08.680><c> isc><
• ><c> butc><00:01:13.320><c> wec><00:01:13.600><c> alsoc><00:01:13.920><c> knowc><00:01:14.400
• ><c> we'llc><00:01:52.880><c> bec><00:01:53.040><c> inc><00:01:53.200><c> ac><00:01:53.399><c
• c> type sort of like PSO for the trades and type sort of like PSO for the trades and I<00:07:56.520><

Keywords: 1187, senate, all