Transcript Highlights:

• It's also fuel the growth of Starlink. And we mentioned this many times.
• So for those of you know, she will we actually had a commercial with T-Mobile where your cell phone now
• Even if you don't have cell service.
• Cell cell service has been knocked out, you know, have the ability to send a message to help quickly.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please silence your cell phones. If you must take a call, please step outside the room.
• What's the sale of fuel have to do with this bill? I'm sorry, sir.
• You're adding sale of fuel. That's on line 33. So there is another bill.
• What's a sale of fuel has to do with this bill? I'm sorry, sir.
• It says sale, limited to you're adding sale of fuel. That's on line 33. So there is another bill.

Bills: SCR58 , SB309 , SB514 , HCR63 , HCR69 , HB401 , HB487 , HB722 , HB730 , HB745 , HB988 , HB989 , HB1001 , HB1024 , HB1032 , HB1050 , HB1081 , HB1086 , HB1108 , HB1172 , HB1173 , HB1175 , HB1192 , HB1218 , HB1244

Committee: Senate Transportation, Highways & Public Works

Keywords: SCR 58, Senate Concurrent Resolution, DOTD, Department of Transportation and Development, public-private partnership, P3, public-private partnership contracting, Belle Chasse Toll Bridge, Belle Chasse Bridge, toll bridge, tolling, tolls, transportation infrastructure, roads and highways, Plaquemines Parish, bridge project, toll fees, unauthorized charges, contract oversight, procurement

Transcript Highlights:

• It's designed to identify and block illegal cell phone usage.
• their criminal operations from their jail cell.
• So if they've got these illegal cell phones, are we no longer searching their cells for contraband?
• I mean, how is it we miss that when we search their cells and their person?
• Well, this software is designed to catch the cell phones.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first filed a report on the executive protection detail and then reviewed a long list of House and Senate bills that were ready for action, with members instructed to hold any items they wanted removed. The committee then took up several agency requests to amend bills: the Auditor of State’s request for a $370 increase for special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts’ requests for additional funding for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and requests tied to local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, emergency medical and law enforcement support, and Northwest Arkansas Community College tornado-related repairs. All of those amendments were adopted, and one amendment on House Bill 1034 was held over at Senator Johnson’s request. A major portion of the meeting focused on an amendment for the Department of Corrections to fund a pilot program using mobile technology to identify and disable illegal inmate cell phones at Varner and Cummins prisons. The bill sponsors and Corrections officials described the problem as a serious public safety issue, saying inmates use contraband phones for criminal activity, trafficking, scams, and outside coordination. Members asked about FCC rules, procurement, whether the system would jam or only identify phones, whether it would affect staff or nearby users, how quickly it would work, whether it would be a one-time or ongoing cost, and whether the department had existing budget authority. Officials said the proposal would require an RFP, that current funding was not available in the department’s budget, and that the technology would be a two-year pilot. The committee ultimately adopted the amendment and then gave the underlying bill a do-pass recommendation. The committee also considered an amendment for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, which sought a $4 million increase in appropriation authority. Senators discussed the division’s role in county extension offices, 4-H, research, and salary competitiveness, while others questioned why the division needed more appropriation room when it already had about $10 million in headroom and had requested a different funding level through higher education. Division representatives said the increase would help with salaries and provide flexibility for future funding, and Higher Education staff clarified the original request and recommendation amounts. After extensive discussion, the committee adopted the amendment and gave it a do-pass recommendation. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a homestead property tax credit increase, insurance department conference travel, property appraisal analysis support, career and technical education professional development, regulatory and casino gaming appropriations, a new program integrity line for the Department of Inspector General, consolidation of licensing board appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee Readiness Center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation package for prison expansion that included special language limiting use of the funds. Members asked several questions about the prison reappropriation, including whether it still related to the earlier Calico Rock project and whether special language should be considered separately; the committee moved the governor’s letters forward for drafting and further action.

Transcript Highlights:

• My second question is mandates on cell phone.
• We were already a no cell phone school before the mandate came in.
• We support a cell phone ban. We have no cell phones in our schools.
• This is regarding one thing, distractions in the classroom, mainly cell phones.
• Do you realize that there is bullying going on over these cell phones.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remember to silence your cell phones. If you need to take a phone call, please step outside.
• Please remember to silence your cell phones. If you need to take a phone call, please step outside.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices with audible tones must be turned off or muted during the committee
• meeting, and cell phone use is not allowed during the meeting.
• So we're really looking at how we can continue to ...fuel the world.

Committee: House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Commerce met on March 17, 2026, adopted its rules again because they had not been properly posted, and voluntarily deferred several bills before taking up the day’s agenda. The committee then moved through a series of commerce and financial services measures, with members repeatedly noting the bills had been worked on jointly by authors and stakeholders. HB 489, on transfer-on-death securities, was amended to make the transfer requirements mandatory and to remove a liability limitation for registering entities, then reported favorable. HB 545, which narrowed a consumer-loan bill to origination fees only, was amended and reported favorable. HB 555, expanding protections for eligible adults from financial exploitation, was amended with technical changes and an amendment from Rep. Boyd, then reported favorable after testimony from bankers and advocates describing scams targeting seniors and the need for delayed transactions, trusted contacts, and training. HB 797, creating the Bayou Gold Program, was amended to clarify electronic payment platforms and reported favorable after questions about state involvement, insurance, and consumer protections. HB 952, modernizing the consumer loan framework, was amended to a three-tier rate structure and to add ability-to-repay and disaster-relief provisions, then reported favorable. The committee also considered two economic development bills from Rep. Owen. HB 672 would encourage brick manufacturing in Louisiana; after an amendment changed LED’s role from directing a priority industry to allowing support through existing programs and guidance, the bill was reported favorable. Testimony emphasized Louisiana’s clay deposits, limited in-state brick production, and potential benefits for housing costs and jobs. HB 670, on wood pellet manufacturing, received a similar amendment limiting LED to support and guidance rather than mandates, and was also reported favorable. A consultant testified that a proposed North Louisiana pellet facility could generate significant payroll, local spending, and revenue from timber that is currently underused, while LED described the sector as part of the state’s agribusiness and energy strategy and discussed global demand, carbon footprint requirements, and the role of CCUS in attracting large projects. The discussion on HB 670 continued at the end of the transcript, with members probing how the industry works and how Louisiana could benefit from it.

Transcript Highlights:

• Please remember to silence your cell phones. If you need to take a phone call, please.
• Please remember to silence your cell phones. If you need to take a phone call, please step outside.
• Cell phones and other electronic devices with audible tones must be turned off or muted during the committee
• meeting, and cell phone use is not allowed during the meeting.
• To fuel the world.

Bills: HB489 , HB545 , HB555 , HB583 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB814 , HB913 , HB952

Committees: House Commerce , House Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: transfer on death, TOD, beneficiary designation, investment accounts, brokerage accounts, securities, nonprobate transfer, estate planning, succession, probate, community property, forced heirship, financial advisor, broker-dealer, custodian, transfer agent, banking, wealth transfer, inheritance, Louisiana Revised Statutes

Transcript Highlights:

• And please ask everyone to silence their cell phones for the duration of the meeting.
• We also make sure that the amount of fuel that you're pumping into your vehicle is the correct amount
• Um, you know, we make sure... quality of the fuel is where it needs to quality of the fuel is where it
• We also make sure that the amount of fuel<00:10:41.360><c> that</c><00:10:41.600><c> you're</c><00:10
• </c><00:14:27.600><c> testing</c> we do every from motor fuels testing we do every from motor fuels testing

Summary: The House Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government met for its third meeting, approved the minutes, and heard a budget presentation from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Department representatives Brandon Reid, Lee Macintosh, and Mark Bolan outlined the agency’s funding mix and requested support for several priorities in House Bill 500, including continuation of existing items, county fair grants, and an additional $5 million for the new economic development fund. They also discussed a capital request to replace two aging scale trucks, noting the vehicles are from 2002 and 2006 and have become unreliable and expensive to repair. The department emphasized several additional needs: funding to begin regulating and inspecting electric vehicle charging stations through the weights and measures division, retention and recruitment funding after losing 108 employees over three years, and a request to pay off tobacco-related debt service so more money can flow through the tobacco formula. They also cited House Bill 417, filed by Speaker Osborne, as supporting farmland preservation, saying the agency has a program ready but needs funding to implement it. Officials said the farm-to-food-banks and rural mental health items in the budget were acceptable as reduced by the tobacco formula. Members asked questions about pump inspection fees and staffing losses. The department said the inspection fee is $100 per station, not per pump, and that the same fee applies even to larger stations. On retention and recruitment, officials said the cost of turnover is significant but they did not have a dollar estimate. No votes were taken beyond the motion to approve the minutes, and the meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• Members, please make sure your cell phone...
• Members, please make sure cell phones and other communication devices, including laptops, are turned
• spraying at California when I was out there, sulfuric acid, lithium chloride that they put in jet fuel—pose
• Carbon is a naturally occurring element, and carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels
• Carbon is a naturally occurring element, and carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the burning of fossil fuels

Summary: The Natural Resources and Disaster Subcommittee took up eight bills focused on water policy, coastal resilience, environmental regulation, beaches, wildlife funding, and carbon sequestration. HB 7001 preserved the public-record exemption for site-specific location information on endangered and threatened species before its scheduled repeal, and it was reported favorably 16-0. H.R. 661, expressing support for a “one-water” approach to the state water supply, drew discussion about whether it implied centralized control; an amendment aligning the resolution with Senate language was adopted, and the resolution passed 16-0 with a committee substitute. The committee also advanced HB 1345 on infrastructure and resiliency, which after a strike-all amendment authorized DEP to procure coastal resiliency projects through public-private partnerships and use incentives such as revenue-sharing, expedited permitting, public engagement, and workforce training; it passed 16-0. HB 477 on weather modification was substantially amended to return to current statute and add a $10,000 fine for failing to obtain a permit; the bill drew extensive public testimony both for and against weather modification and cloud seeding, and it passed as amended with a committee substitute. HB 6043, repealing the 2018 customary-use beach statute affecting Walton County, prompted testimony about beach access, tourism losses, and private property rights; it passed 17-0. The committee then approved CS for HB 843, making clarifying changes to Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission trust funds and allowing use of the non-game wildlife trust fund for law enforcement and coordination with related agencies and landowners; it passed 17-0. HB 1169 revised water management district planning, budgeting, reporting, and procurement practices, including restrictions on lobbyist funds and updated project preference rules; two amendments were adopted and the bill passed 16-0. Finally, HB 1063 created a task force to study carbon sequestration and related ecosystem services in Florida’s natural and agricultural lands and waters; after amendments removing a fiscal component and clarifying voluntary participation and property-rights protections, it passed 15-2. The meeting adjourned after all bills were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Floods, fires, droughts, and tornadoes hit nearly every corner of our state, while fuel, fertilizer,
• Floods, fires, droughts, and tornado hit nearly every corner of our state, while fuel, fertilizer, feed
• While fuel, fertilizer, feed, and financing costs climb higher than market prices, we may not be able
• Last year, we implemented a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in our schools, and the results speak for themselves

Transcript Highlights:

• going to go a little out of order, but before we start, I want to remind everybody to turn off your cell
• I want to remind everybody to turn off your cell phones.
• There's nothing stopping us from using that here within the state to fuel industry and create smaller
• Unless you want to lay that down on the ground, and then you're creating wildfire fuel. Okay.

Bills: SCR53 , HB259 , HB267 , HB478 , HB548 , HB555 , HB617 , HB670 , HB672 , HB797 , HB848 , HB917 , HB921 , HB1096 , HB1103 , HB1166 , HB1195 , HB1230

Committee: Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, and International Affairs

Keywords: payable-on-death accounts, transfer-on-death accounts, estate planning, beneficiary designations, Louisiana law, task force, inheritance, nonprobate transfers, excavation, demolition, infrastructure repair, BEAD Program, utility damage, construction coordination, contact point, home inspectors, board membership, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board

Transcript Highlights:

• They produce hydrogen fuel cell buses, and they want to bring that to Minnesota.
• ><c> cell</c><00:29:41.760><c> buses</c> They produce hydrogen fuel cell buses They produce hydrogen
• fuel cell buses and<00:29:42.200><c> they</c><00:29:42.360><c> want</c><00:29:42.600><c> to</c><00:29
• to decarbonize that to use hydrogen fuel to decarbonize that fuel<00:29:57.040><c> source.
• </c> fuel source. fuel source.

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate

Transcript Highlights:

• This is followed by a preferential use tax rate for when refineries use self-produced fuel to operate
• This fuel, called refinery fuel gas, is a mixture of hydrogen, methane, and light hydrocarbons that are
• And then finally, we'll review a partial sales and use tax exemption for sales of hydrogen fuel cell

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Transcript Highlights:

• This is followed by a preferential use tax rate for when refineries use self-produced fuel to operate
• This fuel, called refinery fuel gas, is a mixture of hydrogen, methane, and light hydrocarbons that are
• And then finally, we'll review a partial sales and use tax exemption for sales of hydrogen fuel cell

Committee: Joint Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences

Summary: The Citizen Commission for Performance Measurement of Tax Preferences met on May 6, 2026, with quorum present and unanimously approved the October 21, 2025 minutes. The Attorney General’s Office then provided its annual open government refresher, covering key points of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, including broad disclosure requirements, records retention, response timelines for public records requests, and rules for meetings, special meetings, emergency meetings, and executive sessions. JLARC staff gave a 2026 legislative session update on tax preference bills. They highlighted 20 bills affecting tax preferences, including repeal of the coal-related sales and use tax exemption, changes to data center exemptions, new property tax exemptions for renewable energy facilities and land bank authorities, and a broad tax package in engrossed substitute Senate Bill 6346 that created multiple credits, deductions, and exemptions. Staff also presented the 2026 expedited tax preference review report covering 64 preferences, noting it is based on prior JLARC reviews and Department of Revenue studies and is now available in an interactive searchable format. The commission approved the 2026 public testimony questions without changes and then adopted the 2027–2036 tax preference review schedule, along with a new rolling 10-year schedule that will be updated each May. During discussion, commissioners raised concerns about how preferences are prioritized for full review versus expedited review, especially for older or high-revenue preferences without performance statements, and staff explained that legislative mandates, expiration dates, and workload constraints drive the schedule. The meeting also included a public and staff recognition of Commissioner Grant Forsyth’s 13 years of service and leadership, with remarks praising his collaborative approach and long tenure; the next meeting was set for August 4, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• FUEL TAX.
• IN 1967 WE HAD NO CELL PHONES OR GPS. I HEAR PEOPLE SAY THAT THIS IS AS GREAT AS SLICED BREAD.
• IN EFFECT THE BILL LAST YEAR WAS ONE THAT SAID YOU CANNOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST DIFFERENT FUEL TYPES AS
• BUT AGAIN THIS IS GOING TO CLARIFY THAT THEY CAN STILL CHOOSE WHICH EVER FUEL TYPE THEY NEED AS THEY
• THEY JUST CANNOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST THE COST OF FUEL TYPE WHEN SELLING TO CERTAIN TYPES.

Transcript Highlights:

• We were showcasing Idaho's leadership in the Make America Healthy Again movement, from restricting cell
• Looking ahead, we will remain laser-focused on cutting red tape, driving even bolder reforms that fuel
• economic growth Focused on cutting red tape, driving even bolder reforms that fuel economic growth and
• The enduring Idaho plan delivers for our farmers and ranchers and the people who feed and fuel Idaho.
• The Enduring Idaho Plan delivers for our farmers and ranchers and the people who feed and fuel Idaho.

Transcript Highlights:

• my problem is, and it always has been, is that I believe that you look at natural gas as a fossil fuel
• , and when natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, one of the cleanest burning, which we have an abundance
• If they want to expand, they might not be eligible for this because they probably fuel it on natural
• It's affecting the economy, education, the way we watch TV, the way we see art on our cell phone or social
• It's affecting the economy, education, the way we watch TV, the way we see art on our cell phone or social

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets

Transcript Highlights:

• They've attempted to do fuel reduction projects, but the environmental movement sometimes shuts them
• They've attempted to do fuel reduction projects, but the environmental movement sometimes shuts them
• So fuels reduction projects would be tremendously helpful. We need much more green light.
• And he was in Birmingham when he wrote and declared from a cell a number of things that America must,
• And he was in Birmingham when he wrote and declared from a cell a number of things that America must,

Bills: HR30

Keywords: honor, legacy, Jimmy Carter, human rights, presidential achievements, diplomacy, Georgia, Nobel Peace Prize, James Earl Carter Jr., President Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Plains Georgia, Georgia politics, House resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, condolences, bipartisan, Carter Center, democracy

Transcript Highlights:

• , community supervision; HB 2776, private property rights; HB 2780, judicial foreclosure; HB 2791, cell
• , community supervision; HB 2776, private property rights; HB 2780, judicial foreclosure; HB 2791, cell
• HB 2400, motor fuel tax holiday, Natural Resources, Energy and Water.

Summary: The House convened, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, approved the prior journal, and recorded attendance at 56 present, zero absent, and four excused. Members then used personal privilege to introduce guests and recognize visiting groups, including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics Arizona, Vitalant, and veterans and military representatives. The chamber and blood donor month proclamations were read, with Representative Bliss recognizing January as National Blood Donor Month in Arizona and Vitalant’s role in supplying most of the state’s blood supply, and Representative Aguilar declaring January 22, 2026, West Valley Regional Chamber Day. The House handled a large volume of procedural business, including reports of standing committees, first reading and referral of numerous bills and resolutions, and announcements of committee meetings. The bills covered a wide range of topics such as elections, education, housing, taxes, health care, artificial intelligence, veterans, public safety, and energy. Several measures were also withdrawn and reassigned to different committees, including referrals to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and Innovation, Government, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, and Natural Resources, Energy, and Water. Members also made brief remarks honoring guests and community causes, including a Veterans Caucus lunch announcement focused on military-family policy and a personal remembrance by Senator Cruz. No substantive floor votes on legislation were taken beyond procedural approvals and the motion to adjourn. The House recessed and later adjourned until 1:15 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Like, I guess. cell phones, I think Indiana has too.
• Cell-free phone schools should never be an objective.
• And with cell phones, these challenges are like throwing fuel on a fire.
• Cell phones did not keep kids safer.
• Cell phones did not keep kids safer.

Summary: The committee heard Senate Bill 6192, which would expand structured literacy and numeracy requirements, add a third-grade math intervention process similar to the existing reading “gate,” create annual STAR teacher bonuses for selected math and ELA teachers, and require updated teacher endorsement standards. The sponsor, Sen. Braun, said the bill is meant to refocus districts on core academics and use research-based instruction while still allowing local flexibility, especially in math. OSPI said it supports the bill’s goals but raised concerns about the teacher award structure and access to student-level data. ESD representatives also flagged implementation issues with the award program. Testimony was split: some parents, students, and reading advocates opposed the bill as too prescriptive or too reliant on phonics and standardized testing, while others supported stronger academic intervention and accountability. No vote was taken. The committee then heard Senate Bill 6206, a pilot program to incentivize child care providers to serve children of first responders through grants administered by the Department of Commerce, with local matching funds and a report on recruitment and retention outcomes. Sen. Dhingra said the bill addresses a major barrier for police, firefighters, EMTs, and crisis workers, especially women leaving the field because of child care challenges. Testimony from law enforcement officers, union representatives, and a national law enforcement child care foundation strongly supported the bill, describing unpredictable schedules, last-minute overtime, and the need for nontraditional and sick-child care. Senator Wilson asked about existing non-standard-hours child care bonuses and whether the proposal should instead be housed at DCYF; staff explained the current subsidy program and that this bill would create a separate Commerce pilot. No vote was taken. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 5346 on student mobile device use in public schools. The bill would add mobile devices to digital citizenship instruction, direct OSPI to compile research and best practices, and require reports on school policies limiting phone use during instructional hours, with final recommendations due in 2028. Sen. Leas argued that phones are distracting, harm learning and mental health, and should be restricted in schools while still teaching responsible use. Testimony was largely supportive from students, parents, educators, and researchers who described improved engagement, fewer disruptions, and better school climate under phone restrictions; several urged a stronger bell-to-bell statewide policy. Opponents raised concerns about emergency communication, student safety, and local control. The hearing on the bill was closed without a vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><04:11:02.239><c> tax</c> four so this is the automated fuel tax four so this is the automated fuel
• </c><04:11:15.319><c> and</c><04:11:15.600><c> alternative</c><04:11:16.239><c> fuels</c> the motor Fuel
• and alternative fuels the motor Fuel and alternative fuels this<04:11:17.359><c> system</c><04:11:17.760
• </c><04:11:23.359><c> taxes</c> highway Fund in addition to fuel taxes highway Fund in addition to fuel
• Representative Newman asks about the Glencliff fuel system: what type of fuel system it is and what it

Summary: The Department of Administrative Services presented its capital budget process and priorities, explaining that it maintains and operates 96 state buildings and uses annual facility walkthroughs, condition assessments, and rough cost estimates to rank projects for the governor’s capital budget. Officials described how requests are triaged, how the governor’s office and Public Works refine estimates, and how the resulting capital budget book serves as legislative intent for approved projects. They also noted that this year the governor’s office asked for estimates on all selected projects, which increased workload but reduced detail. The department highlighted several requested projects, including $1.5 million for the ERP system sustainability fund, which officials said is critical because the state is upgrading its core financial, HR, and budget system to the cloud. Other priorities included courthouse HVAC and boiler work, brick repointing at the State House annex/main building, window replacement at the Spalding building, and elevator replacement on the hospital campus. Officials also said the governor’s proposed capital budget included fewer DAS projects than in past years and asked the committee to consider funding closer to historic levels. The committee then reviewed lapse and reallocation items. DAS said most older projects are still in design, bid, or construction because projects now take four to six years rather than two to three, in part due to ARPA-related workload and post-COVID construction backlogs. Members discussed lapsing $81,000 from the completed Spalding roof project and redirecting small remaining balances from several 2019 projects toward the Hillsboro County South cell block project through the Capital Project Overview Committee. Officials also confirmed ARPA-funded projects are expected to be completed before the December 2026 deadline and explained that the ERP system is the main state IT exception outside DOIT’s usual centralized control, though it still requires DOIT consultation and approval.