Transcript Highlights:

• Chad Brown with Alcohol and Tobacco Control then joined the discussion.
• that do not sell alcohol but instead sell THC seltzers or THC-infused beverages.
• to alcohol, state law only says if a local ordinance is adopted, that alcohol should not be sold within
• Right now, the alcohol statute says if the locals choose to have...
• Right now, the alcohol statute says if the locals choose to have an ordinance prohibiting alcohol sales

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard a series of bills, mostly from the Senate, covering military affairs, courts, veterans’ services, tobacco/vape regulation, and emergency alerts for missing persons with disabilities. Several measures were described as cleanup or modernization bills, including SB 317 adding the House and Senate military committee chairs to the Louisiana Military Advisory Council, SB 357 updating court administration and appellate e-case management provisions, SB 421 modernizing electronic records language, and SB 232 and HB 597 addressing judicial compensation and related funding/commission issues. The committee also heard SB 164, which would add public works employees to the definition of first responders, and SB 510, which would regulate certain licensed establishments that allow on-premises consumption of hemp/THC products and related age restrictions. These bills were generally presented as technical updates or alignment with existing practices, and the committee reported them favorably after brief questions and, in some cases, amendments. A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 208, which revises Louisiana’s law on services provided to veterans after a prior version was struck down. Senator Kathy and LDVA representatives said the bill is intended to protect veterans from unaccredited “claim sharks” by limiting fees and creating state-level safeguards, while an opponent argued the issue is preempted by federal law and should be left to Congress and the pending appeal. The committee also heard extensive testimony on SB 34, which would create “Bryan’s Call” emergency alerts for missing children and adults with cognitive or developmental disabilities, including wireless alerts and responder training. Family members and disability advocates described fatal risks from elopement and drowning, and supporters said the bill would fill a gap between Amber and Silver Alerts; the committee moved the bill favorably. Another bill, HB 302, sought to restrict vape sales near schools; the sponsor and Alcohol and Tobacco Control discussed possible language changes, and public health testimony supported broader protections for youth. Several bills were voluntarily deferred, including HB 1190, HB 1097, and HB 374-1, and the committee adjourned after reporting the remaining measures favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• Alcohol impairment remains one of our primary causes of deadly and serious injury on the road.
• sales. ...in the purview of governing alcohol sales.
• who sell, furnish, or provide alcoholic beverages at ABC license establishments.
• individuals who sell, furnish, or provide alcoholic brevests. authorize alcohol sales by individuals
• who sell, furnish, or provide alcoholic brevages at ABC license establishments.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> find another way to get the alcohol. find another way to get the alcohol.
• And, uh, we shouldn't make alcoholism.
• Um, I don't see provide alcohol to them.
• c> to</c><00:37:15.359><c> be</c> or permit any alcoholic beverage to be or permit any alcoholic beverage
• </c> &gt;&gt; Um I'm only aware of Utah doing this. &gt;&gt; Um I'm only aware of Utah doing this.

Keywords: 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• commending the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for acknowledging May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness
• 3018; an act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Belmont for the sale of alcoholic beverages to
• An act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic
• Requirements of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town

Keywords: 1212, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> section two the public awareness section two the public awareness campaign<00:02:53.400><c> we</
• </c><00:37:25.839><c> and</c> safer by spreading awareness and safer by spreading awareness and education
• </c> see I I've I've got drug and alcohol see I I've I've got drug and alcohol addiction<00:46:47.240
• </c> doing a lot of education and awareness doing a lot of education and awareness on<00:54:11.640><c
• </c><01:11:27.760><c> they're</c> involves drugs or alcohol they're involves drugs or alcohol they're

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• outdated statutory language has created confusion about their ability to deliver alcoholic beverages
• Non-citizens who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. would also be allowed to deliver alcohol
• With that, I'm happy to try to answer questions. alcohol um I do have the language that alcohol um I
• It's for giving away alcohol.
• This does allow them to give away alcohol for free, but they need to be licensed to do so.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When you compare one of these to an alcoholic drink as far as an alcoholic drink as far as impairment
• You compared it to alcohol. You know we have problem drinkers; there are alcoholics.
• I mean... ...said that alcohol is horrible.
• Whereas with alcohol, I... ...to neutralize. Whereas with alcohol, I mean, it takes a long time.
• You should treat this like alcohol.

Bills: SB274

Keywords: cannabis, psychoactive cannabinoids, CBD, delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, delta-10 THC, criminal penalties, youth protection, medical cannabis, 923, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• What is 1,500ths of 1% or more by weight of alcohol in such a person's blood?
• What this does... ...just because of the amount of alcohol that they drink.
• When we talk about blood alcohol content, it's blood alcohol content by weight, is that correct?
• His blood alcohol content would be 0.30 sometimes.
• They are required for individuals at 0.08 with prior alcohol arrests.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As far as I'm aware, the state has no statewide regulation on the proximity of alcohol sales near schools
• It will limit the alcohol players.
• retail license and alcohol distribution; and maintain an age requirement of 21-plus.
• When you're mixing THC and alcohol together, it can be very dangerous.
• We regulate alcohol. We regulate other stuff that we have.

Summary: The Committee on Fiscal Policy considered several bills and reported all of them favorably. SB 70-24, on state planning and budgeting, was presented as a modernization of the long-range planning program to simplify reporting, remove outdated measures, and focus on key data points and outcomes; it passed without opposition. CS/SB 166, on administrative efficiency in public schools, made broad changes to school accountability and operations, including lowering the stakes of certain student assessments, giving districts more flexibility on evaluations, contracts, certification, calendars, facilities, and VPK oversight. Two amendments were adopted: one clarifying that Title I funds may be used for STEM services, and another refining how advanced degrees count on salary schedules. The bill passed favorably after testimony both supporting and opposing the changes, with supporters emphasizing flexibility and opponents raising concerns about teacher evaluation and instructional practice. CS/SB 164, on vessel accountability, was described as a measure to address derelict and at-risk vessels by improving owner identification, creating a free long-term anchoring permit program, increasing penalties, and authorizing grants for local governments in the FWC prevention program. It received support from marine industry groups and was reported favorably. CS/SB 472, on education and correctional facilities for licensed professions, would allow inmates to receive credit toward licensure for qualifying coursework; a strike-all amendment added coordination with DBPR and professional boards. The bill drew support from criminal justice, business, and policy groups and passed unanimously. The committee spent the most time on CS/SB 438, on food and hemp products. Senator Burton and co-sponsor Senator Davis argued the bill was needed to regulate intoxicating hemp products, restrict child-appealing packaging and signage, ban synthetic hemp products, cap THC content in edibles and beverages, and require hemp beverages to be sold through alcohol-style distribution channels. Supporters, including alcohol distributors and some public safety advocates, said the bill would improve testing, labeling, and consumer protection. Opponents, including hemp retailers, farmers, and libertarian advocates, argued it would harm small businesses, reduce consumer choice, and push sales to the black market. After extensive debate, the bill was reported favorably. At the end of the meeting, senators requested to be recorded as voting in the affirmative on tab five, and the committee adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:07:10.160><c> of</c> support this bill um I became aware of support this bill um I became aware
• </c> under the influence of drugs or alcohol under the influence of drugs or alcohol to<00:15:59.079>
• The witness emphasized that the proposal is not about access to alcohol for minors, because alcohol cannot
• They said this is not about access to alcohol for minors, because alcohol cannot be obtained without
• </c><00:27:46.360><c> beverage</c> growth of the craft alcohol beverage growth of the craft alcohol beverage

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on several bills. HB 655 would limit collection of unpaid motor vehicle taxes, fees, and penalties to the most recent five consecutive years of delinquency. The Department of Transportation opposed the bill, saying it could significantly affect state and county revenues and that the fiscal impact was hard to estimate. The Tax Foundation noted the bill would shorten the existing collection period, while an individual testifier supported it as a narrow measure that would help owners of old or inherited vehicles. In questioning, the department said it could not quantify the cost but suggested it would prefer case-by-case flexibility rather than a fixed five-year limit. HB 697 would authorize Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement personnel to inspect and certify evidence from automated speed enforcement systems and would appropriate funds for the program. The Department of Transportation supported the measure, citing the workload created by the red-light camera pilot and the need to assist police and prosecutors. The Department of the Attorney General supported the concept but recommended technical amendments so the verification language would apply consistently across the chapter and allow the appropriate reviewing entity to act. The committee also heard support from the AAHU Metropolitan Planning Organization and opposition from three individuals. HB 711 would require defendants convicted of causing the death of a parent or legal guardian of a minor child while driving under the influence to provide financial support to the surviving child. The Office of the Public Defender opposed the bill, arguing that criminal restitution must be tied to verified losses and that this type of long-term support is better handled in civil court, where trusts, conservatorships, and insurance claims can be addressed. The Department of Transportation supported the bill as a deterrent to impaired driving, and police, prosecutors, and an injury prevention group also submitted support. Members questioned whether the measure was better suited to civil litigation, and the public defender agreed that the civil system was the proper venue. HB 108 would allow direct shipment of beer and distilled spirits by certain licensees and require county liquor commissions to adopt rules. The Attorney General raised constitutional concerns, saying the bill’s different treatment of out-of-state manufacturers could violate the dormant Commerce Clause and recommended revisions. Brewers and distillers testified in support, saying the bill would put beer and spirits on a similar footing with wine direct shipment, help small producers reach consumers, and support the local economy without increasing underage access. They also said the bill should be amended to address grandfathering language. No final votes or committee actions were taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• The other related to the blood alcohol content for determining impaired driving.
• The standard for breath or blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher.
• It lowers the blood alcohol concentration from 0.08 to 0.05.
• The data shows that alcohol-related fatalities are overwhelmingly caused by The data shows that alcohol-related
• Crash risk increases because of driver deterioration with alcohol.

Bills: HB2220, HB2362

Keywords: criminal justice training commission, CJTC, law enforcement training, peace officer certification, decertification, corrections officer certification, tribal police certification, police accountability, police oversight, public safety, academy training, in-service training, continuing education, use of force, misconduct investigations, disciplinary hearings, administrative law judge, hearing panel, law enforcement standards, background investigations

Transcript Highlights:

• And when we look at alcohol-impaired serious injuries...
• But when you look at the drugs, there's zero alcohol or alcohol between zero and the legal limit; you
• So we are at 33% actually impaired driving when you take drugs and alcohol together.
• And for alcohol above the legal limit, it's about half a billion dollars.
• But, yes, ma'am, there are, there are some, you know, alcohol is trending down.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The Senate Joint Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee received updates from the Department of Transportation and Development on its transformation efforts, including a new project delivery dashboard, key performance indicators, and litter abatement work. DOTD said the dashboard is now live and tied to daily field updates, and reported progress on its T4LA initiatives, including improved project transparency, customer service, and a new highway sponsorship litter program. Members praised the department’s work and asked about litter funding, with DOTD saying last year’s $14.7 million litter pickup effort included the legislature’s supplemental appropriation. The committee also heard detailed progress reports on LTIF 1.0 and 2.0, the Office of Highway Construction’s bridge bundling and roadway projects, the Calcasieu River Bridge project, and the Cameron Ferry. DOTD reported that LTIF 1.0 is about 80% complete and that LTIF 2.0 has encumbered nearly $150 million, with several projects ahead of schedule and some under budget. The Office of Highway Construction said 62 bridge projects are in the bundle, 11 are under construction, and emergency procurement has helped accelerate delivery. DOTD said the Calcasieu River Bridge remains on track for a mid-to-late April groundbreaking, with all federal permits in hand and right-of-way acquisition underway; it also reported that new Cameron Ferry boats are under construction and that a privatization proposal from Labmar Ferry Services will go to the Louisiana Transportation Authority. Members then reviewed the draft 2026-2027 highway priority program, which DOTD said includes $913 million for construction across 302 projects and about $1.2 billion total investment. The committee also received public comment on the statewide flood control program, which recommended six projects expected to reduce flood damage by more than $289 million, and on the airport construction and development priority program, which includes 31 air carrier projects and 99 general aviation projects. DOTD also noted no current projects for the rail infrastructure program but said it expects to request $13 million and has 19 projects in the queue, and it presented three port projects that are not yet funded but will be considered by the Louisiana Transportation Authority. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and LSU’s Center for Analytics and Research presented data on impaired driving, saying impaired driving remains a major factor in fatalities and injuries, with alcohol and drugs together contributing to a large share of crashes and about $700 million in annual economic costs. Members discussed youth driving, marijuana, ignition interlock, DWI courts, and enforcement challenges on waterways; the presenters emphasized education, enforcement, and treatment as part of a broader safety strategy. No formal votes were taken during the meeting, and the committee adjourned after receiving the presentations and public comment.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, if we can have events where we can sell alcohol, it would help.
• Alcohol sales would tightly controlled.
• </c> the updated NCAA guidelines on alcohol the updated NCAA guidelines on alcohol sales.<00:28:28.640
• :35.840><c> the</c><00:28:36.559><c> the</c> alcohol services enhances the the alcohol services enhances
• We are alcohol, it would it would help.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And I know you're not a believer in alcohol at all.
• And alcohol is a potential peril on the water and on the land and almost anywhere else.
• None of them that I'm aware of.
• Representative, are you aware that we do restrict carrying in a variety of different places?
• I'm aware that we restricted it In several places, yes. Follow up, thank you.

Bills: HB3419, HB4153, HB3430, HB3791, HB3277, HB4119, HB4408, HB3905, HB3968, HB3835, HB3386, HB2650, HB3742, HB3588, HB3748, HB4303, HB4311, HB3028, HB4428, HB4429, HB4132, HB1889, HB3265, HB1739, HB4434, HB3313, HB3852, HB4263, HB3413, HB3414, HB3415, HB3416, HB3417, HB3418, HB3420, HB2116, HB2206, HB3625, HB2939, HB3721, HB1823, HB2425, HB4440, HJR1087, HB4003, HJR1077, HB1770, HB1675, HB3627, HB3891, HJR1067, HB3462, HJR1053, HJR1054, HJR1044, HB3472, HB1225, HJR1019, HB4145, HJR1081, HB1746, HJR1069, HJR1050, HB1638, HB3327, HJR1055, HB3127, HB4488, HB2955, HB3781, HB3783, HB3802, HB2471, HB2937, SCR16, HB2960, HB3466, HB3262, HB3269, HB3152, HB4140, HB4142, HB3148, HB3378

Keywords: corruption, nonpublic information, government accountability, criminal law, public office, driver license, reading proficiency, minors, education requirements, alternative testing, attendance, remedial reading, public school, oath of enrollment, court financial obligations, cost hearing, payment plan, community service, court compliance program, debt relief

Transcript Highlights:

• You know, your alcoholic removes the cravings for alcohol. Okay.
• removes the cravings for alcohol.
• You know, it's just like alcohol.
• I had a worker die of consumption of alcohol and energy drinks together.
• I'm not convinced that alcohol and energy drinks should be allowed, but it's legal.

Keywords: 908, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So, it isn't like alcohol. This is not prohibition.
• So, it isn't like alcohol. This is not prohibition.
• </c> where the alcohol is being sold. where the alcohol is being sold.
• And I'm not aware of amendment rights.
• Senate file 50, you're you're aware.

Keywords: 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The second implied norm is that no member should consume alcohol during the legislative day.
• In fact, the very blood alcohol chart the complainants submitted actually undercuts their speculation
• should consume alcohol during the legislative<00:02:16.120><c> day.
• </c><00:03:05.360><c> chart</c> In fact, the very blood alcohol chart In fact, the very blood alcohol
• And that's a yes or no consume alcohol? And that's a yes or no answer. answer. answer.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• options like vodka or grain alcohol.
• ...options like vodka or grain alcohol.
• Meanwhile, pure grain alcohol remains readily available on store shelves.
• I wonder what's the difference between this and alcohol?
• So compared to alcohol, what is the death ratio? I don't have the death ratio of that.

Bills: HB441, HB445, HB477, HB441, HB445

Keywords: speech-language pathology, licensure, clinical supervision, educational qualifications, healthcare assistant, hemp-derived cannabinoids, CBD, THC, delta-8, delta-9, delta-10, consumable hemp products, psychoactive cannabinoids, cannabinoid regulation, hemp licensing, ABC Board, Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, retail hemp sales, wholesale hemp distribution, hemp tax

Transcript Highlights:

• One rule covers alcohol ignition interlock devices, which is a zero-based regulation review.
• Specific ethanol reference in the definition of breath alcohol concentration, which is on the top of
• Nothing changes in terms of measuring alcohol.
• , specific ethanol reference in the definition of breath alcohol concentration, which is on the top of
• Nothing changes in terms of measuring alcohol.

Keywords: 989, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Are you aware of such a disorder? Have you heard of it before?
• Are you aware of such a disorder? Have you heard of it before?
• If there is, I'm not aware of it.
• Firearm use and alcohol can be a deadly mix.
• of alcohol while carrying a firearm.

Summary: The committee heard several public safety measures, beginning with housekeeping items and the adoption of a four-bill consent calendar. Bills on the consent calendar included AB 476 on metal theft, AB 619 on California Conservation Corps training for formerly incarcerated people, AB 1192 on child abuse or neglect reporting, and AB 1239 on human trafficking data. Several bills were pulled by the authors before hearing, and the committee also announced that AB 379 would be heard with a file notice waiver and AB 63 would be for testimony only. The most extensive discussion was on AB 366, which would require ignition interlock devices for anyone convicted of DUI. The author, Senator Archuleta, and a MADD representative gave emotional testimony about family members killed by drunk drivers and argued the bill would save lives. Support came from law enforcement, fire, medical, auto club, and safety groups. Opposition from public defenders and criminal justice advocates focused on loss of judicial discretion, costs for low-income drivers, and concerns about vendor oversight and effectiveness. The committee voted to pass AB 366 as amended to Appropriations. The committee also heard AB 1380, which would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated people who served on Cal Fire hand crews. The author and supporters said the bill would recognize service, improve reentry, and reduce recidivism; a fire labor group withdrew its opposition after amendments were discussed. The measure passed to Appropriations, though it remained on call pending one additional vote. AB 461, which would remove criminal penalties for parents of truant K-8 students and replace them with supportive responses, drew broad support from education and justice advocates but no opposition testimony; it was also passed to Appropriations and left on call pending one more vote. ACR 60, recognizing the Downey Police Department’s special-needs communication program for interactions with people with disabilities or sensory challenges, was adopted unanimously. The committee then heard AB 746 on creating an inmate cooperative program and a green reentry reserve for incarcerated workers. Supporters said it would build job skills, dignity, and reentry success; there was no opposition testimony. The bill passed to Appropriations and was left on call pending votes. Finally, AB 379 on human trafficking drew strong support from survivor advocates, law enforcement, and local officials for creating a survivor services fund and targeting buyers, but also strong opposition from survivors and civil liberties groups who warned it would criminalize vulnerable people and revive harmful loitering enforcement. The committee discussion continued with members weighing survivor support, public safety tools, and concerns about the bill’s amendments and scope.