Transcript Highlights:

• I'd like, if you can, to elaborate a little bit more on the actuarial study and what this study would
• Uh you for legal analysis and study.
• to the experts that do actuarial studies to the experts that do actuarial studies to<00:23:49.600
• > different<00:26:32.880> states So really studying the different states So really studying
• <00:31:33.520> Thank in that part of the study. Great. Thank in that part of the study.

Keywords: 910, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Could be quite a huge study there. Mr. Chairman and Senator, I think the study is probably done.
• Okay, are we just hoghousing this to study? No, this is a study to tack on to the budget.
• I do think this should be a considered study, though. I think it's... ...it says shell study.
• We'd like to study it further. There are multiple vendors. Here's how we could do the study.
• It's just a study.

Bills: SB2399

Keywords: mental health, psychiatric treatment, reimbursement, medical assistance, legislative report, 908, all

Summary: The committee reconvened and first reconsidered House Bill 1612, the aerospace medical and mental health support center bill. Senator Cleary offered an amendment to reduce the general fund appropriation from $500,000 to $250,000 and require the university or project sponsors to find the remaining funding from other sources. The amendment passed, and the bill was then recommended do pass as amended, with members citing concerns about university funding, but others supporting the project as a one-time seed investment. The committee also discussed a possible future FMAP increase beginning October 1, 2026, which could reduce general fund costs by roughly $9 million, though members noted the figures were still preliminary and could be addressed later if needed. The committee then returned to Human Services budget items, including early childhood and child care funding, a community cultural center grant, and several other adjustments. Members discussed reducing the “best in class” amount, changes to child care grants and quality/infrastructure funding, and clarifying that prior child care assistance appropriations were in fact being spent. They also agreed to reduce the 1915(i) Medicaid waiver line by $2 million, with the understanding that the entitlement would still be funded as needed. The committee also considered taking guardianship funding out of House Bill 1012 because a separate bill, Senate Bill 2029, would move that funding elsewhere; members agreed that removing it from the budget could help the overall bill and could be restored if the separate bill failed. Several study amendments were discussed. Senator Cleary proposed adding a maternal health study related to prenatal services, doulas, midwives, and Medicaid, and members expressed support. The committee also discussed a software/case-management study proposal, but the department said it had not requested it and would not support it as presented, so members leaned against advancing it unless the department first evaluated it. Another amendment would authorize the department to work with the city of Grafton on a long-term plan for the LSTC campus and require a report back to the legislature; members supported that as legislative intent. The committee also agreed to remove a truancy study section for later conference discussion, and it reviewed other possible study ideas, including assistive technology, before adjourning to await updated long sheets and bill text.

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:03:55.240> committees requires that merger study committees requires that merger study
• <00:05:02.840> could to where these 20 merger studies could to where these 20 merger studies
• <00:14:16.040> groups,<00:14:16.839> if the study groups, if the study groups, if um
• Okay, thank you. that that merger study group, if they that that merger study group, if they decided<
• <00:25:07.840> of<00:25:07.960> the the annual study of the the annual study of the

Keywords: 926, house, all

Summary: The meeting was a caucus of the whole on House Bill 955, described by House Education Chair Rep. Peter Conlin as the year’s education transformation bill. He said the bill is still evolving and must still go through Ways and Means, Appropriations, and the Senate. Conlin framed the bill as a response to declining enrollment, school building needs, future funding changes, and equity concerns, drawing on prior commission work, testimony, surveys, emails, and committee input. Conlin said H. 955 has two major structural pieces: it creates seven mandatory Cooperative Education Service Areas (CESAs) to provide shared services more efficiently at larger scale, and it requires merger study committees in all parts of the state to examine whether districts should voluntarily merge into pre-K through 12 union school districts. He emphasized that CESAs are service providers, not governing bodies, and that merger study committees are required to study merger but not to merge. He also said the bill includes startup grants for CESAs, fee-for-service funding, a guidance map for facilitator work, deadlines culminating in merger votes on November 7, 2028, and reporting requirements back to the General Assembly. Members asked about whether CESAs duplicate supervisory unions, how representation would work, whether the bill affects academic standards, what happens to articles of agreement, why some study groupings include only one district, how the process would work in practice, and what support facilitators would have. Conlin responded that CESAs are intended to add scale for specialized services rather than replace supervisory unions, that they do not govern schools, and that representation and structure could be adjusted as the bill moves forward. He said the bill does not change what is taught in schools, only governance and funding, and that any merger would still require new articles of agreement and voter approval. He also said the facilitator system would be supported by a lead facilitator and the existing CESA structure, and that some groupings may be revised based on local conditions. The committee also discussed cost savings and timing. Conlin said the bill is intended to reduce costs through shared services and larger-scale districts, and that the proposed delay in implementing a foundation formula is meant to allow time for mergers and related administrative work, including bargaining, records, and district consolidation. He cited the existing Vermont Learning Collaborative in southeastern Vermont as an example of a CESA already providing specialized services and saving member districts money.

Transcript Highlights:

• Wants to attend OSU to study in a professional pilot program.
• Wants to attend [university] to study criminology and prelaw.
• He wants to attend Sacred Heart University to study public policy and Catholic studies.
• Order actuarial studies on any bill that has a health mandate.
• We order these studies on bills that we think need these studies.

Bills: HB2975, HB3405, HB3406, HB3728, HB3902, HB3977, SB397, HB1161, HB2938, HB2939, HB3306, HB3722, HB4113, HB4123, HB2293, HB3176, HB3545, HB3546

Keywords: poultry waste, nutrient management, environmental regulations, agriculture, water quality, pollution prevention, best management practices, noxious weeds, poison hemlock, kudzu, landowner responsibilities, environmental control, public nuisance, eradication, burn bans, fire danger, drought conditions, emergency declaration, scrap metal, regulation

Transcript Highlights:

• And that may be what comes from the study.
• But when we do studies and we look at and get data from those studies, then that tells us what perhaps
• That's the part of the study.
• I appreciate the study.
• That's what a study does.

Summary: The committee met on May 13 and first took up House Concurrent Resolution 89, which asks the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a Louisiana Maneuvers museum and trail. Representative Owens described the historical significance of the Louisiana Maneuvers and said the proposal would help preserve and teach that history. The committee moved HCR 89 favorably to the floor without objection. The committee then heard House Resolution 179, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Representative Marcel said the resolution was prompted by questions about crime data and district performance, while several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review. Other members supported the idea as a way to gather data on what works, including cameras and other security measures. The resolution was moved favorably to the floor. Next, the committee considered Senate Bill 228, a constitutional amendment to allow public funds to be used to replace lead and copper drinking water service lines on private property, and Senate Bill 268, the companion implementing bill that sets out the notice and replacement process. Paul Rainwater explained that the program would use EPA and state revolving-fund money, with work focused on the line from the meter to the shutoff valve, and that the city would inventory affected homes, give notice, and then proceed with replacement. Members asked about homeowner rights, emergency entry, contractor accountability, and whether the program could expand beyond New Orleans; Rainwater said he would return with more detail on the objection/emergency process. Both SB 228, as amended, and SB 268 were reported favorably. The committee also advanced Senate Bill 283, which creates the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development near Southern University, and two resolutions: House Resolution 225, urging agencies and local governments in Ouachita Parish to study solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services, and House Resolution 223, urging Shreveport and partners to advance the Southern Soul City Initiative. All were moved favorably to the floor, and the meeting ended with members and the chair thanking staff and noting it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Statewide study. Okay. Yeah. And... ...every parish and every statewide study.
• So from the information in the study, the study is accurate.
• So from the information in the study, the study is accurate.
• , structural studies, mechanical studies, electrical studies, or plumbing studies.
• Representative McMakin: Electrical studies or plumbing studies.

Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: Pineville High School, Lady Rebels, softball, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Class 5A, state championship, high school sports, student athletes, commendation, resolution, athletics, girls softball, championship team, Pineville, school recognition, sportsmanship, coach Allison Frye, Louisiana legislature, House Resolution

Transcript Highlights:

• <00:04:18.799> this<00:04:19.040> study more than welcome to study this study more
• than welcome to study this study away<00:04:19.680> if<00:04:19.840> they<00:04:20.000>
• to make a motion interm study. to make a motion interm study.
• I'd recommend interim study. I'd move interim study on 604. >> And I'll second that.
• committed personally to continued study committed personally to continued study on<00:14:27.920>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• study, and the Rearden study.
• > um<00:20:05.840> that abortion study the Coleman study um that abortion study the Coleman
• study and and and the rearen study both study and and and the rearen study both of<00:20:09.600> them
• So the<00:32:43.519> studies<00:32:44.399> cited the studies cited the studies cited if
• of studies. of studies.

Bills: HB0117, HB0126

Keywords: informed consent, abortion, civil liability, coercion, healthcare rights, fetal heartbeat, termination of pregnancy, medical emergency, Wyoming legislation, rights of minors, healthcare regulations, parental consent, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• That's beyond the purview of my study. And I think I'd have to refer back to the study.
• But in this study, what I do want to note that we did here that we don't do in our most recent study
• In this study, we would need a study that does a deeper dive at that neighborhood level.
• Not in this study, but actually in our 2023 study, we can't.
• What you're looking at here is called an event study. This is called an event study analysis.

Summary: The committee heard a work session on earthquake insurance, beginning with background from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. OIC staff explained that earthquake and earth movement are generally excluded from standard property policies, that earthquake coverage is usually purchased through endorsements or standalone policies with high deductibles and relatively high premiums, and that surplus lines are a limited backstop market not covered by the state guarantee fund. They also described parametric insurance and captive insurance as more specialized products generally suited to commercial or governmental buyers rather than ordinary consumers. A second panel of insurance and banking experts focused on commercial earthquake exposure, especially for older buildings, collateralized loans, and potential knock-on effects to banks and consumers if a major quake caused widespread damage. Members asked about consumer impacts, mitigation incentives, inventories of vulnerable buildings, and whether legislation such as prior work on unreinforced masonry could help reduce risk. The Washington Bankers Association said earthquake insurance is expensive and that affordability is a major concern, while also noting banks participate in disaster-recovery planning and would be affected by major regional losses. No votes or formal actions were taken. The committee then received a presentation from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy on its cannabis and Initiative 502 research. WSIPP staff described the agency as a nonpartisan research institute that conducts legislative-directed studies and explained that its long-term I-502 assignment includes periodic reports leading to a final benefit-cost evaluation in 2032. Staff summarized findings from a 2023 report showing that cannabis possession convictions fell sharply after legalization, though some racial disproportionalities persisted, and that closer retail access was associated with higher reported adult cannabis use, more fatal traffic crashes involving drivers from nearby areas, and higher rates of cannabis use disorder diagnoses among Medicaid enrollees. A 2023 youth-focused report found that students attending schools near retailers were more likely to report cannabis use, had more unexcused absences, and were less likely to graduate on time. In the newest 2025 Medicaid study, staff said retail access was associated with higher probabilities of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, related hospitalizations, inpatient treatment, and co-occurring mental health diagnoses, with event-study analysis suggesting the increases appeared after retailers opened rather than before. Members asked about racial disproportionality, the meaning of cannabis use disorder diagnoses, THC and impairment, whether the findings reflected medical versus recreational use, and how the results should be interpreted in light of broader trends and data limitations. No formal committee action was taken.

Transcript Highlights:

• So these are all controlled studies.
• So these are all controlled studies.
• But there are pilot studies that are done and studies that then lead to larger federal funding.
• So ongoing studies now to look at, to use the registry data for controlled studies—everything that I
• So ongoing studies now to look at, to use the memory data for controlled studies, everything that I have

Summary: The Health Professions and Program Subcommittee met to receive oversight briefings on Florida’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) and from the University of Florida’s Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research. OMMU Director Christopher Kimball outlined the program’s structure, including more than 900,000 active patients, nearly 7,000 caregivers, 27 MMTC licensees, 706 dispensing locations, and nine certified testing labs. He described the state’s pre-approval process for products and advertising, plain packaging requirements, seed-to-sale tracking, registry operations, and compliance efforts such as background checks, inspections, complaint investigations, and lab desk audits. He also said the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Jacksonville had been accredited to begin supporting testing. Members asked about telehealth, patient growth, product safety, advertising to children, inspections, and the status of MMTC licensure; Kimball said recertifications by telehealth now make up more than half of recertifications, that patient growth has slowed, and that ongoing litigation is delaying issuance of 22 new MMTC licenses. Kimball also discussed implementation of recent legislation and licensure changes, including licenses issued under HB 387 and SB 1582 to applicants from the original Pigford-related pool, with additional cure opportunities still ongoing. He said the department is monitoring diversion, inversion, and unapproved products, and that it coordinates with law enforcement when needed but does not itself have sworn authority. In response to questions, he said the department does not regulate physicians directly, but may refer concerns to the Division of Medical Quality Assurance, and that caregiver and physician participation requirements are set by statute. Members raised concerns about edibles, child access, and continued use of child-attractive branding; Kimball said the department tries to catch issues through pre-approval and enforcement, and that complaints involving children are treated as serious and investigated using available records and camera footage. Dr. Almond Winterstein then presented the consortium’s research overview. He explained that the consortium was created by statute in 2019, includes 10 universities, and is funded by annual state appropriations. He said its work includes grants, a research repository, a clinical core, outreach, and evidence synthesis, including a recent FDA-supported review of cannabis evidence. He emphasized that the current evidence base is limited and often low quality, with the strongest signals for symptom relief in PTSD-related symptoms, nausea, and some pain outcomes, but with many studies inconclusive or mixed. He also described the consortium’s use of registry data linked to Medicaid, Medicare, death, fetal death, and birth records to study safety and outcomes, including children, pregnancy, driving safety, opioid-sparing effects, and adverse events. Winterstein said adverse event reporting is sparse and likely underreported, with most reports mild but some serious events noted, and he expressed concern about use among young adults because of uncertain benefit-risk and possible effects on the developing brain. The committee discussed the need for better surveillance, more robust adverse event reporting, and the possibility of using linked data to identify harms more quickly. At the end of the meeting, the committee rose without objection.

Transcript Highlights:

• necessary amount to continue the study necessary amount to continue the study in<00:17:02.959>
• <00:18:47.760> is accomplish I guess after the study is accomplish I guess after the study
• My point is, it's—we shouldn't, I don't know if your role is to just fund study after study.
• <00:26:01.440> after role is to to just fund study after role is to to just fund study after
• guys be following in the study? guys be following in the study?

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard three University of Hawaiʻi-related measures. HB 718 HD1 would appropriate funds for faculty and staff positions at the John A. Burns School of Medicine in cardiovascular, law, biology, tropical medicine, quantitative health/biostatistics, and environmental health and safety. Testimony was in support, including from university representatives and others who submitted written testimony. Members asked whether the positions were additional and how they would affect enrollment; the university said the hires would teach medical students and conduct biomedical research, helping increase the class size to about 77 and eventually 80, and noted a workforce paper requested by the committee would be provided soon. The committee then discussed SB 1170 HD1, which would grant resident tuition at any UH campus to certain graduates of Hawaiʻi high schools enrolling in undergraduate programs. UH supported the bill and said it had adjusted its testimony in response to prior committee concerns. Members focused on the proposed four-year window, asking why that timeframe was chosen and whether the change was needed at all. UH explained that four years would allow students who left the state to return and still complete an undergraduate degree or prepare for graduate school, and said the bill would help students who come back after one or two years but otherwise would have to wait a year to reestablish residency under current rules. UH also said it was discussing possible administrative rule changes as an alternative if the bill did not pass. Finally, the committee heard HB 1300 HD1, which would fund a University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center pilot study on cancer disparities among Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, Filipinos, and people living near landfills in Nanakuli, focusing on social determinants of health, lifestyle, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. Testimony from researchers and advocates strongly supported the measure, saying the study could help explain cancer disparities and support future research funding. Members questioned the cost, the reliance on future federal or foundation funding, and the practical outcome of the study. The Cancer Center said the pilot would cost about $500,000 per year for two years, with later funding sought from federal, nonprofit, or private sources; it said the study would produce longitudinal data that could help identify at-risk groups and provide evidence for policy decisions, though members expressed concern that the project needed a clearer end goal and stronger case for public investment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And I did have those studies teacher.
• Well, if I were a member of the study Well, if I were a member of the study committee,<01:03:55.599
• commissions, study committees, and study commissions that we are better positioned to say and that we
• commissions, study committees, and study commissions that we are better positioned to say and that we
• Um, and it just strikes me in my history of working on study commissions, study committees, and study

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Why is this study different?
• That study is helpful to build upon a study, but that study was not authorized and would not give us
• Why is now to answer your question of the study, why is this study different?
• That study is helpful to build upon a study, but that study was not authorized and would not give us
• So if—and it sounds like this study is saying no—if there's a new study and it still says no.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• But when we do studies and we look at and get data from those studies, then that tells us what perhaps
• That's the part of the study.
• I appreciate the study.
• That's what a study does.
• He said he had two quick questions and asked whether the study was a statewide comprehensive study.

Keywords: 965, house, all

Summary: The committee met with a quorum and first considered H.C.R. 89 by Representative Charles Owen, which directs the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to study, with the Louisiana State Museum and the World War II Museum, the feasibility of a museum and trail dedicated to the Louisiana Maneuvers. Owen described the historical significance of the maneuvers and said the proposal would mainly involve markers and a modest museum. The committee moved the resolution favorably to the floor without objection. Members then debated H.R. 179 by Representative Marcel, which would create a study of neighborhood crime prevention and security districts and their effectiveness in reducing crime. Several members raised concerns about the number of study groups and the breadth of a statewide review, while others supported gathering data on crime trends, cameras, and district performance. Marcel said the study was intended to collect information, not mandate changes, and the resolution was moved favorably to the floor. The committee next took up S.B. 228 and S.B. 268 by Senator Duplessis, both related to replacing lead and copper water service lines. S.B. 228 was a constitutional amendment allowing public funds to be used on private property for replacement of lead-based and copper pipes, and S.B. 268 set out the process for municipalities or parishes to implement the program, including notice to homeowners and an inventory/testing process. Members questioned homeowner rights, the seven-day notice period, emergency entry language, contracting, and whether the work would fully address hazards inside homes; Rainwater said the program was narrowly tailored, federally funded through the EPA and LDH, and intended to replace lines from the main to the shutoff valve. Both measures were moved favorably as amended. Finally, the committee approved S.B. 283 by Senator Barrow, creating the Boulevard at Harding Area Special District in Baton Rouge to encourage development in a food desert near Southern University, and moved H.R. 225 by Representative Eccles, which urges study of parish-wide solid waste, debris removal, and disaster resilience services in Ouachita Parish. H.R. 223 by Representative Walters, urging Shreveport to partner on the Southern Soul City Initiative, was also moved favorably. The chair noted it was likely the committee’s last meeting of the session, and members and staff were thanked for their work.

Transcript Highlights:

• This study in the first place.
• Here’s our study background.
• Here’s our study background.
• I think we need a study on studies. Hopefully not.
• We have a committee on committees, so why not a study on studies?

Summary: The meeting began with introductions from members of the Joint Transportation Committee and a presentation from the Association of Washington Cities and the public works directors of Richland, Kennewick, Pasco, and West Richland. The cities described the Quad Cities region as one of the fastest-growing in the state and outlined shared transportation priorities that align with the committee’s focus on safety, multimodal access, climate resilience, and economic development. They emphasized Vision Zero efforts, complete streets, ADA accessibility, regional trail and bike/pedestrian planning, and coordinated long-range transportation and land-use planning to manage growth. The city officials also discussed major funding and delivery challenges, including rising construction costs, project phasing, pavement preservation, right-of-way acquisition, and delays caused by state and federal permitting and review processes. They highlighted regional cooperation through the Benton-Franklin Council of Governments, Good Roads, and local funding tools such as impact fees, transportation benefit districts, REET, tax increment financing, and state and federal grants. Specific projects discussed included Richland’s SR 240/Aaron Drive complete streets project and downtown connectivity work, Kennewick’s Columbia Center Boulevard improvements and rail study, Pasco’s Court/Road 68, Sylvester Street corridor, I-182 bridge/interchange work, and a new north-south bridge study, and West Richland’s SR 224 Red Mountain corridor project, which officials said was awarded under budget and is scheduled to begin construction. Committee members asked questions about sidewalk connections to schools, state-agency right-of-way timelines, apprenticeship utilization, contractor selection, and whether complete streets requirements add burdens to pavement preservation projects. The city officials said new development is generally meeting sidewalk standards, but older infill areas remain a gap; that state right-of-way transactions can take much longer than expected; that apprenticeship requirements are common but harder for smaller contractors and local labor markets; and that low-bid contracting leaves little room to screen for performance history. They also said complete streets requirements are usually manageable on major projects but can be difficult to absorb in smaller preservation work. The committee then shifted to a JTC-funded study on transit-oriented development, presented by Urban Institute researcher Yona Freemark. The study examined TOD conditions in 33 cities in Snohomish, King, Pierce, Clark, and Spokane counties near rail and bus rapid transit stations. Freemark said Washington’s housing affordability crisis is severe, especially near transit, and found that high-cost cities have seen more development near stations but also signs of gentrification and loss of affordable housing, while lower-cost cities have had less development and worsening affordability relative to income. He identified barriers including high debt costs, land costs, infrastructure costs, zoning and parking rules, and limited subsidies for affordable housing. He recommended more neighborhood infrastructure funding near stations, stronger affordable housing investment, and better use of public land, noting that HB 1491 and related legislation are already changing some local requirements.

Transcript Highlights:

• Interim study.
• I'll move interim study on 1249. I'll move interim study on 1249. I have a second.
• something that uh you know, we see study something that uh you know, we see study committees<00:
• I would like to make a motion to make it interim study. Motion is interim study.
• and then interim studying it. and then interim studying it.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• appropriate to interrum study it. appropriate to interrum study it.
• So, we have our motion of interim study. And everyone in favor, interim study, please say I. I.
• In study. Okay. All those in favor of interim study, please say I. I. None opposed. Second consent.
• Madam Chairman, move in study. Second. All those in favor of interim study, please say I. I.
• >> I madam chairman I move interim study. >> I madam chairman I move interim study.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• what it is going to study.
• and what is going to study.
• I'm always very reluctant to vote for a study committee, study of anything, right?
• and a study, we don't have another way forward.
• Ledge Council can only call it a pilot program or a study.

Bills: HB2226, HB2406, HB2663, HB2695, HB2805, HB2976

Keywords: veteran status, veterans court, treatment court, diversion program, initial appearance, arrestee processing, criminal procedure, DD-214, Department of Veterans' Services, prosecuting agency, court notification, military service, armed forces, veterans benefits, reentry, mental health court, drug court, specialty court, Arizona criminal law, pretrial hearing

Summary: The committee first took up HB 2663, which updates military leave protections for state and non-state employees by aligning statutory language with how service members’ orders are described. Representative Pena said the change was intended to remove confusion without affecting benefits, and members noted it would help protect employees called to training, deployment, or state active duty. The bill passed unanimously with a due pass recommendation. The committee then heard HB 2976, a bill addressing administrative control of justice courts and due process for elected justices of the peace when state or county entities take action affecting their statutory authority. Supporters, including two Pima County justices of the peace, described administrative orders that transferred control of their courts without notice, findings, or a meaningful chance to respond, and argued the bill would require notice, a hearing, written findings, and review before such changes. The Arizona Supreme Court’s government affairs director opposed the bill as unconstitutional, arguing the state constitution gives the Chief Justice administrative supervision over all courts and that the legislature cannot impose those procedures by statute. After a lengthy and at times contentious exchange over constitutional authority and the role of elected JPs, the committee voted 6-1 to give HB 2976 a due pass recommendation. After a recess, the committee considered HB 2406, which requires the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to study how aware veterans are of available state, local, and federal benefits and to report recommendations for improving awareness. Testimony in support emphasized that many veterans do not know the full range of benefits available to them and suggested surveys, outreach, and other low-cost methods to gather information. Some members questioned whether a study was necessary or how it would be conducted, but several said they would support it for now; the bill received a due pass recommendation by a 5-1-1 vote. Finally, the committee heard HB 2226, which requires courts at initial appearance hearings to ask whether a defendant is a veteran and, if so, to consider referral to veterans’ treatment or diversion programs. Supporters said the bill would help identify eligible veterans early in the process and connect them to services, while one member raised Fifth Amendment concerns about asking the question before counsel is present. The sponsor and testifier agreed to work on an amendment clarifying that the answer could not be used against the defendant in later proceedings. The committee moved the bill forward with a due pass recommendation, with members indicating support pending that amendment.

Transcript Highlights:

• study committee to it.
• Senator Sullivan. your study committee to it. So we can your study committee to it.
• > is<00:06:32.479> something naturally a study committee is something naturally a study
• And I believe that's what this study— that's why this is an imperative study, a piece to hold people
• why this is an this study, that's why this is an imperative<00:08:45.519> study,<00:08:46.080

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Summary: The committee conference first returned to Senate Bill 210 on cyberbullying. Members discussed whether to keep the bill focused on prevention and school action or instead add a study committee. House members said they were willing to remove the open enrollment portion and return to the original intent of the bill, while Senate members argued that bullying is already addressed in existing law and DOE guidance but that the legislature still needs to take action. Several members emphasized that bullying and related mental health harms are occurring in schools and that parents, teachers, and students are asking for stronger accountability now, not just another study. Others said the current bullying statute is not being implemented properly and that revising language without enforcement changes would not solve the problem. The House side noted that the amended bill would require additional reporting from districts, including information about police being called to schools, and would address parent notification issues. Despite those points, the Senate position remained that the House and Senate were not in agreement and that the bill should revert to the original version. The committee ultimately agreed to a non-concur report, with members indicating consent for that action. The meeting then briefly turned to Senate Bill 206. Members said the issue had already been addressed because a cell phone use policy amendment had been added to HB2 during the budget conference, making further discussion unnecessary. Because the chambers still needed to choose one of the formal conference options, the committee agreed to file a non-concurrent report on SB 206 as well, with consent from the House-side members.

Transcript Highlights:

• So you mentioned a workload study. What year was that workload study released? It was released.
• Statewide study. Okay. Yeah. And... ...every parish and every statewide study.
• So from the information in the study, the study is accurate.
• Okay, so I'm asking you what the study says. You're telling me what the study intended.
• , structural studies, mechanical studies, electrical studies, or plumbing studies."

Bills: HR265, HR266, HR267, HR268, HR269, HR270, HR271, HR272, HR273, HCR107, HCR108, HCR109, HCR110, HCR111, HR257, HR258, HR259, HR260, HR261, HR262, HR263, HCR105, HCR106, SCR30, SB57, SB157, SB202, SB237, SB276, SB450, SB465, SB501, SB525, HR3, HR80, HR197, HR243, SCR5, SCR35, HB4, HB623, HB944, HB986, HB1098, HB1222, SB34, SB164, SB172, SB198, SB208, SB232, SB281, SB286, SB317, SB322, SB334, SB380, SB385, SB409, SB417, SB421, SB430, SB439, SB447, SB458, SB510, SB398, HB646, HR84, HR188, HR205, SCR19, SCR3, SCR6, SCR18, SCR11, SCR22, SCR2, SCR20, SCR24, HCR6, HB301, HB359, HB657, HB675, HB680, HB727, HB302, HB819, HB1257, HB1258, SB8, SB10, SB11, SB12, SB13, SB14, SB16, SB17, SB18, SB20, SB21, SB22, SB40, SB48, SB55, SB69, SB75, SB77, SB78, SB85, SB102, SB115, SB133, SB140, SB148, SB151, SB165, SB169, SB170, SB185, SB197, SB200, SB217, SB235, SB278, SB280, SB291, SB300, SB303, SB315, SB324, SB330, SB411, SB416, SB420, SB436, SB438, SB449, SB455, SB456, SB477, SB489, SB521, SB45, SB58, SB71, SB81, SB92, SB100, SB109, SB141, SB156, SB181, SB203, SB204, SB205, SB207, SB213, SB214, SB216, SB229, SB257, SB274, SB290, SB304, SB374, SB379, SB396, SB410, SB425, SB427, SB429, SB479, SB522, HCR72, HB633, HB603, HB940, HB251, HB775, HB998, HB1191, HB625, HB1255, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1240, SB82, SB89, HB258, HB842, SB149, SB382, SB441

Keywords: Pineville High School, Lady Rebels, softball, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Athletic Association, Class 5A, state championship, high school sports, student athletes, commendation, resolution, athletics, girls softball, championship team, Pineville, school recognition, sportsmanship, coach Allison Frye, Louisiana legislature, House Resolution

Summary: The House convened with prayer, the pledge, roll call, and several personal privileges recognizing visitors and special observances, including Transportation Day and a day without child care at the Capitol. Members also honored the Southern University Laboratory School track teams, early childhood educators, and later offered condolences and tributes, including a memorial resolution for Derek Butler’s family and birthday recognitions for members and staff. The chamber received Senate messages, committee reports, and introduced or adopted several resolutions and bills throughout the day. A major portion of the floor was devoted to retirement-system cleanup and funding bills, including Senate Bills 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 21. Members and authors explained these measures as technical changes to simplify contribution formulas, separate funding for COLAs and benefit increases from debt paydown, and update reemployment or benefit rules for retirees in various systems. Most of these bills passed with large margins after brief questions about whether they would affect automatic debt reduction; authors repeatedly said they would not stop debt paydown. Other measures passed on topics such as emergency vehicle procedures, international driving reciprocity with Ireland, seat belt use, port commission appointments, GOHSEP cybersecurity authority, storage facility rental rules, biomarker testing coverage, DNA sample collection procedures, and a law-institute bill on movable-property leases. The House also adopted HCR 72, the Jonas A. Feeley Act, which memorializes Congress to expedite research and treatment development for acute myeloid leukemia in honor of a deceased veteran, and H.B. 1258, which directs the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on handling unlawfully possessed sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Another notable bill, Senate Bill 200, created a process for expropriating property tied to foreign adversaries near military bases, with amendments allowing voluntary divestment before expropriation. Most measures were adopted by wide margins, with co-author votes taken on some resolutions and bills tabled or returned to the calendar when requested. The most extended debate centered on Senate Bill 217, which would reduce the number of judges in Orleans Parish courts based on a statewide workload study. Supporters said the National Center for State Courts study showed Orleans had more judges than comparable parishes and that the bill would right-size the courts and save about $2.1 million. Opponents questioned the study’s methodology, the lack of Orleans delegation involvement, the counting of cases, the absence of uniform statewide clerk-of-court standards, and whether reducing criminal judges made sense given crime concerns. Despite the criticism, the bill was advanced after lengthy questioning, while the chamber continued to move other bills and resolutions forward.