Video & Transcript : 'Ex Parte Charrette' :

Page 250 of 500
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • of their curriculum and so you’re bolstering other parts of the curriculum.
  • And lastly, let me just say part of that is not just conceptual thinking on my part, but in Santa Clara
  • And I understand that part of it.
  • And I understand that part of it.
  • That's actually part of an assignment that's required by everyone.
Summary: The Senate and Assembly Education Committees held their annual joint hearing with the California Association of Student Councils and SABLE, where student delegates presented policy ideas developed over two days. Committee members repeatedly praised student voice and noted that several past student proposals had become law. The hearing began with opening remarks from legislators and student organizers, who emphasized the importance of civic participation and the value of hearing directly from students. The chair also reviewed hearing rules and explained that the panels would be treated as peers in a formal policy discussion. The first panel proposed an annual civic engagement day for grades 7-12, with flexible activities such as mock elections, civic fairs, Socratic seminars, and public comment practice. Members asked about costs, grade-level flexibility, voter registration, and how the proposal would fit within existing curriculum time. The second panel proposed amending Education Code Section 35012 to require at least one student board member in every unified and high school district, with expanded training and motion rights. Legislators supported the concept but raised technical concerns about fiscal impact, the need for odd-numbered boards, the scope of motioning authority, and whether districts would need reimbursement if the mandate became statewide. A third panel proposed adding middle school financial literacy instruction by embedding it into existing classes, with curriculum and teacher training developed over time by state agencies. Members questioned how it would fit into adopted materials and whether the state should wait until the new high school financial literacy course is fully implemented before designing middle school instruction. The fourth panel proposed expanding restorative justice by creating a CDE task force and authorizing PPS-certified staff to use restorative justice training materials in discipline processes. Senators discussed prior legislation, confidentiality concerns in closed-session hearings, and the fiscal cost of a state task force, while expressing support for stronger restorative practices. The final panel proposed more active mental health education through short, twice-semester classroom sessions for grades 7-12 focused on coping skills, time management, and awareness of resources. Assemblymember Castillo and Senator Cortese questioned whether teachers and counselors could effectively deliver the program, whether it would duplicate or overburden existing efforts, and whether wellness centers or student-led awareness efforts might be more effective. Committee members generally agreed the topic was important but were skeptical that another curriculum mandate was the best solution, and no votes or formal actions were taken during the hearing.
NM

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

IC - Investments and Pensions Oversight Aug 13th, 2025

Investments & Pensions Oversight Committee

Transcript Highlights:
  • Financial reporting is a key part of the program.
  • The CDFI has really helped with that part of the process.
  • On page 22, part of our legislation includes a requirement.
  • So, we added that two years ago as part of the reimbursement.
  • Before I go into the fun part, I need your help.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Budget Committee Jun 25th, 2025

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • Thank everybody who’s been part of this process.
  • Sorry, can you repeat that last part, what you just said?
  • And so there's two thresholds as part of the bill.
  • The administration is interested in being part of the negotiations.
  • But I definitely want to add my concerns about this part.
Keywords: 988, house, all
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • representatives in France as all part of representatives in France as all part of this<00:03:18.080><
  • So, we hire professional engineers to take care of that part of it.
  • On the architectural of that part of it.
  • So for the part of the commission.
  • </c> disabilities fully access be a full part disabilities fully access be a full part of<00:32:37.919
Keywords: 958, all
Summary: The committee first approved contracts 98, 99, and 100, then heard from the Kentucky Department of Tourism on a contract with the United Kingdom and other European markets. Tourism officials said the state has had similar international marketing contracts since 2013, that international visitors spend about six times more per day than domestic travelers, and that the work includes marketing, public relations, familiarization trips, and media outreach. After questions about costs and effectiveness, the contract was approved by roll call. Members then reviewed Finance Cabinet facilities contracts 29 and 48 for engineering and architectural services tied to project design, including a specialized lab expansion project. The chair raised concerns that the fees seemed high for services that do not include construction, while the agency explained the work covers design for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural planning, and that the lab project’s specialized pathogen-related work limits the pool of firms. The committee voted to approve the contracts. The Attorney General’s office then presented an opioid abatement agreement. Senator Meredith asked how the commission coordinates with other state behavioral health efforts, and staff explained that the commission allocates settlement funds based on applications and includes related agency representation to help avoid duplication. The contract was approved. The committee also approved a behavioral health contract for 988 chat and text services, which will expand Kentucky-based crisis response coverage to 24/7 and move more of the state’s calls, chats, and texts from a national center to local specialists. A related amendment for the Voices of Hope overdose response contract was approved after staff said the increase simply extends services into the next fiscal year. Finally, the committee approved a DCBS contract for the Building Bridges Initiative, which provides training and peer mentoring for residential child care providers, and then approved three contracts for the Council on Developmental Disabilities. Those contracts were explained as necessary because the council is the designated state agency for federal DD Act funding, and one questioned item involving an advocacy and sexuality initiative was described as part of the council’s five-year plan focused on self-advocacy, systems change, and capacity building. The committee also discussed a food insecurity survey contract with a Kentucky nonprofit, with staff saying the organization was chosen for its statewide network and ability to gather raw data, while members raised concerns about whether the study should distinguish between lack of food and poor diet. All of the reviewed contracts were approved by roll call.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee Apr 29th, 2025

Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials

Transcript Highlights:
  • Because we use these as part of our treatment regimen.
  • Creams as part of your treatment regimen.
  • We are eager to be part. the solution, but we cannot do it alone.
  • Really it's a four-part bill. part concerns vapes.
  • I too was part of was ignorant of the importance of the glitterati.
Keywords: 988, house, all
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Ways and Means Mar 20th, 2026

Joint Committee on Ways and Means

Transcript Highlights:
  • I serve six towns: Ashby, Dunstable, parts of Groton, parts of Lunenburg, Pepperell, and Townsend.
  • I represent the 13th Essex District: Danvers, West Peabody, part of Topsfield, part of Wenham, part of
  • To be part of that, Massachusetts history—that's special.
  • Good timing on our part.
  • I see it in a lot of the organizations I'm part of.
Keywords: 1212, all
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:41:11.760><c> of</c> program to make them whole as part of program to make them whole as part
  • It depends on what part of the state.
  • It depends on what part of the state.
  • It depends on what part of the state.
  • It depends on what part of the state.
Keywords: 1189, house, all
Summary: The committee chair opened by explaining that the committee has expanded from a traditional audit-follow-up role into an oversight role focused on whether audit recommendations are implemented and whether controls are in place to detect fraud. He said the committee was concerned about fraud uncovered in social service programs in other states and wanted to understand New Hampshire’s safeguards, especially around major contracts and program performance. Charles Buchanan, director of the New Hampshire Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and investigator Tim Brackett described the unit’s structure and mission. Buchanan said the unit, housed in the Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Bureau, investigates and prosecutes fraud by health care providers serving Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of residents in health care facilities. He outlined common Medicaid fraud schemes such as billing for services not rendered, upcoding, using unqualified staff, drug substitution, kickbacks, supplemental charges, and inflated customary charges. He also described resident abuse/neglect and drug diversion in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living settings. Brackett said his role is financial investigator/auditor and noted the unit is grant-funded and must include a prosecutor, investigator, and auditor. The witnesses then explained how cases reach the unit and how they are handled. Most referrals come from the state Department of Health and Human Services’ program integrity unit and from managed care organizations’ special investigations units, which look for fraud, waste, and abuse and refer credible allegations. Other sources include qui tam whistleblower actions, the national Medicaid Fraud Control Units association, citizen complaints, provider referrals, adult protective services law-enforcement referrals, local law enforcement, and federal agencies. Once a referral is received, the unit can accept or deny it; accepted matters may be investigated criminally or civilly, while nonviable matters can be referred back to HHS or other agencies for administrative action, including repayment demands and reimbursement offsets. No votes or formal committee actions were taken in the portion provided.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee 3/3/26

Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • Uh, Chair, committee members, Fortis is a part of three different programs at DED.
  • But what we are is we're part of the participation program and we're also a part of the...
  • <00:13:02.639><c> of</c><00:13:03.680><c> the</c> part of the part of the I<00:13:06.079><c> always</
  • </c> what what was your there was two parts what what was your there was two parts to<00:17:30.880><c
  • He said that seems to be part of the idea: taking on more risky investments.
Summary: The committee first adopted the minutes from February 26 and then heard House File 2581, authored by Representative Frazier, which sought $1 million for Fortis Capital, a nonprofit economic development lender. Frazier and Fortis CEO Brian Smith described Fortis as a gap-financing lender that helps underserved entrepreneurs who cannot meet traditional bank underwriting standards. They said the organization has made 37 loans totaling more than $4 million since 2021, leveraged another $29.5 million, and created 314 jobs. Smith said Fortis typically charges around 6.5% interest, has had two defaults, and uses a revolving loan fund model that recycles repayments; members discussed how the proposal fits with other state economic development programs and whether Fortis should instead be part of a competitive grant process. The chair laid HF 2581 over for possible inclusion in a budget bill. The committee then heard House File 3707, brought by Representative Berg, which would extend confidentiality protections to unemployment insurance and paid leave judges and related staff by adding them to the definition of judges for purposes of protecting personal information. Berg and testifiers from the Department of Economic Development and MAPE said the bill responds to harassment and safety concerns, including threats, doxxing, and an attack near an office, and is intended to protect people making sensitive determinations. MAPE supported the bill as an update to existing protections for similar workers. Members raised concerns that the bill’s language was too broad, especially the reference to the paid leave division, and questioned whether it should cover only judges or also call-center and other staff. Department and committee members agreed the language likely needed narrowing and discussed possible amendments and whether to move the bill to Judiciary and then revisit it. No final vote was taken on HF 3707 during the discussion, and the bill remained under consideration for further language work.
CA

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

Assembly Education Committee Apr 30th, 2025

Transcript Highlights:
  • As a result, as part of that moratorium, Corium...
  • That is not a part of the relationship here.
  • We treat every part of the state the same.
  • that are part of the public charter system.
  • Part of LCFF is this deep commitment.
Summary: The Assembly Education Committee heard AB 84, a charter school accountability measure focused on non-classroom-based charter schools and fraud prevention. The author and supporters said the bill was intended to respond to the A3 charter fraud case and related scandals by strengthening audits, transparency, authorizer oversight, and funding determination rules, while ensuring public education dollars are used for public education. Supporters included FCMAT, CSEA, CTA, and CSBA, who argued the bill would improve oversight and protect taxpayers. Opponents, including the California Charter Schools Association, Green Dot, many charter parents, educators, and charter operators, said the bill was too broad, would impose major new costs and bureaucracy on all charter schools, and could reduce options for families, especially those using flexible, homeschool, or special-needs charter programs. After extensive testimony and committee discussion, the bill passed on a 5-1 vote and was sent to Appropriations, with the item left open for additional votes. The committee then approved a consent calendar of 11 education bills, including AB 542, AB 563, AB 731, AB 753, AB 784, AB 964, AB 988, AB 1034, AB 1233, AB 1255, and AB 1381, all moving to Appropriations. The consent calendar passed unanimously. Later, the committee heard AB 1454, a literacy and reading instruction bill authored by Assembly Members Rubio and Revis. The bill would require the state to create professional development resources for evidence-based literacy instruction, update English language arts and English language development instructional materials, and revise administrator preparation standards to include literacy training. The authors and a broad coalition of supporters, including CTA, EdVoice, Families in Schools, Decoding Dyslexia, school administrators, and parent advocates, described the measure as a compromise aimed at improving reading outcomes and addressing California’s literacy crisis. There was no opposition testimony at the hearing, and members voiced strong support for the bill and its collaborative approach.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee 3/12/25

Transportation Finance and Policy

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> uh new interchange so the second part uh new interchange so the second part that<00:20:11.280><c
  • </c> safety and economic development as part safety and economic development as part of<00:28:57.200>
  • What's the imported part of that? Can you explain what that is? Mr. Soberg, Mr.
  • I'll just ask a two-part question real quick here.
  • And so all those things play a part in that.
Keywords: 1183, house
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Budget Mar 11th, 2026 at 09:15 am

Budget

Transcript Highlights:
  • Then we had 205 districts take part.
  • There's parts of this we agree on, for sure.
  • I would have loved to be a part of this...
  • So I think, you know, if there's going to be moving parts, probably all the parts need to move in whatever
  • So that would be the decreasing part of it.
Keywords: 959, house, all
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • So I really want to strengthen this part of the...
  • So I really want to strengthen this part of the continuum of care so people can make good choices and
  • Thank you so much for holding this important session, and I look forward to being part of it.
  • So we are delighted to be part of this. And I bring, well...
  • I didn't hear that part.
Keywords: 995, all
Summary: The meeting was the introductory session of the new Commission on Aging and Independence focused on continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Co-chairs Senator Pat Jehlen and committee staff introduced the commission’s purpose, and members and stakeholders from AARP Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Aging and Independence, LeadingAge Massachusetts, SEIU Local 1199, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Attorney General’s office briefly introduced themselves and described their interests. Several participants emphasized the value of CCRCs for aging in place, while also noting concerns about affordability, accessibility, resident rights, dementia supports, and the need for clearer complaint and oversight processes. The commission reviewed the basic definition of a CCRC, including the requirement for housing plus health-related services, a life contract, and an entrance fee, and discussed how Massachusetts law defines entrance fees and their return. Staff explained that the commission was created by Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024 and is charged with studying CCRC contracts, consumer impacts, financial viability, entrance fees, oversight and enforcement, advertising practices, and procedures for closure or change of ownership. The commission also outlined its deadline to submit recommendations by August 1, 2025. Because quorum issues and technical problems limited the session, no substantive votes were taken. Instead, the meeting focused on logistics: members will receive a survey to suggest priorities, site visits, and outside presenters; the group plans monthly meetings with two in June; and a public hearing may be held earlier in the process so feedback can shape the agenda. Staff also noted that ethics training for members was still being arranged.
ND
Transcript Highlights:
  • This is part of our kind of governance transformation.
  • And, you know, they're working on developing that part of the portfolio.
  • No, I believe this is a normal part of the build.
  • We haven't been a part of the history. So I want to thank the treasurer.
  • And part of that is because of what Scott's team has been able to pull off.
Summary: The Legacy Fund Committee received updates from the North Dakota Retirement Investment Office (RIO) on fund performance, liquidity, in-state investments, and internal management. Scott Anderson reported strong returns for the Legacy Fund across multiple time periods, with performance exceeding the policy benchmark and expectations, driven largely by strong equity markets and effective implementation. He also reviewed private market pacing, noting commitments were on plan but that unfunded obligations and distributions were lower than expected, and presented a new liquidity analysis showing the fund had substantial capacity to meet obligations even under stressed market scenarios. The committee also discussed RIO’s internal investment program and cost savings. Anderson explained how internal management of fixed income, equity, and cash overlay strategies has reduced fees and transaction costs, while improving flexibility and portfolio construction. Members asked about staffing needs, and RIO leadership said asset growth has outpaced current staffing, with a request for additional FTEs likely coming to support investment, operations, risk, and legal functions. The committee also reviewed the Legacy Fund’s in-state investment program, including 50 South Capital and infrastructure lending, and heard that one manager’s buildout is progressing more slowly because many opportunities are still early-stage. Adam Odison presented a preliminary estimate of the 2026 Legacy Fund earnings distribution, projecting about $894.8 million under current law, with roughly $237 million to the Highway Fund and $554 million to the Property Tax Relief Fund after the sinking and interest fund allocation. Jody Smith then gave a project update on a new standalone Legacy Fund website required by statute, intended to consolidate performance, holdings, governance, fees, and use-of-funds information for the public, with a planned launch around the October State Investment Board meeting. She also raised a possible future proposal to place the Legacy Earnings Fund back under State Investment Board management so the cash could remain invested longer before being transferred out, though members noted liquidity, accounting, and bank-deposit implications would need further review. Finally, Kelvin Holden of the Bank of North Dakota reviewed the match loan program, explaining how it supports large economic development projects by pairing Bank of North Dakota loans with State Investment Board CDs. He said the program currently has about $272 million outstanding and has supported projects such as Coal Creek Station and the MDU gas line to Gwinner. Members discussed whether the program’s return is appropriate and noted a prior moratorium on new investments so the committee can revisit the policy next session. The committee then elected Senator Klein as chair and Representative Hogan as vice chair, and the meeting ended with members thanking staff and partners for the fund’s progress.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • I respect NCSL; we all take part in it.
  • So there’s a broad competitive landscape on part of it.
  • So there’s a broad competitive landscape on part of it. The harder part is the retailers.
  • That is the central part of our business.
  • Our CEO likes to say, any fool can lend money, the hard part is getting paid back.
Summary: The Special Commission on the future of credit card payments and their impacts on small businesses heard testimony from credit union, retail, banking, and payments industry representatives. Much of the discussion focused on proposals to exclude sales tax and tips from interchange fees, the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and related litigation, and whether similar state action in Massachusetts would help small businesses or instead create a patchwork that burdens state-chartered institutions. Witnesses from defense and community credit unions argued interchange helps fund fraud prevention, cybersecurity, member services, and low-fee products, while retail and NRF representatives said merchants are paying significant swipe fees and that state laws like Illinois’s are aimed at reducing costs that are not being passed on to consumers. Several witnesses emphasized that the current payment system provides security, fraud protection, rewards, and access to credit, and that many of the costs merchants complain about are actually bundled processor or acquirer fees rather than interchange itself. Others countered that small businesses are struggling with rising overall costs and that Massachusetts should consider reforms such as allowing surcharging, improving transparency in merchant contracts, and studying collection costs. There was also discussion of the recent Visa/Mastercard antitrust settlement, with industry witnesses describing it as meaningful relief for merchants and opponents saying it is temporary and incomplete. No formal votes were taken on legislation. The commission accepted oral testimony, noted that written testimony would be accepted through July 31, and concluded the meeting by unanimously voting to adjourn. The chair and members said they would continue gathering testimony and work toward recommendations, with the chair stressing the need to find a fair middle ground that supports both small businesses and the broader payments ecosystem.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And I think that’s actually one of the most radical parts of the social housing proposition: it isn’t
  • And I think that's actually one of the most radical parts of the social housing proposition is that it
  • So I can attest to that part, right?
  • To be quite honest, part of it is guardrails. I think there's fear.
  • Because part of the challenge too is that, you know, really...
Summary: The committee heard testimony on several housing-related proposals and policy ideas. One speaker urged changes to the welfare property tax exemption for affordable housing, arguing that annual income recertifications are outdated and burdensome, and proposing a one-time qualification at move-in, streamlined monitoring through TCAC or HCD, and continued exemption protection for projects that remain in compliance. The witness said rising insurance costs and administrative burdens are hurting cash flow and threatening the viability of affordable housing operations. A major portion of the meeting focused on social housing and the SB 555 study. HCD described its ongoing study process, including public engagement with residents, practitioners, and experts, and noted that California already has many building blocks for social housing, such as public land tools, long-term affordability mechanisms, community land trusts, and tenant protections. Community land trust and housing policy witnesses argued that social housing will require legislative action, expanded public subsidy, tax abatements, public land, and simplified financing, and they emphasized the need to reframe the concept for the “missing middle” and middle-class households to build broader political support. Committee members discussed stigma around “social housing,” the need for a rebrand, and the possibility of a pilot program, especially on excess public land. The committee also heard a proposal for a certified professional plan-check system modeled on Vancouver, Canada. The presenter said California’s permitting delays, inconsistent reviews, and staffing shortages add cost and uncertainty even for streamlined projects, and proposed allowing state-certified private professionals to perform plan checks and inspections under state oversight while local governments retain zoning and enforcement authority. Members discussed local control concerns, infrastructure costs, and the need to reduce delays and uncertainty in the entitlement process. Finally, the committee heard testimony supporting changes to HCD loan disbursement so funds can be used during construction rather than only after completion. Witnesses said this would reduce interest costs, improve feasibility, and could produce additional affordable homes with existing funding. The discussion also referenced AB 1053 as the vehicle for implementing that approach.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs May 11th, 2026

Revenue & Fiscal Affairs

Transcript Highlights:
  • So it's not enclosed; it's not part of this bill.
  • So on this part of your bill, I like it. I haven't seen the other part, but I like this part.
  • Because if they're using electric part of the time and gas part of the time, can you tell me how that's
  • Because if they're using electric part of the time and gas part of the time, can you tell me how that's
  • I still would like to look at an amendment and concept to fix the language in the first part.
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Children and Families May 4th, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's an old, family-oriented part of the county.
  • I also want to go to the partisan part.
  • And so I live in a very conservative part of the county. Well, then... Okay.
  • Charles County is part of it, it might as well be St. Louis to me.
  • That brings me kind of to the nonpartisan part of this.
Keywords: 959, house, all
MO

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

Children and Families May 4th, 2026

Children and Families

Transcript Highlights:
  • It's an old, family-oriented part of the county.
  • I also want to go to the partisan part.
  • Charles County is part of it, it might as well be... ...an area.
  • Charles County is part of it, it might as well be St.
  • That brings me kind of to the nonpartisan part of this.
Summary: The Committee on Children and Families heard public testimony on Senate Bill 1002, which would move St. Charles County school board elections and related levy/bond questions from April to the November general election, extend terms to four years, and allow candidates to voluntarily list party affiliation. The sponsor argued the bill would increase voter participation, broaden community input, and potentially save money, while several supporters said April turnout is too low and that November elections would better reflect the county’s voters. Supporters also said the change could help candidates campaign more effectively and bring more attention to school issues. Opponents, including school board members, parents, and the Missouri NEA and Missouri School Boards Association, argued the bill would politicize school board races, crowd out local issues on November ballots, and reduce the value of staggered terms and institutional continuity. Several witnesses objected to carving out only St. Charles County rather than making any change statewide, and some warned that limiting levy and bond elections could delay urgent district needs. One witness also said the bill would burden regular parents and community members who run for school board, while others emphasized that school boards should remain focused on governance, budgeting, and student needs rather than partisan labels. After testimony, the committee voted on Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1002 and advanced it by a vote of 10 aye, 5 no, and 1 present. The committee then took up Senate substitute for Senate Bill 1135, described as the Henderson, Bentley, and Mason’s law, and voted it do pass by 16 aye and 9 no. The committee then adjourned.
ID

Idaho 2026 Regular Session

Agenda Mar 19th, 2026

Education

Transcript Highlights:
  • My friend Debbie and make sure that that was part of the process.
  • And I just want to preface that by saying this really is part of a movement.
  • The Stonewall riots were part of civil rights history.
  • That part has gone away with bills like 516.
  • That part has gone away with bills like 516.
Summary: The committee first approved minutes from March 9, 10, and 11, 2026. It then took up Senate Bill 1336, a proposal to codify civics and American founding content in Idaho social studies standards. Sponsor Senator Anthon said the bill was a work in progress and asked that it be sent to the 14th order for amendment, citing concerns about flexibility, local control, and implementation. Testimony from school groups was generally supportive of the goal but raised concerns about codifying standards in statute, the Western civilization requirement, staffing and scheduling impacts, and funding for curriculum changes. The committee voted to send SB 1336 to the 14th order. Next, the committee heard Senate Bill 1412, a school hiring and reporting bill combining earlier proposals on educator misconduct disclosure, mandatory reporting, employer verification, Professional Standards Commission reporting, and whistleblower protections for private school employees. Senator Nichols said the bill was intended to create uniform statewide protections and transparency. Testimony strongly supported the bill from several educators and advocates who described failures to report abuse, retaliation against whistleblowers, and cases where alleged offenders remained employed. The committee voted to send SB 1412 to the Senate floor with a due pass recommendation. The committee then considered House Bill 832, which would change career technical education hiring rules by replacing a fixed 6,000-hour industry experience requirement with standards set by the State Board of Career Technical Education. The bill was presented as a way to improve recruitment and retention of industry professionals, and it passed with a due pass recommendation. The committee also heard House Bill 711, creating alternative authorization pathways for school principals and superintendents through either a grow-your-own route or an executive leadership route. Supporters argued it would help districts, especially rural ones, recruit leaders and that it was optional; opponents said it lowered standards, did not solve retention problems, and could weaken preparation in school law, finance, and instructional leadership. Despite objections, the committee voted to send HB 711 to the floor with a due pass recommendation. Finally, the committee revisited House Bill 516, which would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and had an amendment clarifying that incidental references in certain subjects would not be prohibited. Testimony was sharply divided, with supporters framing it as a parent-rights and transparency measure and opponents warning it would chill instruction and invite litigation; discussion focused on the meaning of “incidental reference” and the bill’s private right of action, but no final action was taken in the portion provided.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Natural Resources and Environment Mar 18th, 2026

Natural Resources & Environment

Transcript Highlights:
  • Maybe, you know, as far as the specified part of that, that's the local governing ability.
  • We're starting to see it in other parts of the world. We have to keep up.
  • We are now a net energy exporter, thanks in no small part to the energy industry.
  • I mean, you're looking at a big part of the economy. And it takes time.
  • the down part.
Keywords: 965, house, all