Transcript Highlights:

• Krebs, they are working on the Lock 8 boat ramp in Hale County.
• /c><00:08:51.519> working<00:08:51.760> on<00:08:51.920> the<00:08:52.160> lock
• <00:08:52.560> 8 >> Krebs, they are working on the lock 8 >> Krebs, they are working
• on the lock 8 boat<00:08:53.279> ramp<00:08:54.320> in<00:08:54.800> Hail<00:08

Keywords: 924, joint, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Do you will be locked? The question was, will the tunnels be locked?
• also implementing screening, and so any of those questions will need to be directed to the Senate. locked
• Yes, key card access will be locked?

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson and State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogey announced that weapon screening will begin Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol at the start of the 2026 legislative session. They said the change is based on an independent security assessment and the Axtell report’s top recommendation, and framed it as an added layer of protection rather than a weapons ban or a change in state law. Both emphasized that the Capitol will remain open, accessible, and welcoming while reducing preventable risks, citing heightened threats to public officials and the recent murders and shootings involving Minnesota lawmakers and their families. Bogey outlined the screening plan: visitors will use four public access points, with the south ground-level entrance as the primary entry, while other exterior doors will not be open for public entry. She said the process should take only seconds for most people, with bags going through separate scanners and additional screening only if needed. The Capitol will close to the general public at 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, though accommodations will be made when hearings or floor sessions run later. She also said the entrances and screening areas are ADA accessible and that staff will be available to help guide visitors. In questions, officials said prohibited items are defined by statute and administrative rules and referred reporters to the State Patrol website for the full list. They confirmed that lawful permit-to-carry holders may still bring firearms, but must declare the permit, show government ID, and go through screening; elected officials are exempt, while staff are not. They also said the State Patrol will fund the rollout from its own budget, with costs to be evaluated over time, and that tunnel key-card access will be restricted to everyone. The briefing ended with a plan to demonstrate the screening equipment upstairs.

Transcript Highlights:

• yesterday, but once these ballots are cast into the machine, that particular machine will remain closed, locked
• 25.840> closed, particular machine will remain closed, particular machine will remain closed, locked
• . locked. locked.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 13 February, 2026; 9:00 AM, 925, all

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, received an invocation from Reverend Michael Marshall of Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, and recited the pledge of allegiance. The chamber then dispensed with the reading of the journal, committee reports, and bill titles, and moved into the calendar. Several motions to reconsider earlier actions on calendar items were taken up and, in multiple instances, tabled or passed over without further action. The main substantive debate centered on SB 2208, the Mississippi Public University System Governance Study Committee creation bill. Senator Boyd moved to reconsider the bill, and Senator Dupree offered a friendly amendment to add two additional members representing HBCUs, one appointed by the lieutenant governor and one by the speaker of the House. The amendment was adopted, and the bill then passed by use of the morning roll call. The Senate also took up SB 2587, concerning absentee ballots and removing the envelope requirement; Senator England moved to reconsider the failed vote, explained the bill as a way to let voters deposit ballots directly into a scanner, and answered questions about ballot security and the statewide election management system. Senator Tate attempted to offer an amendment to simplify the bill and return to current law, but the amendment was not in writing and was withdrawn; the bill then passed by morning roll call. Other calendar items were largely handled by motions to table reconsideration. SB 2746, the Older Mississippians Act, and SB 2728, the Mississippi Chance for Youth Court Act of 2026, were both tabled at the reconsideration stage. SB 2523, relating to state institutions of higher learning, was also tabled. After completing the calendar and brief announcements, the Senate agreed to recess until noon, with the journal to reflect the later return time.

Transcript Highlights:

• So make sure, and make sure that you get your desk locked.
• Just ask, and they'll get it locked for you.

Summary: The Arkansas House Caucus met for the sole purpose of considering House Caucus Resolution 1001, which would authorize access to and use of the House chamber for the 2026 meeting of the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. After confirming a quorum and granting leave for Representative Stephen Meeks, the resolution was read and Representative Vaught explained that it was intended to keep the chamber-use process consistent with prior practice, including arrangements previously made for Girls State. No one spoke against the resolution, and it passed by voice vote. After the vote, members made several announcements. Representative Gazaway said state agencies would meet 15 minutes after adjournment in Big Mac Room B. Representative Hudson reminded members about the May 21 Serving Up Solutions event and asked those who had not returned their cards to do so. Representative Vaught announced that desks should be cleared and locked because Girls State, Arkansas Civic Leadership, and Boy State would be on the floor in two weeks, and asked interested members to contact Malicia to participate in the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. Representative Eubanks added that, although ALC would not be held during the Serving Up Solutions week, Senator Irvin had scheduled a public health meeting. With no further business, the caucus adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• So make sure, and make sure that you get your desk locked.
• Just ask, and they'll get it locked for you.

Keywords: 1204, all

Transcript Highlights:

• So make sure, and make sure that you get your desk locked.
• Just ask, and they'll get it locked for you.

Summary: The Arkansas House Caucus met for the sole purpose of considering House Caucus Resolution 1001, which authorizes access to and use of the House chamber for the 2026 meeting of the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute. A quorum was established, leave was granted for Representative Stephen Meeks, and the resolution was read three times. Representative Vaught explained that the resolution was intended to keep the chamber-use process consistent with prior practice, noting that Girls State had previously been approved but needed a mechanism to access the floor. No one spoke against the resolution, and it passed by voice vote. After passage, members made several announcements, including that state agencies would meet 15 minutes after adjournment in Big Mac Room B, that Serving Up Solutions would take place on May 21, and that members should clear and lock their desks because Girl State, Arkansas Civic Leadership, and Boy State would be on the floor in two weeks. Representative Vaught also asked members interested in participating in the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute to contact Malicia so they could be added to the list. Representative Eubanks noted a public health meeting scheduled by Senator Irvin during the week of Serving Up Solutions. The caucus then adjourned with no further business.

Transcript Highlights:

• And then the other part of the bill is if you do have a gun on you in your car, it's got to be locked
• And then the other part of the bill is if you do have a gun on you in your car, it's got to be locked
• And then the other part of the bill is if you do have a gun on you in your car, it's got to be locked
• And then the other part of the bill is if you do have a gun on you in your car, it's got to be locked
• I don't know if that's the locked.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now, they're not necessarily locked into this, but one reason these exist is for SFCC funding.
• Now, they're not necessarily locked into this, but one reason these exist is for SFCC funding.
• Now, they're not necessarily locked into this, but one reason these exist is for SFCC funding.
• Now, they're not necessarily locked into this, but one reason these exist is for SFCC funding.
• Now, they're not necessarily locked<00:53:45.640> into<00:53:45.840> this, locked into

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Budget Process 00:02:28 Allotment Process 00:10:30 School Facilities Construction Commission 00:29:10 Role of KDE in School Facilities Funding 00:47:00 Kentucky School Boards Association 01:13:25 Elementary and Secondary School Construction 01:20:40 Perkins V Funding 01:35:32, 958, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman Lock, you're live. >> All right, I'm going to call the meeting to order.
• Well, Chairman Lock and >> All right.
• "Chairman Locke... I, Mr. Chairman, that is seven I's, two nos." "Very good.
• >> Chairman<01:17:40.480> Lock >> Chairman Lock >> Chairman Lock >> I<
• Um, I believe it was Representative Lock, uh, Chairman Lock, that asked about fraternal organizations

Bills: SF0110, SF0044, SF0046

Keywords: property tax, residential real estate, tax assessment, primary residence, tax revenue, gambling, lotteries, raffles, social relationships, charitable gaming, gaming, liquor establishments, skill based amusement games, regulations, age restrictions, 916, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We can't do that with a guy running around with a key trying to lock down our campuses.
• We can't do that with a guy running around with a key trying to lock down our campuses.
• down the campus in case of an active shooter or some emergency that we need to lock down the campus.
• down the campus in case of an active shooter or some emergency that we need to lock down the campus.
• In case of an active shooter or some emergency that we need to lock down the campus.

Keywords: Meeting Start 00:00:00 Attendance Roll Call 00:00:55 Approval of Minutes 00:02:01 Information Items 00:02:10 Review of Executive Branch Agency Plans 00:02:20 A. A. Eastern Kentucky University 00:02:48 B. B. Kentucky Community and Technical College System 00:15:21 C. C. Kentucky State University 00:31:43 D. D. Morehead State University 00:41:44 E. E. Murray State University 01:01:56 F. F. Northern Kentucky University 01:16:09 G. G. University of Kentucky and Hospital 01:25:00 H. H. University of Louisville 01:42:52 I. I. Western Kentucky University 01:56:17, 958, all

Summary: The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a roll call establishing a quorum. The committee then approved the prior meeting’s minutes. Members were reminded to silence cell phones, and the chair noted an informational item on capital plan amendments made by state agencies during the latest revision period before moving to university capital plan presentations. Eastern Kentucky University President David McFaden outlined EKU’s enrollment growth, strong Kentucky student retention, and signature programs in nursing, occupational therapy, criminal justice, education, manufacturing engineering, and aviation. EKU’s main capital priorities were a new health innovation project to support a proposed osteopathic medical program, including a $50 million escrow requirement until accreditation; a collaborative center for health innovation to address outdated health sciences facilities; a $5 million startup request for an air traffic control program; aircraft upgrades for the aviation fleet; and continued asset preservation funding. In response to questions, EKU said roughly 40% of the new health facility would be dedicated to the medical school, with shared simulation space for multiple health programs, and that aviation maintenance needs are currently being met through KCTCS partners but could be expanded if demand grows. KCTCS representatives then described the system’s scale and capital needs, noting service to 107,000 students, extensive dual credit and workforce training, and a network of 342 buildings across 70 campuses. They said prior legislative support, including $277 million in asset preservation and $90 million released for approved projects, had helped with safety, roofs, energy efficiency, and campus security. Their current priorities include about $30 million for systemwide safety and security upgrades, renovations tied to consolidation and footprint reduction under Senate Joint Resolution 179, and broader asset preservation needs estimated at roughly $300 million to $325 million. Members discussed the need to preserve and expand skilled trades training, and KCTCS said its plan includes construction trades and flexible, multiuse facilities that can adapt to changing workforce needs. No votes were taken beyond approval of the minutes, and the presentations concluded with questions and discussion only.

Transcript Highlights:

• It allows us to adapt as technology evolves, rather than locking us into mandates that punish to adapt
• as technology evolves, rather than locking us into mandates that punish consumers today for promises
• direct way that we can help our residents maintain the flexibility to have goals to diversify, but not lock

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House met in a session centered on the FY26 budget, especially the Energy and Environmental Affairs and Labor/Economic Development sections, while also taking time to recognize several championship teams and other guests. Early in the day, the chamber adopted a set of commemorative resolutions, including observances for Apraxia Awareness Day, International Celiac Awareness Day, and Jewish American Heritage Month. Members also welcomed Franklin High’s cheerleading and boys basketball champions, Winthrop boys hockey champions, St. Mary’s of Lynn girls basketball champions, Holy Trinity School students, and later Boston Celtics guard Drew Holiday and Lauren Holiday. The most contentious debate involved amendments related to Massachusetts’ climate and clean-car policies. Representative Lombardo offered amendments to delay or repeal ACC2/zero-emission vehicle requirements and to convert climate mandates into goals rather than requirements, arguing the rules were unrealistic, costly, and harmful to dealers, consumers, and the economy. Opponents said the House had already addressed the issue, and that climate and energy policy should remain under review through a public process. The House rejected Lombardo’s ACC2-related amendments, including after a ruling of the Chair was upheld by roll call, and later adopted a consolidated Energy and Environmental Affairs amendment by a wide margin. The House then adopted a consolidated Labor and Economic Development amendment and ultimately passed the FY26 budget to be engrossed. Supporters highlighted major funding for environmental protection, parks, fish and game, clean energy, food insecurity programs, agricultural support, economic development, tourism, and an immigration legal assistance fund. The chamber also observed a moment of silence for Molly McGovern, and at the end of the session adopted an order to meet the next day at 11 a.m. before adjourning.

Transcript Highlights:

• And while other states were locking down during COVID, Forcing vaccine mandates or letting boys play
• Let's codify a 3% annual cap on recurring spending growth in our constitution and let's lock in future
• Let's lock in these gains and let them grow for the future. Last week 10 Oklahomans were born.

Bills: HB3725, HB3260, HB3660, HB3369, HB3370, HB2937, HB3419, HB3264, HB3266, HB3267, HB3268, HB3310, HB4311, HB3841, HB3024, HB3075

Keywords: labor, e-verification, immigration, employers, employment eligibility, Department of Labor, penalties, funeral licensing, continuing education, Oklahoma Funeral Directors Association, professional development, licensing requirements, HB3660, natural organic reduction, human composting, soil reduction, green burial, funeral services, cremation, burial permit

Transcript Highlights:

• So when I'm in college, I'm actually visiting my mom in the Harris County jail and when my mom is locked
• better word, that they've been criminals their whole life and therefore as adults they need to be locked
• So I think we need more social services, more money, and not locking people up and basically, uh, criminalizing

Transcript Highlights:

• Okay, Secretary locked the board.
• Okay, Secretary, lock the board and record the vote. 38 yays, zero nays, Mr. President.
• Yep, lock the board and record co-introducers. 38 co-introducers, Mr. President.

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer, pledge, and several introductions recognizing guests and groups in the gallery, including representatives from Moffitt Cancer Center, students from Lakeland Christian School, space industry guests, Kappa Alpha Psi, the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators, and local visitors from Groveland and Polk County. The chamber also noted the doctor of the day and later adopted Senate Resolution 1856 honoring the life and legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson, with 38 co-introducers recorded. In addition, Senate Bill 1324 by Senator Simon was withdrawn from further consideration. The main floor action was on Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 112, relating to children with developmental disabilities. Senator Harrell explained that the bill is aimed at improving autism diagnosis, early intervention, and services by expanding screening and referral grants, extending Early Steps services, designating the University of Florida Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment as a coordinating research hub, creating grants for autism-focused charter schools and summer programs, and establishing a microcredential for workers who serve children with autism. Several senators spoke in support while raising implementation concerns, especially about provider recruitment, Medicaid managed care coverage, and the need for more research and technology support. In closing, Senator Harrell said the bill is a first step in a broader effort to improve services and research, and she addressed concerns by stating the services would be covered under new contracts and Medicaid, subject to a federal waiver, and that the microcredential would be developed online by the University of Florida with a stipend to encourage participation. The Senate then voted 38-0 to pass the bill. Afterward, the Rules Chair moved to waive rules and immediately certify the bill to the House, which was adopted without objection, and the Senate adjourned until the next scheduled meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• It basically provided one pouch that has a locking mechanism on it.
• They put their cell phones in, they lock it in front of you, they go into the school day.
• And the Johns Hopkins Public Health study found, and I quote, that households with locked firearms and
• Households with locked firearms and ammunition see up to 85% fewer unintentional injuries.
• So they didn't need any special technology to lock it.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee opened a public hearing on 41 bills related to school climate and safety, with chairs Jason Lewis and Ken Gordon outlining procedures and noting more than 125 witnesses. The first major topic was the “Study Act” on cell phones in schools and related social media restrictions (House 666/Senate 335). Secretary of Education Pat Tutwiler and Attorney General Andrea Campbell testified in strong support, arguing that bell-to-bell phone-free policies would improve student focus, reduce anxiety and distraction, and support mental health. Several legislators also supported the approach, though Representative Jeff Turco and Senator John Keenan emphasized narrower bills focused only on school-day phone restrictions rather than broader social media regulation. Senator John Velis likewise backed a comprehensive school-hours restriction, citing student distraction and mental health concerns. Representative Tarsky described successful implementation of a Yondr pouch system in a school where he served as principal, saying it improved engagement and reduced bullying and discipline issues. The committee then heard testimony on a bill to prohibit Native American mascots in public schools (Senate 312/House 575). Senator Joe Comerford, Brittany Wally, and Rhonda Anderson all urged passage, saying Native mascots are dehumanizing, harmful to Native youth, and inconsistent with civil rights and educational values. They described support from tribal nations and noted that many Massachusetts schools have already changed mascots, but some still resist. The hearing also included testimony on school start times (House 647/Senate 360), where middle school students Caroline Duffy and Emery Jarvis described exhaustion and survey data showing widespread sleep deprivation. Former educator Telia Jacobs, former principal Rep. Tarsky, and others argued that later start times would improve health, learning, and student well-being, while acknowledging transportation and scheduling challenges. Zoriana Petrosian, who helped write one of the bills as a student, said the state already has enough research to act now. Additional bills drew testimony on related school issues. Dr. Raul Fernandez supported a bill promoting racially integrated schools (Senate 324), citing a recent advisory council report showing large disparities in segregated schools and urging DESE to develop a statewide integration strategy. On safe firearm storage education (House 548/Senate 397), multiple witnesses from Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention and school communities supported annual school-based education about secure storage, saying it would help prevent child access to unsecured firearms and build on local resolutions already adopted in some districts. The committee also heard testimony on bills to expand career and academic plans (House 533/Senate 438), with speakers saying more structured planning would help students make informed college and career choices. Later, testimony on child sexual abuse prevention and survivor support bills described the prevalence of abuse, the need for training in schools and youth-serving organizations, and the importance of extending compensation and prevention measures. Throughout the hearing, chairs repeatedly closed bills with no witnesses and moved the agenda forward, but no votes were taken in the portion of the transcript provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• All my uncles told me that they got locked up because they had sellout court-appointed lawyers.
• I didn't think you should get locked up because you had a bad lawyer.
• But everybody locked up was Black or brown. So you're missing... Right?
• But everybody locked up was Black or brown. So you're missing some cultural competency, right?
• They think that if you're locked up, it's your fault.

Keywords: 1184, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Sean Lock. Good morning, Chair Manion, uh, members of the House Judiciary Committee.
• My name is, or I am, Senior Assistant Attorney General Shan Lock.
• I will work with Attorney Locke to clean up some of the language that he suggested.
• Lock to answer that question better than I. Thank you. Any other questions? Seeing none, thank you.
• A brief question that just occurred to me, perhaps might have gone better to Attorney Lock.

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on House Bill 148, with the chair limiting testimony to two minutes and asking for no outbursts so the committee could get through eight bills that day. Representative Kofalt, the prime sponsor, said HB 148 was the same as last year’s HB 396, which passed both chambers but was vetoed by the governor. He explained the bill would allow, but not require, separation by biological sex in bathrooms, locker rooms, houses of correction, and certain athletic competitions, leaving local school boards and administrators discretion to set policies. He argued the bill was meant to address safety and privacy concerns and cited a Milford incident and concerns in several school districts as examples of why local flexibility was needed. Committee members questioned the lack of a definition of “biological sex” and how the bill would be applied. Kofalt said he did not think a definition was necessary because males and females are generally understood, and he said the bill would give local policymakers latitude to make practical rules. He also said the bill was intended to address situations where people might misuse transgender claims to access spaces inappropriately. In response to questions, he said he was aware of issues in Kearsarge, Milford, and Mascoma school districts and had heard of discomfort in the State House, though he did not know all the details. Several opponents testified that the bill would discriminate against transgender and non-binary people and create enforcement problems. Executive Councilor Karen Hill said the bill would roll back New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination protections and conflict with the state’s Live Free or Die values. Alice Wade, a trans woman, said she had used women’s restrooms without incident and argued the bill would invite invasive enforcement and harassment. Representative La Selig said the bill was discriminatory and that bathroom concerns were being confused with unrelated harassment by cisgender males. Betsy Harrington supported the bill, citing a girls’ soccer game at Kearsarge that she said was disrupted by a boy playing on a girls’ team. Rosie Emer and her child testified against the bill, saying bathroom restrictions would increase anxiety and risk for trans and non-binary children. Stephen Scaer and Wendy Stallings supported the bill, arguing sex is biologically fixed and that excluding males from female spaces should not require genital inspections. No vote or final committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I get worried that I'm not going to be locked in.
• Can you imagine being locked in a solitary confinement cell because you have people?
• I'm going to be locked in.
• Can you imagine being locked in a solitary confinement cell because you have PTSD?
• They're going to beat me down and lock me up, and probably within a matter of five days I'll find some

Bills: SB693, SB781, SB836, SB860, SB906, SB993, SB1101, SB1321, SB1370, SB1537, SB1563, SB1610, SB1637

Keywords: notary public, notaries, acknowledgment, jurat, personal appearance, remote notarization, online notarization, e-notary, electronic notarization, fraud prevention, identity verification, real estate fraud, property transfer, state jail felony, Class A misdemeanor, secretary of state, continuing education, record retention, notarial act, Texas Government Code

Summary: The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice heard a series of bills focused on criminal procedure, public safety, victim protections, and law enforcement administration. SB 1537 would require criminal-proceeding interpreters to meet the same appointment standards used in the Government Code, and SB 993 would let the Comptroller’s Criminal Investigative Division seek mobile-tracking warrants directly in motor fuel theft and related tax-fraud investigations. SB 693, as substituted, would create a criminal offense for notaries who notarize documents without the signer personally appearing, with a higher penalty when real property is involved, and would add continuing education for notaries. SB 1610 would tighten rules for civilly committed sexually violent predators at the Texas Civil Commitment Office, including penalties for new crimes and assaults on staff, sex-offender registration requirements, and removal of certain provisions from the filed version; the substitute reduced some of the harsher penalties and preserved parole/community-supervision eligibility. SB 836 would expand privacy protections for sexual assault survivors by limiting livestreaming of certain trials, allowing pseudonyms earlier in the process, and protecting forensic exam evidence and invasive recordings under protective orders. SB 1563 would require county jailers to receive training on interacting with veterans, with testimony emphasizing suicide risk, PTSD, and the need for better identification and support in jails. SB 906 would give the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo authority similar to other Texas tribes to commission peace officers under state law to enforce Texas laws on tribal land. SB 781 would standardize confidentiality rules for peace officers’ personal information and create a confidential departmental file system modeled on Chapter 143 civil-service practices, though members raised concerns about whether the bill could affect disciplinary records and existing disclosure rules. Testimony was largely supportive for the bills, especially from prosecutors, law enforcement representatives, victim advocates, and agency officials. Supporters of SB 693 described widespread deed fraud tied to improper notarizations; supporters of SB 836 stressed survivor privacy and the harms of livestreamed sexual-assault proceedings; supporters of SB 1563 said jailer training could help prevent veteran suicides and improve treatment; and supporters of SB 906 said state commissioning would improve public safety and coordination on tribal lands. SB 781 drew support from police and TCOLE witnesses who said the bill would extend confidentiality protections already used in civil-service departments, while some members questioned whether the bill duplicated existing law or could be read to shield misconduct information. Public testimony included opposition to SB 1610 from a civil-rights advocate who urged waiting for Sunset review, and opposition to SB 781 from a family member of a person killed by police, who objected to expanding confidentiality for officers. Several bills were left pending after testimony because the committee lacked a quorum or chose to hold them for later action.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, so these were projects where it was like we locked in a price and a price escalator.
• And likewise, BP knew they were going to get the volume and they had the price locked in, too.
• they want to lock up the entire project. they want to lock up the entire project.
• in a price and a was like we locked in a price and a price<00:27:08.040> escalator.
• locked in, too. too. too.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The meeting began with introductions, approval of the March 6 minutes as amended to add an attendee list, and a brief overview of the day’s agenda. The committee heard two presentations from carbon project developers, with the first from Dylan Jenkins of Finite Carbon. He described Finite Carbon’s work in improved forest management projects, its role in developing carbon methodologies and protocols, and its experience with projects in New England, Appalachia, Alaska, and Canada. He also outlined the difference between compliance and voluntary carbon markets, the role of registries and intermediaries, and the types of buyers in the market, including large corporate buyers and long-term off-take partners. A major focus of the presentation was how forest carbon projects are structured and how credits are monetized. Jenkins distinguished between removals and reductions, explaining that removals come from new forest growth while reductions are tied more closely to baseline assumptions and standing stock. He said improved forest management projects can generate both types of credits, and that removals generally command higher prices because they are easier for buyers to understand and verify. He also emphasized that carbon project commercialization can occur before, during, or after credit issuance, and that landowners may be paid through a variety of structures, including leases, advance fees, per-unit payments, or off-take agreements. Jenkins then addressed the committee’s tax-related questions, saying House Bill 123 appeared intended to treat carbon credit sales similarly to timber sales for local tax purposes. He argued that carbon credits are a forest product and that taxing them can be reasonable in principle, but he stressed that lawmakers should distinguish between commoditization and commercialization when deciding what event to tax. He noted that credits may be created but never sold, and that in some programs landowners retain timber and carbon rights while in others the developer has deeper control over those rights. In response to questions, he said the industry uses protocols, verification, and third-party oversight to address baseline and quality concerns, but acknowledged that baseline setting remains a major point of debate in the market.

Transcript Highlights:

• require that firearms when in a vehicle located on school property must be unloaded, secured in a locked
• container or safe, and placed in the locked trunk compartment of a vehicle.
• container or safe, secured in a locked container or safe, and<00:09:46.800> placed<00:09:47.120
• > in<00:09:47.279> the<00:09:47.519> lock<00:09:47.920> trunk<00:09:48.560
• > compartment and placed in the lock trunk compartment and placed in the lock trunk compartment

Keywords: 1187, senate, all