Transcript Highlights:

• As the Attorney General has emphasized, the profits from these illicit activities, whatever they may
• We've assembled a team of experienced attorneys and a deep bench of the foremost experts.
• We've assembled a team of experienced attorneys and a deep bench of the foremost experts.
• It would also authorize the Attorney General to seek immediate injunctive relief to enforce specific
• I appreciate you being here and giving us an update from the Attorney General's office.

Keywords: 959, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• As the Attorney General has emphasized, the profits from these illicit activities, whatever they may
• So in August of last year, the Attorney General of Florida issued an emergency rule, scheduling 7-OH
• Just this week, Florida's Attorney General issued a new emergency Just this week, Florida's Attorney
• It would also authorize the Attorney General to seek immediate injunctive relief to enforce specific
• I appreciate you being here and giving us an update from the Attorney General's office.

Summary: The task force heard extensive testimony on recovery support, harm reduction, and community-based care. Dan Haniken of Into Action described his own recovery from addiction and incarceration and argued that treatment alone is not enough; he said recovery housing, peer support, employment, accountability, and stable housing are what help people stay sober and avoid relapse. Members asked about funding, housing shortages, transportation, treatment courts, and support for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Haniken said Into Action relies on a braided mix of federal, state, county, city, foundation, and private funding, and that recovery housing needs longer-term support than many current funding streams provide. He also said Missouri should expand recovery housing, peer recovery support, and recovery community centers, and improve awareness and access to MAT in recovery settings and after incarceration. Matt Cushman, a community paramedic with Raytown Fire Protection District, urged Missouri to expand harm reduction, including syringe service programs and broader access to clean needles and drug-checking tools. He argued that stigma and abstinence-only approaches keep many people from seeking help, and said harm reduction reduces disease transmission, overdose deaths, hospitalizations, and other harms while creating pathways to recovery. He cited naloxone distribution as a successful example and said similar strategies should be decriminalized and expanded. Members asked about naloxone access, community paramedicine funding, and whether safe consumption sites should be considered; Cushman said syringe exchange should be a near-term priority, while safe consumption sites are a longer-term policy question. Representatives from Ozarks Medical Center/COMC and Four Rivers Community Health Center focused on the need to reimburse peer support specialists and community health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. COMC’s Monet Lehman shared her trauma and recovery story and described her jail reentry work, helping incarcerated people with housing, benefits, IDs, employment, MAT, and community supports before release. Four Rivers said its care coordinators and CHWs provide wraparound services such as transportation, housing help, Medicaid enrollment, clothing, and same-day MAT access. Members and staff discussed confusion over reimbursement rules, noting that CCBHCs can bill for peer services through Medicaid while FQHCs generally cannot, and that CHWs are often funded through grants rather than reimbursement. No votes were taken; the meeting consisted of testimony and member questions, with several requests for follow-up information on funding, transportation, and reimbursement rules.

Transcript Highlights:

• House Bill 1924, appropriation, Attorney General. House Bill 1924, appropriation, Attorney General.
• </c> attorneys and staff. attorneys and staff.
• </c> assistance assistant district attorney assistance assistant district attorney positions.<01:05:55.360
• Yeah, one that’s including one additional attorney. So, how many attorneys would it be now?
• </c> additional attorney. additional attorney.

Keywords: MS Senate Floor - 12 March, 2026; 10:00 AM, 925, all

Transcript Highlights:

• The licensed organization shall purchase the stamps from the Attorney General for 35 cents each.
• My senator is an attorney. He's on the bill as a co-sponsor.
• So I don't think as an attorney he would be giving up the ability to sue anybody.
• My senator is an attorney. He's on the bill as a co-sponsor.
• So I don't think as an attorney he would be giving up the ability to sue anybody.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The House convened with prayer, roll call, and a quorum present, then took up several procedural motions, including suspending House rules for three legislative days and replacing conference committee members on Senate Bill 2282 and SCR 4007. The chamber also recognized visiting student groups from Grafton/Pleasant Valley and Shiloh School. Later, the House agreed to several conference committee reports and moved a number of measures through final passage or final disposition. House Bill 1428, which would have created a sales tax exemption for clothing sold by thrift stores or nonprofit corporations, drew extensive debate over tax policy, revenue loss, and possible conflicts with streamlined sales tax rules. Supporters argued it would help lower-income shoppers and nonprofit thrift stores, while opponents said it created an unfair advantage and could reduce state and local revenue. The conference report was adopted, but the bill ultimately failed on final vote, 37-54. House Bill 1440, relating to cigar lounges, was amended in conference and then passed 75-17. House Bill 1460, concerning adult foster care for private-pay adults, electronic monitoring, and a legislative study, was also adopted and passed overwhelmingly, 91-1. The House then passed Senate Bill 2224, which revises gaming commission structure and gaming stamp requirements, adds Attorney General enforcement provisions, and includes a $25,000 general fund appropriation, by a vote of 88-0. Senate Bill 2327, which expands uses of the agriculture diversification and development fund and appropriates $15 million to it, passed 74-17 after a member was excused from voting due to a personal interest. Senate Bill 2267, creating a regulatory framework for on-site wastewater treatment systems and shifting licensing authority to the Department of Environmental Quality, passed 82-10, and Senate Bill 2276, addressing joint water resource boards for cross-county projects, passed 90-1. The most contentious debate centered on Senate Bill 2160, which would move the state employee health plan from grandfathered status to a non-grandfathered ACA-compliant plan and appropriate about $6.6 million for the transition. Supporters said it would give the PERS board more flexibility, expand preventive and other benefits, and potentially slow premium growth without charging employees premiums. Opponents warned it could raise out-of-pocket costs, add mandated benefits, and shift costs to employees, while also arguing the bill had not been adequately studied. After extended debate, the House passed SB 2160 by a vote of 55-37. The chamber also concurred in Senate amendments to House Bill 1318, a pesticide labeling bill, and placed it on final passage, but the transcript ends before the final vote on that measure.

Transcript Highlights:

• And that is why we have some of those legal attorney types on staff now, because I would probably be
• Types on staff now because I attorney Types on staff now because I would<00:11:13.320><c> probably</
• You know, what about the Attorney General?
• You know, what about the Attorney General?
• You know, what about the Attorney General?

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney. I'm an attorney, Good morning, Chair Calderon and esteemed members.
• Consumer Attorneys of California also asked me to express support. Thank you.
• AB 1749 would also authorize the Attorney General, county counsel, or city attorney to bring a civil
• And then it had to go to an attorney who had to review all the information.
• And then it had to go to an attorney who had to review all the information.

Summary: The committee heard several immigration-, health-, food access-, and tribal-rights-related bills. AB 1725 would require disclosure of oil wells near homes and sensitive sites and stronger methane monitoring; supporters described health and safety harms in communities near wells, while apartment, realtor, building, and chamber representatives opposed or sought amendments, arguing the bill should better target the responsible industry and fit existing disclosure processes. AB 1650 would require privately rented or leased vehicles used by government agencies for enforcement to be clearly identifiable and equipped with safety lighting; supporters, including immigrant-rights advocates and local officials, said unmarked vehicles create fear and confusion during ICE operations, while the chamber sought clarification and noted exemptions for ordinary undercover law enforcement. AB 1857 would prohibit grocery restrictive covenants that keep new supermarkets from opening after a store closes, with supporters framing it as a food-access and anti-hunger measure; grocers and retailers raised concerns but said amendments addressed many issues, and the committee moved the bill forward as amended to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with all members present voting aye except one absent member and the bill placed on call. The committee also heard AB 1876, which would codify federal health-care nondiscrimination protections in state law. Supporters from Equality California, Disability Rights California, Planned Parenthood, and other health groups said it would preserve coverage protections for LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and other protected classes amid federal rollbacks; opponents argued it would entrench gender-affirming-care standards and criticized the underlying medical framework. The bill passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, with most members voting aye and one no vote, and was placed on call. AB 1908 would allow public entities to use judgment obligation bonds to finance self-funded victim compensation funds; Los Angeles County said the bill would fill a financing gap for faster compensation, and the committee advanced it on a recorded vote and placed it on call. AB 1881, the California Indian Freedom Act of 2026, would protect California tribes’ access to sacred sites and traditional practices on state public lands and require meaningful consultation; it drew extensive support from tribal leaders and Native organizations, while cities, counties, utilities, builders, and business groups were opposed unless amended, largely seeking clarification and narrowing. The bill was amended to focus on state public lands and passed to Appropriations on a recorded vote, then placed on call. Later, AB 2465 would bar businesses that profit from private detention facilities or contract with immigration-enforcement agencies from receiving state grants, loans, or tax credits and create an immigrant resilience fund. Supporters said the state should not subsidize businesses tied to immigration raids and detention; opponents, including the chamber, bankers, and contractors, raised vagueness and scope concerns, especially over what contracts would be covered. Members said they supported the concept but wanted the bill tightened, and it passed to Revenue and Taxation on a recorded vote with one no vote and was placed on call. The committee then heard AB 2662, which would create a formal state process to monitor and report on federal immigration enforcement actions and their impacts; supporters from legal aid and health centers said raids have chilled access to work, schools, clinics, and naturalization, and the bill was presented as a modest accountability measure. The transcript cuts off before any vote on AB 2662. The committee also approved a consent calendar of several bills and resolutions, sending some to Appropriations and others to the floor.

Transcript Highlights:

• Aren't you an attorney? No, I used to be an attorney.
• </c><04:19:44.159><c> you</c> attorney no I used to be an attorney you attorney no I used to be an attorney
• </c> the Secretary of State or attorney the Secretary of State or attorney general<04:35:47.879><c> so
• </c><04:52:22.440><c> General's</c> Dick Tracy from the Attorney General's Dick Tracy from the Attorney
• </c><04:53:06.920><c> General</c> to go the election the Attorney General to go the election the Attorney

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I'm an attorney. I'm also an academic.
• The chief of police shall consult with the city attorney.
• But the city attorney is not the council. That's all. That's the only comment.
• Why does he need an attorney? Why can't he make an appeal process?
• to appeal with an attorney.

Summary: The committee met on April 15 at 5:13 p.m. with a quorum present and took up several local and municipal bills out of order to accommodate members’ travel. HB 87, which would increase the per diem for the Livingston Parish Gas Utility District No. 1 board, was presented as a local bill with no opposition and was reported favorably without objection. HB 481, dealing with the cost of publishing official proceedings and public notices, drew extensive testimony from the Louisiana Press Association, the Police Jury Association, and committee members. Supporters said a prior agreement intended a 15% to 20% reduction in notice costs, but a calculation error would instead produce roughly a 40% reduction, threatening small newspapers; opponents questioned the process and impact on local governments. The committee ultimately voted 10-5 to send HB 481 to the floor, with members urging further negotiation and possible amendment. HB 573, a major New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board governance bill by Rep. Hilferty, was amended in committee and then supported by Mayor Helena Moreno and several council members as a way to shift more oversight and accountability to the New Orleans City Council. Supporters argued the current structure diffuses responsibility and that local elected officials need more direct authority over operations, contracts, and transparency. Dr. Tracy Washington of the Louisiana Justice Institute opposed the bill, warning that transferring control could worsen financial strain, blur accountability, and raise equity and human-rights concerns for vulnerable residents. Despite the opposition, the committee voted to report HB 573 favorably to the floor. The committee also advanced HB 162, allowing the Jefferson Place/Bocage crime prevention and improvement district to impose a fee after local approval, and HB 368, which raises penalties for unauthorized demolition in New Orleans historic districts to the greater of $50,000 or 15% of assessed value. Both were reported favorably after brief discussion. HB 441, a cleanup bill clarifying that New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board employees remain in city civil service rather than state civil service, was also sent to the floor without objection. Finally, HB 257, concerning the powers and duties of the police chief of the city of Central, was amended to require consultation with the city attorney before discipline or dismissal and to delay effectiveness until January 1, 2027; after debate over due process and the chief’s authority, the committee voted to report it favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• those professional officers like sheriff, police officers, the county registrar, and the county attorney
• Okay, and then refer it to the Attorney General for investigation.
• Okay, and then refer it to the Attorney General for investigation.
• Okay, and then refer it to the Attorney General for investigation.
• Okay, and then refer it to the Attorney General for investigation.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Attorneys are in court talking about parental alienation today.
• are in court talking about attorneys are in court talking about parental<00:27:16.480><c> alienation
• And I think attorney Krueger from New Hampshire Legal Assistance spoke of that.
• And<00:37:15.360><c> I</c><00:37:15.520><c> think</c><00:37:15.960><c> and</c> attorney<00:37:18.880>
• Krueger from New Hampshire attorney Krueger from New Hampshire Legal<00:37:20.280><c> Assistance</c>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• In that case, they ask the Attorney General for an opinion.
• Rather than the Attorney General legislating, which he has the authority to do, if we don't take it,
• And so the board was concerned, did not want to err on the side either way, and they asked for an Attorney
• General's opinion, and the Attorney General asked, instead of us making it, you are in session, please
• make a law rather than relying on an Attorney General's opinion. ...rather than relying on an Attorney

Summary: The committee heard and advanced a series of Senate bills dealing with county government, elections, licensing, property liens, and financial protections. SB 1877 would streamline and make more transparent the reporting of governmental agency reports to the legislature. SB 483 would allow counties to create voluntary relocation assistance programs, with supporters describing it as a way to help people in crisis connect with family or services rather than simply moving them along; it passed after questions about nonprofit involvement, tracking, and safeguards. SB 1198 would address county-held tax-delinquent properties by requiring Oklahoma Health Care Authority liens to be resolved in the county sale process, and SB 1286 would require political subdivisions to provide polling-place rooms at no cost when needed as a last resort, especially where private sites like churches are no longer available. The committee also advanced SB 1287, which clarifies that abstractor licenses do not have to be issued to people not lawfully present in the United States; members asked about TPS, visas, and remote work, and the bill passed. SB 1451 would add notification and reporting provisions to help counties and states maintain voter registration rolls and communicate when voters move, with discussion focused on duplicate registrations, name mismatches, and the end of Oklahoma’s participation in ERIC. SB 1581 would extend the time to gather signatures for a county grand jury petition from 45 to 90 days and add a 10-day protest period, and SB 1623 would update the state charter framework. SB 2067 would create a framework for financial institutions to detect and report suspected exploitation of protected adults and seniors, and SB 2135 would authorize county purchase agents to use county P-cards under rules similar to state purchasing procedures. Most bills were reported due pass by wide margins, including unanimous votes on SB 1286, SB 1623, SB 2067, and SB 2135. SB 1877 passed 14–1–1, SB 483 passed 15–2, SB 1198 passed 16–1, SB 1287 passed 15–2, SB 1451 passed 14–3, and SB 1581 passed 15–2. SB 2139 was laid over until the next day, and the meeting adjourned with notice that the committee would reconvene the following day.

Transcript Highlights:

• I mean, as an attorney who obtains medical records on behalf of clients every single day, I have no idea
• And the argument of access to information for patient advocates, attorneys, is, I find that, for patient
• advocates, attorneys, is, I find that a little offensive because patients deserve access to records.
• I mean, as an attorney who obtains medical records on I similarly just want to echo a few points.
• I mean, as an attorney who obtains medical records on behalf of clients every single day, like I have

Summary: The Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee met with a quorum and considered several health-related bills. HB 887, reducing medical marijuana registry card fees to $15 for honorably discharged veterans, drew support from veterans’ advocates and cannabis groups as a way to lower a financial barrier to care; it passed 18-0 and was reported favorably. HB 733, a Department of Health bill covering medical marijuana treatment center setbacks, physician certification renewals, low-THC/cannabis definitions, emergency license suspension for certain murder-related arrests, dental loan repayment area definitions, Early Steps policy cleanup, and autism microcredential eligibility, received mixed testimony from cannabis advocates who objected to some marijuana-related changes and zoning impacts; it also passed 18-0. HB 259, removing the $1,500 cap on pre-treatment funds held in trust by chiropractic physicians, was described as a free-market change supported by chiropractic groups and passed 18-0. The committee also approved PCS for HB 1443, creating a statewide Parkinson’s Disease Registry within the existing Parkinson’s Disease Research Institute and adding appointments to the consortium board, with USF support and no opposition; it passed 18-0. HB 1445, the related public records exemption for the registry, adopted an amendment adding the required public necessity statement and sunset date of October 2, 2031, then passed 18-0. HB 1309, which would standardize and speed patient access to medical records and align nursing home timelines with federal requirements, drew opposition from an information systems group concerned about data mining and portal access, while supporters argued it would improve patient access and care coordination; it passed 17-1 and was reported favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• She appealed to an attorney representing the school board that attorney referred to.
• She appealed to an attorney representing the school board that attorney referred to. …meeting.
• She appealed to an attorney representing the school board. The attorney refused to reinstate her.

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Public Employment and Retirement heard several retirement and school employment measures. SB 301 by Sen. Grayson would prevent CERL-covered cities and districts from amending retirement contracts to exclude certain employee groups, closing a loophole similar to one previously addressed for CalPERS. The bill was supported by California Professional Firefighters and received no opposition. SB 443 by Sen. Rubio would clarify that employees transferring into a joint powers authority can retain CalPERS classic status even when the JPA expands later; the city of La Verne, a flood management agency, and AFSCME supported the bill, and it also drew no opposition. Both bills were moved out of committee on unanimous votes and sent to Appropriations, with the consent calendar items SB 521, SB 581, and SB 853 also approved. The committee then heard SB 494 by Sen. Cortese, which would give classified school employees the right to have disciplinary appeals heard by an administrative law judge rather than by the school board. Supporters, including CSEA, AFSCME, and CFT, argued the bill would create parity with teachers and community college faculty and provide a fairer appeal process. Opponents, including the California School Boards Association, county superintendents, school business officials, and community college groups, argued it would remove local control, impose a one-size-fits-all process, and shift costs to districts. The bill was passed out of committee and referred to the Committee on Higher Education. The committee also considered SJR 2 by Sen. Cortese, a resolution urging Congress and the President to enact federal protections for classified school employees, including better wages, benefits, safety, and workplace rights. Support came from CFT, CSEA, and other labor groups, with no opposition. The resolution was adopted and moved forward. At the end of the hearing, the committee reopened the roll to add votes, and all listed measures ultimately passed unanimously or near-unanimously before the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• public defender profession see compensation that incentivizes new attorneys to join their ranks.
• Half of those attorneys were hired at the bottom two steps, meaning we're training them.
• Just as an FYI, 55% of our line attorneys started after January 1st of 2020.
• Chair and Senator Kreun, that was at the request of Legal Aid and our attorneys.
• </c> and our attorneys. and our attorneys.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, you know, I there's a shop owner in Little Falls, and we talked about attorney fees, and I think
• So, thank you. talked about attorney fees and I think talked about attorney fees and I think that's<00
• I would let them know that they should report it to the attorney general.
• And that's something that I'm sure my attorneys on the committee would love to debate and spend more
• >> Senator Klein. >> Well, the more important part of the bill, the meat of the bill, is the attorney

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> committee M Chief Deputy attorney committee M Chief Deputy attorney general<00:37:07.480><c> um<
• The Deputy Attorney General, Chelsea Oto, on behalf of the Department of the Attorney General Enforcement
• </c><02:02:33.400><c> general</c> members seeing none um attorney general members seeing none um attorney
• </c> the uh suggestion from the attorney the uh suggestion from the attorney general<02:04:58.040><c>
• </c> deputy attorney deputy attorney general<02:21:26.760><c> um</c><02:21:27.160><c> in</c><02:21:27.399

Keywords: 910, house, all

Summary: The joint hearing covered HB 553 on biomarker testing coverage, HB 556 on colorectal cancer screening access, and later HB 712 on 340B drug pricing. For HB 553, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, patient advocates Natalie Heyman and Susan Hirano, a surgical oncologist, and the American Lung Association strongly supported the bill, arguing that biomarker testing should be covered when ordered by a doctor and guided by current evidence. DHS and several insurers offered comments and requested amendments, with DHS saying it appreciated the intent but wanted changes. The committees then voted to pass HB 553 with amendments, including a House draft and a defective date of July 1, 3000; both the House Health and Human Services and Homelessness committees adopted the recommendation unanimously. For HB 556, testimony focused on closing gaps in colorectal cancer screening, especially for uninsured and underinsured patients who can get stool-based screening but then cannot access follow-up colonoscopies. Community Clinic of Maui, ACS CAN, and the American Cancer Society supported the bill, with ACS CAN urging a program similar to the breast and cervical cancer control program and offering amendments. DHS requested that the program and appropriation not conflict with executive budget priorities, and the committees noted technical amendments, a defective date, a blank appropriation amount, and corrections changing Medicare references to Medicaid. HB 556 was also passed with amendments by both committees. The hearing then moved to HB 712 on 340B drug pricing and contract pharmacies. The Department of Health and the Attorney General’s office expressed concern that the bill would require the state to regulate private commercial activity and said the department lacked the expertise and resources to implement it as written, suggesting it might belong in a different statutory section. In contrast, PhRMA opposed the bill, while Hawaii Pacific Health and Hawaii Island Community Health Center supported it, saying 340B savings are important for hospital services and patient access to low-cost medications, especially where manufacturers have restricted shipments to contract pharmacies. No vote on HB 712 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I just had a question about the role of the Attorney General in this kind of emerging drug issue.
• I think it doesn't necessarily need to be led by the Attorney General. It could. Okay, thank you.
• I think there's, later on, there's a recommendation that the Attorney General... I don't know.
• A recommendation that the Attorney General provide, in consultation with other experts and legal...
• So that there could be, I think, sort of a joint mission, or like some interface between the Attorney

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Special Commission on the Public Health Effects of Xylazine held its fifth and final public meeting to review and approve the final draft of its report before submission to the House and Senate clerks. Chair Mindy Domb opened the meeting, noted Senator John Keenan’s absence due to National Guard deployment, approved the prior meeting minutes, and explained the process for incorporating final edits and late votes into appendices. Commissioners then voted to allow staff to make agreed-upon language changes after the meeting, and later voted on the final report itself. Staff walked commissioners through the report’s redlines and substantive updates. Changes included clarifying that xylazine is an active adulterant rather than simply a bulking agent, replacing “non-clinician” with “non-clinical staff,” removing or revising references to “hotspots” in favor of more accurate language about local trends, and refining language on wound care to refer to medical consequences and financial costs. The report also added or strengthened discussion of harm reduction measures such as drug checking, mobile health services, overdose prevention centers, oxygenation and airway support during overdose response, and the importance of naloxone remaining available while recognizing its limits for xylazine exposure. Commissioners also discussed data collection, legal protections for drug checking, and the role of the Attorney General in guidance and coordination on emerging drug threats. The commission then took a final vote, with the members present voting to approve the report. A letter from Senator Velis, who was also absent due to active duty orders, was read into the record expressing support for the report and its recommendations. In closing comments, commissioners and staff thanked one another for the collaborative work and described the report as a useful public health resource. Chair Domb adjourned the meeting at 11:11 a.m., noting that the final report would be submitted and posted online for public access.

Transcript Highlights:

• On May 7th, the SJC issued a formal order imposing a 30-day deadline for Attorney General Campbell to
• There's a declaration in open court in front of the SJC where the attorney that represents the Office
• And even though questions still exist there, and questions will always exist, I'm not an attorney—a guy
• Matter of fact, I think there's a call from the Attorney General to say, maybe we should do this before
• , I heard in his commentary the suggestion that we pursue an additional endeavor relative to the Attorney

Summary: The Senate took up several local and special bills on third reading and final passage. It amended and passed to be engrossed Senate 1831, a Rutland bill providing killed-in-the-line-of-duty benefits for Joanne Saundi as the surviving spouse of Detective John DeSongy, and also passed to be engrossed two Haverhill bills exempting Nick Santos and Anthony Morales from the maximum age requirement for police officer appointments. The chamber then enacted bills concerning police age requirements in Newton and Stonem, sending them to the Governor. It also adopted two congratulatory resolutions, including one for the Florence Community Band’s 25th anniversary and another recognizing the Italian Consulate in Boston and Italian National Day. The Senate suspended Joint Rule 12 to refer a House petition from Rep. Carol Fiola to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, proposing a temporary pilot to let municipalities extend liquor-license hours and allow public consumption in designated districts during summer 2026. The chamber also addressed House 5501, the fiscal year 2027 state budget, after the House nonconcurred in a Senate amendment; the Senate insisted on its amendment and appointed a conference committee, naming Senators Rodrigues, Comerford, and O’Connor. A major floor debate centered on Senate 3104, a resolution responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s May 7, 2026 order regarding the State Auditor’s request for Senate financial records. Supporters said the resolution would provide documents in four clarified categories—budgets, audits, balance-forward transactions, and monetary settlement agreements—while preserving constitutional separation-of-powers objections to broader requests. Opponents argued the Senate should have sought the court’s guidance earlier and that the documents should be produced without further delay. The resolution was adopted on a roll call vote, 33-6. The Senate then adjourned in memory of William F. Howard of Beverly and set its next meeting for Monday at 11:00 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• child abuse, but he was victimized yet again by the justice system, and I would say even his own attorney
• Senator Presley, you're an attorney.
• Zach Daniels, the Louisiana District Attorney's Association, and Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney
• And it's happening to a lot of the attorneys who, especially, you know, those of us who are practicing
• I mean, you're an attorney, you know, I mean, you could argue that there's no law to suggest how it would

Bills: HB165, HB603, SB77, SB140, SB185

Keywords: HB165, lottery proceeds, Lottery Proceeds Fund, Veterans Service Grant Fund, constitutional amendment, veterans, military veterans, veterans' benefits, veterans services, family support, state lottery, education funding, Minimum Foundation Program, problem gambling, compulsive gaming, state treasurer, ballot proposition, constitutional referendum, lottery revenue, Louisiana resident veterans

Transcript Highlights:

• And then my district attorney to my right, Charles Ballet here, they learned in Title 17, in the educational
• However, under the current law, and also reinforced by the Attorney General’s opinion, although we are
• My office, my vehicles are exempt as district attorney. I have investigators.
• Charles Ballet, District Attorney of the 25th JDC, Plaquemines Parish. Thank you, Mr. Ballet.
• District Attorney from Plaquemines Parish, present in support and speaking. Dr.

Bills: SB309, SB457, SB513, HB148, HB149, HB358, HB384, HB428, HB487, HB593, HB613, HB657, HB675, HB712, HB716, HB720, HB723, HB728, HB732, HB845, HB846, HB965

Keywords: driving school, driver education, prelicensing course, motor vehicles, Department of Public Safety, Office of Motor Vehicles, third-party tester, third-party examiner, private driving instructor, license application, consumer protection, course pricing, tuition regulation, administrative rules, transportation committee, construction, management, project delivery, public contracts, legislative approval

Summary: The House Committee on Transportation met on April 22, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several transportation-related bills, many involving license plates, toll exemptions, and administrative changes. The committee first advanced HB 988 by Rep. Bagley, which changes the fee distribution for current and retired legislators’ special prestige license plates so the proceeds support repairs at the Pentagon/first LSU building rather than going to the state. It then heard HB 1001 by Rep. Marcel, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 190 as the Jesse Jackson Memorial Highway; the bill was supported with remarks honoring Jackson’s civil rights legacy, and the committee observed a moment of silence before reporting it favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 989 by Rep. Boyer, which updates and clarifies fees charged by public license tag agents. Rep. Phelps offered an amendment to exempt Shreveport from the fee increase, but it failed on a roll call vote, and the bill was then reported favorably by a 13-2 vote. HB 1192, also by Rep. Boyer, creating a Louisiana Dental Hygienist Association specialty license plate, was amended to remove a restriction limiting issuance to association members and then passed favorably without objection. HB 1032 by Rep. Wiley, which clarifies the substances referenced in DUI-related motor vehicle statutes, received technical amendments and was reported favorably without objection. The committee also advanced HB 748 by Rep. Brough, exempting Louisiana school board-owned and leased vehicles from tolls on bridges and highways, including the Bell Chasse toll bridge area, after testimony from Plaquemines Parish school officials and the district attorney describing toll costs and operational burdens; the bill was amended to include leased vehicles and then reported favorably without objection. HB 1108 by Rep. Omade creating a homeschool pride specialty plate was also reported favorably without objection after discussion of the plate design and proceeds going to Homeschool Louisiana. Finally, HB 1081 by Chairman Wright, restructuring the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission under the Office of Multimodal Commerce and DOTD for administrative support, was amended at the request of the Governor’s Office and reported favorably without objection. The committee adjourned after completing its agenda.