Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 312 by Senator Talbot amends Title 42 relative to labor organizations, employee dues and fees
• ; provides for the amount of fees and costs.
• House Bill 593 by Representative Chance Henry, motor vehicle field offices, service transaction fees.
• House Bill 593 by Repsum Chance Henry, Motor Vehicle Field Offices, service transaction fees that were
• House Bill 856 by Representative Fontenot, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity construction phase

Bills: SCR59, SCR70, HR275, HR279, HR282, HR289, HR307, HCR112, SCR61, SCR62, SCR64, SB121, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HCR117, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, SCR65, HCR3, HCR49, HCR66, HCR67, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB1, HB2, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB126, HB133, HB159, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB289, HB291, HB312, HB313, HB324, HB352, HB383, HB398, HB403, HB429, HB457, HB459, HB549, HB571, HB579, HB591, HB608, HB616, HB624, HB766, HB769, HB783, HB804, HB864, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB971, HB983, HB1005, HB1017, HB1051, HB1056, HB1126, HB1186, HB1193, HB1223, HB1224, HB1235, HB1249, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, SB441, SB149, HB359, SB29, SB43, SB78, HB463, HB998, SB197, SB268, SB123, SB276, SB326, SB80, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB479, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB468, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB42, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Transcript Highlights:

• state licensing board of contractors, the domicile of the board, powers and duties, administrative fees
• , provides for the amount of fees and costs.
• House Bill 593 by Representative Chance Henry, motor vehicle field offices, service transaction fees.
• House Bill 776 by Representative Zeringue concerns court construction development priority program.
• House Bill 856 by Representative Fontenot, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity construction phase

Bills: SCR59, SCR70, HR275, HR279, HR282, HR289, HR307, HCR112, SCR61, SCR62, SCR64, SB121, HR310, HR314, HR316, HR317, HR321, HCR117, SCR5, SCR29, SCR33, SCR37, SCR63, SCR30, SCR40, SCR65, HCR3, HCR49, HCR66, HCR67, HB54, HB137, HB321, HB368, HB386, HB414, HB431, HB552, HB555, HB578, HB590, HB593, HB618, HB638, HB670, HB692, HB707, HB708, HB715, HB718, HB732, HB741, HB748, HB776, HB796, HB807, HB822, HB848, HB856, HB887, HB888, HB917, HB921, HB1082, HB1243, HB1246, HB1, HB2, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB126, HB133, HB159, HB213, HB218, HB222, HB289, HB291, HB312, HB313, HB324, HB352, HB383, HB398, HB403, HB429, HB457, HB459, HB549, HB571, HB579, HB591, HB608, HB616, HB624, HB766, HB769, HB783, HB804, HB864, HB874, HB909, HB951, HB971, HB983, HB1005, HB1017, HB1051, HB1056, HB1126, HB1186, HB1193, HB1223, HB1224, HB1235, HB1249, SB259, SB295, SB312, SB348, SB444, SB485, SB441, SB149, HB359, SB29, SB43, SB78, HB463, HB998, SB197, SB268, SB123, SB276, SB326, SB80, HB901, HR20, HR74, HCR65, HCR71, HCR98, HB284, HB306, HB341, HB366, HB393, HB458, HB577, HB603, HB605, HB614, HB625, HB646, HB733, HB752, HB773, HB798, HB911, HB955, HB996, HB1035, HB1069, HB1113, HB1140, HB1180, HB1191, HB1240, HB1255, SB82, SB89, SB97, SB479, HB74, HB119, HB134, HB210, HB258, HB468, HB784, HB870, HB953, HB956, HB1117, HB1236, SB42, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB449, SB487

Keywords: Major Richard Star Act, veterans, military retirement, disability compensation, VA benefits, combat-wounded, medically retired, military retirees, service members, veterans benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, concurrent receipt, retirement offset, combat-related disability, bipartisan support, memorial resolution, Congressional memorial, Louisiana delegation, Richard Star

Summary: The House convened with a quorum and opened with prayer by Archbishop Checchio, the pledge, and the national anthem. Members also used personal privilege to recognize visiting officials, university leaders, grocers, Governor’s Fellows, and several special guests and honorees, including Grambling State University for its 125th anniversary, Tiger Athletics, and the Tiger Marching Band, as well as CASA volunteers and advocates. The chamber adopted a number of ceremonial resolutions and made several conference committee appointments and committee discharge motions. The floor then took up a series of Senate and House resolutions, many of which were adopted without objection or after brief debate. These included resolutions creating or studying task forces on topics such as homeowner catastrophe claims and insurance-related litigation, the Louisiana-Ireland Trade Commission, informed consent laws, fiscal note procedures, K-12 student success pathways, and military funding alignment. Members also adopted resolutions on domestic violence protective-order access, flood risk mapping, seismic activity in North Louisiana, illegal dumping enforcement, toll signage and customer service, and other local or commemorative matters. Several Senate resolutions were temporarily returned to the calendar, while others were adopted by recorded vote, including SCR 29, SCR 33, SCR 37, SCR 63, SCR 30, SCR 65, and SCR 40. The House then considered Senate Bill 259, which authorizes an online application process for civil protection orders and restraining orders for domestic violence victims; it passed 93-0. Senate Bill 312, dealing with public-sector labor organizations and dues/withdrawal procedures, prompted extended debate focused on whether the bill unfairly singled out teachers’ unions and whether teachers already have the ability to opt out; the bill ultimately passed 60-38. Senate Bill 348, allowing the City of St. George to contract for administrative assistance in motor-vehicle crash response, passed 84-9 after questions about citations, reports, and the role of third parties. Senate Bill 485, concerning St. George’s municipal fiscal authority and insurance premium taxes, passed 91-0 after an amendment removed new public facility charge authority. The House also debated Senate Bill 197, which would reduce the number of judges on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal from 12 to 10 based on a workload and population study by the National Center for State Courts. Supporters cited the circuit’s smaller population and lower per-judge workload, while questions focused on the study’s publication and whether it actually recommended a reduction. The transcript ends during that debate, before final disposition is shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for the calculation of oilfield site restoration fees.
• to provide for the calculation of oilfield site restoration fees.
• This right-sizes the community to the collection of the fee.
• From 5,000 to 9,000, this right-sizes the community to the collection of the fee.
• It also allows the city to recover court costs and attorney fees in that pursuit.

Bills: SR146, SCR12, HB221, HCR115, HCR116, HCR58, HB1, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3, HB2, HB3, SCR3, SB56, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB1017, HB1234, HB1235, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1038, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB43, SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Transcript Highlights:

• to provide for the calculation of oilfield site restoration fees.
• fees.
• This right-sizes the community to the collection of the fee.
• From 5,000 to 9,000, this right-sizes the community to the collection of the fee.
• It also allows the city to recover court costs and attorney fees in that pursuit.

Bills: SR146, SCR12, HB221, HCR115, HCR116, HCR58, HB1, HB312, HB313, HB314, HB383, HB983, HB1126, HCR3, HB2, HB3, SCR3, SB56, SCR9, SCR58, SB35, SB65, SB215, SB246, SB249, SB269, SB282, SB296, SB323, SB363, SB369, SB474, SB490, SB492, SB500, SB514, HCR27, HCR28, HCR66, HCR67, HCR72, HCR5, HCR32, HCR49, HCR50, HCR53, HCR60, HCR62, HCR64, HCR68, HCR78, HCR81, HCR86, HCR97, HCR102, HCR31, HCR47, HB476, HB481, HB487, HB492, HB549, HB579, HB608, HB621, HB624, HB626, HB632, HB637, HB656, HB722, HB745, HB804, HB818, HB821, HB833, HB864, HB867, HB874, HB893, HB909, HB951, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB979, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1005, HB1007, HB1024, HB1032, HB1050, HB1051, HB1056, HB1059, HB1077, HB1080, HB1081, HB1086, HB1108, HB1112, HB1153, HB1172, HB1173, HB1175, HB1192, HB1193, HB1204, HB1218, HB1242, HB1244, HB1249, HB1252, HB1254, HB42, HB45, HB71, HB79, HB158, HB160, HB169, HB227, HB251, HB289, HB330, HB394, HB410, HB429, HB769, HB971, HB1017, HB1234, HB1235, HB9, HB177, HB181, HB202, HB223, HB225, HB387, HB398, HB457, HB459, HB540, HB591, HB616, HB766, HB775, HB783, HB895, HB906, HB950, HB975, HB1052, HB1057, HB1076, HB1100, HB1139, HB1155, HB1160, HB1182, HB1186, HB1220, HB1223, HB1224, HB1228, HB1231, HB1245, HB1256, HB17, HB27, HB36, HB41, HB47, HB73, HB126, HB133, HB140, HB159, HB166, HB205, HB211, HB226, HB259, HB271, HB308, HB310, HB324, HB337, HB351, HB399, HB403, HB571, HB712, HB723, HB726, HB740, HB750, HB759, HB812, HB844, HB966, HB1006, HB1009, HB1018, HB1036, HB1038, HB1107, SB29, SB42, SB78, SB208, SB217, SB274, SB300, SB341, SB379, SB382, SB387, SB401, SB441, SB449, SB487, HB74, HB134, HB258, HB359, HB468, HB956, HB1117, SB43, SB149

Keywords: SR146, Senate Resolution 146, Louis Thomas Nelson, Thomas Nelson, condolences, memorial resolution, tribute, obituary, public service, St. Martinville, Cade, St. Martin Parish, police juror, mayor, community center, water system, school bus driver, school board, Louisiana Senate, sympathy

Summary: The Senate opened with roll call, a prayer by campus pastor Anthony Brown, and the Pledge of Allegiance. After the journal was read, the chamber took up a series of resolutions and bills, beginning with measures directing studies on mineral servitudes, student non-enrollment determinations, autism services, school nurse orientation, declining school enrollment, behavioral health and homelessness, floodplain map updates, opioid treatment in correctional facilities, oversized vehicle permits, rural economic development, hunting education in schools, and fraud prevention for seniors. Several local and commemorative resolutions were also adopted, including Tangipahoa Parish Fair Day, recognition of Lane Frenchy Boudreau’s military service, and a memorial resolution honoring Bob Bowman. Personal privilege remarks also recognized festival royalty, the Westlake High School baseball team, Dr. E. Joseph Savoy, and 101-year-old Thelma Smith Williams. The Senate concurred in or adopted numerous House concurrent resolutions, often after brief explanations and, in some cases, amendments. These included measures on criminal history background checks for ambulance personnel, autism support services, school nurse orientation, acute care access for individuals with developmental disabilities, child abuse reporting training, physical therapy student loan eligibility, migratory waterfowl research, and a task force on senior fraud prevention. The chamber also adopted resolutions related to seafood competitiveness, bridge backup motors, I-12 improvements, and a Louisiana Energy Protection Act-style climate litigation measure, along with a resolution supporting Preeclampsia Day and a new Woman’s Hospital initiative. The Senate then moved through a long calendar of House bills on third reading and final passage. Bills passed included measures on Safe Haven Law postings in schools, official journal pricing, the Governor’s Task Force on Impaired Driving, the Bayou Growth Opportunity Workforce Program, sexual assault survivor rights, intercollegiate athletics revenue-sharing records, renewable energy recycling, school emergency operations plans, the Louisiana FIRST data system, oilfield site restoration fees, inmate programming, automatic reinstatement of suspended driver’s licenses, special vehicle permits, climate-change damages, the Louisiana Center for State Schools, the Sexual Assault Survivor Empowerment Task Force, fire limits, police chief appointment in Folsom, digitized credentials, Sewage and Water Board procurement, behavioral health crisis insurance coverage, the Louisiana Talent Accelerator Office, indigent defender fee thresholds, prestige license plates, public license tag agent fees, highway naming, public defender terminology cleanup, an improvement district in Orleans Parish, a Democratic Party license plate, DWI-related substance definitions, commercial driver’s license rules, and a Shreveport demolition/local property bill. Several measures drew debate, especially HB 608 on athletics revenue-sharing transparency, which passed 32-13 after concerns about public records and taxpayer transparency. The final bill mentioned, HB 1059 on TOPS math requirements, was introduced at the end of the transcript but its disposition was not shown.

Transcript Highlights:

• Currently, the funds are used only for brick-and-mortar costs, so gap financing, new construction, and
• ,<00:03:21.680> rehab<00:03:22.159> of<00:03:22.319> an including new construction
• , rehab of an including new construction, rehab of an existing<00:03:23.120> building,<00:03:23.840
• , and rehab for both new construction, and rehab for both home<00:04:09.920> ownership<00:04:10.480
• And on page 50, they aren't waiving their right to contest um any illegal fees.

Bills: HF2740, HF2901, HF4443, HF3943

Keywords: affordable housing, housing finance, Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, MHFA, low-income housing tax credit, LIHTC, Section 42, compliance period, housing stability, rental housing, affordable rental housing, homelessness, housing insecurity, housing supply, preservation, recapitalization, distressed properties, regulatory relief, local affordable housing aid, Interagency Council to End Homelessness

Transcript Highlights:

• the fire code inspection and approval process for counties and cities that are collaborating on construction
• holding at least one public comment session in the county where the relevant plant is located, to construct

Bills: HB2051, HB2324, HB2439, HB2457, HB2686, HB2837, HB2875, HB2953

Keywords: AHCCCS, lactation care, breastfeeding, health services, healthcare access, HB2324, fire code, fire marshal, state fire marshal, municipalities, cities and towns, county-owned buildings, county buildings, intergovernmental agreement, IGA, fire inspection, occupancy certificate, building inventory, local government, county government

Summary: The Committee on Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency approved the March 11, 2026 minutes and then heard several bills. HB 2686, a patient-protection measure for outpatient surgical facilities, would require surgeons to file and update a call-coverage plan for hospital complications; the sponsor said it would improve continuity of care and reduce emergency room confusion, and the committee recommended it do pass. HB 2051 would require AHCCCS contractors, subject to CMS approval, to cover breastfeeding and lactation services in multiple settings; supporters described it as a maternal and infant health measure, AHCCCS was neutral and noted a projected state cost of about $1.8 million, and the bill received a do-pass recommendation on a 6-0 vote with one member not voting. The committee also approved HB 2837, which requires compensation disclosure for testimony or written comments in municipal zoning matters and requires certain municipal board members or hearing officers to disclose and recuse for recent conflicts involving entities they served; the sponsor framed it as a transparency and conflict-of-interest bill, and it passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2875, concerning commercial drone delivery systems, was amended to allow local regulation of drone facilities near medium and large hub airports within a 2.5-mile buffer and to require consultation with airports; Zipline and industry groups supported the measure as providing regulatory clarity, and the committee adopted the amendment and recommended the bill do pass. HB 2324 would let cities with their own fire codes, through an intergovernmental agreement, have city fire inspectors enforce those codes on county-owned buildings in city limits when state enforcement is burdensome; county and fire officials said it would resolve jurisdictional confusion, and the bill passed 6-0 with one not voting. HB 2439 would exempt single-user public or semi-public cold plunges from ADEQ spa rules, and an amendment removed ADEQ rulemaking authority; county health representatives said the change would reduce confusion, but one member raised public-health concerns, and the amended bill passed 4-2 with one not voting. HB 2457 would allow utilities to bypass the certificate of environmental compatibility process for new plants co-located with large electricity users after notice and a public comment session; the Sierra Club opposed it as reducing public review, while supporters said it preserved some local input and improved efficiency, and it passed 4-2 with one not voting. Finally, HB 2953 would cap certain nondisciplinary and civil penalties imposed by the Board of Pharmacy at $25,000 and allow lower penalties based on prior activity; a supporter said it matched limits used in other regulatory contexts, and the committee recommended it do pass unanimously.

Bills: SB279, HB478, SB279, HB478

Keywords: Alabama State House, Montgomery, Legislative Council, demolition, state capitol, state capitol building, historic preservation, state property, inventory removal, fixtures, furnishings, reuse, recycling, upcycling, surplus property, public assets, legislative chambers, desk sale, chair sale, state auditor

Transcript Highlights:

• That construction and demolition waste includes treated woods.
• would encourage you to take construction would encourage you to take construction and<00:37:54.840
• And we're recommending a threshold for the fee so that it will be really easy for new car purchasers
• the fee the fee so<00:58:11.840> that<00:58:12.040> it<00:58:12.160> will<00
• bait for the fee on gasoline vehicles.

Bills: HB1986, HB1694, HB1695, HB2030, HB1673

Keywords: clean fuel standard, alternative fuels, carbon intensity, emission reduction, greenhouse gases, transportation, sustainable aviation fuel, tax credit, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy, Hawaii, economic development, carbon footprint, aviation sector, renewable fuels, local production, energy resilience, agricultural innovation, job creation, clean vehicles

Summary: The committee on Energy and Environmental Protection heard testimony on three measures related to cleaner fuels. On HB 1986, which would require the Department of Transportation to adopt rules for a clean fuel standard by January 1, 2028 and include reporting and public informational sessions, testimony was largely supportive from state commissions, fuel companies, airlines, and other industry and advocacy groups. Supporters said the bill would create a long-term framework for reducing emissions and developing cleaner fuels in Hawaii. Opposition came from Energy Justice Network, which argued that so-called clean fuels are not carbon-free, would be costly, and could delay a needed transition to electrification. The department later said it was monitoring the bill and was concerned about costs. No vote or final action was taken in the hearing. The committee then heard HB 1694, a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit bill that would provide a per-gallon credit for SAF, cap annual credits at $20 million, require reporting, and sunset in 2035. The Department of Taxation testified on administration, while the Department of Transportation said it supported the measure as a short-term strategy to jump-start SAF until the clean fuel standard ramps up. Airlines, fuel companies, the Hawaii Food Industry Association, the Hawaii Renewable Fuels Coalition, and others supported the bill, saying it would send a market signal, help close the cost gap with conventional jet fuel, and encourage local production and investment. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network, Life of the Land, and Ted Metros, argued the bill would be expensive, could lock in a transitional fuel system, and would not produce enough fuel to meet demand. Committee members asked about the likely impact and the share of total fuel demand the credit could support; DOT said the supported gallons would be only a very small percentage of annual demand and that the credit was intended to work alongside the future clean fuel standard. Finally, the committee took up HB 1695 HD1 on renewable fuel, which expands the renewable fuels production tax credit. Testimony was again mixed but generally supportive from the Department of Transportation, Department of Taxation, Island Energy Services, airlines, the Tax Foundation, Pana Pacific, and the Hawaii Farm Bureau. Supporters said the measure would encourage local feedstock production, create agricultural opportunities, and help attract investment in renewable fuels. Pana Pacific requested an amendment to explicitly include camelina in the definition of renewable feedstocks. Opponents, including Energy Justice Network and Life of the Land, repeated concerns about cost, imported feedstocks, and the risk of undermining full electrification goals. The hearing transcript does not show any vote or final committee action on HB 1694 or HB 1695 HD1.

Transcript Highlights:

• so, really again, we're looking at tying compliance to just the minimum standards here for all construction
• c><00:30:51.640> for<00:30:51.920> compacts<00:30:52.440> typically um as the fees
• for compacts typically um as the fees for compacts typically are<00:30:53.000> less<00:30:53.280
• And these fees and penalties will then go back to help fund the enforcement efforts.
• Something like, is there a way to construct definitions within the definition section that does bring

Bills: HB2614, HB1660, HB1704, HB1563, HB1573, HB1777, HB1749

Keywords: cosmetics, returns, refunds, consumer protection, high-pressure sales, transparency, accountability, HB1660, Hawaii, county labor standards, counties, contractors, building permits, permit denial, permit suspension, permit revocation, wage theft, wages, benefits, hours

Summary: The committee heard testimony on HB 2614, which would require merchants selling cosmetics to accept returns of newer unopened goods within specified time frames and expand signage requirements for return and refund policies. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection strongly supported the bill, citing updated figures of 180 cosmetic complaints from 2020 to 2025, 54 still under investigation, 148 referred to class action litigation, and more than $1.3 million in consumer losses. Members questioned whether the bill was needed given the pending lawsuit and whether bad actors would comply, while the office responded that clearer signage would improve consumer awareness and could reduce complaints without limiting other remedies. No vote was taken. The committee then heard HB 1660 HD1, which would allow counties to require contractors to disclose wage, benefit, hour, and employment-status information and to deny, revoke, or suspend permits for certain labor-law violations. DLIR, the Hawaii Regional Council of Carpenters, Operating Engineers Local 3, and Pacific Resource Partnership testified in support, arguing the measure would help deter cheating contractors, protect law-abiding employers, and keep bad actors from undercutting wages and taxes. One member raised concerns about possible delays to affordable housing projects and whether owners should be held responsible for contractors’ misconduct; supporters replied that compliance is a minimum standard, that county action would be discretionary rather than automatic, and that the bill would not bar counties from working with affordable housing developers. No action was reported. Finally, the committee took up HB 1704, adopting the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact to allow telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the State Health Planning and Development Agency, the Hawaii State Association of Counties, and the Hawaii Association of Health Plans supported the measure, saying it would help fill major staffing gaps, especially for forensic evaluations and services in rural and neighbor-island communities. The Board of Psychology raised concerns about the compact’s scope, the need for a study focused specifically on psychologists, background-check requirements, possible loss of regulatory authority and revenue, and the need to update older statutory provisions. Hawaii Association for Justice opposed the immunity language in the compact, and Shawn Scanlon opposed the bill, arguing it could weaken cultural responsiveness and local control and suggesting the state instead improve temporary licensing and other in-state pathways. The committee also questioned the Department of Corrections about its vacancies and whether telehealth could be filled by local providers; no vote was taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• You're referring to commercial construction.
• construction.
• Construction Management, which is a schedule of fees for architects, doesn't matter what architect you
• use; you get the same fee every time.
• So the state actually regulates what that fee is. I know and... Regulates what that fee is.

Bills: HB141, HB161, HB231, HB67

Keywords: HB141, Alabama, state employees, salary deductions, payroll deduction, State Comptroller, membership dues, voluntary contributions, insurance premiums, financial instruments, employee associations, state payroll, Code of Alabama 1975, Section 36-1-4.3, public employees, union dues, benefits administration, payroll withholding, financial products, deferred compensation

Bills: SCR56, SCR25, SCR79, SCR179, SCR181, SCR182, SR54, SR22, SR81, SR174, SR176, SR177

Keywords: lifeguards, first responders, public safety, ocean safety, emergency response, community wellbeing, Pohakuloa, condemnation, federal government, land sovereignty, Hawaii, native Hawaiians, public trust land, invasive species, octocoral, Pearl Harbor, environment, Navy responsibility, marine ecosystem, ecosystem preservation

Summary: The committee first heard SCR 56 and SR 54, which recognize open water lifeguards as first responders and acknowledge their role in emergency response and public safety. Testifiers from the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, Hawaii Water Safety Coalition, Honolulu and Kauai Ocean Safety, and a junior guard all strongly supported the resolutions, describing lifeguards as often first on scene for drownings, cardiac arrest, spinal injuries, flooding rescues, and other emergencies. Several speakers said formal recognition would better reflect the work lifeguards already do and could improve training, support services, pay equity, and access to benefits such as retirement and trauma resources. Members asked about what legal or administrative changes would follow, and the discussion suggested the resolutions were a first step toward broader recognition and related policy changes. The committee then took up SCR 25 and SR 22, opposing federal condemnation or threats of condemnation to take control of Pohakuloa and other state land. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs supported the resolutions, saying Pohakuloa has deep historical, cultural, genealogical, and ecological significance and that any future decisions should go through existing state legal processes with meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiians. Members discussed the role of the governor’s advisory process, the need to follow DLNR/BLNR procedures, and concerns about environmental and health violations at the site. The committee also noted 14 written testimonies in support. Next, the committee heard SCR 79 and SR 81, urging the U.S. Navy to take responsibility for eradicating octocoral and other invasive species in Pearl Harbor waters, including West, Middle, and East Loch. DLNR supported the resolutions, and testimony focused on the spread of invasive coral, the difficulty of eradication, and the limited access state agencies have inside Pearl Harbor. Members raised concerns about contamination, responsibility for the problem, and whether the Navy should fund or carry out the cleanup; DLNR said it could not speak to broader contamination issues but supported the resolution as a way to encourage action. The committee then began discussion of SCR 179 and SR 174, which urge Maui County to enforce fire code provisions on brush clearance, fuel breaks, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access, with written support noted from Aloha Independent Living Hawaii.

Transcript Highlights:

• Is that—you’re not going to up front ask for more, you know, like in your deposit fees or what if you
• Is that—you’re not going to up front ask for more, you know, like in your deposit fees or what if you
• as compared to a comparable fee unit. as compared to a comparable fee unit.
• <00:46:47.320> Is<00:46:47.480> there construction of the units?
• Is there construction of the units?

Bills: SB2069, SB2177, SB2342, SB2060, SB2544, SB3011, SB2061, SB2552

Keywords: SB2069, Hawaii housing, HHFDC, Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Dwelling Unit Revolving Fund, equity pilot program, housing affordability, homeownership, first-time homebuyer, for-sale housing, transit-oriented development, TOD, transit-oriented development zone, bus route, bus stop, critical workforce housing, health care workers, educators, law enforcement, correctional officers

Summary: The House Housing Committee opened its Friday morning hearing by noting potentially catastrophic flooding on the island and acknowledging that some members were absent helping their communities, so quorum for voting was uncertain. The committee then heard testimony on several housing-related measures, with most bills drawing support from housing agencies and community organizations and little or no opposition in the room. On SB 2069 SD2, SB 2177 SD2, and SB 2342 SD2, witnesses largely supported the measures. HHFDC supported SB 2069 and SB 2177, and HPHA supported SB 2342. For SB 2342, HHFDC raised concerns that the bill would alter the Qualified Allocation Plan outside the normal open, public process required by federal law and could exclude stakeholders; Kathy Charities echoed those concerns and also objected to changing point allocations in ways that could raise rents and weaken long-term affordability. Members questioned HHFDC about how the QAP is normally updated, the meaning of the point system, and whether a legislative working group could mandate changes; HHFDC said recommendations would still need public hearing and board approval. The committee also heard SB 2060 SD2, which would create a mixed-income subaccount in the rental housing revolving fund. HHFDC said the subaccount would likely use tier-two funds, estimated at about $100 million total, to support mixed-income projects above 60% AMI, citing Front Street Apartments as a possible example. Members asked about project selection and funding needs. On SB 2544 SD2, OHA opposed the bill’s Chapter 6E-related exemptions and mandatory review timelines, arguing that burial review protections should not be weakened and that the SPEED Task Force process was a better venue for streamlining. The sponsor later clarified that the bill was not meant to eliminate the 60-day review process but to make the deadline clearer. For SB 3011 SD1, which concerns public housing and pet ownership, HPHA and several humane organizations supported the measure, saying it would help low-income residents and seniors keep pets and benefit from animal companionship. HPHA explained its existing pet policy, including deposits, monthly fees, and restrictions, and said the requested funding would support ADA-accessible pet areas and related administration. Finally, on SB 2061 SD2, HCDA supported the bill while OHA opposed it unless protections for Hawaiian Crown and Government lands were strengthened. Committee members questioned the project’s 60/40 split between income-restricted and market-rate units, the 10-year owner-occupancy restriction, and the procurement exemption; the sponsor said the exemption was tied to a real estate transaction and that the project would still use 103D-like solicitation procedures. No votes were taken during the hearing, and several items were left for later action because quorum was uncertain.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, and it doesn't really make
• In densely populated areas, the construction of cemeteries in close proximity to residential or commercial
• which can require having to buy new permits, which can run anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 in fees
• My department oversees development and residential construction in the unincorporated areas of the county
• I can't do absolutely anything with it because I can't afford $30,000 in engineering and surveying fees

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Summary: The committee heard testimony and took action on several land use, housing, municipal utility district, and cemetery-related bills. House Bill 447, dealing with transportation impact analysis requirements tied to MUD bond issuance, drew opposition from a witness who argued it would duplicate work, strain agency resources, and delay development; after the sponsor’s closing remarks, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Senate Bill 1202, on third-party review of home backup power installations, was substituted and reported favorably to the full House by a unanimous roll call. House Bill 2494, on disannexation for failure to provide municipal services, and House Bill 1835, removing barriers to HUD-code manufactured homes, were also substituted and reported favorably; HB 1835 passed on a 5-1 vote. Senate Bill 15, limiting lot size and density requirements in certain large municipalities, was substituted and reported favorably unanimously. The committee also heard House Bill 897, which would authorize the sale or long-term lease of two state-owned Austin properties used by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and HHSC. The sponsor said the properties are in poor condition and that proceeds would benefit the state; after questions, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. Several template MUD bills were then laid out, including HB 5652, HB 5654, HB 5661, and HB 5656, each creating or authorizing municipal utility districts in Montgomery or Fort Bend counties for water, wastewater, drainage, road, and recreational improvements. These bills drew limited testimony in support and were left pending without objection. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 2673, which would repeal last session’s change allowing new cemeteries within certain distances of municipalities and restore the prior rule limiting cemetery placement near growing urban areas. The sponsor and supporters argued the 2023 change created unintended consequences, removed valuable taxable land from future use, and complicated city planning; opponents, including a funeral service industry representative, argued the current law gives communities local control and helps address cemetery land shortages. After extensive testimony, the bill was left pending. The committee also heard HB 4753, a bill allowing a property owner to use a municipal record showing a certificate of occupancy was issued when the original document is lost; it was left pending. Finally, HB 3680, a Cameron County-specific bill modifying subdivision/model rule procedures to reduce replatting burdens while preserving colonia protections, and HB 4812, clarifying that condominiums follow Chapter 82 of the Property Code rather than full subdivision platting, both received supportive testimony and were left pending.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, it doesn't really make a lot
• In densely populated areas, the construction of cemeteries in close proximity to residential or commercial
• which can require having to buy new permits, which can run anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 in fees
• My department oversees development and residential construction in the unincorporated areas of...
• I can't do absolutely anything with it because I can't afford $30,000 in engineering and surveying fees

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Summary: The committee heard testimony on a series of land use, housing, and local government bills. House Bill 447, relating to TIA requirements for certain MUD bond issuances, drew opposition from a witness who argued it would duplicate work already done, strain agency resources, and delay development; after the author’s closing, the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending. The committee then voted out Senate Bill 1202 (third-party review of home backup power installations), House Bill 2494 (disannexation for failure to provide services), House Bill 1835 (removing barriers to HUD co-manufactured homes), and Senate Bill 15 (lot size and density limits in certain municipalities), with House Bill 1835 receiving one no vote and the others passing unanimously. House Bill 897, authorizing sale or lease of two state-owned Austin properties, was laid out and left pending after brief questions and no public testimony. The committee also heard and left pending several MUD creation bills for Montgomery and Fort Bend counties, including House Bills 5652, 5654, 5661, and 5656, each presented as template district bills with local support and no opposition recorded at the table. A major portion of the meeting focused on House Bill 2673, which would restore prior restrictions on new cemeteries near growing urban areas by repealing changes made last session. Representative Lujan and supporters argued the current law created unintended consequences, including loss of developable land, tax-exempt property in urban cores, and conflicts with infrastructure planning; they said cities already have authority to establish their own cemeteries if needed. Opponents, including a funeral services industry representative, argued the 2023 change was intended to let communities decide and that the bill would take local decision-making backward. After extensive testimony from both sides, the bill was left pending. The committee also heard House Bill 3680, which would create a Cameron County-specific process allowing local discretion under the model subdivision rules. Supporters said the bill would preserve colonia protections while reducing costly platting and replatting burdens on families trying to sell or pass down land; county officials and realtors testified in favor. The bill was left pending after closing. House Bill 4812, a clarification to the Texas Uniform Condominium Act to prevent counties from imposing subdivision platting requirements on condominiums, received support from builders and a condominium attorney who said current county practices create duplicative hurdles and higher costs; it too was left pending. Finally, House Bill 5148, which would allow certain single-stair apartment buildings up to six stories, generated the most detailed policy debate. Supporters, including housing advocates and architects, said the bill would lower costs, improve unit design, and expand affordable, family-friendly housing while maintaining safety through sprinklers and other safeguards. Fire officials from Corpus Christi opposed the bill, warning that a single stairwell could hinder firefighting and occupant evacuation, especially if sprinklers fail or smoke spreads. The author said the bill was aimed at new construction only and was part of a broader effort to reduce outdated housing regulations; the committee substitute was withdrawn and the bill was left pending at adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• And after the improvements have already been agreed upon and constructed, it doesn't really make a lot
• In densely populated areas, the construction of cemeteries in close proximity to residential or commercial
• .which can require having to buy new permits, which can run anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000 in fees
• I can't do absolutely anything with it because I can't afford $30,000 in engineering and surveying fees
• Texas embraces innovation in many industries, and it should do so in the construction industry as well

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Transcript Highlights:

• To date, one building has been constructed as a manufacturing and distribution facility.
• In 2005, the 79th Legislature enacted a statute that allows for the refund of permit fees if permits
• Right, so would they then charge them another fee if they had to do it again? Is it kind of a game?
• So from the start of planning to actually starting construction could be anywhere from 18 to 24 months
• It's typically done with construction, and obviously that construction has to be approved by all governmental

Bills: HB447, HB897, HB993, HB2673, HB3671, HB3680, HB3897, HB4506, HB4753, HB4812, HB4894, HB5148, HB5437, HB5650, HB5652, HB5654, HB5656, HB5661, HB5665

Keywords: traffic impact studies, municipal utility district, bonds, road projects, eminent domain, HB 897, Texas land sale, state property, Austin real estate, Travis County, General Land Office, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, HHSC, Health and Human Services Commission, state records facility, archives building, library funding, capital improvements, lease of state land, public land disposition

Bills: HR195, HR196, HR197, HR198, HR199, HR200, HR201, HR202, HR203, HR204, HR205, HR206, HR207, HR208, HR209, HCR87, HCR88, HCR89, HCR90, HR192, HR193, HR194, HCR80, HCR81, HCR82, HCR83, HCR84, HCR85, SB235, SB416, SB425, SB435, SB439, HCR15, HCR41, HCR76, HCR77, SCR3, HB91, HB167, HB227, HB243, HB264, HB321, HB335, HB398, HB492, HB623, HB624, HB660, HB689, HB708, HB719, HB802, HB804, HB884, HB906, HB926, HB934, HB940, HB955, HB968, HB969, HB978, HB985, HB1005, HB1022, HB1028, HB1029, HB1069, HB1077, HB1095, HB1104, HB1107, HB1185, HB1187, HB1199, HB1201, HB1203, HB1217, HB1220, SB66, SB68, SB76, SB139, SB336, SB475, HR1, HR17, HCR5, HCR4, HCR47, HCR32, HR38, HR96, HR160, HCR31, HCR61, SCR19, HB64, HB68, HB92, HB12, HB42, HB205, HB222, HB267, HB324, HB325, HB350, HB478, HB610, HB617, HB745, HB749, HB752, HB797, HB807, HB821, HB896, HB979, HB992, HB1000, HB1024, HB1050, HB1166, HB1172, HB1173, HB1207, HB1218, HB1223, HB316, HB549, HB578, HB748, HB798, HB824, HB988, HB989, HB1001, HB1032, HB1081, HB1108, HB1129, HB1140, HB1157, HB1192, HB1195, HB1198, HB1244, SB73, SB89, SB128, SB149, SB191, SB196, SB238, SB318, SB340, HB306, HB366, HB911, HB1161, HB1230, HB59, HB481, HB772, HB897, HB1003, HB1008, HB1112, HB1180, HB1189, HB525, HB1058, HB181, HB1118, HB1082, HB901, HR20, HR74, HB225, HB284, HB393, HB458, HB459, HB577, HB582, HB605, HB614, HB682, HB733, HB773, HB864, HB996, HB1035, HB1113, HB1234, HB1240

Keywords: Louisiana Young Heroes Day, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, LPB, house resolution, ceremonial resolution, special observance, youth recognition, student achievement, community service, public service, high school students, youth leadership, disability advocacy, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, foster care, STEM, robotics, literacy

Transcript Highlights:

• Is it a flat fee? Um, perhaps the doctor could answer that. Is it a flat fee?
• expedited delivery for a fee of 3.49. expedited delivery for a fee of 3.49.
• So people have to take out back-to-back loans with separate fees. in fees.
• back-to-back loans with separate fees. back-to-back loans with separate fees.
• It creates mandatory disclosures around optional fees. It caps transactional fees.

Bills: HF2400, HF1724, HF3437, HF4333, HF2874, HF4052

Keywords: real estate, appraisers, disciplinary actions, sanction matrix, Minnesota Statutes, direct primary care, healthcare agreements, medical services, patient care, health insurance, mortgage fees, residential loans, commercial loans, finance regulations, investment properties, insurance, supplemental health insurance, short-term care, home health care, nursing care

Bills: HB184, HB235, HB546, HB557, HB584, HB747, HB902, HB930

Keywords: charitable pharmacy, healthcare fees, outpatient prescription, exemption, Louisiana Department of Health, sewerage systems, individual systems, community systems, local governance, legislation, installation regulations, protective custody, peace officers, mental health, emergency medical services, involuntary admission, long-term care, healthcare, pharmacy, residents

Bills: HB207, HB267, HB300, HB464, HB618, HB853

Keywords: Louisiana Auctioneers Licensing Board, auctioneer licensing, professional licensing board, board membership, gubernatorial appointments, consumer members, public at large, Public Service Commission district, East Baton Rouge Parish, venue, domicile, licensure requirements, licensed auctioneer, occupational licensing, state board governance, Act 138, home inspectors, licensing, term limits, Louisiana State Board