Video & Transcript : 'abandoned well' :

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WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on Tribal Relations, June 15, 2026 - PM

Select Committee on Tribal Relations

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> various reporting requirements as well. various reporting requirements as well.
  • </c> close the gates, and it works very well close the gates, and it works very well for<00:38:42.000
  • ,</c><01:11:33.679><c> it's</c> open-minded, but I'm like, well, it's open-minded, but I'm like, well
  • Well, let's go ahead.
  • &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, I<01:40:26.639><c> Let's</c><01:40:26.880><c> go</c><01:
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Floor Session 5/6/26 - Part 2

Minnesota House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, the Mott. >> I. >> Voting is closed.
  • It started well before that.
  • Well, come on FOX.
  • Other checks are made as well.
  • Well, come out... Well, come on. Folks, no.
MN

Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

House Capital Investment Committee 4/9/26

Capital Investment

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c> laid it out um well. laid it out um well.
  • You as well.
  • ,</c> new well, new well, municipal<01:06:21.480><c> well,</c><01:06:21.800><c> and</c><01:06:21.960>
  • the<01:06:23.280><c> existing</c><01:06:23.800><c> well,</c> the existing well, the existing well, uh
  • Well, thank you.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Health and Human Services Apr 8th, 2026

Health & Human Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, I think we go on.
  • It's done well.
  • Well, this piece doesn't work as well because we didn't address this piece.
  • Well, thank you for that. And, let's. I think you're the fourth Well, thank you for that.
  • The providers do as well.
Summary: The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services convened to discuss interim charges regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in Texas human services, particularly focusing on Medicaid and childcare programs. The meeting highlighted the importance of preventing misuse of taxpayer funds, with testimony from various stakeholders emphasizing the need for increased oversight and accountability in these programs. Key points included the alarming rise in healthcare fraud in other states, the necessity for Texas to enhance its fraud prevention measures, and the potential financial repercussions of failing to meet federal compliance standards. Several committee members expressed concerns about the impact of fraud on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on Medicaid services. Testimonies from experts underscored the effectiveness of Texas's Office of Inspector General (OIG) in combating fraud, yet pointed out existing vulnerabilities, such as inconsistent enforcement and the need for better data sharing among agencies. The discussion also touched on the challenges faced by hospice care providers, with a significant increase in the number of hospices in Texas raising concerns about quality and oversight. The committee heard from various witnesses, including representatives from health plans and advocacy organizations, who provided insights into the complexities of managing Medicaid and the importance of maintaining program integrity. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore legislative solutions to enhance oversight and ensure that resources are directed to those in genuine need.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • <00:02:25.160><c> respected</c><00:02:25.920><c> and</c> well respected and well respected and glad<00
  • Oh,<00:02:41.320><c> well.</c><00:02:41.920><c> Well.</c> Oh, well. Well. Oh, well. Well.
  • Well, why don't you Okay. Okay.
  • Kearny has a response as<01:18:49.240><c> well.</c> as well. as well.
  • </c> inviting comments as well as questions. inviting comments as well as questions.
Summary: The Juvenile Justice Oversight Council met with a quorum, approved the October 8, 2025 minutes, and welcomed guests including Marshall County Attorney Jason Darnall. The main topic was juvenile interrogation, with a presentation from Kentucky Youth Advocates by Courtney Downs and Shannon Moody. They said their organization is supporting a 2026 Blueprint priority requiring children to consult with an attorney before waiving Miranda rights, and they emphasized research on adolescent brain development, susceptibility to peer pressure and impulsive decision-making, and the risk of false confessions. They cited National Registry of Exonerations data showing high rates of false confessions among exonerated youth, especially younger children, and described approaches in other states such as Maryland’s Child Interrogation Protection Act, Indiana’s statute allowing certain adults to waive rights in some circumstances, and laws in other states requiring recording of interrogations or limiting deceptive tactics. Members asked about trauma and adverse childhood experiences, whether the proposal would require attorney consultation in every juvenile interview, whether parents could instead be the ones consulted, and how such a rule would affect law enforcement investigations and juvenile accountability. Senator Carroll and others raised concerns about feasibility, delays, and whether juveniles might avoid accountability if attorneys are required before questioning. The presenters responded that they were focused on ensuring children understand their legal rights, that some states use age- or offense-based limits, and that parent consultation is another model used elsewhere, though they said a lawyer is best suited to explain legal rights and process. Members also discussed the role of the Department of Public Advocacy and whether legislative action or court decisions should address the issue. The council did not take final action on the policy, but requested additional materials, including the text of laws from Maryland, Indiana, and North Carolina, for further review.
US

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US House Floor Proceedings (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)

US Federal House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:14:13.920><c> we</c> that are being put into place well we that are being put into place well
  • Well, thank you, Madam Speaker.
  • </c> Apple Boutique on this well-earned Apple Boutique on this well-earned recognition<00:38:05.319><
  • Well, thank you, Mr.
  • well they're doing economically.
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Financial Services Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Financial Services

Transcript Highlights:
  • Lipper-Garabedian, as well. And Representative Sally Kerans.
  • Well, good afternoon.
  • was able to reconnect as well.
  • So this is personal as well as professional for me.
  • I believe I mentioned Senator Olivera joined us as well for the hearing.
Summary: The Joint Committee on Financial Services held a fully virtual public hearing after a blizzard and state emergency closed the State House and created travel and cleanup concerns. Chairs Senator Paul Feeney and Representative James Murphy opened by thanking first responders and committee staff for making the hearing possible and noted that several members attended remotely. The committee heard testimony on three bills: H.5112, An Act Prohibiting Genetic Discrimination; H.4914, An Act Relative to the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code; and S.2921, An Act Relative to Travel Insurance. Most of the testimony focused on H.5112. Representative Dave Rogers and his constituent Robin Biggs testified in support of H.5112, describing gaps in federal genetic nondiscrimination law that do not cover life, long-term care, or disability insurance. Biggs shared her experience as a BRCA2 mutation carrier and said genetic knowledge helped her take preventive steps, but that people fear testing because insurers may use results against them. Lindsay Jack of the ALS Association and Lisa Schlager of FORCE also supported the bill, arguing that it would encourage preventive care, research participation, and fairer underwriting without harming insurance markets. They said insurers could still use medical history and diagnoses, but not genetic test results alone. Committee members asked questions about whether insurers currently request genetic testing and how such information is used in underwriting. Testifiers said the information is routinely asked for or found in medical records, but the bill would prohibit its use in coverage decisions and would prevent insurers from requiring testing. No votes were taken. After testimony concluded and no additional witnesses came forward, the chairs closed the hearing and adjourned the meeting by unanimous voice vote.
TX

Texas 89th Regular

Finance Apr 23rd, 2025

Finance

Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, we love guests. Welcome, everyone. You recognize, sir. Thank you, Madam Chair.
  • And I believe that Senator Flores had legislation as well, but this was all discussed.
  • It's an agreed-to bill as well now, yeah. That's even better.
  • I would like to thank Senator Flores and Senator Shortner for assisting us as well as.
  • , and Mayor Watson for the leadership as well.
Bills: SB771 , SB2345 , HB135 , HB135
Committee: Senate Finance
Summary: The Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 2345, as a committee substitute, which would reform the Austin Firefighter Retirement Fund. Senator Schwertner explained that the bill is based on an agreed voluntary funding soundness restoration plan between the City of Austin and the fund, and would create a new reduced benefit tier for firefighters hired on or after January 1, 2026, adjust COLAs for current retirees, establish an actuarially determined funding model to address legacy liabilities and 2024 asset losses over 30 years, and add new board seats. Mayor Kirk Watson, city finance staff, the fund executive director, trustees, and retired firefighters all testified in support, describing the measure as an agreed-to, fiscally responsible compromise that protects benefits, supports recruitment, and reduces risk to taxpayers. The committee adopted the committee substitute, but left SB 2345 pending. The committee also heard House Bill 135, which clarifies tax treatment for exotic game or exotic livestock operations by defining them within agricultural exemptions and stating that sales of exotic livestock are not subject to sales and use taxes. Senator Flores described it as a clarification to provide consistency and fairness, and a witness for the Exotic Wildlife Association said it would resolve a Comptroller-related tax issue and benefit ranchers, landowners, and hunters. The committee closed public testimony and reported HB 135 favorably to the full Senate, with a motion to place it on the local and uncontested calendar. Senate Bill 771, by Senator Hinojosa, was also heard and later reported favorably. The bill would allow diesel fuel used in auxiliary power units or power takeoff units to qualify for the same fuel tax credit or refund already available for gasoline, correcting an inadvertent exclusion from the 2003 motor fuel tax rewrite. A witness supported the bill as a matter of tax equity. The committee then considered House Bill 1109, the House companion to SB 935, which exempts counties from certain motor fuel taxes on fuel used in county vehicles; Senator Hall explained it as simply exempting government agencies from paying the tax on their own vehicles. HB 1109 was reported favorably to the full Senate. The committee adjourned after completing its business.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Senate Judiciary Committee, March 2, 2026 AM

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • &gt;&gt; Well,<01:04:36.000><c> Emma,</c> &gt;&gt; Well, Emma, &gt;&gt; Well, Emma, &gt;&gt; or<01:04
  • &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; Well, &gt;&gt; would<01:27:29.040><c> that</c><01:27:29.199><c
  • as well.
  • Rendenza as well.
  • Rendenza as well.
Bills: HB0070 , HB0043 , HB0103 , HB0157 , HB0092 , SF0092
Committee: Senate Judiciary
CA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Well, according to the U.S.
  • Well, thank you, Director. I appreciate it.
  • Well, I don't know. Yes. Terrific.
  • We have as well with SBDCs.
  • Well, thank you so much for your presentation.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
  • </c><00:23:00.320><c> Well,</c><00:23:00.720><c> I</c> died. So, what does that do? Well, I died.
  • </c> commissioner would say all right well commissioner would say all right well we'll<00:33:37.919><
  • Well, I think that is true of anything.
  • Well, I think that is true of anything.
  • Well, I think that is true of anything.
Summary: The committee held a work session on House Bill 396, which would exempt meat and meat food products slaughtered and prepared in-state for in-state sale from certain inspections. Representative Comtois explained her amendment, saying she tried to address prior concerns by limiting the number processed monthly, adding a registration and disclaimer requirement, and folding beef, swine, sheep, and goats into the bill’s framework. Members discussed whether some sections from earlier language on bison, elk, and red deer had been inadvertently struck, and Comtois said she did not intend to remove those protections and would restore them if needed. Several members raised drafting and policy concerns. Representative Miner suggested the waiver language should be a signed, notarized statement kept on file rather than filed with the Department of Agriculture, and Comtois agreed. Representative Gruber and Representative Scully discussed labeling and wording, including clarifying that the meat would not be “exempt” from federal inspection in the same way as non-amenable species, and adding language that any prosecution would be federal rather than state. There was also discussion about whether ground meat should be included for the amenable species, with Miner and Comtois indicating that excluding ground meat would reduce risk. Commissioner Sean Jasper of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food testified strongly against the bill, saying it was a step in the wrong direction, lacked consumer protections, and could jeopardize food safety and the state’s meat processing system. He argued that the federal exemption for non-amenable species could not simply be extended to new species by state law, warned that USDA could respond by withdrawing federal inspections, and said the bill would not solve the real bottlenecks in slaughter capacity. He also said he did not believe there was a general shortage of inspectors, and that the practical issue was producers not scheduling animals year-round, which forces facilities to scale to the slow season. No vote was taken during the work session, and members continued discussing possible amendments and wording changes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Um as well as clinical in the facility.
  • , the juveniles as well.
  • , the juveniles as well.
  • </c><00:38:32.480><c> that,</c> Elsie has mentioned this as well that, Elsie has mentioned this as well
  • </c> started negotiating with with Well Path? started negotiating with with Well Path?
Summary: The committee met to hear updates from the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Corrections on two related issues: a proposed high-acuity juvenile mental health treatment facility and medical services contracts, including the impact of Wellpath’s bankruptcy proceedings. At the start, the chair agreed to hear the Department of Corrections first so members could get context on the medical contract before turning to DJJ’s proposal. DOC officials said Wellpath, the department’s comprehensive medical and mental health provider since 2013, was awarded its current contract through a 2021 procurement process. They reported that Wellpath’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan had been confirmed and that the company had transitioned ownership to lenders, but had not yet fully completed the bankruptcy process. DOC said there had been no service lapses, no reduction in care, and no known impact on Kentucky vendors or hospitals, and that DOC staff meet with Wellpath almost weekly. Members asked whether the committee had been kept informed and whether the bankruptcy could affect future services or subcontractors. DJJ then presented its concept for a high-acuity facility, explaining that the project is still in the preliminary programming and conceptual stage and has not yet entered the formal design phase with DECA. Officials said the proposal in the capital plan would create a 24-bed facility, with 16 clinical beds and 8 assessment/stabilization beds, to serve justice-involved youth with serious mental health needs. They said the facility would need to separate males and females and high- and low-risk youth, and that current placements often require sending youth out of state to places such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, Arkansas, and Texas. Staff said the goal is to centralize treatment, improve safety, and reduce the need for fragmented or out-of-state placements. Committee members questioned the cost estimates, staffing needs, and whether the facility was justified given the small number of youth currently placed out of state. DJJ said the operational estimate includes an unknown medical-contract component and that the number of youth needing the facility can fluctuate because of surges in the juvenile population. Officials also said they had consulted with South Carolina, which is developing a similar facility, and noted that renovating existing facilities was considered but could be more expensive or impractical than building a separate site. No votes or formal actions were taken during the discussion.
MA
Transcript Highlights:
  • And he's very well aware.
  • Well, you’re going to get a big opportunity, sounds like.
  • Well, you’re going to get a big opportunity, sounds like.
  • Anyways, well, I guess a few days after the outreach to Josh.
  • Well, first get engaged on their end of it.
Summary: The Workforce Support Subcommittee met with ASL and CART interpretation, took roll call, and approved the prior meeting minutes by motion and second. The main discussion focused on a proposed apprenticeship-related presentation and outreach to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), including a draft letter and follow-up communication with Undersecretary Josh Cutler and Amara Ram. Members said the draft looked good and discussed keeping trade partners informed, as well as the need to coordinate with the broader commission before moving forward. A substantial portion of the meeting centered on apprenticeship opportunities for people with disabilities and how to frame the topic. Members discussed a recent Apprenticeship Week event, noting employer interest, Governor Healey’s goal of expanding apprenticeships to 100,000, and concerns raised by employers about a $250 annual fee and the complexity of the registration process. Participants also discussed the need to include people with disabilities in apprenticeship conversations, challenge stereotypes about suitable jobs, and possibly involve the Commission for the Blind, higher education partners, and behavioral health apprenticeship models. The subcommittee generally agreed to focus first on child care and home health as initial apprenticeship fields, with direct support, house managers, and program managers also identified as important workforce roles. Members discussed inviting trade representatives and state liaisons, but emphasized that scheduling should not become overly complicated. They leaned toward a Zoom-only format, likely around 90 minutes, and agreed to continue coordinating offline on dates, format, and outreach before the next step.
HI

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

House Chamber - Mon Apr 20, 2026, 12:00PM HST - Day 47

Hawaii House Floor Meeting

Transcript Highlights:
  • We'll be able to tally up all of the donations as well as give you an opportunity to meet some of the
  • Thank you for all of your work and for your staff's hard work as well.
  • as other offices for members, as well as other offices for their<00:23:53.640><c> generous</c><00:23
  • well as give<00:24:17.920><c> you</c><00:24:18.040><c> an</c><00:24:18.160><c> opportunity</c><00:24
  • as every single legislator who as well as every single legislator who kept<00:24:41.000><c> their</c
Bills: SCR21 , SCR75 , SCR50 , SCR149 , SCR47 , SCR163 , SCR169 , SCR170
OK

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

Revenue and Taxation Apr 13th, 2026

Revenue and Taxation

Transcript Highlights:
  • but also community involvement, including ministry, including education, having been a teacher as well
  • Well, we can't let it go without a question, so we want one from the chair.
  • I think it is newer wells or wells under construction. I don't believe it to be retroactive.
  • Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
  • Well, it's New Mexico. But what else I did besides pick up feed, I went and ate.
Summary: The Revenue and Taxation Committee met and first laid over House Bill 15.9 to the next meeting. The committee then unanimously advanced an executive nomination, James Burleson to the Oklahoma Tax Commission, after brief testimony from Sen. Pugh and Burleson’s comments about his private-sector, nonprofit, and community experience and desire to serve the state. Members then considered several tax-related bills. House Bill 3986, expanding eligibility for the 24-month gross production tax exemption for wells completed using recycled water, passed 10-1 after questions about whether the change was retroactive. House Bill 3548, which would exempt small child-run businesses from certain taxes and permits up to a $1,000 gross-revenue threshold, passed 11-0 after questions focused on enforcement and adult involvement. House Bill 3661, removing the sunset on the forestry equipment sales tax exemption, passed 8-3 despite concerns about the lack of hard data supporting the incentive’s continuation. The committee also passed House Bill 4346, creating reciprocity for agricultural sales tax exemptions for neighboring states, after discussion about verification methods, fraud prevention, and whether the Oklahoma Tax Commission could track out-of-state buyers; the bill passed 8-3. House Bill 3075, the “Oklahoma Common Sense Act” dealing with a post-penny environment and giving agencies and political subdivisions more time to update point-of-sale systems, was amended to set an effective date of November 1, 2026, and then passed 11-0. Finally, House Bill 4273, clarifying that certain R1 university aerospace research employees qualify for an aerospace tax credit, passed 6-5 after debate over whether the credit could create a broader domino effect for other professors and fields. The chair announced the committee would likely meet again the following Monday for its last meeting of the year, and then adjourned.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
  • As well. Thank you so much, Chair.
  • As<00:06:31.440><c> well.
  • </c> As well. Thank you so much chair. As well. Thank you so much chair.
  • </c> liability piece there as well. liability piece there as well.
  • </c> anything else as well. anything else as well. Please<00:07:01.640><c> proceed.
FL

Florida 2025 Regular Session

March 31, 2025 - 04:00 PM

Transcript Highlights:
  • If I may add to that as well, Mr. Chair, for one quick second.
  • If I may add to that as well, Mr. Chair, for one quick second.
  • The well-spoken. I want to echo the same thoughts. The well-spoken man that came up here, Ms.
  • But in this case, I think the price you pay is going to be well worth it.
  • I also want to do a, well, let me keep it very focused on this.
Summary: The subcommittee met with a quorum and considered three bills. First, PCS for HB 879 by Representatives Rizo and Woodson would require state colleges and universities to prioritize housing placement for students who are homeless, were in foster care, or are at risk of homelessness, and to give first priority in housing or work-study priority systems to students eligible for child-welfare-related tuition and fee exemptions. Members heard extensive supportive testimony from Florida Youth Shine participants and other advocates describing housing instability after foster care and the importance of campus housing and vouchers for student success. The bill was reported favorably by a 16-0 vote. The committee then heard CS for HB 1113 by Representative Valdes, which would standardize minimum math-content requirements for elementary teacher preparation programs and increase math content in competency-based certification programs. The sponsor cited stagnant Florida math outcomes and a state report finding limited math preparation for elementary teacher candidates. The bill drew support from the Foundation for Florida’s Future and the Florida Chamber of Commerce and was reported favorably by a 15-0 vote. Finally, the committee considered HB 827 by Representative Spencer, directing the Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research to conduct a recurring statewide study on the effects of automation and artificial intelligence on Florida’s workforce, including affected industries, at-risk workers, and training needs. Members discussed whether similar data exists in the private sector, the bill’s fiscal impact, and the sponsor’s use of AI tools in preparing remarks. The bill received supportive debate and was reported favorably without opposition.
WY

Wyoming 2026 Regular Session

Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration, June 24, 2026 - PM

Select Committee on School Finance Recalibration

Transcript Highlights:
  • >> Well, Albany one is the only one that's >> Well, Albany is the only one that's doing Provision Two
  • So we'll touch on that a little bit in the feedback as well. Little bit in the feedback as well.
  • I think this was already well covered.
  • She, they love her, and we do really well there.
  • He just... >> Well, we can work it out. >> I'm going to say it out loud before... >> Well, let's, um,
MA

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm

Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities

Transcript Highlights:
  • I hope that is favorably reported out as well.
  • Well, thank you. Next we have Gina Arias.
  • Well, thank you both. Next we have Jenny Corr. Good afternoon.
  • Well, with that, I have closed there. Thank you. to say that. All right.
  • Well, with that, I have closed there. Thank you.
Summary: The House Committee on Children and Families held a hybrid hearing on a broad set of anti-hunger, family support, and basic-needs bills. Early testimony focused on SNAP and DTA operations: Rep. DeRosa and others urged passage of H. 196/S. 167 to require DTA to identify staffing, technology, funding, and operational needs to improve timeliness and customer service, warning that unanswered calls, delayed recertifications, and federal changes could sharply raise state costs through higher SNAP administrative burdens and payment-error penalties. Speakers from Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and Project Bread said DTA is under-resourced, caseloads have grown, and families are being denied or delayed due to phone and paperwork barriers. Another major SNAP-related bill, H. 254/S. 147, would require the Commonwealth to replace stolen EBT/SNAP benefits; testimony described more than $13 million stolen from about 27,000 households since June 2022 and argued families should not bear losses from organized theft rings. The committee also heard strong support for H. 207/S. 117, which would restore state-funded nutrition assistance for legally present immigrants excluded from federal SNAP under recent federal changes. Advocates from Project Bread, the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, local immigrant services, and public health groups said the federal cuts would leave thousands of residents, including refugees, asylum seekers, trafficking survivors, and children, without food support, and argued Massachusetts has a history of filling this gap. Testimony also supported H. 222/S. 104 to make the Healthy Incentives Program permanent and year-round; supporters said HIP improves nutrition, boosts local farms and regional economies, and had already served more than 212,000 households in FY25. A related child-support bill, H. 201/S. 110, would increase the amount of child support passed through to TAFDC families and expand good-cause exemptions; witnesses said the change would put more money directly in families’ hands, reduce poverty, and better protect survivors of domestic violence and families with complicated co-parenting situations. A large portion of the hearing was devoted to deep-poverty and diaper-related legislation. Supporters of H. 214/S. 118 said cash assistance grants have lost value over time and should be raised annually until they reach half of the federal poverty level; advocates from Children’s HealthWatch, Hopewell, the Lift Our Kids Coalition, and parents described the links between deep poverty, poor child health, family stress, and child welfare involvement. They argued that higher grants would help families meet basic needs, reduce hospitalizations and neglect reports, and provide stability amid federal cuts. Finally, multiple witnesses backed diaper legislation, including H. 220/S. 151 and related bills, to create a diaper benefits pilot and/or diaper allowance commission. Testimony from the National Diaper Bank Network, MassCAP, Children’s HealthWatch, local diaper banks, and parents said diaper need is widespread, affects parental employment and mental health, and can cause health problems for infants; a federally funded pilot in Massachusetts was cited as showing improved employment, financial stability, reduced stress, and fewer diaper rashes. No votes or final actions were taken during the hearing; the committee heard testimony and asked questions throughout.
LA

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary Apr 9th, 2026

Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:
  • This includes United States citizens who were born here as well as became naturalized citizens as well
  • as exempting restaurants as well.
  • as exempting restaurants as well.
  • as well.
  • Well, it's because I look so young.
Committee: House Judiciary
Summary: The committee took up several bills, beginning with HB 519, which would require special masters appointed in complex consolidated litigation to comply with judicial conduct and federal appointment/disqualification standards, subject to Louisiana law. After a technical amendment clarifying that the provision applies to cases designated under Supreme Court rules, the bill was moved favorably without objection. HB 29, creating the Ascension Parish Retired Employee Insurance Fund, was then heard and also advanced favorably without objection. The committee next considered HB 324 on judicial salaries. The bill would make the 2024 and 2025 judicial supplement stipend permanent and add future cost-of-living adjustments, subject to available funding and approval by the Louisiana Supreme Court and Judicial Budgetary Control Board. Members asked about funding sources and whether the stipend could be made permanent without a constitutional amendment; after discussion, the bill was moved favorably without objection. The longest discussion centered on HB 211, the Homelessness Court Program, later named the Streets to Success Act. Amendments were adopted to limit the bill to licensed group homes and to remove enforcement language that would have created civil actions against local governments for failing to remove encampments, while setting staggered effective dates. Supporters, including the bill author and governor’s office representatives, said the measure would create a coordinated court-and-services response for people experiencing homelessness, especially those with substance use or mental health issues, and would allow designated camping areas and diversion into treatment. Opponents, including housing advocates, legal aid groups, and people with lived experience, argued the bill would criminalize homelessness, increase jail and court involvement, and fail to address root causes such as unaffordable housing, lack of shelter capacity, and inadequate wraparound services. The bill drew extensive testimony but no final vote was taken in the portion provided.