Transcript Highlights:

• And, you know, we're not going to lower the cost of health insurance or health care.
• So it becomes concerning to me if, again, we're not containing the cost of health care.
• So I think there's a shift in the way people use health care.
• . ...was that young people consume less health care.
• or more expensive health care, that cost is going to be reasonable.

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee met to consider four policy bills and discussed a possible later return to handle DOCR amendments and budget work. They first took up HB 1327, funding for the Agricultural Diversification and Development Fund, and adopted an amendment striking language that would have capped up to $10 million for agricultural infrastructure grants to political subdivisions. The bill was then passed as amended on a 22-0 vote, with Rep. Belts assigned as carrier. Next, the committee considered SB 2256, the Research Technology Park grant. Rep. Stemen offered an amendment reducing the appropriation amounts from the original figures to $10 million and $5 million levels, citing available funding; the amendment passed 19-3. The bill then passed as amended 22-0, and Rep. Stemen agreed to carry it. The committee then debated SB 2093, which combined a retired peace officers/surviving spouses benefit with an added income tax reduction. Rep. Munson moved to remove the income tax portion, and the committee agreed 17-4. The remaining peace officer benefit portion was then passed as amended 21-0, with Rep. Kempenich carrying it. Finally, the committee considered HB 2160, changing the state health plan from grandfathered to non-grandfathered status. Members discussed cost shifting, employee retention, out-of-pocket exposure, and the updated fiscal note; the committee adopted an amendment updating the appropriation figures to match the current PERS/Deloitte analysis, then passed the bill as amended 15-7-1, with Rep. Worry originally the carrier.

Transcript Highlights:

• We know that people need child care.
• We know that people need child care.
• Child care centers were closing.
• I know I'm going to direct my administration to shift health care resources to the front lines.
• I mean primary care. Primary care.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The House and Senate met in joint convention for the Governor’s annual State of the Commonwealth address. Before the address, the chamber handled routine organizational motions, including recesses, the appointment of committees to escort the Lieutenant Governor, constitutional officers, and the Governor into the chamber, the posting of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem, and an invocation and benediction. The joint convention then heard Governor Maura Healey’s address, followed by remarks from legislative leaders and a closing benediction. In her speech, Governor Healey said the state is strong and highlighted accomplishments from the past session, including tax cuts, expanded child care support, the Affordable Homes Act, transportation improvements, federal funding gains, veterans’ services, and health care measures. She also emphasized ongoing priorities such as reducing housing costs, improving transit and infrastructure, expanding primary care and mental health services, supporting education and career pathways, strengthening clean energy and AI investment, and protecting reproductive health care. She called for abolishing tenant broker’s fees, creating a statewide graduation standards council after the MCAS requirement change, and continuing efforts to address the emergency shelter system and other cost pressures. No roll call votes were taken on legislation during the address itself, but the convention adopted the various ceremonial orders and motions by voice vote. After the Governor’s remarks and the benediction, the joint convention adjourned, and the House later adjourned to meet the following Tuesday in informal session.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is responsible for 20% of all health care expenditures annually.
• also be engaged in this, and potentially primary care.
• Help increase the access that people in New Mexico have to health care services.
• All of our youth deserve certain levels of care, access to services, and such.
• I'll step up taking care of people. Thank you. Any other comments? Is it? A heartfelt ditto.

Summary: The committee first heard Senate Bill 130, which would require heart calcium scans for people over 50, allow pharmacists to manage related screening and medication, and eliminate cost-sharing barriers for the testing and treatment. The sponsor argued the bill could prevent coronary artery disease deaths and reduce long-term health costs, while an industry lobbyist questioned whether it would actually save patients money and raised concerns about the substitute language. After questions about costs, rural access, pharmacist training, liability, and the effect of treatment, the committee adopted a due pass recommendation on the committee substitute by a 6-4 vote. The committee then considered House Bill 31, the EMS personnel licensure interstate compact. Supporters from the Chamber of Commerce, Think New Mexico, the Health Care Authority, and an autism advocacy group said the compact would help address EMS shortages, improve emergency response, and support rural health workforce needs. One opponent warned about out-of-state personnel practicing under unfamiliar standards and possible retention problems. The committee adopted an immunity-related amendment and then gave the bill a 9-0 do pass recommendation. House Bill 33, the psychology inter-jurisdictional compact, was also heard and amended with a similar immunity change. Supporters said it would expand telehealth and behavioral health access, while some members questioned data on workforce shortages, standards, and how the compact would affect New Mexico’s oversight. The committee approved the amended bill 8-0. House Bill 43, a cleanup bill for PERA disability and survivor pension provisions, was presented as a technical measure to clarify statutes, update the disability earnings cap to match Social Security, and reduce ambiguity without changing benefits or liabilities. Members asked about double-dipping, survivor provisions, and fiscal impact, and the bill received a 9-0 do pass recommendation. The committee also heard Senate Memorial 22, which asks the Legislative Finance Committee to study how CYFD-administered state and federal funds support domestic violence services. Sponsors and advocates said funding has been flat or reduced despite rising need, and that providers need clearer, more transparent data; committee members expressed concern that the state lacks a clear accounting of where the money goes. The memorial passed on a 9-0 vote.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, I think direct direct direct and<01:11:13.840><c> and</c><01:11:14.159><c> I</c><01:11:14.320><c>
• </c> going the direction we should be going. going the direction we should be going. uh<01:43:32.480>
• </c> very careful in putting this together. very careful in putting this together.
• I appreciate the committee's careful I appreciate the committee's careful consideration<02:18:45.760>
• Do you care to speak to your motion?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> health care. health care.
• So overall, the compact will improve access to care and continuity of care.
• Uh it to care and continuity of care.
• health care.
• mental health care and physical health<02:07:26.880><c> care.

Keywords: 1191, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There are deaths that occur in a health care facility or under a doctor's care, including home hospice
• or under a doctor's care including home or under a doctor's care including home hospice.<00:37:07.599
• /c><00:37:18.480><c> and</c> majority under someone's care and majority under someone's care and they're
• ><c> those</c><00:37:31.200><c> patients</c> they've been caring for those patients they've been caring
• The majority of people are passing away in the care of a health care provider who actually completes

Keywords: 928, house, all

Summary: The House Judiciary Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 146, which would remove the requirement that a medical examiner physically view a body before issuing a cremation certificate. The prime sponsor, Sen. Suprentice, and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jenny Duval explained that the bill would not change the death certificate process or the existing waiting period before cremation; it would only eliminate the in-person viewing step. They said the current review of death certificates already catches the vast majority of cases that should be reported to the medical examiner, and that the physical view changes outcomes in less than 1% of cremation cases. The witnesses emphasized that the bill is intended to improve efficiency and reduce delays for families and funeral homes, while freeing deputy medical examiners to focus on homicides, suicides, accidents, and unexpected natural deaths. Dr. Duval cited an example where review of a death certificate, not the body, uncovered a long-ago strangulation-related homicide, arguing that the key safeguard is review of records and cause of death, not the physical view. She also said the change would save travel time and some costs for the department. Committee members asked about how death certificates list primary and contributing causes of death, whether the low percentage of findings means the current process has a deterrent effect, why cremation is treated differently from burial, and whether identification concerns are adequately addressed. The sponsors responded that identification is handled earlier by hospitals, families, and funeral directors, and that any questionable identification would already fall under medical examiner jurisdiction. They also said the bill would not alter the two-day cremation delay or other existing safeguards. No vote or final action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• I don't care, you know, whether it's opaque or transparent.
• The reason we care so much...
• The screw worm doesn't care if the pets are loved or not or cared for; it's a good host.
• Maybe you don't care about cats and finding wildlife, right?
• the earth and taking care of humanity?

Summary: During the meeting, legislative members discussed the practice of municipalities diverting water and sewer revenues to their general funds, which impacts infrastructure maintenance and project delays. Vice Chair Sparks proposed limiting public testimony to two minutes, which was adopted without objection. The committee heard from various witnesses, including Perry Fowler from the Texas Water Infrastructure Network, who emphasized that utility revenues should primarily support water services and that transfers should be transparent and justified. He noted that many utilities face financial pressures that could hinder infrastructure projects. Larry French from the Texas Public Policy Foundation highlighted the significant financial impact of water loss and general fund transfers, estimating the annual loss at $1.5 billion. He argued that these transfers can create disincentives for municipalities to address water loss issues. Brian Butcher, Assistant City Manager of Sugar Land, defended the city's cost allocation model for general fund transfers, asserting that they are necessary for equitable service provision and operational efficiency. The committee also discussed the implications of rising construction costs and the need for better procurement processes to ensure effective use of taxpayer dollars. The second part of the meeting focused on the New World Screwworm and the state's preparedness to manage potential infestations. Dudley Hoskins from the USDA outlined the federal response efforts and the importance of collaboration with state agencies. He emphasized the need for ongoing surveillance and the production of sterile flies to combat the pest. Dr. Philip Kaufman from Texas A&M discussed the historical context of the screwworm and the challenges posed by its potential reintroduction, urging proactive management strategies among livestock producers. The committee acknowledged the need for increased resources and research to effectively address the threat of the screwworm.

Transcript Highlights:

• You don't care about protecting children or women. You care about discriminating other people.
• You don't care about protecting children or women. You care about discriminating other people.
• We know how to care for trans people. It is giving them life-saving medical care.
• ; universal health care; free or subsidized maternal care; free mental health coverage; free child care
• They can care less about this.

Bills: SB7, SB14

Keywords: gender designation, civil penalties, private civil rights, multiple-occupancy spaces, Texas Women's Privacy Act, law enforcement, confidentiality, personnel files, employee records, misconduct

Summary: The Committee on State Affairs heard testimony on Senate Bill 7, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, with the author and committee substitute explaining that the bill would require public facilities to designate multi-use private spaces by biological sex, restrict access to women’s restrooms, locker rooms, showers, sleeping quarters, shelters, and correctional facilities, and create civil penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Members asked about how the bill would apply to family violence shelters, children in mixed-family settings, venue layout, and venue for lawsuits; the author said the bill was similar to prior legislation but with stronger penalties and the 15th Court of Appeals as the exclusive intermediate appellate court for challenges, while clarifying that trial venue should generally be local except for state agencies. The committee also heard that the bill would be amended to better address local venue concerns and shelter-related issues. Invited testimony was largely in support of the bill from witnesses who described personal experiences in women’s sports, prisons, shelters, and public facilities, arguing that single-sex spaces are necessary for privacy and safety. Supporters included parents, former incarcerated women, a Republican county chair, a legal advocate, and a prison educator, who cited incidents involving transgender-identifying individuals in locker rooms, shelters, prisons, and restrooms, and said the bill would restore sex-based boundaries and protect vulnerable women and girls. One witness from Texas Values said the bill was needed despite the recently enacted Women’s Bill of Rights, and another ADF witness said the measure would protect privacy in schools and shelters. Opponents testified that the bill would harm transgender and intersex Texans, create harassment and “gender policing,” and expose cisgender women and children to invasive enforcement. Several witnesses argued there is no evidence that transgender women pose a restroom safety threat, while others said the bill would worsen mental health, employment, and school conditions for trans people and could conflict with prison standards and federal law. Family violence advocates urged changes to protect shelter operations and clarify that children can stay with parents, while other witnesses said the bill would create barriers for victims seeking help. The hearing featured extensive public testimony on both sides, but no final vote or committee action was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> focus on breaking down barriers to care focus on breaking down barriers to care for<00:17:44.679
• </c> of care um and uh accessibility of care of care um and uh accessibility of care is<01:35:01.040>
• </c> ...and medical care.
• care they possibly can.
• , affordable health care.

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• needs and be a illness healthc care needs and be a caregiver<00:31:35.000><c> for</c><00:31:35.600><
• </c> food safety food safety is the direct food safety food safety is the direct result<00:32:47.840>
• We do direct them to multiple different resources for that liability insurance, and we are currently
• We do direct them to multiple different resources for that liability insurance, and we are currently
• This has a direct impact on all food retailers.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• compared to conventional care.
• compared to conventional care.
• </c> care compared to Conventional care care compared to Conventional care patients<00:14:09.920><c>
• ><c> by</c><00:14:11.360><c> CN</c> patients being cared for primarily by CN patients being cared for
• </c> sustain maternal and infant Health Care sustain maternal and infant Health Care in<00:14:55.600>

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• She's also our indigent health care provider.
• Would any of you care to comment on that?”
• Would any of you care to comment on that?
• I just want you to know we do care for you.
• We don't care so much about the rules; take care of the people.

Summary: The joint Senate and House disaster preparedness and flooding hearing opened with quorum calls, prayer, testimony time limits, and remarks from legislative leaders emphasizing decorum, respect, and the goal of learning from the July 4 flood to prevent future loss of life. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows said the special session and hearings were intended to hear directly from local officials and residents, and that the state would pursue immediate and longer-term legislation and continue working beyond the current session. The committee then heard invited testimony from Kerr County, Kerrville, Kendall County, Real County, and the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, followed by member questions. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, Sheriff Larry Leitha, and emergency management coordinator William B. Thomas described the flood as a sudden, unprecedented event that overwhelmed local systems before many officials or residents understood the danger. They said the county received multiple National Weather Service and IPAWS alerts, but the rain fell in remote upstream areas with limited gauges, and the flood rose too quickly for normal response. They detailed the emergency response, including dispatchers handling heavy call volumes, deputies and volunteer firefighters conducting rescues, and state and federal partners assisting. County officials said 108 people died, including 37 children, and two remained missing. They called for better real-time flood detection, stronger rural emergency management resources, improved broadband and cell coverage, and more funding for swift-water rescue and warning systems. Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring and City Manager Dalton Rice said the city had floodplain rules, emergency plans, and prior preparedness efforts, but the event exposed gaps in communications and regional warning capacity. They urged the Legislature to fund a flood warning system, whether sirens, automated alerts, or a hybrid, and asked for support for predictive weather modeling, broadband expansion, a hazard mitigation fund, and disaster recovery resources. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority said it had long funded gauges and pursued flood-warning and mitigation projects, including a new software-based flood prediction system and possible retention dams, and planned to dedicate reserve funds to feasibility studies and infrastructure improvements. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk said his county’s emergency action plan and early alerts helped prevent deaths there, and he recommended easier access to alerting tools, a river-wide warning system, simpler grant applications, and regional coordination. Real County Judge Bella Rubio said rural counties face major challenges because of limited cell service, broadband, staffing, and funding, especially for camps and visitors along the Frio and Nueces rivers, and argued that reliable alert systems should be treated as a necessity, not a luxury. Members asked about the timeline of the flood, low-water crossings, communications failures, sirens, bridges, and funding, and several witnesses said the key lessons were better communications, better warning systems, and more investment in rural flood mitigation and emergency response.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c><00:15:22.560><c> It's</c> it's going the right direction. It's it's going the right direction.
• </c><00:20:11.440><c> is</c> Pediatric and adult specialy care is Pediatric and adult specialy care is
• no loss in care.
• for patients with sickle cell disease. care within one week of being seen by care within one week of
• </c> is no loss in care. is no loss in care.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• There is no tie to it except we love it and we care about our community.
• They're looking for direction on that. I'm not sure where he's looking.
• I don't care who you are.
• And so we were able to sort of regroup and get those issues taken care of.
• Take care. Committee, I guess, do we want to take a few-minute break?

Keywords: 908, all

Summary: The committee was called to order, a quorum was established, and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved. The first major presentation came from Montana Public Employees Retirement System executive director William Hollahan, who gave an overview of Montana’s Volunteer Firefighters’ Compensation Act plan. He explained that the plan covers volunteer firefighters in unincorporated areas, is funded by 5% of state fire insurance premium taxes, and currently serves 228 departments with about 2,936 active members and 1,242 retirees. He described eligibility rules, annual training and reporting requirements, benefit levels for partial and full pensions, disability, death, medical, and funeral benefits, and said the plan is actuarially sound with roughly $60 million in assets and a funded ratio slightly above 100%. Committee members asked about prior-service credit, whether EMS personnel are included, the effect on recruitment and retention, and whether expanding coverage would require a funding analysis; Hollahan said prior service is not credited, EMS is not currently included, and any expansion would need financial review. Tim Walleen of Workforce Safety and Insurance then presented a draft North Dakota workers’ compensation solution for volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMS personnel. He explained that volunteer responders are already covered by workers’ comp for medical and wage-loss benefits, but the proposal would set a minimum annual wage of $30,000 for calculating wage-loss benefits for qualifying volunteers, with the benefit paid at two-thirds of that amount. Representative Porter suggested tying the volunteer definition to existing code rather than a fixed dollar amount, and Walleen agreed. Questions focused on whether search and rescue or other volunteer emergency services could be included, whether departments would face new paperwork, and whether volunteer organizations can already elect coverage; Walleen said there would be no additional paperwork and that volunteer coverage is already available. The committee also heard from volunteer fire service representatives and the state fire marshal. An Oakes-area firefighter, Mr. Olson, testified that small departments are struggling with retention, communication, and administrative burdens, especially around separate bookkeeping and funding rules for donated or fundraising money, and he said departments need clearer guidance from the state. State Fire Marshal Dr. Matthew Clark introduced himself and outlined a broader effort to improve education, support, and coordination for fire departments, including a planned 10% audit of certificates of existence beginning in 2027, more outreach through his office, and better assistance with training, reporting, and grant access. He said his office is authorized under current law to provide these services, but the role has been vague and underused. Finally, Arnagard Rural Fire District Chief Rick Schreiber testified in favor of new recruitment and retention ideas, including retirement-style benefits, health insurance, tax incentives, scholarships, grants, and more remote or regional training. He said volunteer departments are losing members, that local tax and donation funds are already stretched, and that any new retirement or incentive program should be sustainable and likely involve a mix of state and local support.

Transcript Highlights:

• Can you talk a little bit, or can you at least point us in the right direction for folks that haven't
• Yeah, thank you, Co-Chair Gamba, and it's really directed to the question that...
• And it's really directed to the question that Rep.
• It directed ODOT to prepare a cost-to-complete report. And ODOT took six months.
• But part of it has to be your policy direction, and we talked about the sorts of policy direction that

Keywords: 907, all

Summary: The committee first received an informational update on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project from Carly Francis and Travis Brower. They described the project’s purpose as improving seismic resilience, safety, freight movement, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian access across the Columbia River, and said the updated cost estimate is $13.2 billion to $14.4 billion for the full corridor. They explained the increase from the 2022 estimate as driven by construction inflation, a more conservative inflation curve, schedule delays, more detailed engineering, and risk modeling. They also outlined the funding plan, including $2.1 billion in federal funds, $1 billion each from Oregon and Washington, and $1.5 billion in projected toll revenue, and said they are working to obligate federal funds by the end of September. The panel described a first funded phase that would include the bridge, highway connections, tolling infrastructure, bridge removal, and transit design, with light rail to Vancouver still intended but dependent on additional funding. Members questioned the risk of losing federal transit funds, whether bridge design decisions were being made with legislative input, and whether the space reserved for light rail could be used for buses if transit funding does not materialize. The committee then heard testimony on maintaining Oregon’s existing roads and bridges from representatives of Knife River, the Asphalt Pavement Association of Oregon, and CRH. Witnesses said pavement and bridge preservation is severely underfunded, with ODOT needing about $400 million per year for pavement preservation but receiving roughly $100 million annually. They showed examples of deteriorating highways such as U.S. 97 and I-84 and argued that delaying maintenance leads to much higher reconstruction costs, more safety risks, and higher user costs. Knife River described layoffs and reduced work in Oregon because of limited preservation funding, while witnesses also said rising wages, equipment costs, fuel, and permitting delays are increasing project costs. Committee members asked about the role of prevailing wage, diesel equipment, hauling distances, and whether preservation work could be prioritized more effectively. Finally, economist Joe Cortright presented on recent ODOT megaproject cost overruns. He said Oregon has experienced persistent overruns driven by overly optimistic revenue forecasts, heavy reliance on debt, consultant costs, inflation above forecast, and projects that have become much larger in scope than originally presented. He cited major increases in the Interstate Bridge, Rose Quarter, and Abernathy Bridge projects and argued that some designs are far wider and more expensive than necessary. Cortright said better accountability, clearer priorities, and more disciplined project sizing are needed, and committee members pressed him on why agencies proceed with larger designs even when consultants recommend narrower, less expensive alternatives.

Transcript Highlights:

• Just make it a little more direct.
• I'm struggling with your direction. Well, in other words... I'm struggling with your direction.
• Well, there's this presumption; members still need to be careful not to...
• And members still need to be careful not to... right?
• So there was some discord that Jamie, you and Chris took care of. So thank you.

Summary: The committee approved the minutes as corrected and noted there were no employment disclosure forms. It then discussed a draft advisory opinion on legislative stickers, pens, business cards, and similar items. Members agreed the opinion should identify historically provided items as presumptively within normal legislative conduct, but add clearer language that such items still cannot be used in a campaign-related way or otherwise conflict with ethics rules on use of public resources. Staff said Legislative Support Services and administration would be the main points of review for questionable requests, and the draft would be revised for board review. The committee also reviewed a second advisory opinion request about legislative and caucus staff interacting with caucus social media posts. The discussion focused on whether staff may like or engage with posts about legislation or policy positions. Members generally agreed that liking or otherwise engaging with caucus posts could be viewed as support and could create ethics problems, especially because social media content remains online and could later be tied to legislation. The draft was to be revised to draw clearer lines for compliance. Members then discussed a long-running project to review and either retain or retire older advisory opinions, and agreed to continue and complete that review process. They also discussed the recently passed ethics bill and supported issuing an ethics alert summarizing major changes, including concerns about a House amendment affecting social media and website references during the election year activity period. Finally, the committee approved spending about $19,171 to digitize archived case files into searchable format, with members expressing support for moving away from paper records. After public business ended, the committee adjourned the public session and planned to reconvene in executive session.

Transcript Highlights:

• Perhaps most importantly, these resources will be directed to cities and towns across the Commonwealth
• Perhaps most importantly, these resources will be directed to cities and towns across the Commonwealth
• owned roads that are state-numbered, and it would be a responsibility of that city or town to take care
• In the health care sector, in the pharma sector, in the biotech sector, in the higher ed sector, all
• And I know there's a lot of uncertainty going on in D.C. in terms of different directions, but we also

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The committee heard testimony on House Bill 4987, the administration’s transportation bond bill centered on Chapter 90 roadway funding and related capital programs. Administration officials described the bill as a roughly $5.5 billion package that would continue $300 million per year for Chapter 90 over four years, with part of the funding distributed by the traditional formula and an additional $100 million based solely on road miles to better support rural and smaller communities. They also highlighted authorizations for municipal pavement work, Shared Streets and Spaces grants, accelerated bridge and pavement repairs, MBTA rail modernization and reliability, housing-related transportation improvements, and a new DCR-focused PRISM program for parkways and related infrastructure. Officials emphasized that the bill is financed through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and Fair Share revenues, and said it would help municipalities plan more predictably, speed project delivery, and support housing, safety, and climate goals. Committee members and witnesses discussed the bill’s broader scope beyond traditional Chapter 90, especially the $200 million for transportation projects that support housing development and the $200 million for MBTA modernization and rail reliability. Members asked about the rationale for a four-year authorization amid fiscal uncertainty, federal funding volatility, and the status of commuter rail electrification. Administration officials responded that the capital authorization is backed by dedicated transportation revenues rather than the operating budget, and said multi-year certainty helps cities and towns make better long-term repair decisions. They also said the MBTA’s rail modernization funds would support locomotive procurements, including battery-electric and Tier 4 diesel locomotives, as part of a longer-term regional rail and electrification strategy. Municipal officials and regional advocates strongly supported the bill. The Massachusetts Municipal Association, along with town and city officials from Sherborn, Conway, and Yarmouth, said the increased Chapter 90 funding and road-mile-based distribution are especially important for small and rural communities with limited local revenue capacity, and that multi-year funding would let them bundle projects, bid at better prices, and address backlogs more proactively. A Better City and MAPC also supported the bill but urged the committee to treat it like a traditional bond bill by adding policy provisions and considering new transportation revenue tools, such as TNC fee changes, road pricing, parking taxes, and other mechanisms. The committee took no vote during the hearing and adjourned after testimony concluded.

Transcript Highlights:

• As we wrap up the purpose and work of this special legislative study committee, we're going to take care
• And although this is not a direct... these aren't direct recommendations, I feel like they're an important
• I want us to take care of some housekeeping while we have our quorum here.
• Either we suggest we move in one direction or we make this suggestion.
• We don’t even care about the sports part now. He just needs to be in school.”

Summary: The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted minutes from prior meetings, and then heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute involving Leesville High School and Anacoco High School. They described a family decision to move schools for broader educational and personal reasons, but said the student was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics despite strong grades and a desire to play basketball. Several members responded that the rule seemed to punish students for adult decisions and for transfers within the same parish, and they urged the family to keep working hard while the committee considered broader policy changes. The committee then reviewed a draft report containing factual findings about LHSAA and discussed recommendations. Members expressed concern about inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and LHSAA’s repeated absence from committee meetings. The committee adopted findings for the report and approved three recommendations: creating a structured student-transfer eligibility process allowing one transfer through junior year; making the House and Senate representatives on the LHSAA executive committee voting members; and adding a governor-appointed voting member to the executive committee. Speaker Pro Tem Johnson then outlined broader options for legislative action. One proposal, adopted as the committee’s recommendation, would create a cooperative endeavor agreement framework between the Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit to administer high school athletics, with public-records coverage subject to existing privacy exceptions and an option for nonpublic schools to participate. A second, more expansive proposal would create a state Office of Sanctioned Athletics within the Department of Education; the committee agreed to include that concept in the report for future discussion but not as a recommendation. The committee also authorized staff to finalize the report, incorporate the adopted findings and recommendations, make technical edits, and send the report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with closing remarks thanking staff and members, followed by adjournment.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> acquiring and restoring and taking care acquiring and restoring and taking care of<00:55:59.680>
• Why hasn't that gone that direction? Mr. Chair, Senator Howe, I appreciate the comment.
• That, to me, truly concerns me on the way we're going in the direction this is going.
• </c> done that we really don't care done that we really don't care whether<01:42:40.320><c> we're</c>
• </c><01:42:55.320><c> Thank</c> in the direction this is going.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• And we ask for your care laid upon us.
• <00:40:36.160><c> for</c><00:40:36.400><c> themselves</c> caring for themselves caring for themselves
• Under his direction, system.
• </c> Perez, urgently needed medical care. Perez, urgently needed medical care.
• </c><02:18:08.479><c> I</c> care for the injury they caused. I care for the injury they caused.

Keywords: U.S. House of Representatives Floor Proceedings on Thursday, July 23, 2026, 1012, house, all