Video & Transcript Research : 'Type A'

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MS

Mississippi 2026 Regular Session

Judiciary, Division A (Part 2) - Room 409, 3 March, 2026; 4:15 P.M.

Judiciary, Division A

Transcript Highlights:
  • I'll call Judiciary A to order.
  • before you is a strike all. before you is a strike all.
  • it's a real concern when it's a real it's a real concern when you're<00:16:11.880> getting<00
  • , a shot that says was a, in my opinion, a shot that says if<00:20:15.000> you<00:20:15.160>
  • Chairman, it's a tough one. It's a deadline day question.
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 1752, which had already passed Judiciary A, gone to Appropriations, and returned with an amendment. The chair explained that the amendment froze a rate increase that had been included by LBR and instead set the amount at $150,100 on a two-year schedule for further review. The committee adopted the amendment and then passed the bill on a title-sufficient-do-pass motion. The committee then considered House Bill 1603, described as a cleanup measure related to last year’s squatters law. Counsel explained that it removed language stating that a squatter who commits trespass or remains on another person’s property shall not accrue property rights based on that conduct. After a brief question about what the bill removed, the committee passed it on a title-sufficient-do-pass motion. The main discussion centered on House Bill 1224, a strike-all for the Keeping Kids Safe Online Act, which the chair described as a revised version of the Walker Montgomery law. The chair said the original House bill raised serious constitutional concerns, especially around age verification, First Amendment issues, and overbreadth, and noted Justice Kavanaugh’s comments in the Walker Montgomery litigation suggesting the prior law was likely unconstitutional. He said the strike-all would create a task force, include a reverse repealer, and use language modeled on laws in Florida and Virginia, with the goal of producing a bill that could withstand legal challenge. Several senators questioned whether the committee should move forward with a bill that might still be vulnerable, while others emphasized the need to protect children online and referenced Mr. Montgomery’s advocacy and the book Anxious Generation. The chair said industry representatives from Google, Facebook, TikTok, and NetChoice had expressed willingness to discuss a workable compromise, and he indicated the committee could still go to conference and potentially return to the House version if needed.
VA
Transcript Highlights:
  • Do I have a motion? Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a motion that Senator Aird chair.
  • So that kind of was in a little bit of a limbo for about a year and some change.
  • So there are very, this is like a very high bar for a drug to be considered a Schedule I substance because
  • It was a take-it-or-leave-it type of situation. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you, Delegate Krizek.
  • Well, this has to be a first. I am not going to beg you. Well, this has to be a first.
Summary: The Joint Commission on Cannabis and Hemp Policy met for its first meeting of 2026, elected Senator Lashrecse Aird as chair and Delegate Paul Krizek as vice chair, confirmed a quorum, adopted the virtual participation policy, and heard member introductions. Opening remarks emphasized the commission’s ongoing charge under HJR 497 to oversee Virginia’s transition toward a regulated retail cannabis market, with leaders noting that cannabis possession and home cultivation are already legal but retail sales remain unregulated and that the commission’s work continues despite the veto of the 2026 retail market bill. The commission then received a virtual briefing from NCSL on federal cannabis and hemp developments. Presenters explained the federal rescheduling of certain cannabis products to Schedule III, stressing that it applies only to FDA-approved cannabis drugs and state medical cannabis products, does not legalize adult-use sales, and leaves unresolved issues such as banking and broader tax compliance. They also reviewed the 2026 federal hemp changes narrowing the hemp definition, effective November 12, 2026, and warned of enforcement, interstate commerce, and market-disruption concerns for hemp-derived products. Members asked questions about whether rescheduling could lead to decriminalization and about tax and compliance implications for states. Commission staff then reviewed Virginia’s cannabis-related legislation from the 2026 session. They summarized bills that became law, including a process for modifying certain pre-2021 marijuana-related sentences, a bill allowing the Department of Health to address cannabis oil use in hospitals and convene a work group on medical-care-facility access, and a medical cannabis labeling/delivery measure. They also described SB 543, which strengthened hemp and illicit cannabis enforcement by requiring license decals, creating penalties for unlicensed sales and false decals, authorizing cease-and-desist actions and seizures, establishing a public tip line, directing law-enforcement training, and creating a consumer-protection civil action for certain high-THC products. No public comments were offered, and the meeting adjourned without further action.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • might be a different discussion. might be a different discussion.
  • Need a motion. Motion. All right. Need a motion. Motion.
  • Got a motion in the second. Got a motion in the second.
  • So, I'm going to be a vote a no vote. So, I'm going to be a vote a no vote.
  • He is a no.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • a it's a a for several years, but it's a it's a a concept<00:28:57.679> where<00:28:58.559>
  • You go from a 50-seat to a 75-seater to a 185-seat.
  • A complex aircraft electric charging, and also the vert aspects, and these types of designs can be deployed
  • This is just a headline I wanted to share with you, just to say that these types of partnerships are
  • >> Um and just a a question. You talk a lot >> Um and just a a question.
Summary: The committee received an update from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on the FY 2025 road fund. Officials reported road fund revenues came in $38.5 million above the enacted estimate, but were down about $11 million from FY 2024, largely because a motor fuels tax rate reduction took effect at the start of FY 2025. Motor vehicle usage tax receipts were stronger than expected, and the cabinet said the road fund ended the year with a $61.6 million surplus, which the budget bill directs to state highway construction. Members also discussed how the motor fuels decline affects formula distributions to cities, counties, and rural/secondary roads, with officials saying about $122.8 million had been planned for revenue sharing but was not distributed because receipts were lower than forecast. Members asked about broader revenue trends, including fuel efficiency, electric vehicles, and the removal of a hybrid fee. Cabinet officials said improved fuel efficiency and CAFE standards reduce gasoline consumption and therefore fuel tax receipts, while EVs and plug-in hybrids are subject to a user fee. They also said toll revenues from the Louisville bridges are covering bills and commitments, though they did not have detailed figures at hand. On project delivery, officials said delays are often caused by right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and the large volume of projects in the highway plan, and that much of the work happens behind the scenes before construction begins. The committee also reviewed the cabinet’s cash management approach, which was adopted after 2000 to avoid setting aside full project costs all at once and to keep the road fund cash balance above a required minimum. Officials said the balance typically rises in winter and falls in summer as project bills come due, and that the current balance was about $166 million. They also reported that project awards for the year were nearing $998 million and expected to exceed last year’s total. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken beyond approving the prior meeting minutes.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • teacher a great teacher a experienced teacher a great teacher a high<00:01:22.200> flyer<00:01
  • /c> a tenur teacher which means you are a a tenur teacher which means you are a teacher<00:03:35.680>
  • /c> it to five but as a principal or as a it to five but as a principal or as a district<00:03:58.799
  • c><00:04:22.079> uh unless you have a u a really good uh unless you have a u a really good uh
  • a breath a little finally able to take a breath a little bit<00:18:41.120> but<00:18:41.240><
Summary: The committee took up House Bill 48, which would reduce the state-required formal observation cycle for tenured teachers from once every three years to once every five years, while preserving local district authority to conduct more frequent observations if they choose. Supporters argued the change would cut paperwork and time burdens on experienced teachers and principals, while still allowing districts to monitor performance and place teachers on improvement plans when needed. Members also discussed the bill’s separate provisions on school improvement plans, with clarification that CSI/TSI low-performing schools would still be required to maintain comprehensive improvement plans and receive additional support from KDE, and that the bill was not changing the evaluation system for those schools. A second major topic was professional development and teacher induction/mentoring requirements. The bill would consolidate state-mandated PD requirements into a rotational schedule for tenured teachers, and members noted that teachers are already subject to federal and local PD obligations that the legislature cannot change. Several speakers emphasized that the bill was intended to reduce state-level mandates, not eliminate useful supports for new teachers, and one member raised concern that mandatory induction/mentoring could limit districts’ ability to use Title II funds; the response was that the program remains valuable and should be revisited with dedicated funding rather than discarded. There was also a brief question about suicide prevention hotline and Safe Haven Baby Box posting language, which was explained as existing statute consolidated into one place. The committee then voted on the bill and it passed, with members offering brief explanations of support and noting frustration with recurring annual training requirements such as bloodborne pathogens. After the vote, members thanked the bill sponsors and educators who helped shape the legislation, and the chair announced weekly office hours in Room 367. The meeting ended with congratulations to the new K-12 chair and adjournment.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • has a question. has a question.
  • /c><00:08:24.879> a a YouTube producer or I've got a a a YouTube producer or I've got a a pamphlet
  • um left us for a co-op um a position um left us for a co-op um a position there<00:08:50.000>
  • :00.560> a<00:10:00.720> a<00:10:00.959> PLMS,<00:10:01.519> a created a
  • partnership for a a PLMS, a created a partnership for a a PLMS, a professional<00:10:02.000> learning
Summary: The committee first considered a pulled contract involving the Department of Education and heard from KDE staff Karen Worth, Matthew Courtney, and later Mickey Ray Marinelli. Members asked about contract 42, which related to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and broader federal budget uncertainty. KDE explained that the program is forward-funded, so current-year and next-school-year funding were secure, but future funding remained unclear because federal decisions were still in flux. Members asked to be kept informed of any changes and expressed support for the program. The committee then discussed contract 43, a $105,000 general fund agreement for a communications/digital media consultant. KDE said the position was created to help increase awareness of resources for district staff, administrators, and teachers, including Read to Succeed, numeracy, MTSS, website usability, standards resources, and the Kentucky Learning Hub. Members questioned why the work was being routed through the Green River Co-op, whether the role was new, how long it had been vacant, how many similar positions existed, and whether the work amounted to internal marketing. KDE said the selected employee was coming from Thomas More University, the position had existed for about one year, the vacancy had been less than six months, and the role was intended to improve communication and online resources. Some members voiced concern about growing administrative spending and whether more positions were needed. Both contracts were ultimately approved as reviewed without objection after motions, seconds, and roll-call votes. The committee then announced that the September 25 meeting would instead be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m., and adjourned after a motion.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • Is Is there a motion Congratulations. Is Is there a motion for<00:02:48.160> consent?
  • This simply puts in place a framework to allow insurers, uh, to put a framework for um a waiver program
  • So, it's been a great success.
  • >> It's a recurring theme. >> It's a recurring theme.
  • We stand a developments. Now, everyone, go get your coffee. All right. Thank you. We stand a
Summary: The committee met with a quorum and heard four House bills, adjusting the order to accommodate members’ schedules. House Bill 510, on organ donation procedures, would require health care providers involved in organ procurement to pause the process if any signs of life are observed and restart the process if needed. The bill was presented as a consensus measure, received no opposition, and passed with favorable expression by unanimous vote and consent. House Bill 176 would create a framework for insurers to implement a waiver program reducing prior authorization requirements before care is provided. The sponsor said the language had been worked out with insurers to cut red tape and improve transparency. The committee approved the bill unanimously with favorable expression and then consent. House Bill 266 would add audiology and speech-language pathology to the Kentucky Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund eligibility list. Testimony emphasized that these professions are essential to patient care across the lifespan and meet the fund’s training and licensure standards. The bill passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. House Bill 393 concerned Alzheimer’s-related statutory cleanup, adding a caregiver council seat and requiring the council to develop and distribute an early detection and diagnosis toolkit for health care providers. The bill was supported as a way to improve Alzheimer’s awareness and care, with one senator explaining a yes vote in memory of a parent who had Alzheimer’s. It also passed unanimously with favorable expression and consent. The chair announced the next committee meeting would be Wednesday, March 25 at 8:00 a.m.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
  • :04:02.480> the this bill is a proposal in a step of the this bill is a proposal in a step of
  • /c><00:09:37.959> smaller a pediatric mask too for a smaller a pediatric mask too for a smaller
  • a challenge and a with teachers and a challenge and a barrier<00:15:24.720> that<00:15:24.839>
  • /c> a tenur teacher which means you are a a tenur teacher which means you are a teacher<00:28:19.240>
  • c><00:29:05.640> uh unless you have a u a really good uh unless you have a u a really good uh
Summary: The committee first took up House Bill 44, “Landon’s Law,” sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni. The bill would allow schools to keep anti-choking devices such as LifeVac on hand while limiting liability. Testimony from Equal First Aid and LifeVac emphasized that choking is a leading cause of death for children, that the devices are noninvasive and FDA-registered, and that updated Red Cross guidance allows their use when standard rescue protocols fail or are not feasible. Lauren McCubbins, Landon McCubbin’s mother, gave emotional testimony about her 8-year-old son’s death from choking at school and urged the committee to give schools an added rescue option. Members asked questions about how the device works, whether the Heimlich maneuver remains part of the protocol, and whether the bill is limited to LifeVac or applies to similar devices. The bill was reported favorably, with a roll call vote showing unanimous support from members present. The committee then heard a bill sponsored by Rep. J. Baker aimed at reducing administrative burdens in schools and supporting teacher recruitment and retention. The measure would lengthen the required evaluation cycle for tenured teachers from every three years to every five years, provide teachers a copy of their employment contract upon request, streamline professional development provisions, update continuous school improvement plan filing requirements, restore schools’ ability to use Title II funds for certain programs after an unintended consequence of prior legislation, and require KDE to review reporting requirements and eliminate those not required by law. Rep. Baker said the bill was developed with teachers and administrators through a working group and is intended to reduce “check-the-box” tasks so educators can focus on instruction. Amanda Butler of Spencer County Schools and other educators testified that the changes would save time, preserve funding for mentor and induction programs, and reduce repetitive paperwork. Rep. Fleming asked for clarification on the longer evaluation cycle, and an educator witness explained that each evaluation involves pre-observation, observation, and post-observation time and that districts would still retain flexibility to evaluate more often if needed. No final vote on this bill was included in the transcript excerpt.