Transcript Highlights:

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• /c> thank you anyone else wish tfy on S thank you anyone else wish tfy on S sp35<00:11:56.920><c> okay
• we'll</c><00:11:57.320><c> next</c><00:11:57.560><c> move</c><00:11:57.760><c> to</c><00:11:58.040><c> S<
• /c><00:11:58.240><c> sp42</c> sp35 okay we'll next move to S sp42 sp35 okay we'll next move to S sp42
• there anyone else wishing to<00:14:43.560><c> testify</c><00:14:43.920><c> on</c><00:14:44.079><c> S<

Committee: Senate Housing

Summary: The Committee on Housing heard testimony on several housing-related measures. Senate Bill 65 would appropriate funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for rehabilitation and repair of public housing units. Testifiers from the Department of Human Services, HPHA, Catholic Charities Hawaii, and Roar Cares supported the bill, emphasizing that repairing vacant units is a fast, cost-effective way to increase available housing for homeless and elderly residents. HPHA later told the committee it had 139 vacant units, with an estimated average repair cost of about $73,000 per unit. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage of SB 65 with amendments, including an appropriation of $10,147,000, and the motion passed. The committee also considered Senate Bill 40, which would allow HHFDC to secure a line of credit or other indebtedness for the bond volume cap recycling program. HHFDC supported the measure and explained that Act 35 had provided a $150 million line of credit for fiscal year 2025 only, so this bill would extend that authority; HHFDC said the bonds involved would be revenue bonds. Roar Cares supported the bill, while the chair asked whether the Legislature would need to pass such a bill annually. In decision-making, the committee recommended passage with amendments to specify revenue bonds and noted the administration should study other ways to secure the line of credit without annual legislation. For Senate Bill 35, which would create a Housing Efficiency and Innovation subaccount within the rental housing revolving fund and allow fund transfers without legislative approval, HHFDC and several others supported the measure, arguing that more flexible fund movement would improve efficiency. The committee adopted a recommendation to pass SB 35 with amendments, including language prioritizing projects on state or county land or projects by entities required to reinvest surplus into housing, and noting nonprofit developers could qualify for prioritization. Senate Bill 42, which would repeal certain 30% AMI set-aside and preference requirements for rental housing revolving fund projects, drew opposition from Catholic Charities Hawaii, which argued the bill would reduce the supply of the most vulnerable housing units, while HHFDC warned it could reduce production of 30% AMI units. The committee deferred SB 42. The final bill discussed was Senate Bill 75, which would establish a working group to revise the state’s qualified allocation plan and related rental housing revolving fund loan terms and report back to the Legislature. HHFDC and others offered comments, while Catholic Charities asked that the bill be deferred, saying HHFDC already had the capacity to work with the community without a new law. Roar Cares supported the concept but urged broader stakeholder inclusion. In decision-making, the chair said the committee report would note concerns about prior QAP revisions and the need for more transparent, ongoing stakeholder participation, and the committee recommended passage of SB 75 without amendments. All recommendations were adopted, and the hearing adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• But passage of H. 437 and S. 279 would streamline the lengthy process that exists now.
• So we respectfully urge a favorable report out for H. 437 and S. 279, and I'll send it over now to Chris
• Chair Chan, Chair Payano, committee members, for the opportunity to testify in support of H. 357 and S.
• Today I'd like to share feedback on H. 357 and S. 222, an act to regulate hemp-derived beverages like
• We'd like to share our concerns about H. 435 and S. 203, an act amending successor supplier laws, and

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Summary: The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a public hearing on a wide range of alcohol, liquor licensing, and hemp-derived beverage bills. Early in the hearing, there was a procedural dispute when Senator Jacob Oliveira attempted to testify virtually on S. 279; the House chairs declined to recognize virtual testimony from a committee member, and Senator Pavel Payano instead read prepared remarks supporting the bill to return liquor license authority to municipalities. The committee then heard testimony on H. 437/S. 279 from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and Cohasset Town Manager Christopher Senior, both of whom argued that local control would streamline licensing, better match modern community needs, and support downtown economic development. A Lexington business owner also supported local licensing flexibility for a paint-and-sip business seeking a beer and wine license. The committee also heard extensive testimony on hemp-derived beverage regulation, including H. 357 and S. 222. Supporters from the Commonwealth Beverage Coalition and Theory Wellness said the products are already widely available in unregulated settings, including gas stations and smoke shops, and argued for a regulated framework with age limits, testing, labeling, and local public health funding. The Massachusetts Brewers Guild supported regulation of low-dose hemp beverages but asked that breweries be allowed to participate using their existing retail and distribution rights. The Guild also supported H. 478, which would allow limited self-distribution by pub breweries, saying it would reduce inefficiency and help small breweries grow. Several bills modernizing alcohol licensing laws were also discussed. Representative Ruel supported H. 477, describing it as a cleanup measure that would remove the contiguous-premises requirement, add a character standard for applicants, and extend public notice periods. Representative Sangiolo testified in support of H. 3893, a local liquor-license bill tied to economic development and new businesses in Lexington, including a movie theater, coffee shop, and paint studio. Fable Brewing Company also supported the local license bill, saying the licenses are needed before they can finalize leases and open. The committee then heard opposition from the Massachusetts Package Stores Association and several retailers, who warned that the retail tier is under pressure from oversaturation, declining revenues, and expanded competition, and opposed a long list of bills they said would further weaken existing stores or the three-tier system. At the end of the hearing, Representative McKenna testified in support of H. 437 and S. 279, emphasizing municipal autonomy and the importance of on-premises licenses for restaurants and other economic-development projects. The chairs noted that additional written testimony could still be submitted on bills that did not receive in-person testimony. The hearing concluded with a motion by Representative Sangiolo, seconded by Representative LeBoeuf, to close the hearing, which passed by voice vote.

Transcript Highlights:

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• /c><00:33:57.799><c> San</c><00:33:57.919><c> Francisco</c> across our country like s San Francisco across
• our country like s San Francisco Portland<00:33:59.880><c> Atlanta</c><00:34:00.880><c> other</c><00
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• /c> representative Shimizu uh s representative Shimizu uh s 1333<00:42:41.720><c> yes</c><00:42:42.720

Transcript Highlights:

• The S&P 500, the equity market, is inherently volatile.
• It's a fine time to move to what's happened in the S&P up until March 14th.
• The S&P 500, the equity market, is inherently volatile.
• The S&P 500, the equity market, is inherently volatile.
• The S&P 500, the equity market, is inherently volatile.

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:01:25.720><c> today's</c><00:01:26.200><c> agenda</c><00:01:26.799><c> is</c><00:01:27.040><c> s<
• /c> the first measure on today's agenda is s the first measure on today's agenda is s sp201<00:01:28.439
• ><00:02:35.680><c> strong</c><00:02:35.920><c> support</c><00:02:36.800><c> of</c><00:02:37.000><c> s<
• /c><00:02:37.560><c> sp201</c> testifying in strong support of s sp201 testifying in strong support of
• /c> you we will move to the next measure s you we will move to the next measure s sp1 sp1 sp1 1220<00

Committee: Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection

Summary: The joint Senate hearing focused primarily on SB 1201, a wildfire measure that would create a wildfire recovery fund and allow securitization for electric utilities. Hawaiian Electric strongly supported the bill, saying it would help protect customers, property owners, insurers, and the broader economy from future catastrophic wildfire liability while improving the utility’s credit profile and lowering financing costs. Support also came from DCCA Consumer Advocacy, the Attorney General’s office on written comments, Ulupono Initiative, Clearway Energy Group, IBEW Local 1260, Par Hawaii, KIUC, the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Plus Power, and numerous organizations and individuals. Opponents or commenters raised concerns about the liability cap, victim compensation process, and fund structure, including the Hawaiʻi Association for Justice, the Hawaiʻi Regional Council of Carpenters, and the Hawaiʻi Insurance Council; Henry Curtis of Life of the Land supported the concept of a fund but questioned the catastrophe threshold and whether the fund would be empty without a prudency finding. Much of the discussion centered on whether the proposed fund would actually help restore Hawaiian Electric to investment grade, with senators comparing the proposal to California’s wildfire fund. Hawaiian Electric said the bill was only one part of a broader process, alongside physical risk reduction and settlement finalization, and argued that without the bill the utility would not regain investment grade. Senators also questioned the proposed $1 billion fund size, the fairness of ratepayer contributions versus shareholder contributions, and whether customers should pay for consulting and administrative costs; Hawaiian Electric said its proposed amendment would remove those consulting-related charges. The company also said the fund would accrue interest and, if unused, could be returned to customers, and that there would be replenishment and supplemental contribution mechanisms if the fund were exhausted. The Attorney General’s office said it still had further amendments to discuss, and the departments had not yet resolved where the fund should reside administratively, though Hawaiian Electric said it believed DCCA was the appropriate place but was open to alternatives. KIUC requested two amendments. No vote or final committee action was taken during the hearing, and the measure remained under discussion with questions and proposed amendments still outstanding.

Transcript Highlights:

• In addition to House staff, one member, Speaker Brian S. Evans, attended.
• To date, Speaker Brian S. Evans is the only announced candidate for Speaker-designate.
• Today it is my honor that I move that Speaker Brian S.
• The question before the House is the election of Brian S.
• Members, it is my distinct honor and privilege to announce that Speaker Brian S.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests in the galleries, including state officers, medical personnel, student groups, and former first ladies. Members adopted consent-calendar resolutions, and House Resolution 1052 concerning Arkansas Girl State was withdrawn after Rep. DeAnn Vaught explained that 150 girls had missed a registration deadline and that the House would instead host an alternative Girls State experience this summer. The chamber then took up several fiscal-session appropriation bills. Senate Bills 3, 4, 7, 15, 21, and 31, covering appropriations for Shared Services, Health licensing and regulation, Commerce/Insurance, Parks and Tourism, Human Services adult-aging-behavioral health, and administrative courts, all passed with large bipartisan margins. Senate Bill 75, an economic development appropriation for West Memphis, also passed after brief discussion. Senate Bill 77, an unfunded appropriation related to Arkansas Television Network/PBS matching funds, drew extended debate over whether it should support PBS programming, infrastructure, or private-donation matching; it failed on the first vote, was brought back for reconsideration because some members had not voted, and then failed again 73-24. After the fiscal work concluded, Rep. Meeks moved to adjourn sine die, ending the House’s fiscal session. The House then convened as a caucus to elect the Speaker-designate for the 96th General Assembly. The body suspended the formal election process and unanimously elected Speaker Brian S. Evans as Speaker-designate. Evans thanked members, reflected on the prior session, and pledged continued leadership and accountability before the House adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• Joe S. Green, the Bayou Bishop. Family, will you all stand from Alexandria?
• Joe S. Green, the Bayou Bishop. Whereas Joe S.
• Joe S.
• SCR 17 by Senator Barrow to commend and congratulate Lewis S.

Bills: HR65 , HR66 , HR67 , HR68 , HR69 , HCR33 , HCR34 , HB1006 , HB1007 , HB1008 , HB1010 , HB1011 , HR58 , HR59 , HR60 , HR61 , HR62 , HR63 , HR64 , HCR32 , SCR2 , SCR5 , SCR6 , SCR11 , SCR16 , SCR17 , HB43 , HB447 , HB573 , HB1000 , HB1001 , HB1002 , HB1003 , HB1004 , HB1005 , SB8 , SB10 , SB12 , SB16 , SB20 , SB21 , SB22 , SB29 , SB32 , SB41 , SB42 , SB44 , SB49 , SB58 , SB68 , SB75 , SB77 , SB81 , SB97 , SB103 , SB159 , SB163 , SB172 , SB180 , SB182 , SB244 , SB248 , SB253 , SB254 , SB279 , SB306 , SB318 , SB334 , SB380 , SB385 , SB397 , HB53 , HB57 , HB64 , HB100 , HB102 , HB106 , HB111 , HB137 , HB152 , HB155 , HB177 , HB238 , HB256 , HB258 , HB272 , HB337 , HB350 , HB359 , HB363 , HB386 , HB434 , HB445 , HB546 , HB557 , HB584 , HB661 , HB697 , HB726 , HB727 , HB747 , HB752 , HB756 , HB758 , HB759 , HB765 , HB767 , HB825 , HB858 , HB930 , HB941 , HB957 , HB964 , HB203 , HB228 , HB234 , HB260 , HB268 , HB271 , HB285 , HB289 , HB351 , HB400 , HB413 , HB469 , HB534 , HB551 , HB552 , HB574 , HB576 , HB634 , HB649 , HB677 , HB735 , HB739 , HB779 , HB784 , HB796 , HB842 , HB850 , HB919 , HB8 , HB9 , HB10 , HB15 , HB16 , HB17 , HB18 , HB19 , HB22 , HB33 , HB34 , HB35 , HB44 , HB46 , HB47 , HB48 , HB61 , HB101 , HB126 , HB135 , HB142 , HB164 , HB185 , HB215 , HB226 , HB232 , HB233 , HB242 , HB284 , HB292 , HB297 , HB301 , HB334 , HB436 , HB468 , HB548 , HB571 , HB582 , HB593 , HB594 , HB609 , HB613 , HB712 , HB722 , HB732 , HB746 , HB827 , HB845 , HB848 , HB921 , HB923 , HB951 , HB953 , HB999 , HB733 , HB875 , HB952 , HB868 , HB119 , HB140 , HB52 , HB901 , HB193 , HB570

Summary: The House convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the morning on personal privileges recognizing guests and honoring individuals and organizations. Recognitions included the Zachary High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams for back-to-back state championships, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity for Blue and White Day, visitors from Natchitoches Parish, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, the Parish Presidents Association, Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans, student parents pursuing higher education, and a delegation from Alexandria honoring the late Dr. Joe S. Green. The House also adopted or laid over several condolence and commendation resolutions, including tributes to former Northwestern State football coach Sam Goodwin, Michael B. Jordan, Richard Williams, and others. The chamber received a large batch of Senate bills and House bills for referral, covering topics such as retirement systems, highway memorial designations, criminal justice, education, health and welfare, municipal governance, insurance, natural resources, and tax policy. Committee reports were read across multiple committees, with many bills reported favorably or with amendments, and several measures advanced to third reading or were recommitted to other committees. Among the actions taken, the House adopted resolutions honoring community figures and organizations, concurred in several Senate resolutions, and moved a number of bills forward, including measures on criminal penalties, school policy, environmental regulation, insurance, and public retirement. Near the end of the session, the Speaker outlined plans for the next day’s floor debate, noting 54 bills scheduled and explaining that questions on bills would send them to the bottom of the list rather than removing them. The House then recessed until 3:30 p.m., with members instructed to return for regular order and continued debate on the calendar.

Transcript Highlights:

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• /c><00:28:09.159><c> s</c><00:28:09.399><c> SP</c> this committee to again reject s s SP this committee
• to again reject s s SP 780<00:28:11.399><c> like</c><00:28:11.559><c> you</c><00:28:11.720><c> did</
• /c> 780 like you did last last year with s 780 like you did last last year with s SP<00:28:13.919><c>
• 01:06:24.039><c> SP</c><01:06:24.319><c> 345</c> s SP 345 s SP 345 um<01:06:26.599><c> I</c><01:06:26.680

Committee: House Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The House Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs met on March 12, 2025, and heard testimony on several election-related and governance measures. On SB 176, relating to recounts, the Office of Elections supported clarifying that recount triggers should be based on the final Election Day report rather than the 6:00 a.m. next-day report, citing a 2022 recount example. The chair noted 3 testimonies in support, 42 in opposition, and 1 comment. On SB 1337, relating to the Stadium Authority, the authority supported changing quorum rules so only voting members count, explaining that the current interpretation makes it difficult to conduct business; written testimony from DBEDT was also received. On SB 289, relating to ethics administrative fines, the Ethics Commission supported uniform procedures to resolve uncontested enforcement matters more quickly while preserving due process; written support was also noted. The committee then heard SB 311, a proposed constitutional amendment on freedom of speech and money in elections. Supporters, including Community Alliance on Prisons, Our Revolution Hawaii, Pride at Work Hawaii, Common Cause Hawaii, and others, argued that money in politics distorts democracy and that the amendment would help prevent wealthy interests from buying influence. Opponents, including the Hawaii Christian Coalition and individual testifiers, argued that changing the constitution was too serious, that the proposal should be handled by ordinary legislation instead, and that the measure could create legal conflict. Deputy Attorney General Candace Park said the bill would only matter if key federal cases such as Buckley and Citizens United were overturned, and the chair thanked her for the legal input. The committee also heard SB 780, relating to election ballot disqualification, which would exclude candidates disqualified by constitutional or statutory provisions and create procedures for challenges. Opposition testimony said the bill would undermine voter choice, burden courts and election officials, and invite misuse; the Hawaii Christian Coalition echoed those concerns. Members raised questions about whether the measure would apply only to state and county offices, and the Attorney General’s office said it would follow up. Finally, on SB 1030, relating to election intimidation, supporters said firearms should not be brought near polling places or ballot drop boxes, while opponents argued the bill was unnecessary and could affect lawful possession; the committee received 12 testimonies, with 39 in support. The committee then began SB 1225, a proposed constitutional amendment changing the vote threshold for legislative amendments to a majority of votes tallied, excluding blanks, spoiled ballots, and overvotes; testimony in support was heard from the LGBTQ+ Commission and others, and the discussion was still underway when the excerpt ended.

Transcript Highlights:

• >> [laughter] S. 243. Oh, we're going to go. Yep. Yep. Yep. Are you ready for the question?
• &gt;&gt; [laughter] &gt;&gt; S.<00:41:28.160><c> 243.</c> &gt;&gt; S. 243. &gt;&gt; S. 243.
• &gt;&gt; [snorts] S. 243 was passed by the House with a proposal of amendment.
• The ayes have it, and the Senate has concurred in the House proposal of amendment on S. 243.
• </c><02:05:51.960><c> 642,</c> on S. 326, H. 527, H. 642, on S. 326, H. 527, H. 642, H.<02:05:54.280>

Transcript Highlights:

• I am a resident of Newton, and I thank you for hearing my testimony in support of S. 517 and H. 876 on
• Of course, Massachusetts already conducts some audits, and the provisions in S. 517 and H. 876 build
• Keenan, for the opportunity to speak in favor of an act strengthening the post-election audit process, S.
• of the League and our 44 local leagues, I am honored to join my colleagues in support of H. 876 and S.

Committee: Joint Joint Committee on Election Laws

Summary: The Committee on Election Laws held a hearing on election security bills, focusing first on S. 517 and H. 876, which would strengthen Massachusetts’ post-election audit process. Testimony from the Brennan Center, Common Cause Massachusetts, Verified Voting, and the League of Women Voters supported expanding audits to include all ballot types, increasing audit frequency from every four years to every two years, requiring statewide audit reports to be posted within 30 days and kept online for six years, and allowing municipalities to conduct audits under state standards. Witnesses also praised the bill’s creation of a work group to study risk-limiting audits and other improvements, emphasizing public confidence, transparency, and the ability of audits to detect errors or deter fraud. Committee members asked detailed questions about how Massachusetts compares with other states, how risk-limiting audits differ from current tabulation audits, how audits are selected and expanded if discrepancies appear, and what the costs and mechanics of different audit methods would be. Witnesses explained that current audits are typically random, hand-count-based checks of selected contests and batches of ballots, that risk-limiting audits use statistical sampling and can escalate to a full recount if needed, and that Massachusetts’ local-control structure makes a collaborative work group useful. They also noted that audits generally confirm results but can uncover errors that do not change outcomes, and occasionally more serious problems. The committee then heard testimony on H. 832, which would authorize the Secretary of the Commonwealth to take emergency actions affecting elections during declared emergencies. Supporters said the bill would create a clear statutory process for rescheduling or adjusting elections during severe weather or other crises, including allowing emergency absentee ballot accommodations for civilian responders, and would reduce the need for court intervention. No votes were taken on the bills during the hearing, and the meeting ended with adjournment after no additional testimony was offered.

Transcript Highlights:

• Further, HB280's penalty structure is Further, HB280's penalty structure is excessive, penalizing entire
• So, Representative S, yourself is in play. Is there anything else you wish to address?
• We Van S. Well, please go right ahead. Isn't this pretty much the same thing as...

Bills: SB210 , SB225 , HB280 , HB287 , HB94 , HB88 , SB157 , HB7 , HB8 , HB42

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• the vote okay unamended Vice chair for the vote okay voting<00:01:49.560><c> on</c><00:01:49.759><c> S<
• /c><00:01:50.000><c> SP</c><00:01:50.200><c> 759</c><00:01:51.040><c> chair's</c> voting on S SP 759
• chair's voting on S SP 759 chair's recommendation<00:01:52.079><c> is</c><00:01:52.240><c> to</c><00:

Committee: Senate Hawaiian Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Hawaiian Affairs met for a decision-making-only agenda with no public testimony. The chair noted the meeting was being streamed live and that public testimony could be reviewed on the status page if needed. The committee first considered SB 834, and the chair recommended deferring the measure because of the complexity of the issues and concerns for both sellers and buyers. No vote was taken because the measure was deferred. The committee then took up SB 759, for which the chair recommended passage without amendment. The motion was adopted on a vote of the chair, vice chair, and Senator Ehar in favor, Senator De Court opposed, and Senator K excused. Finally, the committee considered SB 152, and the chair recommended passage with technical amendments. With no objections or reservations raised, the recommendation was adopted; Senator Ihar was noted as excused.

Transcript Highlights:

• Uh, I too rise in support of S. 216, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act.
• </c> and pass the bill uh S 2878. and pass the bill uh S 2878.
• /c> and to include extraneous material on S and to include extraneous material on S 2878,<04:25:47.120
• I rise today in strong support of S. 2878.
• Of course, their own s ancestral lands.

Bills: HB3187 , SB284 , HB2400 , HR1098 , HB3872 , HB3176 , HB3620 , HB2815 , SB2878 , HR1045 , HR972 , HB2876 , HB3962 , HB4183 , SB216 , HR923 , HB5457 , HB5810 , SB222

Keywords: Perry County Arkansas, Perryville, Forest Service land, federal land conveyance, quitclaim deed, public purpose, education, youth development, land transfer, property disposal, reversion clause, CERCLA, environmental liability, historic preservation, National Historic Preservation Act, USDA, federal property, county government, public use, surplus land

Transcript Highlights:

• I move that the rules be waived and C.S for C.S for C S for C S for C S for C S for C S B 1220, be read
• Representative S. M. Grohl, you're recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
• Speaker, I move the rules be waived for CS for CS for CS for CS for C S for C S.S for C S, for C S for
• C S for C S for C C S for C C C S for S C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
• Representative S. Yarkowski is recognized for a motion. Mr.

Summary: The House opened with prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of a quorum, then adopted the special order calendar for the day. The first major item was CS/SB 156, the Officer Jason Rayner Act, which revises laws on resisting officers and adds manslaughter of a law enforcement officer to offenses eligible for a life sentence reclassification. The sponsor said the bill was intended to honor Officer Jason Rayner and clarify that questions of fault belong in court; opponents argued it removed judicial discretion, could sweep in unintended cases, and was a broad response to a case-specific prosecutorial failure. After debate, the bill passed 108-8. The House then passed CS/SB 688 on naturopathic medicine, which creates a regulatory structure and licensure framework for naturopathic physicians, defines scope and limits of practice, and establishes a board under the Department of Health with medical doctor oversight. Supporters described it as a consumer protection and medical freedom measure; opponents called it an expansion of scope and criticized the low penalty for impersonating a naturopathic physician. The bill passed 85-22. The chamber also passed CS/CS/SB 1062 on speech and debate education, creating a Florida Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, a Florida Speech and Debate Week, and a statewide debate initiative, by a vote of 112-0. Additional measures approved included CS/CS/SB 1220 on transportation, which covers a wide range of issues including FDOT authority, airports and seaports, drone delivery, autonomous vehicles, toll revenues, and related regulatory changes; it passed 87-23. SB 962 on affordable housing, which clarifies that Live Local Act zoning preemption does not unintentionally capture working farms and farm operations, passed 109-2. CS/CS/SB 1580 on illegal gaming was introduced and explained as a crackdown on illegal slot machines and unregulated gaming arcades, with questions focused on VFWs, sweepstakes, fantasy sports, and the Seminole gaming compact, but the transcript ends before a final vote on that bill. The session also included several recognitions and lengthy farewell remarks from departing members, including Leader Driscoll and Majority Leader Sirois.

Transcript Highlights:

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• /c><00:32:00.120><c> I</c> proposed the beginning uh uh sorry S I proposed the beginning uh uh sorry
• S I wasn't<00:32:01.200><c> here</c><00:32:01.360><c> when</c><00:32:01.480><c> the</c><00:32:01.600>
• If it's S-5 or whatever, what does that really do?
• /c><01:26:50.159><c> SP</c> recommendation is to amend s SP recommendation is to amend s SP 1390<01:26

Committee: Senate Education

Transcript Highlights:

• /c> the next measure on the agenda s the next measure on the agenda s sp5<00:16:06.920><c> oh</c><00:
• > to</c><00:29:34.039><c> move</c><00:29:34.320><c> on</c><00:29:34.559><c> to</c><00:29:34.880><c> S<
• going to move on to S SP 1186 sd2<00:29:37.320><c> relating</c><00:29:37.679><c> to</c><00:29:37.919
• SB 448 sd1 relating to bill s SB 448 sd1 relating to agriculture<00:51:41.960><c> appropriates</c><00
• /c><01:13:45.639><c> SP</c> see none Vice chair for the vote on S SP see none Vice chair for the vote

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• Some of them I trained with going through BUD/S training in my time.
• Some of them I trained with going through BUD/S training in my time.
• Some of them I trained with going through BUD/S training in my time.
• Some of them I trained with going through BUD/S training in my time.
• Some of them I trained with going through BUD/S training in my time.

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> we're going to move on to the next we're going to move on to the next measure<01:23:18.040><c> s<
• /c> thank you for all of the testimony for s thank you for all of the testimony for s sp100<02:39:19.560
• /c> adopted thank you moving moving to S adopted thank you moving moving to S sp890<02:40:20.800><c>
• /c><02:41:13.319><c> sp890</c> chair voting on S sp890 chair voting on S sp890 sd2<02:41:16.000><c> the
• /c> amendments for clarity consistency and S amendments for clarity consistency and S defect<02:42:31.520

Committee: House Agriculture & Food Systems

Transcript Highlights:

• Hopefully we don't have any more D&S schools. Like I keep saying, we have to eliminate failure.
• see that almost $11 million was funded in total to these four funds, with special needs isolated, or S&
• But you'll see that total isolated and S&I spending was almost half a million more than total funding
• , meaning districts used some remaining fund balances, and that applies for the other S&I funds there
• Spending from isolated and S&I funds increased by $1 million between 2024 and 2025, while spending from

Transcript Highlights:

• s office, President support, not wishing to speak.
• s office, present in support, not wishing to speak.
• s office, present in support, not wishing to speak.
• s Association, W.
• s office, Billy Joe Harrington, District Attorney 10th, J.D.C., Perry.

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition. HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no. The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.