Video & Transcript : 'legislative appropriation request' :
Page 368 of 500
OK
Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session
House of Representatives Second Regular Session of the 60th Legislature Day 24 Mar 12th, 2026 at 09:30 am
Oklahoma House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- This is an industry request bill that raises the fee for or the fine from $1,000 to $10,000 on bait and
- I'd like to serve notice that there's some future legislative date I might like to reconsider the vote
- We have not said no to that request. That's the agency request right now.
- But we have a request that's still on our page to consider for that childcare subsidy Representative
- The state appropriated $10 million, put it into the fund.
Bills:
HB2997 , HB2021 , HB3041 , HB1823 , HB3372 , HB1427 , HB3127 , HB3128 , HCR1020 , HB4198 , HB3000 , HB3001 , HB3002 , HB3003 , HB3004 , HB3005 , HB3006 , HB3007 , HB3008 , SB392 , HB3320
Keywords:
motor vehicles, administrative fines, license regulation, state agencies, employment levels, after-school programs, grant funding, community organizations, child care, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, credit card transactions, payment methods, service charge, consumer rights, financial regulation, housing finance, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, publication requirements, housing policy, state regulations
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- At the request of the sponsor, we're going to temporarily postpone Senate Bill 1438 by Senator Graal.
- In fact, if Florida passes this legislation, it would be one of the first states to do so, upholding
- a written request.
- In the current legislation, we have a 48-hour window. So I think if we...
- In this legislation, you know, here we are.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The committee heard several bills on commerce, tourism, labor, technology, and public safety. SB 1666, by Senator Graal, would adopt Florida’s version of UCC Article 12 to address commercial transactions involving digital assets such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs; after a technical amendment, it was reported favorably. CS/SB 480, by Senator DiCeglie, would create affordable health coverage options for farmers and ranchers through a nonprofit agricultural organization model similar to Tennessee’s; supporters said it would expand access in rural areas, while opponents and some senators raised concerns about ACA protections, preexisting conditions, and state fiscal impacts. The committee also approved CS/SB 1172, which expands business development incentives for veterans and military spouses, including procurement preferences, fee waivers, tax exemptions, and an entrepreneurship program, after an amendment expanding hiring preferences for military spouses was adopted.
The committee then took up SB 1400, which creates a process for removing nonconsensual AI-generated sexual deepfakes from covered online platforms within 24 to 48 hours and subjects noncompliant platforms to penalties under Florida’s deceptive trade practices law; an amendment carved out internet service providers, and the bill was reported favorably. SM 1488, a memorial urging Congress to create a sovereign wealth fund, drew opposition from a public school teacher who questioned its necessity and constitutionality, but it still passed. CS/SB 922, dealing with employment agreements, would strengthen enforcement of certain non-compete and garden leave agreements for employees with access to sensitive information; critics argued it would restrict workers and innovation, while supporters said it protects trade secrets and high-paying jobs. After an amendment, it was reported favorably.
The committee also approved SB 1252, which would create a statewide system for sharing pawn and secondhand dealer data among law enforcement agencies, with an initial feasibility study cost estimated at $250,000 and questions raised about enforcement if agencies do not participate. Finally, CS/SB 1776, under the Whistleblower’s Act, would require advance notice and an opportunity to cure alleged violations, narrow retaliation and disclosure definitions, and limit claims when another statutory remedy exists; members questioned whether the changes could reduce employee protections or allow employers time to destroy evidence, but the bill was still under debate as the transcript ended.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee (8-26-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> projects here is an appropriation projects here is an appropriation increase<00:09:41.839><c> in
- The witness said there had been $81 million in requests in the first round, and those requests were reduced
- The witness explained that there was $81 million in requests in the first round, and those requests were
- Staff requested approval of the committee.
- Staff requested increase was required.
Keywords:
0:00:08 Call to Order and Roll Call
0:00:38 Approval of Minutes
0:01:02 Information Items
0:02:17 Lease Rpt from Postsecondary Institutions
0:06:42 Project Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:15:03 Lease Rpt from Finance and Administration Cabinet
0:24:00 Rpt from OFM – KY Infrastructure Authority
0:42:55 Economic Development Fund Grants
0:53:38 Rpt from OFM – New Debt Issues
1:16:33 Remaining 2025 Meeting Dates
1:16:45 Adjournment, 958, all
Summary:
The committee first handled routine business, including roll call, approval of the July minutes, and several informational reports. Those reports included a University of Kentucky restricted-fund medical equipment purchase for Chandler Hospital, debt issues for five school districts, Eastern Kentucky University’s planned model laboratory school using construction management risk delivery, a Division of Real Properties lease advertisement, Kentucky Communications Network Authority quarterly project reports, and EKU asset preservation revisions.
Members then heard and approved a new UK St. Clair Urgent Care Clinic lease in Morehead and an amendment expanding space for the UK Family and Community Medicine Clinic at Turflin Clinic. Testimony explained that both properties are privately owned, the Morehead lease predated the UK/St. Clair arrangement, and the Turflin Clinic is tight on space. The committee also approved three new projects and an appropriation increase: two Department of Military Affairs projects, a Window Ford Training Center underground electric project and a Williamsburg Readiness Center interior repair project, a Fish and Wildlife property acquisition adjoining Veterans Memorial Wildlife Management Area, and an $8.113 million increase for the Department of Revenue integrated tax system (DORIS). The DORIS increase was described as needed for change orders tied to legislation and to complete the unified tax system.
The committee next reviewed no-action items, including a $3 million emergency flood-damage repair project for the Bush Building and Vest-Lindsay House in Frankfort, and three pool projects over $1 million: a Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women window replacement phase 2 project, a Department of Criminal Justice Training interior refurbishment at Thompson Hall, and the Muddy Gut Branch stream mitigation project in Johnson County. The flood project was confirmed to be fully reimbursed by insurance proceeds.
Finally, the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority presented six loans and nine grants. Action items included water and sewer financing for Cumberland County, Lebanon, Northern Kentucky Water District, Lewisport, and Providence, plus a major Taylor Mill treatment plant project and several cleaner water grants and reallocations. Members asked about loan rates, local rate increases needed to repay debt, and the Providence emergency water interconnect; staff explained that Lewisport had begun a rate increase process, and that the Providence project would connect Webster County Water District and the city of Providence to stabilize pressure after a systemwide failure. All action items were approved.
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
House Legislative Session Day 32 (2-23-26)
Kentucky House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Committee on Appropriations and Revenue. Committee on Appropriations and Revenue.
- c><00:28:42.560><c> meet</c> >> Appropriations and Revenue will meet >> Appropriations and
- </c> >> Call legislative citation 47, Mr. >> Call legislative citation 47, Mr. Speaker.
- <00:29:59.400><c> citation</c><00:30:00.560><c> 30</c> legislative citation 30 legislative citation 30
- </c><00:40:11.400><c> and</c> reassigned to Appropriations and reassigned to Appropriations and Revenue
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus Jobs, Labor and Economic Development - 05/22/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- There is an A24 governor's request.
- request to remove um the grants request request to remove um the grants to<00:43:06.400><c> individuals
- appropriation program grantees or direct appropriation grant<00:56:22.160><c> recipients.
- Otherwise, I would have been requested. Otherwise, I would have requested<01:15:31.600><c> it.
- Uh roll call has been requested. well. Uh roll call has been requested.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 6 on Public Safety Mar 3rd, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- Caitlin O'Neill with the Legislative Analyst's Office.
- My name is Orlando Sanchez with the legislative analyst's office.
- And make sure that those are consistent with its legislative priorities.
- Legislative Analysis Offices, and Orlando Zavala, Legislative Analyst Office.
- Kaitlyn O'Neill, Legislative...
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session - part 2 Apr 29th, 2025
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Report from the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration.
- She was my committee legislative assistant.
- Their request was nearly 40, so it's a good start.
- I don't write up legislation.
- Legislators are not the only dreams realized.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 36 Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A message from Her Excellency the Governor making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide
- for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects was filed
- Jalen, the legislation relative to assisted living residences in the Commonwealth. D.
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.
- Chan of Quincy is asking his consent to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.
Summary:
The House convened, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and received a gubernatorial message on fiscal year 2026 supplemental appropriations, which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. The House also approved several resolutions, including honoring Abby Goodman, reaffirming Massachusetts-Taiwan friendship, recognizing the Cambodian American Khmer New Year celebration, and observing Elks National Youth Week. Senate petitions on assisted living residences and medication administration in rest homes were referred to the Committee on Aging and Independence, and the House concurred with those referrals.
The main legislative business was House Bill 5279/5375, the transportation bond bill financing long-term improvements to municipal roads and bridges. Ways and Means recommended an amended substitute bill, and the House adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to third reading. Later, the House took up the substitute bill, House 5375, and members spoke in support of the Chapter 90 transportation package, emphasizing municipal road and bridge funding, rural road mileage distribution, housing-related infrastructure, lifecycle asset management, DCR deferred maintenance, and MBTA electrified locomotives. A roll call vote was ordered, and the bill was passed to be engrossed by a vote of 155 in favor and 0 against.
The House also passed to be engrossed a bill authorizing the grant of easements or takings of certain parcels of land to the city of Boston. In addition, the chamber received the certified returns for the 5th Essex District special election and adopted an order creating a special committee to escort the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Executive Council for the swearing-in of Representative-elect Andrew Francis Robert Tarr. Tarr was then administered the oaths of office by Governor Maura Healey and seated. The House later adopted an order to adjourn and recessed until the next day at 11 a.m. in informal session.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Formal House Session 36 Apr 15th, 2026
Massachusetts House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- A message from Her Excellency the Governor, making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 to provide
- for supplementing certain existing appropriations and for certain other activities and projects, was
- Jalen, the legislation relative to assisted living residences in the Commonwealth. D.
- Jones of North Reading asked unanimous consent to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.
- Chan of Quincy is asking his consent to withdraw his request for a quorum roll call.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Legislative Oral History Committee Feb 23rd, 2026
Legislative Oral History Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Order of the Legislative Oral History Committee, first order of business. What's that? Microphone.
- So, Senator, all of the oral histories are included on the Legislative Oral History Committee website
- And then we had deposits received because the committee did request the $50,000 appropriation.
- You mentioned PVR as a legislator, and that's over, coming up on 30 years ago.
- Other requests or ideas floating around out there?
Committee:
Joint Legislative Oral History Committee
Summary:
The Legislative Oral History Committee met to elect officers for the coming year, unanimously selecting Senator Schessler as chair and Ramos Santos as vice chair by voice vote. Staff then updated members on completed and in-progress oral history projects, including the printed oral history of former House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, which has had interviews completed and is now being edited with photographs added, and the Mary Margaret Howgan project, for which staff is still seeking a contractor to finish the work.
Members discussed where completed oral histories are stored and learned they are posted on the committee website, with some additional printed copies available and the website itself being redesigned. The committee also reviewed its finances, hearing that the account balance was $79,639.20, though members noted inconsistencies in the report and asked staff to provide a fuller accounting later. Staff said typical oral history projects cost about $10,000 to $15,000 each.
The committee received an update on TVW-produced video projects, which are complete and will be posted once the oral histories web page is ready. Staff identified the topics as the 2001 Nisqually earthquake, early legislative technology, and the PDC/party-switch history involving former legislator P.V. Reichertbauer. Members then brainstormed future projects, including campus history, leadership-focused histories, interviews with departing members, and oral histories of women and former staff who became legislators.
By motion and voice vote, the committee approved conducting oral histories of former Representative Barb Lisk and Senator Hargrove, and also established a program to interview the longest-serving retiring member of each caucus every biennium. Members discussed possible interviewers, including staff, TVW, and university-based or other nonprofit oral history practitioners, and asked staff to explore options and report back.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Working Group on Omnibus K-12 Education Bill - 06/02/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's appropriation.
- </c> special education aid appropriation. special education aid appropriation.
- <c> electron</c> appropriation for summer electron appropriation for summer electron electronic<00:35
- :01:11.599><c> the</c> appropriation sections for the appropriation sections for the department<01:01
- These education appropriations were enacted during the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions to match forecast
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Seclusion Working Group - 09/17/25
Minnesota Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> seclusion as part of the legislative seclusion as part of the legislative charge<00:10:57.920><c
- </c><00:44:59.760><c> the</c> um when you spoke to the legislative the um when you spoke to the legislative
- Sometimes a physical hold is appropriate.
- Sometimes a physical hold is appropriate.
- Sometimes a physical hold is appropriate.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- Chair and members, I respectfully request your aye vote. Thank you.
- And with that, I respectfully request your aye vote.
- And with that, I respectfully request your aye vote. All right, thank you.
- I think this is an important piece of legislation. I commend you for bringing it forward.
- So that is why we support AB 2579 and request your aye vote. Thank you.
Committee:
House Judiciary
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
FL House Floor Session - 2026-03-11 (10:00AM Session)
Florida House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I think it's appropriate, considering there's a new portrait.
- Appropriations Committee an annual report on implementation and outcomes.
- The federal legislation does, in fact, discuss educational institution identification... ...legislation
- She joined our office through the FSU legislative intern program.
- However, Leader, the amendment... ...legislation that dealt with that.
Summary:
The Senate convened with a quorum, opening prayer, Pledge of Allegiance, and a series of introductions recognizing guests, interns, public safety officials, and a doctor of the day. The chamber then moved to the special order calendar and took up several bills, with some measures temporarily postponed and others substituted with House companions before final passage. No committee reports, governor messages, or House messages were on the desk at the start of the regular order of business.
The first major bill passed was CS/CS/HB 355 on health care patient protection, which requires hospitals with emergency departments to have evidence-based pediatric emergency care policies, training, pediatric equipment, a designated pediatric emergency care coordinator, and participation in the National Pediatric Readiness Assessment. Senators also passed CS/CS/HB 1113 on public records, clarifying confidentiality protections for victims and for law enforcement officers who become victims in the course of duty, though that bill drew questions about access to information in misconduct cases and received four no votes. The Senate then passed CS/CS/HB 1085 on local government cybersecurity, creating a Florida Digital Service-administered program to help local governments obtain cybersecurity services and grants, with amendments shifting the grant-award deadline and rejecting House differences such as locating the program at USF and adding a sunset date.
The chamber also passed CS/CS/HB 925 on clerks of court, allowing clerks to retain all revenue above Article V projections and revising related fee distributions, despite concerns from some senators and municipalities about revenue shifts. Additional bills passed included CS/CS/HB 679 modernizing trademark registration, and CS/CS/CS/HB 589 on septic system permits, which addresses long permit delays and clarifies liability if construction begins before a permit is issued. Several other bills were taken up, including elections legislation (SB 1334/HB 991) that generated extensive debate and multiple failed amendments on voter ID, citizenship verification, student and senior IDs, and implementation timing; the transcript ends while that bill is still under consideration, after the Senate adopted one amendment and rejected several others.
OR
Transcript Highlights:
- The written request will be placed in the original documents file and recorded in the journal.
- I believe that the executive branch and the legislative branch should be co-equal branches and there
- It doesn't feel appropriate for me now as a sitting senator.
- It didn't seem appropriate when I was a county commissioner. That's all I have. Thank you, Mr.
- What we don't need is a stack of new bills; what we need is thoughtful and bold legislation.
Summary:
The Senate convened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Senator Starr, followed by several courtesies recognizing Pride Month, a staff birthday, and later a retirement and a community celebration. Senator Robinson then used remonstrances to warn against expanding surveillance through school bus camera systems, arguing that leaked plans from a vendor could create commercial databases of drivers’ movements and erode privacy.
The main business was confirmation of numerous gubernatorial appointments and reappointments to boards and commissions. Senators debated the process at length, with several minority members objecting that the volume of nominees, limited hearing time, and lack of transparency made meaningful advice-and-consent review difficult. Supporters responded that the nominees were qualified public servants and that the Senate should work with the Governor’s office on reforms. The Senate first confirmed a large block of appointments, then confirmed two Sustainability Board appointees, and later confirmed three Quality Education Commission appointees after extended debate.
The Quality Education Commission nominations drew the most substantive policy discussion. Opponents argued the commission needs more technical research expertise and broader representation, while supporters emphasized the nominees’ education experience and direct knowledge of Oregon schools. Several senators described Oregon’s education system as in crisis, citing low reading and math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, and the need for urgent reform of the Quality Education Model and school funding. The Senate also received a proposed rule amendment creating an official Senate seal, which was distributed and held on the table, and the chamber adjourned without further action.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Each year, the state has received far more tax credit requests than the cap currently allowed.
- We will fight with the best of the appropriation process. Thank you very much.
- I think it appropriately allows the parents' access. Madam Chair.
- Like, what is the type of data that would be de-identified here, just for legislative intent?
- We do rise in support of this legislation, chiefly because it's the first attempt.
Committee:
Senate Commerce and Tourism
Summary:
The Commerce and Tourism Committee heard and advanced several bills. SB 1076 would raise Florida’s research and development tax credit cap from $9 million to $50 million, with the higher cap first applying to the 2027 allocation; it was reported favorably. CS/SB 1266 would create a Cybersecurity Experiential Internship and Clearance Readiness Program with the Department of Commerce and Cyber Florida, but an amendment removed the bill’s funding appropriation; the amended bill was reported favorably. SB 554, a Florida Bar-backed update to the not-for-profit corporations statute, was also reported favorably after support testimony from the Bar and others. SB 1004, aimed at protecting buyers of dogs and cats from deceptive financing and undisclosed health conditions at retail pet stores, drew strong support from animal welfare advocates and was reported favorably. SB 1074, which sets rounding rules for cash transactions if pennies are unavailable, was reported favorably as well.
The committee also considered SB 998, the Department of Commerce package. The bill would modernize the small cities CDBG program, clarify rural community eligibility to include certain unincorporated areas, exempt military conveyances from a reverter clause, and revise E-Verify enforcement and penalties. Members questioned the E-Verify provisions, including the fine structure, treatment of workers incorrectly flagged, and whether the bill could affect gig workers or retroactive cases. Senator Smith opposed the bill during debate, arguing it created unequal treatment for employers and immigrant workers, while Senator Wright supported the military-related provisions. SB 998 was reported favorably.
SB 214 would expand the rural economic development initiative to include special districts in rural counties and was reported favorably. SB 482, the Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights, generated the most extensive discussion; it would create consumer protections for companion chatbots, require parental consent and access for minors, mandate disclosures and de-identification rules, restrict unauthorized use of name, image, and likeness, and give enforcement authority to the Attorney General. Supporters emphasized child safety, privacy, and the need for guardrails, while opponents and some informational witnesses raised concerns about privacy, age verification, enforcement, and the bill’s breadth. The bill was reported favorably, and the committee also approved SPB 7030, a committee bill creating a public records exemption for Department of Legal Affairs investigations tied to the AI enforcement provisions.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm the legislative chairman, and obviously I've been before many of you before, and...
- I'm the legislative chairman, and obviously I've been before many of you before.
- That's a pretty good forecast for a legislative body and a committee.
- a chance to appropriate this session.
- a chance to appropriate this session.
Committee:
Senate Transportation
Keywords:
SB 1493, Texas Transportation Code, motor vehicle lighting, vehicle lighting standards, high-mounted stoplamp, center high mount stop lamp, CHMSL, brake light, stop lamp, federal motor vehicle safety standards, 49 C.F.R. 571.108, FMVSS 108, vehicle inspection, automotive compliance, Transportation Committee, Texas vehicle equipment, motor vehicle collision report, crash report, accident report, traffic accident
Summary:
The Senate Transportation Committee heard and advanced a wide range of transportation-related bills. Early in the meeting, SB 1598 by Senator Hagenbuch was heard on allowing collision report information to be used and shared more clearly for law enforcement investigations, including through records-management partners and nonconfidential VIN data; the bill drew support from the Sheriff’s Association and Carfax for Police and was left pending before later being reported favorably. SB 1493 by Senator Parker, which would codify DPS’s position on flashing/pulsing stop lamps as compliant with federal standards, also received supportive testimony and was reported favorably. SB 1895 by Senator Perry would designate Loop 88 in Lubbock as a First Responders Memorial Loop and was reported favorably, and SB 1919 and SB 2243 by Senator West, dealing with TxDOT liability claim settlements and TxDMV authority to require VIN inspections for certain trailers, were likewise heard without opposition and later reported favorably. SB 2039, concerning right-of-way and traffic rules for sidewalk users such as bicycles, e-bikes, skateboards, and scooters, was heard and left pending before being reported favorably later in the meeting. SB 2226 by Senator Nichols, reducing the local match requirement for aviation grants in economically disadvantaged counties from 10% to 5%, was discussed with TxDOT testimony explaining how federal and state airport funding interact; it was reported favorably. SB 2499 by Senator Flores, involving memorial markers and an account for donations, and SB 1394 by Senator Hall, concerning concrete truck axle rules, were also reported favorably. The committee recessed after handling the pending items and leaving some additional matters for a later hearing.
A major portion of the meeting focused on SB 2425 by Senator Nichols, a comprehensive bill on commercial autonomous vehicles. The author said the bill was developed through extensive stakeholder meetings with industry, agencies, insurers, and lawyers, and it would require AV companies to provide information to TxDMV, submit first-responder interaction plans to DPS, and allow DPS and DMV to suspend or revoke operations in certain circumstances. The committee substitute also updated definitions, addressed Level 3 systems, clarified commercial use and fleet penalties, and created an expedited process for reinstating operating authority after disputes. Supporters included the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Tesla, GM Cruise, Bot Auto, and the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, who said the bill balances innovation and safety and helps Texas remain a leader in AV deployment. One witness opposed the bill, arguing that it would improperly shield manufacturers from liability, but committee members and the industry witnesses said liability would continue to be governed by state law and that the bill was intended to clarify, not eliminate, responsibility. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and reported SB 2425 favorably on a 6-0 vote.
Throughout the hearing, members asked questions about practical effects and funding. On SB 2226, TxDOT’s aviation director explained that some airports already receive federal and state support and that the bill would mainly help state-only airports in disadvantaged counties that struggle to meet local match requirements. On SB 2425, members asked about reliability metrics, commercialization, and liability; industry witnesses said the technology is still being refined but that Texas’s framework has attracted investment and could improve road safety over time. Several bills were recommended to the local and uncontested calendar after favorable votes, and the committee also agreed to keep motions in writing open briefly for members who were absent, so long as doing so would not change any bill outcomes.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 8th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest, or other appropriate legal
- I request unanimous consent to rescind the action whereby, on August 28th, 2025, SB 498, Becker, was
- The legislative branch is the most important branch. Fight for it. Defend it. Use your power.
- As legislators, we have a responsibility to continue that progress.
- The request to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal.
Summary:
The Assembly convened, established a quorum, and handled a number of procedural motions, including suspending rules for adjournments in memory and guest introductions, rescinding prior action on SB 493, and re-referring several Senate bills to different committees. Members also recognized guests on the floor, including family members, interns, firefighters from the Corona Fire Department, and the Quartz Hill High girls’ soccer team, which was honored for its historic championship season.
The main floor action was on AB 1795 by Assembly Member Gibson, the Smoke Damage Recovery Act, which would create statewide standards for inspecting, testing, and remediating wildfire smoke damage and set clearer insurance claim practices. Supporters said the bill would help wildfire survivors return home safely and urged science-based standards and a rebuttable presumption that contamination after a wildfire was caused by the fire; opponents warned the bill could raise costs and should better address government failures in fire recovery. The bill passed on a 54-6 vote, including the urgency clause.
Members also adopted SCR 137, proclaiming March 15 as Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Day, with remarks praising her role in advancing gender equality and equal rights. The resolution was adopted after 65 co-authors were added and then approved by voice vote. The consent calendar, including SJR 11, was adopted 71-0.
A large portion of the session was devoted to adjournments in memory, including tributes to Larry Vane, Dr. William A. Burke, Colonel Alfred P. Glover, and Rita Semmel. The Assembly also honored departing Member James Gallagher, who gave extended farewell remarks before leaving for Congress. The house then announced upcoming committee meetings and adjourned until Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Um, this bill comes at the request of a constituent who’s requested it several times, and I finally took
- at the request of a constituent<00:34:54.879><c> who's</c><00:34:55.200><c> requested</c><00:34:55.679
- ><c> it</c><00:34:55.839><c> several</c> constituent who's requested it several constituent who's requested
- Legislators can attend it and comment.
- So, I just wanted to legislation.
Committee:
Senate Judiciary
LA
Louisiana 2026 Regular Session
LHSAA Study Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- This will be done through legislation.
- And it's the, I guess, To at least begin legislation on.
- 1 is the annual appropriation.
- Now, that doesn't prohibit any legislator from bringing a piece of legislation that looks like Tier 1
- or legislation.
Summary:
The special legislative study committee met with seven members present, adopted the minutes from prior meetings, and heard public testimony from Terrell Butler and his father about a transfer-eligibility dispute affecting Terrell’s ability to play varsity sports after moving from Anacoco High School to Leesville High School in the same parish. They described the move as family-driven and in the student’s best interest, but said he was ruled ineligible for varsity athletics for a year despite strong grades and a positive adjustment to the new school. Several members responded that the current transfer rules can unfairly punish students for adult decisions and that the case illustrated broader concerns about student-athlete eligibility and consistency in enforcement.
The committee then discussed and adopted factual findings about the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA), with members criticizing inconsistent enforcement, lack of transparency, limited accountability, and the association’s absence from prior meetings. Members noted that LHSAA has previously argued in court that it is a private corporation, which limits the legislature’s direct authority. Despite that, the committee adopted three recommendations: a structured transfer-eligibility process allowing one one-time 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.
The Speaker Pro Tem then presented broader policy options. The committee adopted a “Tier 2” recommendation calling for high school athletics to be managed through a cooperative endeavor agreement between the Louisiana Department of Education/BESE and a nonprofit administering organization, with legislative oversight, public-records compliance subject to privacy exceptions, audit authority, and the ability for nonpublic schools to opt in. The committee also included a “Tier 1” concept for a new state-run sanctioned athletics office under BESE, but only as a discussion item for future consideration, not as a committee recommendation. Staff was authorized to incorporate the adopted findings, recommendations, meeting details, technical corrections, and to send the final report to the House and Senate education committees and LHSAA. The meeting ended with members thanking the chair, staff, and one another, and then adjourning.